Building your Brand

Liz Mosley

Graphic Designer Liz Mosley wants all you small business owners to build businesses that you LOVE and feel confident about promoting. Through her decade of branding and design experience and with the help of her guests, she shares top tips to take the fear out of selling and building your brand. Produced by: Lucy Lucraft (Instagram @lucylucraft) Cover illustration: Matt Joyce (Instagram @mattjoyce_illustrator)

  1. 4 days ago

    From The Vault: How to find joy when times are tough with Sophie Cliff

    Over the Summer I've curated a mini series of some of my favourite episodes from the podcast so far. We revisit old episodes that have stayed rent-free in my brain! So whether this episode ends up being new for you or you get to enjoy it again years later, I hope you find it helpful. We can all agree that the last few years have been a bit of a rollercoaster. Running a small business is hard work at the best of times but throw a double whammy of an unprecedented pandemic AND a recession into the mix and finding joy falls to the bottom of our (very long) to-do lists.  If you're nodding your head right now today's episode is going to transform how you think about happiness, positivity and how to find joy even when times are really tough. I invited author, positive psychology practitioner and Joyful Coach Sophie Cliff onto the podcast to share her thoughts on how to live a more joyful life without falling into the trap of ignoring the negative stuff. It's a really practical episode that'll uplift and inspire you to choose joy and, top tip, make sure you have a notepad handy while you're listening!  Key Takeaways Let Go of "Shoulds" to Find Joy Releasing the pressure of what you think you "should" do opens the door to authentic happiness and self-acceptance. Joy Lives in Small, Everyday Moments True joy isn't just in big achievements; it's found in tiny delights, daily rituals, and the present moment. Make Space for Joy; Intentionally Carve out time for what lights you up, even if it's just a few minutes. Joy grows when you create room for it. Experiment and Reflect Treat new habits and routines as experiments, not tests of perfection. Reflection helps you notice progress and adjust with self-compassion. Pursue Your Own Version of Joy Don't chase someone else's goals or definitions of success. Tune into what truly matters to you and let that guide your choices. Small Joys Spark Big Change Even tiny moments of joy can create a positive upward spiral, fueling creativity, resilience, and well-being. Episode Highlights 00:01 – Why this episode is a favorite and the impact of Sophie's message 02:02 – Meet Sophie Cliff: her story and the science of joy 08:56 – Joy in the small stuff and why we can't "bank" happiness for later 14:28 – Remembering your "why" and building a joyful business 17:09 – How to intentionally plan and create space for joy 20:14 – The power of reflection and learning from experiments 31:04 – Embracing imperfection, letting go of comparison, and celebrating progress 42:26 – Focusing on what you can control and finding joy in uncertain times 55:03 – The upward spiral: how small joys build resilience and creativity Mentioned in the Episode - Buy Sophie's book Choose Joy I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

  2. 5 Aug

    From The Vault: How women can build financial stability with Davinia Tomlinson

    Over the Summer I've curated a mini series of some of my favourite episodes from the podcast so far. We revisit old episodes that have stayed rent-free in my brain! So whether this episode ends up being new for you or you get to enjoy it again years later, I hope you find it helpful. How do you feel about money? If you're anything like me you might have a chequered history with your business finances and, let's face it, that rarely feels good. In today's empowering episode I chat with the award-winning founder of rainchq Davinia Tomlinson who is on a mission to help women take control of their financial futures. I've talked about burying my head in the sand with my business finances before but today we tackle this sometimes scary topic head on as we unpick money stories, working with financial advisors without feeling shame and the impact feeling confident with money has on our business.   Key Takeaways Face Your Finances with Courage Moving past fear and avoidance is the first step to building lasting financial security and confidence. Empower Yourself Through Knowledge Financial education and honest conversations help break down barriers and unlock your potential to build wealth. Your Pricing Reflects Your Value Setting fair, strategic prices is an act of self-respect and a key part of your brand; don't be afraid to charge what you're worth. Automate and Simplify for Success Use technology and systems to make saving, investing, and managing money easier, so you can focus on what matters most. Plan for the Future, Live for Today Balance enjoying life now with preparing for the future; small, consistent actions today can create big opportunities tomorrow. Lift the Next Generation Teaching financial skills to girls and young women empowers them to break cycles and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Episode Highlights 00:10 – Why talking about money is so hard—and why it matters 02:17 – Meet Davina Tomlinson and the mission of Rain HQ 05:16 – The gender gap in wealth, investing, and financial advice 08:44 – Why relatable role models and honest conversations are crucial 12:26 – Challenging limiting beliefs and standing firm on your pricing 16:37 – Pricing as part of your brand and business strategy 21:24 – Treating your life like a business: tracking income and expenses 22:50 – Automating savings, pensions, and building healthy habits 26:21 – Planning for the future and setting big-picture goals 28:58 – Davina's book "Cash is Queen" and empowering the next generation Mentioned in the episode:  - Buy Davinia's book Cash is Queen - Listen to Liz Wilcox on the podcast talking about brand personality and email marketing  This episode sponsorship slot featured the amazing email membership of Liz Wilcox. Check it out here. I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

