The Vignette Effect

This episode explores:

If you’re craving a softer way to close out the year, this episode is your reminder that it’s okay to settle into the in-between.

Want to connect in the new year?
Raquel’s calendar link is here: https://calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discovery

I’m sharing my 2026 brand and marketing predictions, not from a place of hype or trend-forecasting for the sake of it, but from what I’m seeing actually working with real brands right now.

What’s emerging is quieter, more intentional, and honestly, more hopeful.

In this conversation, I walk through why the brands that will thrive in 2026 won’t necessarily be the loudest, the biggest, or the most visible everywhere. They’ll be the ones with clarity. A point of view. And a brand experience that feels human and considered over time.

Here’s wha...

What we get into:
• The surprising internal shift most people experience in transitions
• How limiting beliefs form (and why they’re sneakier than we think)
• What hypnotherapy actually does and how it accesses subconscious patterns
• The tension between external advice and trusting your inner knowing
• Why community accelerates healing, clarity, and confidence
• The frustrating reality of entrepreneurship: mastering your craft is one thing, running a business is another
• Delegation, capacity, and building support before you burn out
• Simple presence practices you can use today
• How to take the next step when you genuinely d...

Today I'm talking all about brand experience, and I'm featuring one of my favorite examples, the UK organic perfumery Ffern. This is part one of a series exploring brands that create thoughtful, resonant, and memorable experiences at every touchpoint.

In this conversation, I break down what brand experience actually means and why it matters for brands of every size. I share what first drew me to Ffern, how their seasonal releases work, and why their three-minute cinematic films are such a powerful form of visual storytelling. I also talk about their unboxing experience, the way they collaborate...

In this episode, I’m sharing the real difference between brands that grow and brands that stay stuck. Not perfect timing, not perfect clarity, and not even perfect strategy. Just steady, grounded movement based on what you know right now.

Here’s what I get into:

In this episode of The Vignette Effect, I talk with brand strategist and creative director Shayne Mackey about what it takes to build a brand with real confidence. We unpack the difference between branding and marketing, why your foundations matter more than your content, and how quiet confidence has always been the signature of the most memorable brands in the world. Shayne shares insights from her thirty years in branding and the lessons she has seen consistently across both global brands and small founder-led businesses.

Inside the episode, we explore:

• Why branding is the foundation an...

In today’s episode, I’m diving into why your messaging might not be connecting and what you can do to fix it quickly. Messaging is all about communicating the value of what you offer, and if people aren’t taking action, it usually means they haven’t heard what they need to hear yet. It’s not a sign that your offer is bad. It’s simply a sign that your message needs more clarity.

Here’s what I cover in this episode:

• A simple way to understand what messaging actually is
• Clear signs your messagi...

Episode Highlights

About the Guest
Marc Rust is a brand strategist, TEDx speaker, and founder of Consequently Creative—a creative consultancy that helps companies uncover the deeper story behind their brand and bring it to life...

Feeling stuck, second-guessing your brand, or staring at a blinking cursor, wondering what to say? You may be in what I call 'brand fog.' In this episode, I explore:

What we cover

In this episode:

Connect with Raquel:

✨ Book a free discovery call to clarify your brand and content strategy here...

In this episode, I share:

This is for you if:
You’ve got creative projects, brand ideas, or marketing plans collecting dust because you’re waiting for the “right time.” Spoiler: the right time is when you start.

Links:

Book a free discovery call → https://calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discovery

Follow along...

When used effectively, AI can refine your ideas, help you gain clarity, and accelerate tasks that previously took hours. But when it’s overdone, it strips away your originality and leaves your brand looking and feeling a bit expressionless.

In this episode, I share how to use AI as a creative collaborator without losing your human edge. You’ll learn:

In this episode:

Want a brand and marketing system that puts you in the driver’s seat? Book a free discovery call with Raquel here: https://calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discovery

Or get in touch here: https://vignettebrandstudio.com/contact

Think you need a tagline to have a “real” brand? Not so fast.

