THE BRANDING
BUSINESS SCHOOL
Podcast
The Branding Business School Podcast is for the dreamers and the disruptors. You don’t need an MBA to become a successful CEO, and the women you learn from on this podcast are living proof.
Tune into weekly episodes with Victoria Marcouillier as she and her guests discuss brand strategy, marketing, motherhood, and more. *New episodes air every Wednesday.
Back Alley Botox, Beauty Trends, and the Misconceptions of Medical Aesthetics ft. Lisa Campbell
If you've ever been curious about lip filler and the world of medical aesthetics, then this episode is for you! Lisa Campbell is a nurse practitioner and the Founder of Unveil Aesthetics, an aesthetics and wellness practice based out of Wilmington, Delaware. She specializes in cosmetic injectables, Botox filler, bio stimulators, and more. In this episode, Victoria and Lisa discuss her journey from spending 10 years as a nurse to eventually opening her own aesthetics practice. They talk about medical aesthetics as a field of medicine, rebranding and shifting into a premium brand, advice for new business owners, being a forever student, and how every unique experience you have helps you build the skillset to run your business. Lisa also answers your burning questions on skincare and trendy wellness topics with a fun "do it or ditch it" rapid fire. Whether you work in aesthetics or are simply curious about health and wellness practices (including red light therapy and salmon sperm facials), this conversation is for you. Pour yourself a sparkling water or big mug of coffee, and enjoy this fun girl chat episode with Lisa.
Why the Decisions You Make Early in Business Shape Your Brand Forever ft. West Medical Aesthetics Founder, Emily Bartel
Have you ever felt like you need to live in a big, thriving city to build a premium brand? Do you struggle with wanting to discount your services every time your business hits a slow season? Emily Bartel is the founder of West Medical Aesthetics, located in Oklahoma City, and a Sciton Luminary. She has over 13 years of experience in the aesthetics industry and has worked in several of Oklahoma City’s leading medical aesthetic practices, specializing in laser treatments, injectables, and medical-grade skincare.
In this episode, Victoria and Emily sit down at the mic to discuss what it actually takes to build a premium aesthetics brand, no matter where you’re located. They talk about how Emily built her business strategically, so that she was positioned as a luxury brand from the start.
If you’d love to build a more premium reputation for your business but don’t know how to get there, this episode will give you practical steps on how to move forward more intentionally. You’ll walk away with the foundations you need to build a premium brand with a strong reputation, regardless of where you’re located. Whether you’re in the carpool pickup line or running off to your next meeting, you don’t want to miss this honest and actionable conversation.
Designing a Business That Doesn’t Depend on You ft. Fractional COO Jessica Frigon
Have you ever felt like your entire business lives in your head? Do you know you need to start outsourcing, but worry about being the bottleneck? Jessica Frigon is a Fractional COO and Strategic Operations Architect. She’s the founder of HavenOaks, a full-service operational partnership for creative women who are ready for their business to match the standard of the work they deliver.
In this episode, Victoria and Jessica have a conversation about what it looks like to get operational support in your business, and why it’s so important as you grow. They cover signs your business could be founder-dependent and step-by-step how to build a strong business architecture.
If you don’t know where to start when it comes to streamlining your business operations, this episode is for you. After listening, you’ll be able to identify which systems your business is missing in order to scale—without being the bottleneck. Put your feet up, pour yourself a hot cup of coffee or tea, and get out your notepad for this one, because Jessica is bringing you a crash course on business operations.
Why Smart Women Make Emotional Business Decisions Around Money ft Danielle Hayden
Do you dread looking at your financial statements? This conversation with Danielle Hayden might be the bit of encouragement you need to change your perspective. Danielle is the founder of Kickstart Accounting Inc. and brings 15+ years of finance experience to help six and seven-figure founders understand their numbers, feel confident making financial decisions, and build sustainable wealth.
In this episode, Victoria and Danielle cover the four money personality types she sees most often in entrepreneurs and how understanding your money mindset can change how you run your business. They dive into the impact childhood experiences have on your present-day view of money, money myths that keep entrepreneurs stuck, and why relying on AI tools for financial planning can be problematic.