  3. 29 Jul

    From The Vault: Getting the legal elements of your brand in order with Ingrid Fernandez

    Over the Summer I've curated a mini series of some of my favourite episodes from the podcast so far. We revisit old episodes that have stayed rent-free in my brain! So whether this episode ends up being new for you or you get to enjoy it again years later, I hope you find it helpful. In this episode I chat to Ingrid Fernandez who is a freelance consultant lawyer and I quiz her all about what small businesses need to do to be legal compliant in the UK.  She has lived and breathed commercial law for 10 years, working for both Magic Circle and boutique law firms. But she decided it was time to hang up her suit, swap board rooms for coffee shops and use what she'd learnt to help people starting out in business feel confident about legal things. The entrepreneurs. The small business owners. The freelancers. The dreamers with big plans and sometimes small budgets, but a whole load of passion. That is who she want's to help and in the process she became a small business owner too.  Episode Highlights 00:01 – Why legal topics matter for small business owners 01:20 – Meet Ingrid: her mission to make legal support accessible 03:10 – When to start thinking about legal documents and contracts 05:15 – The essential documents every business needs (privacy, cookies, terms, contracts) 08:15 – Flexibility, templates, and making contracts work for you 13:00 – Trademarks: what they are and when to consider them 18:00 – The power of clarity, boundaries, and legal confidence 25:00 – Legal care as part of your brand and client experience 32:00 – Overcoming mindset blocks and making the law work for you Key Takeaways Start as You Mean to Go On Laying legal foundations early brings peace of mind and sets the tone for a confident, professional business journey. Protection is Empowerment Contracts and policies aren't just paperwork; they're tools that protect your creativity, your income, and your client relationships. Clarity Builds Trust Clear agreements and transparent policies foster trust, making every client interaction smoother and more respectful. Legal Confidence is for Everyone The law isn't just for big companies; accessible templates and resources mean every small business owner can feel secure and empowered. Your Brand is More Than Visuals Legal care is part of your brand experience, showing clients you value integrity, safety, and professionalism at every touchpoint. Reclaim Your Power Embracing legal tools is an act of self-respect and kindness to your clients; no more shrinking or second-guessing, just confident business-building. Mentioned in the Episode Ingrid's website: Her Legal Space   I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

  4. 22 Jul

    From The Vault: Brand Personality and Email Marketing with Liz Wilcox

    Over the Summer I've curated a mini series of some of my favourite episodes from the podcast so far. We revisit old episodes that have stayed rent-free in my brain! So whether this episode ends up being new for you or you get to enjoy it again years later, I hope you find it helpful. The Fresh Princess of Email Marketing, Liz Wilcox is an Email Strategist and Keynote Speaker showing small businesses how to build online relationships, package up their "magic" and turn it into emails that people want to read and (more importantly) purchase from. In the span of 5 years, Liz grew and sold a successful blog, got bought out of her second company, and built the third into a multiple six-figure party that just won't quit! In other words, she now teaches online entrepreneurs to simplify the whole "email marketing thing" and finally master their sales in a way that leverages their personality, vision, and values. She's best known for her 1000+ users membership, 20 Minute Newsletter technique, and her Email Staircase framework she's taught to tens of thousands of creatives, freelancers, eCommerce shop owners, and small businesses across the globe. Offline, Liz lives in Florida, loves to run, and is a walking 90s pop culture encyclopedia. In this episode, I chat with Liz Wilcox, whose infectious enthusiasm for email marketing and unapologetic approach to personal branding is truly inspiring. We dive into how you can infuse your unique personality into your brand, why email marketing is such a powerful tool for connection, and how doing business your own way can attract the right people. Whether you're looking to stand out or just want to feel more at home in your business, I hope this conversation encourages you to embrace what makes you, you. Key Takeaways Lead With Who You Are Building a brand around your true personality creates genuine connections and makes your business a place where you belong. Let Your Values and Vision Shine When you share your values and vision openly, you attract people who resonate with your mission; not just your style. Authenticity Attracts the Right Audience Being boldly yourself may not appeal to everyone, but it draws in those who truly connect with your story and energy. Consistency Doesn't Mean Predictability Show up regularly, but don't be afraid to vary your approach; keep things fresh and let your personality evolve. Small Personal Touches Matter Simple, relatable updates in your emails or content can build trust and make your brand memorable. You Can Build Success Your Own Way There's no single formula; find the intersection of what feels good, what you're great at, and what serves your audience. Episode Highlights 01:18 – Meet Liz Wilcox: 90s branding, authenticity, and doing business her way 02:04 – How to get your personality across in your brand 04:07 – The evolution of Liz's business and finding her true voice 06:44 – Attracting the right clients through authentic branding 09:11 – Vision, values, and the strategy behind personal branding 13:26 – Practical advice for showing up as yourself online 16:35 – The power of connection, community, and being open 22:48 – Email marketing tips: keep it simple, personal, and varied 28:29 – Building a business that feels good and serves others   Where to find out more from Liz Liz's 9$ membership (affiliate link) Liz's Instagram Liz's Facebook Liz's Twitter I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

  5. 15 Jul

    From The Vault: How to use journalling in your business with Sasha Glasgow

    Over the Summer I've curated a mini series of some of my favourite episodes from the podcast so far. We revisit old episodes that have stayed rent-free in my brain! So whether this episode ends up being new for you or you get to enjoy it again years later, I hope you find it helpful. In this episode I speak to Sasha Glasgow of Frank + Feel. Sasha classes herself as a writer, doubter and doer. Even though she's been writing in some form from the age of eight, she only started calling herself a writer last year - a rebellious act against her self-doubting nature. She's an avid journaler and lover of words, who wants to use them to challenge the negative narratives that women can have about themselves. She does this through what she calls #RemindHers. Little notes of thought dotted around the internet to remind women (including herself) of what has always been there: the core things within us that light us up and guide us towards the lives we want to live. The things that can be shrouded by responsibility, shoulds, engrained narratives and self-doubt.  Through her email letters, journalling workshops, podcast and Instagram #RemindHers, she documents her journey as it unfolds, unlearning self-doubt, tuning back into self-trust, and living this new creative multi-hyphenate life she has finally given herself permission to pursue. Her hope in doing so publicly is that each step proves to be small, powerful #RemindHer to those who come across her words, in their own lives. Key Takeaways Journaling is a Safe Space for Self-Discovery Let your journal be a judgment-free zone where all parts of yourself can show up honestly and without filters. There Are No Rules; Find What Works for You Your journaling practice can be as simple or creative as you like. The only right way is the one that feels right for you. Journaling Fuels Clarity and Creativity Use your journal to marinate ideas, work through challenges, and spark new directions in your business and life. Start Small and Remove Barriers Even a few bullet points or a quick list can be powerful. Make journaling accessible by keeping your tools close and prompts simple. Let Honesty Lead, Not Perfection Don't worry about how your journal looks or reads; focus on being honest with yourself, not on creating something to share. Celebrate Tiny Delights and Everyday Joys Journaling isn't just for working through struggles; use it to notice and savor the small moments that bring you joy. Timestamps 01:26 – Meet Sasha Glasgow: her story and the Frank & Feel community 03:09 – How journaling supports business and personal growth 05:07 – The benefits of journaling for business owners 07:18 – Common journaling mistakes and the importance of honesty 10:12 – Different types of journaling and finding your own style 13:09 – Practical tips for starting and sustaining a journaling habit 17:20 – Journaling prompts for business owners and creative minds 24:34 – Journaling for joy, gratitude, and tiny delights   To find more from Sasha check out:  Sasha's RemindHer newsletter, for all new things happening.  Season one of the podcast. Designed to be be there and be revisited whenever you might need them. Her website Her Instagram I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! Also a big thank you to this episode's sponsor Little Nutkins - They sell the most beautiful selection of wooden toys, clothes, prints and gifts and their shop is so perfectly curated and everything aims to educate, inspire and empower our little ones. You can search everything they offer by age, brand or type of product which is such a time saver when looking for gift ideas.

  6. 8 Jul

    From The Vault: Weaving Play Into Life and Business with Emma Worrollo

    Over the Summer I've curated a mini series of some of my favourite episodes from the podcast so far. We revisit old episodes that have stayed rent-free in my brain! In this episode I chat to Emma Worrollo who has created Playful Den. Emma is an expert in the theory of play. Play is one the most natural human states we long to be in. But the journey to the adult-side is full of social conditioning and expectations which make us lose touch with our inner child. We forget how to play. We start feeling awkward about being silly. And somewhere in the process our dreams can start to seem childish or no longer relevant. We move away from who we once felt determined and destined to be. Play can bring that piece of you back.  We chat about how we can be more playful in our businesses, how to balance work and play, how to resist turning all of our hobbies into business and we also talk about Emma's experiences running her own small business.    Key Takeaways Play is Powerful Embracing playfulness in life and business opens the door to creativity, resilience, and genuine happiness. Experiment Boldly Small businesses have the unique freedom to try new things, pivot quickly, and learn from every experiment; so don't be afraid to play and fail. Redefine Failure When you approach work with a playful mindset, failure becomes just another step in the creative process, not something to fear. Protect Your Joy Not every hobby needs to become a business; sometimes, keeping something just for fun is the best way to nurture your creativity. Stay True to Yourself Building a business around your values and passions can be deeply rewarding, even if it means taking the less conventional path. Connection Fuels Growth Engaging with your community and sharing your journey authentically can lead to surprising opportunities and meaningful impact.   Episode Highlights 01:23 – Emma's background: from agency founder to play advocate 03:54 – The organic growth of The Playful Den and the decision to go all-in 07:19 – Monetizing a passion: Patreon, courses, and business pivots 10:17 – Branding, launching services, and experimenting with products 12:56 – Why small businesses can be braver and more playful 16:12 – Overcoming fear of failure and the Play-Doh mindset 19:32 – Marketing, newsletters, and building an engaged community 21:50 – The rewards and challenges of running a playful business   You can find out more by visiting: Playful Den's website Playful Den's Instagram Playful Den's Patreon People Who Play Podcast   I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

  7. 1 Jul

    From The Vault: How Madlug Is Using Bags To Impact Lives With Dave Linton

    Over the Summer I've curated a mini series of some of my favourite episodes from the podcast so far. We revisit old episodes that have stayed rent-free in my brain! I'm always inspired by stories of purpose-driven businesses. In this episode, I sit down with Dave Linton, founder of Madlug; a brand that proves business can be a force for good. Dave's journey from youth worker to social entrepreneur is filled with lessons on resilience, clarity of mission, and the power of a simple story. Whether you're building a brand or just looking for a spark of inspiration, I hope this conversation encourages you to think bigger about the impact you can make. Key Takeaways  A Clear Mission Creates Momentum When you know the problem you're solving and stay true to it, your brand's story becomes magnetic and memorable. Start Small, Dream Big Even with limited resources, bold ideas and determination can lead to global impact. Let Your Story Be Shared Make your mission easy to understand and repeat, when others can tell your story, your message spreads further than you ever could alone. Embrace Growth and Its Challenges Every stage of building something meaningful brings new lessons. Growth may be uncomfortable, but it's where transformation happens. Impact Goes Beyond Products True success is measured by the lives you touch and the change you inspire, not just sales or numbers. Stay Focused, Stay Generous Protect your core mission, but don't be afraid to share your ideas and support others along the way.   Episode Highlights 00:20 – Meet Dave Linton and the Mad Lug mission 01:25 – The story behind Mad Lug: from youth work to social enterprise 02:55 – Naming, branding, and building a business with purpose 06:50 – The importance of a clear, shareable story 12:10 – Marketing, organic growth, and learning from mistakes 18:00 – Social media, influencers, and the value of authentic advocacy 24:40 – Challenges of growth, staying true to your mission, and leadership lessons 32:00 – Impact stories: changing lives and inspiring others 41:30 – Highlights, reflections, and how to connect with Madlug Find out more about Madlug: Madlug website Madlug for Business I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

  8. 26 Jun

    Taking a Summer Break and Curating the Best of the Podcast

    I'm taking a little break from the podcast this summer, but that doesn't mean your feed will be empty! In this solo episode, I share why I'm stepping back from new episodes for a few months, how I've handpicked some of my favorite early interviews to re-release, and what my summer looks like as a self-employed parent. I hope this inspires you to find your own balance and enjoy a slower pace over the next few months.   Key Takeaways Embrace the Power of Pause. Sometimes, stepping back is the best way to move forward. Allow yourself space to recharge and return with fresh energy and ideas. Rediscover Hidden Gems. There's value in revisiting the past; old conversations and experiences can offer new insights when seen through a different lens. Honor the Seasons of Life and Work. Life has natural rhythms. Recognize when it's time to slow down, focus on what matters most, and trust that growth can happen in quieter moments. Create Space for Creativity. Let go of deadlines and pressure to make room for curiosity, play, and creative exploration; sometimes the best ideas emerge when you least expect them. Stay Connected and Open. Even during times of rest, keep the lines of communication open. Inspiration and connection can come from the most unexpected places.   Episode Highlights 00:30 – Why I'm re-releasing old episodes and how I chose them 01:40 – Summer listenership trends and the decision to pause new content 02:30 – My personal summer plans: balancing work, family, and creative projects 03:50 – Our family's shift system for work and childcare 05:00 – How to stay in touch and what to expect when the podcast returns in September I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written, recorded and produced by me If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

About

Graphic Designer Liz Mosley wants all you small business owners to build businesses that you LOVE and feel confident about promoting. Through her decade of branding and design experience and with the help of her guests, she shares top tips to take the fear out of selling and building your brand. Produced by: Lucy Lucraft (Instagram @lucylucraft) Cover illustration: Matt Joyce (Instagram @mattjoyce_illustrator)