As we move into 2026, the landscape for emerging brands has never been more crowded—or more complicated. AI tools have made it easier than ever to launch a business, create content, and build a digital presence. But here's the problem: when everyone has access to the same tools, everything starts to look the same. Generic logos. Templated websites. AI-generated content that feels hollow. Brands thatpost for the sake of posting, with no strategy behind it. In a world drowning

When over 1,500 people lined up outside El Sueñito Brewing Company's grand opening in February 2023, it wasn't just another brewery launch in Washington. It was a moment. The state's first queer Latinx-owned brewery was opening its doors, and the community showed up in force. I'd been working with founders Osbaldo and Dennis since 2021—first on their brand identity, then their website, and eventually the launch itself. By the time those doors opened in Bellingham, we'd spent

When a friend sent me an Instagram post looking for workshop facilitators for an upcoming youth empowerment event, I didn't overthink it. I applied to a handful of opportunities, not knowing what to expect. A few weeks later, I got the call: they wanted me to lead a workshop on resilience—specifically, artistic resilience from my experience and career perspective. I had a different idea. What if we talked about personal branding  instead? I pitched it to them: personal brandi