What is an elevated brand?
“My co-worker got pulled aside because her look wasn’t elevated enough.”
There’s a clothing brand that prides itself on an “elevated” look, so much so that their employees are coached to dress the part. If they don’t, they’re approached about it.
“She came to work looking like she just got out of bed. Her hair was messy, and it looked like she was wearing pajamas.”
“Oh, what did you do?”
“My manager asked me to talk to her about it. I feel weird.”
“I don’t blame you. That’s an awkward conversation to have.”
How to elevate your brand
“Elevation isn’t about being flashy. It’s about showing up in a way that looks, sounds, and feels like YOU. Your messaging clicks, your value is clear, and the right people instantly see why you’re the one for them. When your brand is truly aligned, everything just gets easier and more effective. Imagine bigger opportunities, better clients. and bigger impact. Yes, please!”
~Melissa Henry, Founder of Helluva Brand
Think about the goals for your brand and how you’re positioning yourself in the marketplace.
Is your brand “elevated?”
Have you thought through what that means, why, and the values you convey every time you show up as the face of your brand?
The company mentioned above is a large clothing retailer. This is not, like many of us, a solopreneur making their way in the world with their small business. But what are the takeaways for us? Many!
The conversation immediately made me reflect on how I show up, both in person and online, for my business.
COVID put into place a “dress above the waist” process we all fell victim to for a while. Fuzzy pants and slippers on the bottom, nice, fresh, colorful blouse on the top. Maybe some nice earrings—I don’t know. I’m guilty, y’all. And I’m still unapologetic about my slippers in my home office.
Elevating yourself comes first
“When you prioritize your health, you naturally elevate how you show up—in business, in relationships, and for yourself. Tending to your body, mind, and spirit isn’t a luxury; it’s the foundation for clarity, confidence, and authentic leadership. Just as nature thrives in balance, so do we. When we feel well, we lead with presence, purpose, and the kind of energy that draws others in.”
~Melissa Maxwell, Multidimensional Health Coach, Retreat Leader & Yoga Teacher
This isn’t just about the Zoom screen. This is a bigger topic in all the other ways we show up as the face of our business, whether it’s in-person or online. It’s about your goal to elevate your business, brand, and life.
Are you showing up the way you say you want to?
Are you the model of your own brand goals?
Have you set a coaching bar for your clients that you yourself aren’t implementing?
I’ve hired a few people over the years as my brand evolved and elevated. They include hair stylists, clothing stylists (two to be exact), brand strategists, and a brand photographer. I have business coaches and health coaches. My favorite team members? My small business attorney and my esthetician.
When I coach my authors before they’re published, it sounds something like, “If you’re overdue for a new headshot, now’s the time! It’s time to up-level you and your business!”
There’s nothing like becoming a published author or keynote speaker to give you a bit of a kick in the butt about elevating yourself and your brand. More than your mom and BFF are about to see you!
Upleveling and elevating is manifesting power
Just like self-care (caring and filling up your own cup before you can do that for others), you must elevate yourself to elevate your brand and business. A fancy new logo isn’t what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the mindset and the makeup. I’m talking about the confidence and the new outfit. I’m talking about the values and the posture. I’m talking about coping with impostor syndrome and getting that new headshot!
This is an inside-out, outside-in job—a self-development journey. And there’s big manifesting power in elevating your life!
Where do you need to focus the attention, energy, and intention? Does the business refelct the badass boss warrior you are? Does the style and way you show up physically match the business positioning and fancy graphics?
It’s time to align and elevate it all!
Start with the basics and then move your way up
“When you show up as the elevated version of yourself, you’re not just representing your brand, you’re setting the standard for the experience you want your clients to have. Your energy, presence, and clarity become a magnet. That kind of alignment builds trust faster than any marketing strategy ever could.”
~Holly Jean Jackson, Revenue and Performance Consultant, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host
I worked this as a progression from self-care up to stylist when I burned out and hit a rock bottom of exhaustion, wondering how I’d sustain my action-taking success strategy.
I hired stylists and photographers in the first phases of my business, but as we evolve and elevate ourselves, another round of this is important to implement. It’s an ongoing journey of self-development. It’s fun to watch the transformation. Many of us get stuck at phase one and forget there are many phases to come, that we’re always a work in progress.
Elevating your brand includes self-care and an annual website analysis. It’s about that fresh haircut and sorting through the systems in your business to update them.
When you’re thinking about elevating your look, mindset, and positioning (personal and professional), what needs attention? I’ll list some options below to get you started, but grab a pen and notebook and make your own list as you go. This will be an action-taking to-do list for your elevation.
