

Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast
Michelle Wintersteen
The Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is hosted by Michelle Wintersteen, the Brand Designer and Creative Director behind MKW Creative Co. a freelance brand design firm helping to define, design, build and grow vibrant brands for social-media-minded entrepreneurs.
The KMA Podcast is an extension of the Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group and covers topics like creating brand awareness, mastering social media marketing, cementing your brand's online presence, and being your own damn boss.
Michelle lives in sunny San Diego, California designing for brands & creating content with an undeniable west coast energy, punchy color palette & her yellow lab pup.
The KMA Podcast is an extension of the Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group and covers topics like creating brand awareness, mastering social media marketing, cementing your brand's online presence, and being your own damn boss.
Michelle lives in sunny San Diego, California designing for brands & creating content with an undeniable west coast energy, punchy color palette & her yellow lab pup.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 23, 2024 • 44min
172. Shooting Evergreen Content with Katie Wann
Ever dreamed of fusing fabulous food with stunning visuals? Join Michelle as she slices into food and beverage photography with Katie Wann. Discover your foodie fanbase, nail your preproduction process, and brush up on your networking game. Whether you're an entrepreneur craving variety or someone looking to elevate your brand imagery, this convo serves creative and business-savvy insights for even the most introverted business owner. Katie Wann is a creative professional with 15 years of experience. She began as a wedding and lifestyle photographer while earning a design degree. She then worked as a Creative Director for a restaurant franchise before moving to the CPG sector, where she became the in-house creative for Suja Juice. After nearly four years, Katie founded her agency, Katie Wann, Inc., specializing in product photography and stop-motion video for food and beverage brands. Her agency has worked with brands like Once Upon a Farm, Clio Snacks, Wildwonder, and Lotus Biscoff, with features in Forbes, Buzzfeed, and Bevnet. Her work is sold in major retailers like Costco, Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart. Katie is passionate about helping better-for-you brands grow. ----------------------- In today's episode, we cover the following: Going from corporate to business owner Katie's creative process Importance of investing in good, evergreen photography Detailed shot planning Seamless preproduction and postproduction How to foster long-term relationships through networking Using AI as a photographer Advice to her younger self How to cold pitch ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about Katie and follow her dazzling content, find her on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook@KatieWannInc and visit her website, KatieWann.com. ----------------------- This episode is sponsored by Harvest. Track time and expenses seamlessly so you can keep projects on track and effectively estimate future ones. Get 50% off your first month when you use the code KMA at GetHarvest.com/kma ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Jul 16, 2024 • 24min
171. Dynamic Strategies for Optimizing Content and UGC
Get ready to optimize your content to its fullest potential. Get the secrets on teasing, releasing, and launching your products with a bang. With tips on creating a content flood to getting the user-generated content you desire, Michelle's insights will help you drive your business toward your goals. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Case Study: Dental Hygiene Nation subscription boxes Content creation process for a campaign The types of teaser content to play with How to optimize your content How to encourage user-generated content (UGC) Analyzing campaign performance Asking for and incorporating feedback ----------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 131: Building a Merch Brand with Caitlyn Rastetter of Dental Hygiene Nation ----------------------- This episode is sponsored by Harvest. Track time and expenses seamlessly so you can keep projects on track and effectively estimate future ones. Get 50% off your first month when you use the code KMA at GetHarvest.com/kma ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Jul 9, 2024 • 39min
170. Branding Short-Term Rentals with Thanks for Visiting
Ever wondered how to transform a mere Airbnb into a guest's dream escape? Join Annette and Sarah of Thanks for Visiting as they dish on the secrets to creating Instagram-worthy stays, reframing your property as a brand, and making every detail count. Whether you're dreaming of buying land or wanting to design properties, this is your go-to guide for creating spaces that guests can't help but rave about. Sarah Karakaian co-founded Thanks For Visiting, a podcast and short-term rental education provider. She began her short-term rental journey with an Airbnb in NYC in 2012, turning a $475K investment into a $875K sale. Her STR designs caught the eye of HGTV, leading to her appearance on Beach Flip. Now, Sarah runs a boutique hosting business in Columbus, Ohio, and along with her co-founder Annette, reaches over 50k STR enthusiasts daily through their podcast with over 2M downloads. Annette Grant is the co-founder of Thanks For Visiting, a short-term rental education provider and podcast. Before this, she transformed a small family-owned painting company into a franchise with 22 locations and expanded an apparel company to 5 retail locations, 120+ employees, and over $40 million in sales. A "host with heart," Annette believes in the importance of hospitality in the short-term rental industry. Alongside Sarah, she provides hosts with tips and education to elevate their businesses and guest experiences. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Sarah and Annette's origin story Where people get lost in marketing rental properties How to be a step ahead of your clients Creating memorable hospitality Influencer Partnerships and Local Marketing Initiatives Effective marketing strategies for short-term rentals Optimizing your host profile on Airbnb Short-term rental predictions ----------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 159: Travel Photography Secrets with Girl Gone Abroad Access the Thanks for Visiting Handbook to start earning as an Airbnb host! ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about Thanks for Visiting, follow them on Instagram @ThanksForVisiting_ and Facebook @ThanksForVisiting and visit their website, ThanksForVisiting.com. ----------------------- This episode is sponsored by Harvest. Track time and expenses seamlessly so you can keep projects on track and effectively estimate future ones. Get 50% off your first month when you use the code KMA at GetHarvest.com/kma ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Jul 2, 2024 • 30min
169. Your Midyear Bingo Card Check-In
You've arrived at your mid-year accountability checkpoint. How are the goals you set back in January going? This week, Michelle dives into the nitty-gritty of transforming major milestones into reality. Taking you through the 11 goals she and her team have hit and the 13 they have their eyes set on for the second half of the year, this episode is all about driving momentum and smashing those targets, one bingo square at a time. And don't forget, join the Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook group for even more support, connections, and goal-crushing inspiration! ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: How MKW Creative structured their bingo card The goals they achieved Goals they haven't hit yet Podcast and YouTube-related goals Social media-related goals Improving email marketing and product sales ----------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 161: Avoiding Burnout as a Creative with Morgan Drinks Coffee Download your 2024 Goals Bingo Canva Template for only $2.24! ----------------------- This episode is sponsored by Harvest. Track time and expenses seamlessly so you can keep projects on track and effectively estimate future ones. Get 50% off your first month when you use the code KMA at GetHarvest.com/kma ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

