Our ultimate small business gift guide is packed with thoughtful, fun, and practical gifts from brands we’ve branded ourselves. From style upgrades to wellness treats, there’s something for everyone.

As a designer, illustration can be one of the key things to set you apart. If you’re new here, I’m a big fan of including illustration work (or elements) into all of our branding projects — and it’s easier to start incorporating illustrations than you might think! I’m outlining three of my biggest tips below so you can start creating impactful work with more fun illustrative moments!

Brave Little Ones makes buttery-soft bamboo pajamas for littles and adults, designed for cozy days, snuggly nights, and a little extra impact. But the branding didn’t match the warmth, playfulness, and quality of the product. We gave them a modern, inviting brand identity, playful patterns, and a cohesive color palette that finally feels as cozy and intentional as the pajamas themselves.

If you’re an e-commerce biz, then your product pages are a pretty big deal. We’re breaking down how to structure them, write copy that converts, and show off your products with visuals that actually make people want to buy. Plus, tips on social proof, recommended products, and what to avoid.

Work/life “balance” isn’t one-size-fits-all — and at Brighten Made, I’m redefining what it means. From early hustle nights to implementing half-day Fridays and now a 4-day work week, here’s how I’ve created a workplace that values flexibility, priorities, and sanity over rigid rules.

Thinking about rebranding? We’re sharing the dos worth stealing (and the don’ts you’ll definitely want to avoid) from our own Brighten Made rebrand. From rollout timing to perfectionism pitfalls, consider this your behind-the-scenes playbook to rebranding without the stress spiral.

Cedar & Vine is all about slow fashion, made-to-order magic, and beautiful linen pieces designed to be cherished. But their brand and website weren’t telling that story the way they deserved. We helped them bring their vision to life with a fresh brand identity, a stunning Shopify site, and custom packaging that turned every order into an experience.

Rebranding is messy, usually extremely caffeinated, and totally worth it. We asked the Brighten Made team to share their favorite parts, biggest challenges, and hot takes on the new brand—and here’s what went down.

Naming (or renaming!) your business is a big deal — and it’s easy to get stuck in overthinking mode. We’re walking you through when it’s time for a rename, what to consider when choosing a new name, and how to brainstorm something that actually fits your brand. Plus, what to do once you land on the one.

Wander & Root is a mobile plant shop bringing playful energy, curated greenery, and community vibes to Pittsburgh neighborhoods. But the brand wasn’t telling that story in a way that truly stuck. We helped bring it all to life with a vibrant new identity, custom illustrations, and packaging that made every plant feel like a little gift.

Feeling stuck on Instagram? You’re not alone. Between ever-changing algorithms, endless trends, and the pressure to post all the time, it’s easy to feel like you’re spinning your wheels. But here’s the thing—organic growth isn’t about chasing numbers or cracking some secret code. It’s about showing up in a way that feels good, creating content that actually connects, and making Instagram work for you (not the other way around). So, if you’re ready to stop stressing and start growing, let’s dive in.

Discover what a branding kit is, why it's crucial to have a cohesive brand identity, and how to choose the right branding kit to elevate your business—all without the custom price tag.