In this episode, Raquel shares:

👉 If your brand feels scattered or you’re tired of spinning on messaging, now’s the...

Time always feels like it’s slipping away, but what if your lack of progress isn’t about hours on the clock? In this episode, Raquel explores the real productivity trap: confusing time with focus.

You’ll learn:

👉 Reframe your mindset and reclaim your focus because you don’t need more hours, you need better direct...

Episode Highlights:

Fall always feels like a reset. The shift in energy, routines, and pace makes September the perfect time to recalibrate your brand. Because here’s the truth: you probably don’t need a total rebrand or a bigger hustle. What you do need is to tighten what you already have in place so it works harder for you through the holidays and into the new year.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

“I’m an introvert, marketing just isn’t for me.” Sound familiar?
The truth is, being introverted isn’t the problem. In this episode, I’m breaking down why hiding behind the introvert label won’t grow your business, and how to reframe marketing and sales so they actually work for you.

We’ll cover:

What nobody tells you about starting a podcast? A lot. Not because it's a secret, but because it's a unique experience.

After six months of hosting The Vignette Effect, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing six lessons that have shaped my journey so far. This episode covers:

Whether you’re considering starting your own show or jus...

If you’ve ever worried that using AI in your marketing will make your content sound robotic, off-brand, or just plain wrong, this episode will show you a better way. Raquel walks you through 10 practical tips for using AI in your business so it works with your creativity, not against it.

You’ll hear how to:

What if your messaging had a little more magic? ✨

In this episode, I chat with Jimi Gibson — a seasoned marketer, TEDx speaker, and ex-magician (yes, really!) — about the psychology and structure behind standout storytelling.

We talk about:

Episode Title: 3 Stories Every Brand Needs to Tell

If you’ve ever struggled to talk about your brand in a way that actually connects — this episode is your cheat sheet.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the three stories every brand needs to be telling — beyond just the one you cram onto your About page. Whether you’re building a personal brand, a product line, or a creative service business, these stories are the foundation of how your audience understands and feels your brand.

Here’s what we cover:

In the last episode, we covered 12 foundational traits that help you build a strong brand—but two more superpowers deserve the spotlight.

In this bonus shortie, Raquel shares:

✨ Want support building a brand that reflects your creative spark and moves your business forward? Book a discovery call here or connect in t...

In this episode of The Vignette Effect, we’re flipping the script. Instead of focusing on the external elements of branding (content, visuals, offers), Raquel takes you behind the scenes to discuss the internal superpowers that fuel strong, sustainable brands.

You’ll hear about:

Raquel challenges the idea that building a strong, memorable brand requires a massive budget. Pulling inspiration from YETI’s beautifully produced Dispatch mailer, she breaks down how any small business can create big brand energy by focusing on:

In this episode, we discuss:

Mentioned in this episode:

Visit Yaritza’s Website

Connect with Yaritza on LinkedIn

Book a disc...

Cult brands. Unhinged vibes. Category-of-one syndrome. Let’s talk about it.

In this episode, I’m unpacking why a lot of the “stand out by being uncategorizable” advice isn’t always helpful—and how it’s often just another flavor of sameness. We’ll explore:

Why being “the vibe” isn’t a replacement for brand clarity

The language traps that even the best marketers fall into (yes, even “magnetic messaging”)

What real cult brands like Glossier, Recess, and Oatly do right

Why deep clarity always trumps vague edginess

The power of identity-dr...

You’ve poured your heart into building something beautiful; a new offer, a fresh brand, a shiny new website. But then… nothing.

It’s not that your idea isn’t brilliant. It’s that your audience wasn’t ready, because you skipped the pre-launch. OOf.

In this episode, Raquel shares:

Episode: The No Regrets Website Checklist

Before you drop thousands on a new website or spend a weekend styling a template with total uncertainty, listen to this. In this episode, I’m breaking down what really goes into a website that works: one that reflects your brand, supports your goals, and doesn’t need to be redone entirely six months later.

