
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.
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.
What It Really Takes to Break $100K, $500K, and $1M in Business Revenue ft. Jessica Marx
Scaling a business from six figures to seven isn’t about hustling harder, it’s about stepping fully into CEO leadership. To kick off this season, Victoria is sitting down with powerhouse business advisor Jessica Marx, a five-time Forbes Business Council member, top female coach recognized by Yahoo Finance, investor, founder of Tailored Premier, and mom of twins. With nearly 20 years of executive-level sales and leadership experience Jessica knows exactly what it takes to move beyond the $100K mark and confidently scale toward the million-dollar milestone.
Together, Victoria and Jessica unpack the realities of scaling at each stage of business growth ($100K, $500K, and $1M+) and reveal the strategies that help women entrepreneurs shift from overwhelmed operator to visionary CEO. From avoiding common mistakes that stall progress, to building the right support team, to simplifying your offers for long-term growth, this conversation is packed with practical, proven advice.
This episode is designed to help you scale strategically, lead with clarity, and create a business that fuels both revenue and freedom. Whether you’re chasing your first six figures or preparing to cross into seven, you’ll walk away with the tools, mindset shifts, and confidence to build a business designed for sustainable success. Get your notebook and pen ready, grab your coffee, and enjoy this motivating episode with Jessica Marx!
How I'm Prepping for Maternity Leave (and Growing Through Hard Seasons)
What if you could step away from your business without missing a beat? Join Victoria as she prepares for her third maternity leave and to enjoy the summer off with her girls. This season finale episode is packed with insights and strategies to ensure your business thrives independently, drawing from her personal experiences with maternity leave years ago. You’ll discover how to identify potential pitfalls and succeed in automating and delegating tasks, creating a harmonious blend of work and family life.
Throughout this finale of The Branding Business School podcast, Victoria unravels the transformative magic of outsourcing. With six years of steering BrandWell, embracing her role as CEO meant letting go of wearing all the hats. From marketing to client management, Victoria shares how outsourcing crucial tasks has been the backbone of her business scalability and a shield against burnout. Even if outsourcing isn't your current path, Victoria offers creative solutions for enlisting support from your network, ensuring both business and personal well-being thrive.
Prepare to be inspired by tales of resilience and adaptability. In the second half of this episode, Victoria dives into how her and her team have been navigating the recent rebranding challenges at BrandWell, which she calls, The Messy Middle. Victoria delves into the lessons learned from unexpected trials and the power of faith and flexibility. This episode is your guide to embracing chaos, finding peace in tumultuous times, and growing through every challenge. We’re ending Season 9 with a GOOD one, so throw in those ear buds, and press play!
Luxury Branding 101: How to Position Yourself for High-Ticket Offers
What if elevating your brand could skyrocket your revenue? Press play as Victoria revisits a fan-favorite discussion on crafting a luxury brand poised to command premium prices. This episode is a must-listen for those of you ready to raise your prices and match your brand's perception with its true value. Victoria shares actionable strategies to refine your brand messaging, ensuring it speaks the language of luxury and attracts the right audience. Whether you're contemplating a full rebrand or need to fine-tune certain elements, these insights will help you inspire confidence and convert inquiries into sales.
As we approach the close of season nine, Victoria is not just juggling brand strategies but also preparing for the arrival of her third child. Next week’s season finale will be all about balancing business and family life, including her personal approach to maternity leave. Plus, there's a chance to get your burning questions answered in the Q&A! Be sure to text the show using the link above to submit your question! Tune in and let's build that luxury brand together!
Different vs. Better: How to Compete Without Comparison
If you’ve ever felt stuck in comparison—asking yourself how to compete with someone already doing what you want to do—you're not alone. Victoria shares her personal journey from a corporate web design agency to founding BrandWell, and how choosing to lean into what made her boldly, unapologetically different led to lasting brand clarity and freedom. In this short and sweet episode, you’ll learn why chasing “the best” leads to burnout, how authenticity creates stronger client connections, and what it really means to build a brand around your unique strengths. This episode is your reminder that clarity and connection—not competition—are what truly drives a thriving business.
Merch Mistakes You're Probably Making | The Do’s and Don’ts of Branded Merch
Many think of merchandise as just a fun extra—but for Victoria, that perspective changed when she realized how low-quality merch can actually cheapen your brand. Picture attending an event and getting a trucker hat that perfectly reflects a brand’s vibe. You wear it everywhere—not because you have to, but because it fits your style and values. That’s the power of intentional, well-designed branded merchandise.
In this episode, Victoria shares her journey from underestimating merch to embracing it as a powerful branding tool. She breaks down how high-quality promotional products that align with your audience’s lifestyle can strengthen brand recognition and build emotional connection.
Victoria also tackles the all-too-common issue of cheap branded items—like flimsy tote bags or boxy t-shirts—that end up in the junk drawer. Instead, she offers smart strategies for creating practical, visually appealing merchandise that reflects your brand identity and keeps you top of mind.
Whether you're an entrepreneur or small business owner, this episode delivers actionable tips to elevate your brand through thoughtful merchandise. Tune in and learn how to make your merch as bold and intentional as your brand.
