Insights and Lessons from Creating a Distinct Brand Identity in the Custom Apparel World

Hey fRNds! Mel here with some exciting news to share - I recently had the incredible opportunity to be a guest on the Stahls podcast with host Kelly Walters to talk all about building brand identity!

If you've been following along with Mel's Crafty Corner, you know that creating a distinct, recognizable brand has been such an important part of my journey. From our signature color palette to our "Happy Mail" experience, every element has been thoughtfully considered. I was thrilled to share these insights with the Stahls community!

Why Brand Identity Matters for Small Businesses

During the podcast, Kelly and I discussed how brand identity goes far beyond just having a pretty logo. It's the entire personality of your business - how you communicate, what you stand for, and the experience you create for your customers.

For small businesses like MCC, a strong brand identity has been essential for standing out in a crowded marketplace. When I first started in 2020 during the pandemic, I knew I needed to create something memorable that would resonate with healthcare professionals and other caring individuals.

The Visual Foundation of MCC's Brand

We dove deep into the visual elements that make up a brand's identity:

• Logo Design: I shared the story behind the MCC logo and how it evolved to represent both professionalism and creativity
• Color Psychology: Our signature teal and coral palette wasn't just chosen because it's pretty (though it is!) - these colors were selected to evoke specific emotions that align with our mission
• Typography: How our font choices reflect our brand personality - professional yet warm and approachable
• Consistent Imagery: The importance of creating a cohesive visual story across all platforms

I explained how these visual elements work together to create immediate recognition - when someone sees our packaging or scrolls past our posts on social media, they instantly know it's Mel's Crafty Corner!

Creating the "Happy Mail" Experience

One of my favorite topics we discussed was how branding extends beyond visuals into the complete customer experience. For MCC, this has always been centered around our "Happy Mail" philosophy.

I shared with Kelly how every package that leaves my studio is thoughtfully prepared with personalized touches - from handwritten notes to surprise treats and careful packaging. This consistent experience has become a cornerstone of our brand identity and something customers frequently mention in their feedback.

Practical Steps I Took to Build the MCC Brand

For those of you interested in developing your own brand identity, I broke down some practical steps I took:

1. Research Your Audience: Understanding my target customers (healthcare professionals, educators, team leaders) shaped everything about MCC's branding
2. Define Your Values: I discussed how MCC's core values of quality, authenticity, and community guide all my business decisions
3. Create Consistency: The importance of having brand guidelines to ensure every touchpoint feels cohesive
4. Implement Across All Platforms: How I maintain a consistent brand presence across social media, my website, packaging, and product designs

Overcoming Branding Challenges as a Small Business

Being transparent about struggles is important to me, so I also shared some challenges I've faced with branding:

• Working with limited resources in the beginning
• Knowing when to evolve certain aspects of the brand
• Staying true to MCC's authentic voice while growing

Listen to the Full Conversation!

I can only share so much in a blog post, but Kelly and I covered so much more ground in our conversation! If you're interested in brand building, custom apparel, or just want to hear more about the MCC journey, I encourage you to check out the full podcast episode.

Listen to the Stahls Podcast Episode #24: How to Build Your Brand Identity

And if you're interested in exploring Stahls products for your own custom apparel projects, you can check them out through our affiliate link here.

I'm so grateful for the opportunity to share the MCC story on this platform and hope some of these insights help you on your own branding journey. Remember that building a strong brand takes time, consistency, and authenticity - but the connection it creates with your customers is absolutely worth it!

Work hard. Look good. Find joy. 💕

~ Mel

P.S. Have you listened to the podcast? I'd love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions about branding in the comments below!

Originally published on Jan 31, 2024