We’re talking:

Feeling stretched too thin? Like your calendar is packed, your energy is tanking, and your creativity is stuck under a pile of to-dos? You’re not alone, and this episode is for you.

In this solo episode, I’m unpacking what it really means to work within your capacity as a creative entrepreneur. Not just from a self-care lens (though yes, please rest), but from a smart, sustainable, strategic lens. We’ll discuss how to assess your true energy bandwidth, the power of B+ work, how to prioritize based on what’s sustainable, and why whitespace in your wee...

If you feel overwhelmed because you think you need custom design to be a stand-out brand, you're going to love this. Templates can be a smart and strategic part of your brand toolkit—if you use them effectively.

In this episode, I’m diving into:

If you're considering DIYing your website, designing your logo, or planning a self-timer photo shoot, pause for a moment. In this episode, I'm walking you through 7 questions to ask before you dive into any brand project on your own.

I've worked with enough creative entrepreneurs to know that DIY can be a smart move—or a massive time-suck—depending on your expectations, clarity, and priorities. This episode is your reality check (in the most loving way) so you can figure out whether DIY is truly the right call right now… or if it's just the next thing on you...

“I just want to grow my business.”
It’s the most common thing I hear on discovery calls—and the first thing we have to unpack. Because “grow my business” isn’t actually a goal. It’s a vague wish wearing a blazer.

In this episode, we’re breaking down why generic goals don’t work—and how to set ones that do. If you’re feeling scattered, stalled out, or like your to-do list never quite moves you forward, this one’s for you.

Inside:

Too many brands are blending in because they’re all pulling from the same places, usually Pinterest or Instagram. But real inspiration? That comes from the world around you. In this episode, I break down my go-to sources for fresh, original visual branding inspiration, including:

Whether you're planning a photo shoot, updating your website, or just feeling creatively st...

Why I Chose the Fancy Gym: A Branding Lesson in Soap and Self-Perception

I didn’t join Equinox because it was a wise budget choice (it wasn't), I joined because the eucalyptus towels made me feel like I was stepping into the version of myself I wanted to become.

In this episode of The Vignette Effect, I’m breaking down what choosing the fancy gym taught me about:

Visual branding isn’t just about looking good — it’s about communicating trust, style, and intention at first glance. In this episode, I’m walking you through five key areas where small, strategic upgrades can instantly polish your brand without a full redesign.

We cover:

In this episode, we cover:

What “earned media” is and why it’s so powerful for brand growth
What makes photography press-ready (hint: it’s not a Canva mockup)
How to think like an editor when planning your shoots
The four-step plan to prepare your brand for PR features
What can happen if your images aren’t up to par, no matter how great your pitch is

Resources & Links Mentioned:
→ Book a free discovery call here.

→ Follow on Instagram here

→ Got a press win to sh...

In this episode, I’m breaking down the most common reasons marketing feels awkward—and how to reframe it into something that actually feels good and works.

You’ll learn:

Whether you’re DIY-ing your brand or leveling up your content strategy, this one’s a mindset reset you don’t want to skip.

🔗 Links mentioned:
→ Book a free discovery call here...

In this special episode, I’m joined by my very first podcast guest—Morgan Barkus! Morgan is a powerhouse: body confidence coach, author, speaker, and host of Your Unapologetic Life. With degrees in Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy, plus a background in exotic dance and fitness, she brings a wildly unique perspective to helping women reclaim their confidence—especially in midlife.

We talk about what it really means to show up authentically in your brand, the emotional rollercoaster of being visible online, and how body confidence influences everything from your content to your creativity. This conversation is a b...

In this episode, I’m sharing something personal — my own brand reinvention story. I’m still mid-process, but I wanted to bring you along for the ride and give you a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when a brand coach has to coach herself.

Inside this episode:

Whether you’re mid-reinvention, contemplating a shift, or want a little reassurance that you’re not behind, you’ll find something here for you.