Letting Go to Grow: How I Ditched My Old Brand and Found My Creative Voice
We’ve all been there – that feeling when you’re giving it your all, but something’s just off. Maybe your business doesn’t feel like you anymore, or you’re not attracting the dream clients you’re after. I was there a little over a year ago, facing the challenge of letting go to grow. I had to ask myself the scary question: should I completely ditch my old brand?
Spoiler alert: I did! It wasn’t easy, but I want to share my story of rebranding from “Austin Food Guide” to “Mica McCook” to help you get unstuck and grow.
Why Rebranding Matters
For me, the red flag was when I kept hearing, “Your brand is beautiful, but it doesn’t shout food photographer.” I wasn’t being myself, and it showed. My style, my vision, my ideal clients – everything had evolved, but my brand was stuck in the past. Rebranding wasn’t just a change; it was a reflection of who I’d become. If your brand feels out of sync with you, it might be time for a fresh start.
Letting Go of What’s Familiar. Change is scary!
I spent years building “Austin Food Guide,” and the thought of changing everything felt like giving up. But deep down, I knew it wasn’t the right fit anymore. Mentorship and honest self-reflection helped me see that clinging to the familiar was holding me back. Letting go wasn’t failure; it was a chance for growth. What’s scarier – staying stuck or taking a leap? Growth happens outside your comfort zone.
Overcoming Indecision. Indecision is a trap.
I spent over a year flip-flopping about rebranding. I’d convince myself one day that things were fine, then wake up the next wondering why I hadn’t made the jump. Finding a mentor through the Apostrophe Reps program finally gave me the clarity to act. If you’re stuck, find support – a mentor, a coach, a friend. Sometimes it takes an outside perspective to see the path forward.
Speaking Up for What You Want. Your voice matters!
As a people pleaser, giving feedback was tough for me. But I realized that if I didn’t speak up, I’d end up with a brand I wasn’t proud of. It’s okay to say what you like and dislike. It’s not about being difficult; it’s about making sure your brand represents you. If you struggle to speak up, ask yourself: will I be proud of the end result if I don’t? Will it attract the right clients? Probably not. So practice self-advocacy, even if it feels uncomfortable.
Investing in Yourself, Even When It’s Scary
Investing in yourself is an investment in your future.
When business was slow, I hesitated to spend money on rebranding. But then I realized: this is my future. Investing in my brand, my education, my business was the only way to grow. If you’re holding back on investing in yourself, ask: what’s the cost of staying where I am? For me, it was missing out on dream clients, and that wasn’t an option.
Finding Your Creative Identity: Who are you as a creative?
Before rebranding, I had to figure out who I was as a photographer and artist. What kind of work did I want to create? Who did I want to serve? Without those answers, I couldn’t create a brand that truly reflected me. If you’re still figuring out your creative identity, do the deep work. Ask yourself the hard questions. When you know who you are, your brand will follow.
Your Turn
Are you afraid to let go, stuck in indecision, or hesitant to speak up? You’re not alone. When you’re ready to take that next step, you’ll be amazed at how much you can grow. If you have questions or need advice, reach out. I’m here to help, just like others helped me.
Ready to grow? Let’s do this together.
Key Tips for Giving Feedback
- Ask yourself: What will happen if I don’t provide this feedback? What’s the ripple effect? In my case, it was walking away with a website that I wasn’t completely satisfied and in love with. I wouldn’t feel proud to send cold leads there.
- Be an active participant: Don’t just sit back and let things happen. Take charge and express your needs clearly. Ask questions. Then ask more questions. And keep asking questions until you completely understand.
- Know what you want and say it with your chest.
Let’s Chat!
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About Mica
Mica McCook is a food photographer and the host of The Savory Shot podcast, where she discusses the art and soul of working in food photography. As a photographer, she crafts storytelling visuals marinated in color and simmered in shadows. With her signature theatrical flair, Mica recreates emotions from food. You may have seen her larger-than-life images in advertisements for many major brands and publications, including Texas Monthly, Tito’s Vodka, Resy, Cava, and H-E-B.
Episode Breakdown
- Mica explains the rebranding process with Amanda Schumann and why she chose to rebrand.
- She shares how emotional attachment to “Austin Food Guide” made rebranding difficult.
- Mica reflects on feedback that her old brand didn’t reflect her growth as an artist.
- Discusses mentorship and how it guided her through the decision to rebrand.
- Mica highlights the fear of failure and emotional attachment as reasons for delaying the rebrand.
- She explains the importance of investing in branding, even during slow business periods.
- Mica emphasizes the emotional journey of self-reflection and growth during the rebranding process.
- She discusses overcoming the fear of giving feedback and advocating for her vision.
- Mica describes how clear communication and self-advocacy improved her rebranding experience.
- She reflects on how her new website authentically represents her work and identity.
- Mica advises listeners to own their vision and speak up during the branding process.
Action Checklist
- Evaluate your current brand: Assess if it aligns with your current identity and attracts ideal clients.
- Seek mentorship: Consult with mentors to gain feedback and guidance on potential brand changes.
- Set a rebranding timeline: Plan a schedule for rebranding tasks, including design, content, and launch goals.
- Communicate your vision clearly: Provide specific feedback to your design team to ensure your brand reflects your true identity.
- Invest in key areas: Prioritize budget for education, branding, marketing, and equipment to support your growth.
- Develop a new elevator pitch: Create a clear, concise statement that reflects your updated brand identity.
- Test your website: Ensure it attracts your ideal clients and represents your authentic voice and work.
- Practice self-advocacy: Speak up during the rebranding process, expressing your needs and expectations confidently.
Resources Mentioned
- Carrylove Designs – Visit Website
- Apostrophe Reps – Apostrophe Reps
- The Art and Science of Personal Branding” by Cynthia Johnson – Buy The Book Here
- TED Talk: “The Secret to Giving Great Feedback” – Watch on Youtube
