Episode 15: Building Brands Before The Blueprint

Evolution of Influencer and Brand Marketing with Kristin McClement and Kirby Smith
Episode Overview
In this inspiring episode of Founders & Fortitude, host Audrie Dollins sits down with Kristin McClement, President of Arden St. Clair, and Kirby Smith, branding and marketing strategist, to reflect on the early days of influencer and brand marketing.

At a time when there was no clear blueprint, these trailblazers worked within public relations, influencer management, customer service, and marketing growth to curate an ecosystem that shaped today’s creator economy. Together, they share stories of navigating brand negotiations, learning from both successes and setbacks, and building companies that helped define how brands and influencers collaborate today.

Listeners will gain insight into how an undefined industry grew into a thriving marketing channel that continues to evolve, along with the lessons learned from those who were there at the very beginning.

Key Takeaways

• Building Without a Blueprint: How influencer and brand marketing emerged before clear processes existed.
• The Power of Collaboration: Why aligning PR, influencer voices, social media, and customer service created long-term growth.
• Lessons from Negotiation: The reality of structuring partnerships between brands and creators in the early stages.
• Growing with the Industry: How setbacks, adjustments, and persistence led to sustainable campaigns and thriving companies.
• Influencing the Future: The role professionals like Kristin and Kirby played in shaping today’s creator economy.

Notable Quotes
“Influencer marketing wasn’t written down in a handbook when we started. We built it as we went.” – Kristin McClement

“The best campaigns weren’t just about sales. They were about connection, story, and growth for both brand and creator.” – Kirby Smith

“Every misstep became a roadmap for the future. Success comes from learning, adjusting, and trying again.” – Audrie Dollins

Links & Resources

Connect with Kristin McClement

• Email: Kristin@ardenstclair.com

• Instagram: @kristin_mcclement

• LinkedIn: Kristin McClement

Kristin’s Recommendations

• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• Podcasts: Aspire with Emma Grede, Building Brand Advocacy
• Newsletters: Marketing Brew, Girlboss Daily

Connect with Kirby Smith

• Email: Kirbyannesmith@gmail.com

• LinkedIn: Kirby Smith

Kirby’s Recommendations

• #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso
• Normal Gets You Nowhere by Kelly Cutrone
• Leave Your Mark by Aliza Licht

Guests

• Kristin McClement – President, Arden St. Clair
• Kirby Smith – Branding and Marketing Strategist

Host

• Audrie Dollins – Founder & CEO of AD Media Group, Marketing Strategist

Final Note
This episode is a masterclass in building before a blueprint existed. Whether you’re an influencer, brand founder, or marketer, Kristin and Kirby’s stories will inspire you to approach challenges with creativity, persistence, and vision. Their experiences remind us that the creator economy wasn’t given to us, it was built, and it continues to evolve with those willing to lead the way.

Suzy Mighell of Empty Nest Blessed – Finding Joy and Purpose in the Empty Nest Season

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt episode of Founders & Fortitude, host Audrie Dollins sits down with Suzy Mighell, the voice and vision behind Empty Nest Blessed. Suzy opens up about her passion for blogging, her journey as a leading resource for empty nesters, and the inspiration behind her new book.

This episode explores how the empty nest stage can be a time of rediscovery, growth, and meaningful new beginnings. Suzy shares practical advice and personal stories that make you feel understood, inspired, and equipped to navigate this transition with confidence and joy.

Audrie and Suzy dive deep into the power of community, the challenges and rewards of midlife reinvention, and how sharing your story online can impact countless others going through the same journey. This conversation leaves listeners feeling empowered, supported, and ready to embrace the possibilities of their next chapter.

Key Takeaways

• Rediscovering Purpose: How Suzy turned her personal journey as an empty nester into a thriving blog and supportive community.
• The Power of Sharing Your Story: Why blogging can create impact and connection during life transitions.
• Navigating Change with Confidence: Practical tips for finding meaning, joy, and direction when your children leave home.
• Creating a New Identity: Building a life that reflects who you are now while honoring the chapters that came before.
• Encouragement for the Journey: Why no one has to feel alone during the empty nest season.

Notable Quotes

• “The empty nest isn’t the end of your story. It’s the start of a beautiful new chapter.” – Suzy Mighell
• “When you share your journey, you give others permission to feel, to grow, and to know they’re not alone.” – Audrie Dollins
• “Midlife reinvention is not about starting over. It’s about stepping into who you’ve always been meant to be.” – Suzy Mighell

Links & Resources

Follow Suzy Mighell on Instagram: @emptynestblessed

Explore Suzy’s blog and resources: www.emptynestblessed.com

Check out Suzy’s new book: Empty Nest Blessed

Follow Audrie Dollins on Instagram: @audriedollins

Visit Audrie’s websites: www.audriedollins.com
and www.admediagroupllc.com

Guest

Suzy Mighell – Blogger & Author, Empty Nest Blessed

Host

Audrie Dollins – Founder & CEO of AD Media Group, Marketing Strategist

Final Note

Whether you’re entering the empty nest stage, reinventing your career, or simply looking for encouragement, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone. Suzy’s story and insights offer a roadmap to living fully and joyfully in this new season of life.

Episode Powered by

AD Media Group – @admediagrp

Episode Overview:
In this episode of Founders & Fortitude, host Audrie Dollins sits down with Penny Gibbs, Founder of Moxy Energy Drink. Penny shares her journey from concept to execution, describing her mission to create a health-driven energy drink after realizing how many mainstream options were filled with unhealthy ingredients. What started as a personal need quickly turned into a brand built on impact, fortitude, and perseverance in the unknown.

Audrie and Penny dive into the realities of building a brand with Penny's non-prior industry experience, from formulating the drink to producing it for the masses. This conversation highlights the resilience required to keep moving forward, the importance of surrounding yourself with support, and how the AD Media Group team partnered with Penny to bring her vision to life through design and marketing processes.

Grab a Moxy and join us for an inspiring conversation about drive, passion, and making bold ideas a reality.

Key Takeaways:

• Building with Purpose: Why Penny’s personal health journey was the catalyst for Moxy Energy Drink.
• From Vision to Reality: What it takes to develop a product from scratch without prior experience.
• Fortitude in the Unknown: How persistence drives success when facing challenges in uncharted territory.
• The Power of Support: Why surrounding yourself with the right people is essential to growth.
• Marketing the Mission: How AD Media Group helped shape and amplify Penny’s brand story.

Notable Quotes:

• "I knew energy drinks were part of my daily life, but I didn’t want to compromise my health, so I made it my mission to create a better option." – Penny Gibbs
• "Building a brand is about fortitude, pushing through the unknown, and believing in your why." – Audrie Dollins
• "Surround yourself with people who support your vision, even when the journey feels uncertain." – Penny Gibbs

Links & Resources:
Follow Moxy Energy Drink on Instagram: @drinkmoxy

Learn more at: www.drinkmoxy.com

Follow AD Media Group on Instagram: @admediagrp

Learn more about marketing strategies at: www.admediagroupllc.com

Guest:
Penny Gibbs – Founder, Moxy Energy Drink

Host:
Audrie Dollins – Founder & CEO of AD Media Group, Marketing Strategist
Instagram: @audriedollins

Website: www.audriedollins.com

Website: www.admediagroupllc.com

Final Note:
Launching a product takes courage, persistence, and a clear mission. Whether you are building a new brand, developing a product, or finding your footing in uncharted territory, this episode shows the value of passion, fortitude, and surrounding yourself with the right team.

Capture. Brand. Engage. Let’s Do Big Things.

Episode Powered by:
AD Media Group – @admediagrp