15 snips
Jun 25, 2024 • 46min
168. AI and Data Privacy for Creatives with Claire Xue
Claire Xue, expert in AI wearables, discusses AI avatars for client meetings, Instagram's opt-out options, AI-created assets impact on creative industries, democratizing education with AI, and leveraging AI while keeping creativity and ethics in check.

Jun 18, 2024 • 23min
167. How to Share Your Work on Socials, and Make it Pop
Do you find yourself saying, "I don't know how to share my work on social media"? Don't worry because Michelle has got you covered. She spills all the deets on MKW Creative Co's latest strategy revamp to create brag-worthy content that serves you and your client. From creating content for multiple audiences to mood board montages, you'll learn how to transform your feed into a magnet for similar projects you crave. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: How MKW Creative Co. has changed their social media strategy Piano C brand launch as a campaign How MKW Creative Co creates a content flood AI in branding Creating an effective CTA Collaborating with the client on content Carousels that people want to engage with How to document and showcase your process ----------------------- ----------------------- This episode is sponsored by Harvest. Track time and expenses seamlessly so you can keep projects on track and effectively estimate future ones. Get 50% off your first month when you use the code KMA at GetHarvest.com/kma ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Jun 11, 2024 • 43min
166. Hormone Health for Creatives with Funk It Wellness
What's with the hype on seed cycling? Tune in as Michelle dives in with Kate Morton, the founder of Funk It Wellness, who shares about the benefits of seed cycling and synching your business up with your menstrual cycle. Discover how a sprinkle of seeds can elevate your productivity and how creativity shifts throughout your cycle. Get the scoop on cutting caffeine, the bliss of maca lattes, and how balancing your hormones might be the ultimate business hack. Kate Morton is a Registered Dietitian, founder of Funk It Wellness, SXSW & TEDx speaker, and menstrual health advocate. Kate has a master's degree in Human Clinical Nutrition and focuses on menstrual health and anti-diet culture education. After completing her studies, Kate moved to New Zealand where she began working with wellness start-ups to develop nutritionally sound products in the "better for you" market. While in New Zealand, Kate started to presume a more holistic way of living that led her to dive deeper into the science of hormones and cyclical living. Kate's mission is to empower everyone to have autonomy over their bodies and learn to make peace with food and their cycles. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Seed cycling and how it affects your menstrual cycle The rise in popularity of seed cycling The origins of Cycle School Phases of the menstrual cycles and their impacts Developing the Funk It Wellness products How caffeine affects hormones Entrepreneurship and mental health Lessons learned in the first five years of entrepreneurship ----------------------- RESOURCES: Listen to Kate's podcast, Period Chats ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about Kate, follow her on Instagram @CarbsAndKate and follow Funk It Wellness on Instagram @Funk.It.Wellness and TikTok @FunkItWellness, and visit their website, FunkItWellness.com ----------------------- This episode is sponsored by Harvest. Track time and expenses seamlessly so you can keep projects on track and effectively estimate future ones. Get 50% off your first month when you use the code KMA at GetHarvest.com/kma ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Jun 4, 2024 • 28min
165. High Schoolers vs. KMP Challenge & How to Improve your Brand Portfolio Work
Wondering what's inside the minds of the next generation of brand designers? Or how you can make your portfolio irresistible? This week, Michelle shares the feedback she gave to a class of high school students who took the Kiss My Portfolio Challenge, alongside hot tips for elevating your brand portfolio. Tune in now to start crafting a portfolio that attracts new and fresh opportunities! ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Inside the Kiss My Portfolio Challenge How the Challenge works The most consistent pieces of feedback given to the high schoolers Creating a cohesive mood board Nailing color palettes Creating logos that are scalable and look good in black & white Considerations for use case Crafting consistent icons and patterns Storytelling your mock-up slides The secret to creating a standout portfolio ----------------------- RESOURCES: Take the Kiss My Portfolio Challenges Browse MKW Creative Co.'s Lifestyle Products and E-Commerce Brand Portfolio Browse MKW Creative Co.'s Hospitality, Food & Restaurant Portfolio Browse MKW Creative Co.'s Communities & Organizations Portfolio Browse MKW Creative Co.'s Creator's & Creative Services Portfolio Browse MKW Creative Co.'s Events & Merch Portfolio ----------------------- This episode is sponsored by Harvest. Track time and expenses seamlessly so you can keep projects on track and effectively estimate future ones. Get 50% off your first month when you use the code KMA at GetHarvest.com/kma ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