Your elevation list
What do you need to elevate in your personal life?
- Health
- Fitness level
- Energy level
- Sleep
- Values
- Goals or vision
- Skincare
- Hair
- Makeup
- Style/clothing/accessories
- Closet
- Home spaces
- What else can you think of?
What do you need to elevate in your business?
- Website
- Logo
- Finances
- Mindset
- Vision, mission, goals
- Systems and standard operating procedures
- Strategy
- Values
- Partnerships
- Networking relationships
- Business coaching/groups
- In-person meetings
- Speaking
- Writing
- Copywriting
- What else can you think of?
I love doing a website check every year. I also love making sure my outfits, hair, makeup, and accessories for speaking make me feel like a rockstar when I’m in person with people. Taking care of me, inside and out, helps me step out and up into a room and deliver my best. It’s how I serve and have the most impact.
It’s fun to be a living example of what your business promises. And that’s the journey. Are you ready to elevate?
Resources for Elevating Your Life and Business
Health Coaching
Melissa Maxwell wellbymelissa.com
Melissa, through an Ayurvedic lens, will guide you to your best mind/body/soul health, so you can serve the world from an overflow and not your reserves.
Sleep Coaching
Kelly Myerson www.kellymyerson.com
Kelly will give you powerful sleep strategies that will create a lifelong nourishing practice.
Finances
Vivi Muchila www.vmbookkeepingservices.com
Are you in need of professional bookkeeping services to ensure the growth and evolution of your business? Connect with Vivi and she will make sure your finance ducks are in a row!
Anthony Englert alphaadvisory.com
Anthony will help you learn things you never knew about money, finances and investing. This is a safe, empowering place to talk about money.
Frank Byscov forty4financial.com
Frank, through a values-driven system of investing, will help you build your portfolio and reach your financial goals.
Skincare
Anna Bear, Silver Spring, Maryland
If you’re in the DMV, make an appointment with Anna. Just do it.
Stylist
Danielle Probert, Aritizia, Georgetown, Washington DC
Shopping for clothes that make you feel comfortable in your own skin and at the same time elevate your look? Stop by Aritzia!
Home Spaces/Feng Shui
Dana Claudat, The School of Intention www.fengshuimagical.com
Dana’s Feng Shui methods and courses will change your life. Go take one.
Branding
Melissa Henry www.melissademple.com
For a branding strategist and partner who helps you solidify, clarify, and power up your brand, hire Melissa! She sees a bigger picture than most branding people and coaches a strategy that will breathe life into your business.
Business Coaching
Holly Jean Jackson hollyjeanjackson.com
Holly isn’t your ordinary business coach. With a focus on revenue and peak performance and a network to connect you to, she stands out in the crowd. Authors will love her because she knows how to build your business around your book.
Website Development
The website experts here will take your website to the next level with a clear strategy, clean design, and powerful automation. They’ll help you optimize SEO, and keep your website safe and up to date. You can finally stop looking for a great website person!
Kevin Bretecher klashtech.com
Chase Avery averyautomations.com
Dotty Scott premiumwebsites.net
Marketing
CT Marketing ctmarketingsolutionsonline.com
When you meet with Chaminda Tennakoon, you’ll feel like family. And then the weekly strategy meetings with the team will not only impress you, they will help you feel confident about your ongoing marketing strategy. You’ll feel hope and relief, and you’ll have a passionate partner for sharing your mission with the world.
Prati Kaufman
Prati and her team work with you to find the best marketing solutions to grow your business. Their blogging strategy stands out as one of their best services, boosting SEO in a powerful way.
Business Systems
Systems Success Pro: Jonathan Probert systemssuccesspro.com
Great, clear, documented business systems are what make it possible to grow your business. This is a must-have service and program for every start up or business ready to take things to the next level.
Networking
The groups listed are powerhouses at networking in an authentic way that builds your business. Go check them out and elevate your networking!
Ginny Robertson: On Purpose Women Global Community opwgc.com
Donnie Boivin: Success Champion Networking successchampionnetworking.com
Speaking
Hiring a speaking or performance coach will take your journey to new heights. These women below know how to get you there in a powerful way.
Meredith Grundei www.meridithgrundei.com
Jen Loving: jenloving.com
Writing and Publishing
Laura Di Franco, CEO of Brave Healer Productions, Brave Business Books, and Brave Kids Books BraveHealer.com
Ready to publish your brave words? Reach out to us to learn about the next expert book collaboration—a journey to building your community and business like never before.
