Revamping Your Brand: Insights from Jasmine Haitalani
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Understanding Brand Perception
It's essential to recognize that people have specific feelings they desire to experience when engaging with a brand. What emotions do you aim to evoke? For instance, if your goal is to create a sense of calm, every aspect of your brand—from visuals to messaging—should reflect that tranquility.
As part of our "Brand Makeovers" series, we had the privilege of speaking with Jasmine Haitalani, the former marketing manager at Kendra Scott and the current CEO of Highflier Powerhouse. She is a well-established brand expert, particularly for coaches generating six and seven figures, and hosts the popular podcast "Becoming the Brand," which boasts over 50,000 downloads.
Jasmine's Journey into Branding
"Thank you for this opportunity! Before we delve deeper, I’d love to share my journey. I’ve always seen myself as a creative. While pursuing a Biology degree in college, I also started my business as a side project. My role at Kendra Scott as a brand marketing manager complemented my entrepreneurial pursuits. However, when COVID struck, I was laid off, which pushed me to fully commit to my business. I decided to abandon my medical career aspirations and embrace my identity as a creative agency owner. When Kendra Scott offered me a position again post-pandemic, I chose to prioritize my agency and complete my degree."
Learning from Early Mistakes
"While I don’t view branding as making mistakes, I see it as a continuous journey of growth. There were moments when I tried to fit in with lighter, Bohemian-style brands using themes of stars and planets, but ultimately, I realized I should represent my true self. Embracing a bold, all-black aesthetic, which was less common in my field at the time, helped me establish my unique identity."
Identifying Career Milestones
"I experienced a pivotal moment when I decided to align my branding with my personal beliefs and vision rather than merely replicating ideas from Pinterest. This shift allowed me to stand out in the creative industry and build a reputation for my expertise and the distinctive look of my clients' brands. Today, our clients feel a sense of pride when they work with us, especially after undergoing our rebranding process."
Current Projects and Future Aspirations
"I'm developing a curriculum for my group program, Brand Revenue Lab. This initiative focuses on helping clients understand their creative identity and how to build a brand that resonates with their audience. By guiding them in making innovative decisions for their business, I aim to shift their perspective on branding, enhancing their confidence in their marketing efforts."
Advice for Marketers to Avoid Burnout
"To thrive in the marketing realm, carve out creative space in your schedule. This downtime is crucial for generating innovative ideas and reconnecting with your passion for marketing. It’s during these moments that I conceive the most valuable concepts for my business and my clients."
Defining Brand Marketing vs. Product Marketing
Brand marketing encompasses the overarching vision and values your brand represents, while product marketing focuses on the specifics of what you offer. It's about the transformative impacts your brand can have on customers versus merely detailing the features of your products or services.
The Importance of Brand Investment
Investing time and resources in brand development is vital as it forms the first impression of your business. A mismatched online presence can deter potential customers. For instance, our clients often see returns of $100k or more after aligning their brand with their established reputation.
Reasons for Rebranding
Companies may opt for rebranding to clarify their vision, enhance perceived value, or improve their overall marketing strategy. However, if the rebranding lacks intentional strategy, it may lead to wasted resources and missed opportunities.
Strategies for Brand Enhancement
- Create Desired Emotions: Define how you want customers to feel during interactions with your brand.
- Allow Creative Space: Schedule downtime to foster new ideas and maintain flexibility in your branding approach.
- Test and Adapt: Embrace changes as your brand evolves—don’t hesitate to try new things.
- Beyond Logos: Understand that branding involves values, client experiences, and more than just visual elements.
- Know Your Values: Clearly define your brand values, as they guide all business decisions and foster customer loyalty.
Successful Rebranding Example
One brand that has successfully reinvented itself is Abercrombie & Fitch. Their shift from a controversial past to a more inclusive approach, along with enhancements in customer experience, has garnered my loyalty. They recognized the need to assess the customer journey holistically, beyond just seasonal collections.
Inspiring a Movement
"My mission is to help brands achieve renown. After relocating to the U.S. in 2012, I felt pressure to conform. However, uncovering my brand identity empowered me to embrace my uniqueness. I aspire to assist others in showcasing their talents and achieving recognition."
Favorite Life Lesson Quote
"Everyone is a creative because creativity lies within the individual, not the instrument." This perspective helped me realize that creativity isn't solely about specific skills but about how one approaches challenges.
Follow Jasmine Online
Thank you for these invaluable insights, Jasmine! We wish you ongoing success in your endeavors.
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