If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’m just not good with numbers”, spend from a place of fear or lack, or simply avoid looking at your finances altogether, this conversation will inspire you to approach your numbers with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re deep cleaning your house or sipping on a latte from your favorite local coffee shop, you’ll leave this episode feeling empowered to know your numbers.
What Your Social Media Manager is Afraid to Tell You ft. Chelsea Scott Flower
Have you felt frustrated and overwhelmed trying to grow your business on social media? Are you fully convinced the algorithm is out to get you? Chelsea Flower is the founder and CEO of Scott Social, a boutique social media marketing agency that helps brands turn their online presence into something strategic and engaging. She’s seen firsthand how social media has changed over the years, but it hasn’t stopped her from getting huge results for her clients.
In this episode, Victoria and Chelsea sit down to discuss what to prioritize on social media in 2026, strategies to grow, the algorithm, AI, and everything in between. They talk about how Instagram specifically has evolved over the years, and what it really takes to grow today.
If you’ve considered throwing in the towel on social media marketing for your business, take a listen to this episode first. This conversation is a breath of fresh air and full of actionable advice you can take and run with today. Whether you’re procrastinating filming that reel for your feed or doing a deep clean of your house, this episode will reignite your passion for social media and give you the tools you need to grow in 2026.
Is HYROX Just CrossFit Rebranded? Small Business Takeaways From the Fastest Growing Fitness Event in the World
Have you heard all the hype about the growing fitness competition called HYROX? Or, maybe you’re not a fitness fanatic, but you are a female founder wondering if it’s possible to build a loyal community without paying for ads. Either way, you’ll enjoy this solo episode where Victoria dives deep into HYROX and how the brand has been able to scale rapidly—through social media, affiliates, and community engagement.
Victoria takes a seat at the mic to walk through 6 key branding and marketing lessons founders can take away from HYROX. She covers a unique way to niche down beyond demographics, the importance of operational excellence, and how your customers are your best marketers. Whether you’re out enjoying a long walk or straightening up around the house, this episode may transform how you operate your business, inspire you to sign up for a HYROX competition, or both!
Is Your Website Exposing You to Legal Risk? A Small Business Attorney Explains ft. Paige Griffith
Did you know that you hold a legal responsibility with your website? Have you heard of ADA guidelines, but you don’t know what they actually are? How does website accessibility apply to small business owners? Today, Victoria is getting these questions answered by having Paige Griffith on the podcast. Paige Griffith is a small business attorney, the founder of The Legal Paige, and a founding partner of Griffith Suazo Law. Her entire career revolves around educating and supporting small business owners with the legal side of their businesses, so they can protect themselves and grow with confidence.
In this episode, Victoria and Paige sit down for the first time in almost 4 years to discuss the legal requirements for websites and ways to make your website more accessible in 2026. They cover actionable items that you can double check on your own website, right along with them.
If you’ve ever avoided the legal side of business because it feels too confusing, this conversation will encourage you to take a step forward. Be sure to grab your iced coffee and your notebook, you’ll want to take notes or come back to this one because it’s full of legal education.
AI is Exposing Weak Brands | Here’s What Great Brands Understand
Have you ever felt a disconnect between your work and your brand? Or have you felt discouraged by founders with less credentials booking clients you’ve only dreamed of working with? In this short, yet impactful episode, Victoria defines "The Perception Gap" and how you can close it to ensure every aspect of your business represents the high-quality experience you give your clients.
Victoria explains how the modern buying behavior has shifted, the impact AI could have on trust, and ways to reduce friction with potential clients. This is the education and pep talk combination so many founders need to hear right now—at a time when the internet is the loudest it's ever been. Whether you’re in the school drop off line or heading out the door for a meeting, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and more equipped to handle the ever-changing marketing landscape.
Can You Build a High-Impact Brand in a “Soft Girl” Era? ft. Fractional COO, Brooke Dumas
Have you noticed the swing from hustle culture to the “soft girl era” in the online business space? Or maybe you’ve heard of the recent comments Emma Grede has shared regarding being a 3-hour mom. Today, Victoria and her guest are diving into this topic. Brooke Dumas is a Fractional COO, strategic partner, and serial entrepreneur who has built and scaled multiple businesses. She partners with multi-six and seven figure businesses through Tailored Premier and brings a grounded, intentional approach to scaling a business sustainability.
In this episode, Victoria and Brooke discuss why it’s so important to define your priorities and version of success before scaling a business. They talk about what Brooke looks for during a business audit, building to sell, and the mental load so many founders struggle with as they grow their businesses.
If you’ve ever wondered if you can have both a successful business while being present in your life, or if you want to lean into your soft girl era but aren’t sure how to get there, this is for you. Whether you’re in a hustle season or leaning into your own soft-girl era, this episode will leave you feeling excited about growing in a way that’s intentional and aligned with your values and goals.
Training the Mind | The Psychology Behind Success at the Highest Level ft. Dr. Brook Choulet
Do you consider yourself to be a high-performing woman? If you’re an entrepreneur, the answer is likely yes. With entrepreneurship comes challenges such as burnout, analysis paralysis, and the pressure of success. Dr. Brook Coulet is a board-certified concierge, psychiatrist, and nationally recognized expert in sports and performance psychiatry. She’s the founder of Choulet Performance Psychiatry, a boutique private practice helping athletes and executives strengthen their mental resilience and improve their personal and professional well-being.
In this episode, Victoria and Dr. Brook discuss the parallels between entrepreneurs and athletes and the importance of mental conditioning for high-achieving women. They also cover thought patterns to avoid as a founder and advice for supporting your nervous system.
If you’ve ever experienced burnout as an entrepreneur or struggled with negative thinking patterns that don’t support your growth, this conversation with Dr. Brook will inspire you to adopt new ways of thinking and practical tips for building mental resilience. Whether you’re enjoying a walk in the sunshine or waiting in the school pick-up line, this episode will leave you feeling seen, heard, and empowered to grow your business without wanting to burn it all to the ground.
The Entrepreneurial Advice That Shaped 2025 ft Kelly Stumpe, Jessica Marx, Robyn Spangler, and Keri Ford
What better way to close out the year than with the Season 10 finale of The Branding Business School Podcast! After a year filled with powerful conversations and transformational insights, Victoria is wrapping things up with a highlight compilation of the most impactful moments from 2025 — the clips that made us think deeper, build smarter, and lead more intentionally as entrepreneurs stepping into a new year.
In this episode, you’ll hear from Kelly Stumpe (The Car Mom) on disrupting industries, Jessica Marx on scaling strategically from 0 to multi-six figures, Robyn Spangler on building authority through vulnerability, and Keri Ford on nervous system support for ambitious founders. We’re also revisiting some of Victoria's most-downloaded episodes, including the one where she’s in the guest seat!
Whether you’re launching, scaling to your first $100K, or leading a team and stepping fully into your CEO role, this episode is your permission to pause, reflect, and reset. Let these clips spark inspiration, clarity, and direction as you enter 2026 grounded, confident, and supported. Season 10 may be closing, but while you wait for what's next, dive into the full episodes behind each clip — they are linked below! We’ll see you next year! Happy New Year!
Timeless Branding: The Strategy Behind Building a Brand That Works 10 Years from Now
If you want your brand to feel aligned, elevated, and something you’re still proud of ten years from now, this episode is your blueprint for building it right. In this episode, Victoria shares how to build a timeless brand—one that evolves with your growth instead of holding you back. You’ll learn how to design a brand with true staying power so you’re not constantly rebranding or blending into what’s trending online.
Victoria dives into the real reasons why so many brands age poorly and reveals how to avoid the common mistakes that cause entrepreneurs to outgrow their visual identity too soon. From chasing trends to prioritizing personal taste over strategy, you’ll uncover what separates a brand that simply looks good today from one that builds trust, authority, and recognition for years to come.
With relatable stories and practical takeaways, Victoria guides you through how to refine your message, make timeless design decisions, and develop a brand voice that grows with you through every season of business. Because when your brand is rooted in strategy, clarity, and authenticity, you won’t have to chase trends or start over—you’ll show up with confidence, attract the right clients, and build something that truly lasts.
The Cognitive Cost of Always-On Entrepreneurship ft. Keri Ford
As an entrepreneur, have you ever struggled to turn your work brain “off”? Keri Ford is a mom of two, creative director turned award-winning executive coach, and the CEO and founder of Elevate with Keri. She is trauma trained and passionate about nervous system regulation for high-achieving women. Keri helps women bridge the gap between outer achievement and inner peace, teaching them how to build thriving businesses without burning out.