May 28, 2024 • 46min
164. From Corporate to Freelance with Kiri Mohan
Ready to elevate your brand game and attract dream clients? Sit down with Michelle and freelance coach Kiri Mohan to hear them talk all things entrepreneurship and branding. From client boundaries to tips on how to pitch and find inspiration, this conversation is packed with insider tips and real-life success stories. Also, learn how to stay current and avoid imposter syndrome. Kiri Mohan helps women who have a background in the corporate world find freedom and fulfillment by becoming an online freelancer. Her Corporate2Contract course and coaching guides women starting or growing their freelance business to set them up for success, get payment equal to what they were earning in their corporate job, and learn how to stand out in the online world. Kiri believes that there is a way to have a career, a flexible schedule, and get paid what you deserve. When not working on her courses or leading women, she is podcasting (Her Balanced Hustle Podcast & Star Wars Meanderings and Ramblings), drinking tea, and reading books ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Client acquisition through Reddit How Kiri made the transition from corporate to freelancing The uptick in the freelance space How to pitch that will get a result Advice for freelancers at the start of their journey How to study your ideal clients The value of project managers in the freelance space Setting boundaries with your clients Social listening and analyzing competitors ----------------------- RESOURCES: Snag $100 off Kiri's Corporate2Contract course with the code PODCAST Listen to episode The 4-Hour Workweek—If Books Could Kill Listen to Kiri's podcast episode How to Build a Brand as a Woman Entrepreneur—Her Balanced Hustle ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Kiri and Corporate2Contract, follow her on Instagram @TheKiriMohan, LinkedIn @KiriMohan, or visit her website, Corporate2Contract.com. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- This episode is sponsored by Harvest. Track time and expenses seamlessly so you can keep projects on track and effectively estimate future ones. Get 50% off your first month when you use the code KMA at GetHarvest.com/kma ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

May 21, 2024 • 28min
163. Bumble's Rebranding Fail and Other Marketing Flubs
How did Bumble's rebrand turn into one of the biggest marketing flops in recent history? This week, Michelle walks through all of the tea on this one as a reminder of why consistent brand messaging is vital. She also discusses other branding flops and marketing mishaps, from Instagram's sticker layout to JoJo Siwa. This is a case study in branding you won't want to miss! ------------------------- In today's episode, we cover the following: Bumble's history Bumble's relaunch and failed billboard campaign Bumble's apology Why was Bumble's campaign a miss from a marketing standpoint? Instagram's terrible stickers UI/UX JoJo Siwa's personal rebrand Things to be learned with branding ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- This episode is sponsored by Harvest. Track time and expenses seamlessly so you can keep projects on track and effectively estimate future ones. Get 50% off your first month when you use the code KMA at GetHarvest.com/kma ------------------------ Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard


