Sometimes, when I’m in furniture-makeover-Lucketts-mode, I feel like I stop “talking” on this blog as much as I usually do. Most posts evolve into “I did this and then this and then that…” and those posts are easy to write, so I settle into them. We all love before and afters, but it’s nice to have a little variety and I need to slow down and share more details on the hows and whys. So, I have some posts in the queue that are in that vein.
A few of you noticed my new hangtags on a recent dresser makeover. So glad you noticed! Yes, I am in the process of a branding refresh.
It’s not a total overhaul. In fact, I’ve never had a total overhaul. It’s always been a slow evolution. A process of discovering the feel that is right for me and my business for that particular season. I want to keep my look fresh while maintaining the things that I love about my brand, like the little flower logo (which is a mustard plant with a little seed under it, if you didn’t know.)
This branding refresh takes my brand in a cleaner, simpler direction, which feels right based on the way my design aesthetic overall is heading. It’s not jarring for my customers and readers, though.
I also got new business cards. I have worked with Reni from Bliss & Tell Branding Co. for years and she totally gets me. She decided to put “paint enthusiast” under my name as my job title. It’s a little playful and I like that. I’m not one to put Marian Parsons, President of Mustard Seed Interiors LLC. That’s just not me. Even though it is, but still… “paint enthusiast” is definitely me.
Reni gave me an option of some regular stock and higher end textured stock. There is a huge price difference, so I printed some on the regular stock while I thought about the upgrade. I am going to take the plunge, because the texture stock looks so sharp and is just irresistible!
I’ve ordered mailing labels and notecards to match the new branding as well and I’ll share those when they come in.
And, we’ve had this for a while now, but we have branded masking tape! (It’s from Continental Tape Printing.) It’s just a fun little detail that we use on our packages.
I bought the vintage tape dispenser off of a local antiques dealer who does some picking for me sometimes.
I’ve come a long way from the days when I was printing and punching each hangtag by hand! Everyone has to start somewhere!
Some things to consider when you’re branding…
- Make sure you love, love, love your brand. If you feel iffy about it or you flat-out hate it, you won’t feel great about telling people about your business. Love it, so you want to shout it from the rooftops!
- Your branding should fit the personality of your business. If your business is casual, creative, your branding should feel that way. If it’s formal, professional, your branding should reflect that.
- It’s okay if the name of your business is something that’s personal or requires a little explanation, but if it’s overly complicated, hard to remember or requires too much explanation, you might want to take a second look at it and consider a change.
- Make sure your name and brand is unique enough to trademark and to stand out online.
- All of the details matter. Branding is a powerful thing, so take your time on it and go for quality. It’s worth the investment.
If you’d like to read my business story, you can start HERE.
PS – I listed a few more hemp sheets in my online shop. These are unique from the ones I usually sell, because they have pretty monograms on it, so I listed them separately.
I love how you never take yourself too seriously. It’s so refreshing. And thanks for talking branding. I have been thinking about that lately, here and there between driving to soccer games and violin lessons.
Looking forward to your booth at Lucketts. Just a few more weeks!
The Other Marian
As always you are “spot on” Marian with your choice and direction ! I recently designed and ordered new business cards and was pleased at the comments I was given about the change. I have to say your voice in my head influenced some of my recent branding choices. I debated the pricing on the higher quality paper too but as you show paper can make a big difference in the look.
As always thanks for your great posts and sharing of experiences.
Loving your new design! I would love to know where you got your branded masking tape from.
Me too!
me three! that would be great at my brick & mortar.
RE-READ!!!!! she states where it came from!!!!!!
Dear Marian,
I just love all your posts, now matter what vein they fall into. You feel like a friend through all of it. On a somewhat related note, Spring is finally happening here in Wisconsin and I’m reminded of your visit last year. I wish it were a yearly thing!
Your “friend”,
Laurie
My parents owned a printing business and I practically grew up in the print shop. This was, of course, before the computer revolution hit and so they were “real” graphic artists with light-tables, layout grids, books of typefaces and clipart,. The smell of ink and the feel of paper is a real visceral experience for me. The downside is, I’m always critiquing layout on people’s business cards, flyers or brochures (nothing bugs me more than skimpy margins, bad leading and combining typefaces improperly). Anyway, love your new business cards!