In this episode, Victoria and Keri dive into everything from trauma in entrepreneurship to the real cost of always being “on”. Keri shares how she went from corporate creative director to CEO and how each chapter taught her tools to get to the next level. You’ll walk away knowing how to recognize early signs of burnout, build resilience through regulated stress, and redefine what success looks like in your current season.
If you’ve ever felt the weight of constant decision fatigue, racing thoughts at night, or the pressure to maintain momentum no matter the cost, this episode is your permission slip to slow down. Whether you’re on your morning walk or taking a break between calls, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded with practical tools to use throughout your day. Grab your notebook and a fresh cup of coffee, because you don’t want to miss this one.
Is Your Website an Asset or Liability | Why Most Websites Don’t Work (and How to Fix Yours)
Your website might be costing you clients without you even realizing it. Discover how to tell if your website is a true brand asset or if it’s actually a brand liability. As a female entrepreneur, your website is often the first impression your clients have and it can either build trust and credibility or create hesitation that keeps potential clients from booking with you.
In today’s episode, Victoria is sharing valuable information to teach you how to make your website work for you, not against you. From designing with user experience in mind, to creating consistent branding, and using storytelling and messaging that speaks directly to your ideal clients, you’ll gain strategies to turn your website into a conversion-driving, trust-building tool.
Be sure to listen all the way through because Victoria is giving you a six step framework to help you do a self audit of your website! If this still feels daunting to you, don’t worry! Keep listening because there may even be a special offer to help you get personalized guidance on how to optimize your website!
Like Victoria always says, you don’t get a second chance at a first impression, so get ready to take notes and let’s turn your website into your brand’s strongest asset!
How Vulnerability Builds Authority (and a Business) ft. The Clear Skin Lab Founder, Robyn Spangler
Have you ever refused to believe “there’s nothing you can do”? You’ll resonate with our guest Robyn Spangler, registered dietitian nutritionist, founder of The Clear Skin Lab, and creator of Rayvi, a mineral-based hydration brand. After battling psoriasis for two years, Robyn took matters into her own hands and found healing through functional medicine. Now, she helps other women uncover the root cause behind their chronic skin issues and reclaim their confidence.
In this episode, Victoria sits down with Robyn to unpack her own health journey that became the foundation for a thriving business, how vulnerability became her greatest asset, and why managing stress and prioritizing wellness are essential for long-term health. You’ll hear how she built two successful brands from scratch, what she’s learned about the emotional side of skin struggles, and her best advice for prioritizing self-care without guilt—especially for busy moms and entrepreneurs.
The Truth About Fake It Till You Make It | Why Taking Action is Necessary to Grow Your Confidence
If you’ve ever caught yourself waiting for the “perfect” moment to launch, post, or raise your prices, this episode is your wake-up call. You’ll hear from Victoria why waiting until you feel ready is the very thing holding you back and how taking imperfect action is what actually builds the confidence you’ve been waiting for. This episode is the reminder that progress doesn’t come from overthinking, it comes from doing.
Victoria shares how to spot the sneaky ways perfectionism disguises itself as productivity, and how to replace it with momentum-building habits that grow your confidence, your business, and your impact. She continues to share real life examples from launching BrandWell without a perfect plan to her husband paying off debt one small step at a time. From these personal stories, you’ll see how action leads to clarity, courage, and ultimately, success.
If you’ve been sitting on that website redesign, waiting to raise your prices, or convincing yourself you need to “feel confident first,” consider this your friendly nudge of encouragement. Confidence isn’t a prerequisite for action, it’s a result of it. So, hit play, take one small step, and start building the proof that you can do hard things. Because perfectionism won’t move your business forward… but progress will.
Growth, Margin, and Playing the Long Game | 3 Things I’m Focusing on as I Turn 33
This is a very special week as Victoria is turning 33 and the podcast is turning 5! In this special birthday episode, Victoria gets real about turning 33 and the reflections that come with stepping into a new season of life and business. After five years of juggling motherhood, entrepreneurship, and building BrandWell into a thriving design agency, she shares how shifting gears toward a boutique, higher-touch business model has brought both clarity and growing pains. The changes may feel uncomfortable at times, but Victoria opens up about why she sees this season as a sign of meaningful growth.