How I Prep for a Sales Call to Land 5-Figure Design Projects
What if the key to a successful sales call is not just about selling, but about truly understanding your client’s deepest needs? This episode of The Branding Business School Podcast takes you behind the scenes of how Victoria prepares for calls that average around $10,000 per project. By sharing insights from personal experiences and lessons from a seasoned sales coach, she highlights the crucial role of effective sales preparation and the power of building trust through a well-crafted sales experience.
This conversation dives into the importance of intake forms, industry research and using tailored visual guides during discovery calls to resonate with clients. By aligning examples from your portfolio with client needs, Victoria illustrates how building trust and showcasing value can set you apart in a competitive market.
Mastering the art of discovery calls and follow-ups, this episode wraps up with practical advice on how to maintain control over the sales process. Learn the importance of securing a verbal commitment before sending proposals and being the last to follow up, which can significantly enhance your close rate. Victoria also underlines the importance of personal connections, encouraging quick, personalized follow-up messages to reinforce client rapport. By understanding client hesitations and strategically timing proposal submissions, you can increase the likelihood of securing your sales and becoming the go-to expert in your industry without losing your sanity.
How The Car Mom Disrupted the Auto Industry—and Helped Me Buy with Confidence
Searching for the best family car? Wondering which SUV fits three car seats safely—or how to make a smart, mom-friendly car purchase without the stress? You’re in the right place.
If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you know Victoria has been on a car-buying journey for the past few months. With baby number three on the way, all needing car seats, this decision wasn’t just about features—it was about safety, space, and practicality. Like so many moms, she turned to The Car Mom for real, relatable reviews that actually speak to what families need.
That’s why this week, we’re re-airing one of our most popular episodes: our conversation with Kelly Stumpe, better known as The Car Mom.
Kelly is revolutionizing the car-buying process for families—especially moms—through her trusted platform filled with family car reviews, car seat compatibility tests, and buyer education. Her content takes the guesswork out of finding the best SUVs, minivans, and cars for moms, and helps parents shop smarter with confidence.
Whether you’re shopping for a car that fits three across, researching top safety-rated vehicles for families, or just starting to explore your options, Kelly’s insights are packed with practical advice you won’t want to miss.
Tune in for an empowering conversation that’s reshaping how moms think about buying a car—for good.
Exercise During Pregnancy | BTS of my Third Pregnancy with Midwife, Skyler Jacobs
Motherhood is a journey—one that deserves confidence, grace, and the right support. In this episode, Victoria welcomes back Skyler Jacobs, certified nurse midwife and founder of Well and Worthy Co., to share her deeply personal and professional insights on staying active during pregnancy and embracing a holistic approach to prenatal care.
They dive into the key differences between midwifery and traditional medical models, uncovering how midwives champion pregnancy as a natural process—providing personalized, low-intervention care that nurtures both physical and emotional well-being. Plus, Skyler sheds light on how midwives proactively manage high-risk conditions like cholestasis while fostering stronger connections with their patients.
If you’ve ever wondered how to stay active during pregnancy and postpartum recovery, this conversation is for you. Victoria and Skyler break down common misconceptions about pelvic floor health, movement modifications for a stronger recovery, and why listening to your body is key. Tune in to learn how to move through pregnancy with confidence and discover Skyler’s course, Movement Through Labor and Delivery, designed to help women prepare for childbirth. Mama’s, you’re not going to want to miss this episode!
I’m Taking My Team to Florida! Prep for Our Company Retreat with Me!
A well-planned team retreat is more than just a getaway—it’s an opportunity to reignite creativity, strengthen relationships, and align your team with a shared vision. In this episode, Victoria takes you behind the scenes of how BrandWell Designs has embraced retreats as a cornerstone of their culture, from the first retreat in 2021 to the much-anticipated 2025 retreat in Seaside, Florida.
As BrandWell has grown, so have the logistics, but the mission remains the same: to cultivate an environment of gratitude and connection. Whether it’s fully covering expenses for employees or offering travel stipends for contractors, Victoria is committed to making every team member feel valued.
But what if a full-scale retreat isn’t feasible? Victoria’s got you covered. From curated gift boxes to personalized stipends, she reveals creative and impactful ways to show appreciation—no travel required. Thoughtful gestures like handwritten notes and verbal recognition can go a long way in boosting morale and reinforcing a positive team culture.
Whether you're dreaming of hosting a transformational retreat or looking for simple yet powerful ways to celebrate your team, this episode will inspire you to integrate rest, gratitude, and connection into your leadership approach.
Standing Out in a Crowded Market – How to Differentiate Yourself When Every Angle is Taken
Explore the art of standing out in an overcrowded market with Victoria as she shares insights from her journey with BrandWell Designs, helping numerous business owners overcome the challenge of brand differentiation. Uncover the secrets to strategic design and brand clarity, emphasizing the importance of understanding your audience and identifying what makes you unique before diving into the visual elements of your brand. Learn how a well-defined internal brand can guide your external branding efforts, ultimately leading to pricing power and long-term success, even in competitive industries.
