Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast

Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast

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.

Episodes

July 21, 2026 11 mins

We're pressing pause on the podcast, but don't worry, we're not disappearing. Michelle pulls back the curtain on why it's time for a breather, what shifting gears means for creative projects, and how this break is setting the stage for something even better! Make sure you're following us, so you get notified as soon as we're back! 

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What does it take to launch a luxury condo brand from the ground up when the building doesn't even exist yet? Step behind the scenes with Michelle as she unveils the strategy, creative moves, and real estate secrets that brought a condo's Milwaukee debut to life. From mastering the art of hype (and keeping things under wraps) to creating irresistible social content and plotting...
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In the age of AI overload and digital sameness, it's time to stand out with print. Michelle reveals how what makes good print design and how to make your brand impossible to ignore— from eye-catching direct mail and tactile packaging to look-books people want to keep. Get the inside scoop on luxury catalogs, creative print marketing, hybrid strategies, and why thoughtful ...
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Patriarchy, performance, and the power of women. This week, Michelle on the podcast (for the 5th time!) with Ashli Pollard to dig deep into what it really takes to smash the status quo in business and beyond. They dive into financial independence, feminist values, and why today's wealth gap isn't accidental. From the wild west of AI and the dark side of tech, to redefining succ...
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Ever wish you could hit rewind and start your business with everything you know now? Time travel with Michelle as she shares the ten bold moves she'd make if she restarted MKW Creative Co. today. From building a killer portfolio before posting on socials to negotiating contracts that actually work for you, this episode lays out the playbook for anyone ready to ditch rookie mist...
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The ethics of AI in design are stirring up more drama than a reality TV reunion, so Michelle and your favorite AI auntie, Lauren deVane, are diving headfirst into what's helpful and what's misdirected rage. Get the inside scoop on creative boundaries, data centers, and why bullying local businesses for using ChatGPT is officially "out." This conversation unpacks how to actually...
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Is your current marketing strategy going silent? Michelle gives the lowdown on what to do when your marketing spend hits a wall, why "going dark" is basically a brand crime, and exactly how to trim expenses without ditching your strategy. Get the know-how for protecting your brand equity, making your clients stickier than ever, and learning why a little creativity in a crisis m...
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Do you feel like social media is just one big popularity contest that leaves you creatively drained? Let's shake things up. Join Manu Muraro shares how to make your brand stand out in a saturated feed, how to actually enjoy content creation, and why celebrating those small wins might be your new secret weapon. From tackling the Instagram algorithm to surviving the world of copy...
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Feeling like everyone on the Internet has it more together than you? Shannon Keating joins Michelle to get real about the pressure to be perfect, the chaos of social media, and why "rotting" on your phone is stealing your joy. Whether you're stuck in a comparison spiral or need a nudge to put your phone down and actually live, this episode shares the tips on building confidence...
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Ever wondered if selling branded merch is worth it, or just another shiny distraction? Michelle pulls back the curtain on what it takes to create merchandise that adds value to your business. From mastering the art of print-on-demand to crafting bespoke gifts that leave a lasting impression, discover the strategic decisions behind every product drop. With insights on platforms,...
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Ever find yourself drowning in notes after a conference, or worse, forgetting every genius idea the minute you get home? Tune in as Michelle and Mo discuss how to turn caffeine-fueled ideas into game-changing opportunities. From teaching workshops with 18,000 attendees, landing brand partnerships, and designing the perfect slides, to the secrets behind making sure your big debu...
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Step into the vibrant tapestry of India as Michelle recounts her trip with The Galavant Society. Discover how brand touchpoints, like the silk scarves and editorial travel magazines she designed, can elevate an experience from memorable to unforgettable. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, learn how intentional design translates across continents,...
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Think your business contracts are airtight? Think again. In this essential episode, Michelle sits down with Gabby Moussa: the legal expert who helps creatives and entrepreneurs dodge some of the most common (and costly) mistakes. From why relying on AI like ChatGPT for your contracts can backfire, to simple steps you can t...
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Curious how brands can break free from digital overload and actually make a lasting impression? In this round up of our top 5 episodes on branding and marketing, you'll learn the essentials of brand identity. Michelle shares actionable tips to connect with your ideal audience, both online and off. From the power of print design to building real-world community, you'll learn how...
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Discover the art of community building with Taylor Smith, founder of The Power Table. If you're tired of equating "followers" with real connection, this conversation offers the mindset shifts, practical tools, and leadership insights you need to stand out in today's entrepreneurial landscape. Learn why consistency, curiosity, and genuine service matter more than ever— whe...
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Discover the strategy behind creating meaningful client relationships. This episode explores the art of mapping the customer journey, from first encounter to loyal ambassador, and examines how service-based businesses can optimize every step for stronger engagement and lasting impact. Michelle shares insights gleaned from real client experiences, guiding you through the essenti...

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Why does your favorite local coffee shop feel like more than just a morning pit stop? Join Michelle and industry insider Sadie Renee as they explore the impact of values-driven businesses, the evolution of coffee culture, and why the barista behind the counter might be shaping your community more than you think. From the i...
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Feeling uninspired with your current design work? The Kiss My Portfolio Challenge is back to reignite your passion and purpose by connecting your creativity to the issues you care about most. Discover how to create impactful, portfolio-worthy projects through a thoughtfully guided challenge that blends real-world values with standout branding skills. Whether you're looking to e...
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Ever wondered where your hard-earned money actually goes when you run a creative business? Peek behind the curtain as Michelle shares on every tool, subscription, and sneaky expense that keeps her agency thriving. From splurges she'll never give up, to those subscriptions haunting her credit card, you'll get the unfiltered downlow on what's essential, what's a money pit, and ho...
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March 10, 2026 36 mins
Don't mistake the allure of a shiny new logo for the true engine behind a thriving business. In this episode, Michelle teams up with Cody to demystify the branding process, tracing the journey from "just good enough" placeholders to strategic, confidence-building design. Their conversation is packed with takeaways on aligning investment with growth, clarifying your business vis...
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