I, too, love your new business cards. So glad you took the plunge and went with the textured card stock. You won’t regret!
Your new hang tags & business cards are so adorable…so you!
As much as I hate change, the updates are perfect for you and I love them. Love your home, your studio and your style.
That tape dispenser is speaking my love language!
Ha! That made me laugh out loud. It speaks mine, too. Who knew that was a love language?
Love the brand changes. The high end paper stock makes a high difference. The texture reflects what you do in your refurbishing. WTG
Love your cards and your brand changes. I’m wanting to do something like that and change mine up. I did mine online myself and it does work but would look so much better professionally done. Thanks and great job!!
Marian, I was wondering if you happen to stamp or stencil or sign the furniture pieces that you sell? I suppose I mean with your logo or signature, because, after all, everything you do is artful!!
I do upon request. I will sign the back with a sharpie and date it. Otherwise I don’t. I feel like I’m just adding another layer of history to the piece and it may be changed again down the road and me signing it feels a little self-important! I know that’s silly, but I always felt awkward about it, so I don’t sign them. 🙂
Just an idea….it could be a simple nice touch to use a “branding iron” image of your Mustard Seed logo on say the back of a dresser or even on the inside of the drawers….mmmm
It would be simple and you wouldn’t feel like you were plastering your name all over something.
Love love love the “paint enthusiast” title! Wish I’d thought of that!
I love it! Great job. I love the idea of slowly morphing the changes rather than the complete rebranding overhaul.
I think your talent is amazing Marion and I really like the new design of your tags etc.Thank-you for so thoughtfully sharing your tips.
Look forward to your blog each day, mostly tickles my fancy, visually and createivly( if that’s a word) ? Inspiring!!! That to me is the highest Source!!! ?❤️?
Very elegant new tags and cards, etc. Simple but elegant. Well done!
Gosh, I remember when you made all those glittered letters and ornaments! So exciting to watch the mustard seed grow—and grow…amazing for Sure!
Like the light blue touch. It suits. I am rethinking my own logo and blog theme. Jsut not suiting me. A hard decision when you have invested so much already. Thanks for the encourgament.
I love it all. <3
I just wanted to ‘pop in’ and say thank you, Marian, for taking the time to write these business posts. I love the honesty and practicality of your advice. I have been establishing a small business myself over the past year and they’ve inspired and encouraged me so much! Wishing you continued success.
Marian,
What stock did you use on your cards and tags? We’ve been trying to find the “perfect” stock and striking out left a right.
Also, love the custom tape, post your sources please!
Love the new tags! And thank you for sharing your story and being so candid about it. I love reading about it and it is very inspiring. Your style is unique and you always stay true to your style which is very refreshing.
Hi there!
I have been admiring you on Pinterest for quite some time now & ever since I read your post about how and why you started Miss Mustard Seed I’ve been so inspired by you! I also am a paint enthusiast! I have been “fantasizing” (contemplating, brainstorming, praying about…) starting a business/blog. I’m following a few people that are in the know about this sort of thing and I’m trying to learn as much as I can and get my ducks in a row. You are like my virtual mentor! I love your work and your brand. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Marian,
This may be a stupid question, and you may have covered this in a previous post, but why do your promotionals read “Miss Mustard Seed” and your watermark read, “Mustard Seed Interiors”? Is there a difference?
“Miss Mustard Seed” is actually not the name of my business! It’s my web domain and, sort of by default, became the name of my blog and what people call me. My official business name is actually “Mustard Seed Interiors”, which is the larger umbrella that all of my business ventures fall under.
Probably more information than you needed!
For the gals who want the source of the branded tape, she DOES list her source in parentheses by it! You were reading too fast! Now go up and find it for yourselves! lol.
Love the refresh! There is absolutely nothing like good quality paper. You will love the investment. It is much like investing in great fabric or paint. 🙂 Love the tape dispenser too!
SM
Looks awesome! So refreshing and simple, I love where you are going with it. Great business cards too!
Lauren | Lovely Decor
xx