Craft compelling brand stories and establish niches that truly resonate with your audience. Victoria discusses a three-step approach to building an authentic brand narrative, defining your niche, and communicating the transformation you offer. Using real-world examples she highlights how focusing on the specific problems you solve can differentiate your services effectively. Additionally, explore the power of client feedback and creating a unique brand identity by developing signature offers or frameworks that set your business apart. Tune in to discover actionable steps for defining your brand's transformation and making your mark in the market. If you’re struggling to stand out in a saturated market, you’re not going to want to miss this episode.
Website Must-Haves for a High-Converting Brand | What Every Service-based Entrepreneur Needs on their Site
What if your business's credibility and growth in 2025 hinged on something as simple as having a website? That's the bold assertion Victoria explores in today's episode, drawing from personal stories, like her sister's harrowing experience of nearly losing her business due to a hacked social media account. Discover why a website is not just an online presence but a critical 24/7 salesperson that protects against the volatility of relying solely on social media platforms. Navigate through the non-negotiables of a high-converting website, emphasizing its role in lead generation and establishing trust with your audience.
Victoria also shares transformative insights on crafting a powerful website homepage, especially for service-based businesses. Learn to communicate your value proposition with compelling headlines, strategic calls to action, and high-quality visuals that build trust. From using lead magnets and ensuring mobile-friendly design to adopting basic SEO practices, today’s episode provides practical tips that boost conversions and drive sustainable traffic. Plus, Victoria will explain why investing in professional web design can elevate your brand authority. Whether you're starting out or looking to scale, this episode is packed with actionable advice to turn your website into a powerhouse for your business.
Why Aren’t They Buying? How to Fix the Sales Slump ft. my Sales Coach, Gwen Tinsley
Discover the secrets to maintaining sales momentum during slow periods with the first guest of Season 9, Victoria’s renowned sales coach Gwen Tinsley. Gwen shares her expert strategies for avoiding the dreaded start-stop sales pattern that often plagues entrepreneurs, especially around the start of the year. Discover how consistent lead generation and engaging sales conversations can keep your business on a growth trajectory, even when markets seem quiet. Gwen provides actionable insights into combating potential clients' lack of urgency and ensuring you're always ready to connect with active buyers.
Authenticity is the cornerstone of successful sales, and Gwen explains how to maintain it while overcoming imposter syndrome. She reveals her formula for confident selling that blends authenticity, curiosity, and a genuine desire to help. Learn how reflecting on past wins and lessons can boost your confidence and how positive client feedback can serve as powerful social proof. With practical tips on building rapport and the importance of listening to recorded sales calls, this episode is packed with advice to help you attract the right clients and strengthen your team dynamics.
Finally, Victoria and Gwen explore the power of emotional connections in sales strategy, emphasizing that building relationships is key to driving sales. Gwen shares her insights on leveraging confidence and emotional intelligence, especially for female entrepreneurs, to create impactful experiences that resonate with clients. From engaging happy customers for referrals to maintaining a visible and value-driven presence, you'll learn how collaboration and persistence can keep your audience engaged and interested in your offerings. Tune in for strategies that can transform your sales approach and elevate your brand.
The Psychology of Branding | How Emotions Influence Buying Decisions
Unlock the secret to creating an irresistible brand by harnessing the power of emotions. Join Victoria as she returns for Season 9 of The Branding Business School podcast and reveals how top brands like Apple, Nike, and Starbucks build unbreakable bonds with consumers through emotional connections. This episode uncovers the fascinating role of the limbic system in decision-making, proving that feelings often overpower logic in consumer choices. By emphasizing the emotional benefits of your products or services, you can surpass the competition and secure customer loyalty like never before.
Navigate the emotional landscape of branding, exploring how key feelings such as happiness, fear, belonging, trust, and status drive purchasing decisions. Dive into the strategies companies use to leverage happiness, or even fear, or how Lululemon fosters community among younger audiences. We also highlight the importance of social proof and community engagement, giving you actionable insights to ensure your brand messaging creates the desired emotional impact. Whether you're a high-ticket service provider or a budding brand, these insights will help you resonate deeply with your audience and stand out in the marketplace.
Rebranding & Raising Prices | 2024 Recap + 2025 Updates
As BrandWell Designs closes the chapter on 2024 and steps boldly into 2025, Victoria returns from a well-deserved break and reflects on a transformative year marked by strategic changes, personal milestones, and significant business growth. Victoria is thrilled to finally share all that has been happening behind the scenes at BrandWell.
Starting with a quick 2024 recap, offering a candid look at the highs and lows of the past year Victoria shares exactly what worked and what didn’t, then continues to share how she decided to navigate the challenges throughout the year. Victoria also discusses the recent rebrand of her design agency and shares her insights on the process. With this rebrand, BrandWell is stepping into an elevated version of themselves and Victoria shares a few of BrandWell’s big plans for 2025… Including a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
This episode promises to be a fun catch-up conversation while also being a valuable and encouraging resource for any female entrepreneurs looking to assess their own businesses and make informed decisions for their future. So grab your earbuds, or turn on CarPlay, and enjoy this episode!