As she looks ahead, Victoria shares the three main areas she’s choosing to focus on this year: getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, creating better organization for her calendar and her mind, and building BrandWell with a long-term vision. From hiring her first business mentor and surrounding herself with women further ahead, to creating more margin in her daily routines and finally building a CEO dashboard to organize big-picture ideas, she’s leaning into the discomfort of change while also setting herself up for greater clarity and peace.
Victoria also reflects on how her mindset has shifted since her 20s, from chasing hustle and quick wins to embracing the slow, steady, and meaningful work of creating a legacy brand. With honesty and vulnerability, she shares how she’s learning to measure success less by monthly sales and more by profitability, sustainability, and consistency over time. Whether you’re in a season of hustle, growth, or reflection, this episode will inspire you to pause, take inventory, and start planting the seeds for your own long game.
How I Built BrandWell | From Side Hustle to Multi-6-figure Design Agency
Ever wonder how BrandWell came to be? Over the last six, almost seven years, Victoria has taken BrandWell from side hustle to a boutique branding and web design agency. For the first time ever, Lauren, BrandWell’s COO, is stepping in as host and is interviewing Victoria on how she got to where she is today! Victoria shares her entrepreneurial journey, from early side hustles to discovering her passion for website design and marketing. Inspired by her parents’ example and a chance opportunity, she reveals how those beginnings sparked the creation of BrandWell, a boutique branding agency designed to deliver quality, connection, and balance between business growth and family life.
As Lauren guides the conversation, you’ll hear how Victoria strategically grew BrandWell without losing sight of its identity. From hiring contract designers to navigating team growth, she shares the real challenges and lessons of building a business with intention. You’ll also learn why she chose to keep BrandWell intentionally boutique, focusing on elevated client experiences over endless scaling, and how this decision shaped the company’s culture and success.
Together, Lauren and Victoria dive into the heart of branding, why trust, empathy, and strong client relationships matter, and how investing in your brand early can completely transform your business. With practical insights on brand identity, polished online presence, and creating a client experience that lasts long after the project ends, this conversation will leave you encouraged, inspired, and ready to step boldly into your own entrepreneurial journey.
The Difference Between Wanting It & Working For It | Where Anti-Hustle Culture Gets It Wrong
Wanting success isn’t the same thing as working hard for it and that’s where so many entrepreneurs get tripped up. This episode may ruffle some feathers, but Victoria is challenging the rise of the anti-hustle movement and reminds you that perseverance, discipline, and resilience are what actually build lasting businesses.
Unpack why today’s “manifest it” message can leave you discouraged, and how embracing a season of hustle can prepare you for the freedom and flexibility you dream about. Victoria also shares the truth most people don’t want to hear: business will feel hard sometimes, and that’s not a sign you’re failing; it’s a sign you’re growing.
If you’ve been wrestling with whether you’re pushing too hard or not doing enough, this conversation will reframe the way you see your work. Press play and let Victoria encourage you to keep going, even when it feels tough, because the payoff is always worth the perseverance.
My Birth Story + The Beautiful Chaos of Being a Mom of 3 and CEO
Another girl has joined the girl gang at BrandWell Designs! Over the summer, Victoria welcomed her third daughter, McKenna Rhodes, and this episode is all about her beautiful birth story. Victoria is sharing all the highs and lows, from navigating the switch from traditional OB care to a midwife group, to navigating labor without an epidural for some time, to the sweet and special moments of introducing her newborn to her big sisters.
Victoria will also be answering questions that listeners submitted including how this maternity leave looked versus what she expected, how she navigated visitors during those early days, and how McKenna’s name came to be.
This story isn’t just about birth, it’s about balance, priorities, and the courage to step back. Victoria reflects on what it’s been like to run BrandWell while fully embracing maternity leave, and how years of building strong systems and a reliable team have given her the freedom to be present with her family. She opens up about the surprising ease of letting go, the lessons learned in scaling a business that works without her, and why she believes the goal isn’t balance—it’s being present where you’re needed most.
If you’ve ever wondered how to honor both your role as a mother and your role as a CEO, this episode will leave you encouraged, empowered, and reminded that building a business with intention gives you the freedom to savor life’s sweetest seasons that go by in a blink of an eye.