by Miriam Hara | Aug 20, 2025 | Agency, Branding, Business Success, Marketing
My Brand Commandments: The Non-Negotiables
This is the last of my series about my entrepreneurial journey. I truly hope that you enjoyed the last 5 blogs and that it provided you with some incite and value.
Last doesn’t mean least, and in this case, this is perhaps the most important blog of the series. Every brand has big ideas, but what matters most are the non-negotiables that comprise of the values and standards I refuse to bend, no matter the challenge or the client. For me, these brand commandments aren’t just aspirational. They are the guardrails that keep my work honest, my team focused, and my clients confident that what we promise, we deliver. I’ve simplified them to 10 must dos…and here they are:
1. Always Lead With Clarity
Confusion is the enemy of progress. Whether in strategy, creative, or communication, I refuse to settle for muddled thinking. I dig until the message is clear and the plan is actionable, each and every time.
2. Be Bold, But Never Reckless
Bravery is baked into every brand we assist. Encouraging risk-taking, original thinking, and pushing the boundaries of what’s expected, is simply my go-to. But every bold move is backed by insight, not impulse, and that is key.
3. Listen First, Advise Second
Real understanding starts with listening. Invest the time to hear clients’ concerns, ambitions, and blind spots before jumping to solutions. My advice is always rooted in empathy and context.
4. Respect the Process, But Be Prepared to Question Everything
Knowing what works helps, but it’s key that you face each and every mandate like it’s the first time you’ve seen or heard of the challenge facing the brand. Never let habit replace curiosity. There’s nothing fron with following proven steps, yet I’m never afraid to ask, “Is there a better way?” That’s how progress happens.
5. Simply Show Up.Fully. And Be Ready To Play.
Partnership means presence. I bring my full self to every meeting, every brief, and every challenge. I don’t dial it in. I dig in, and I expect that same from my team.
6. Always Overdeliver
Honesty is non-negotiable. I won’t sell quick fixes or magic solutions. I won’t take on a mandate or timeline that is unrealistic and will set the brand up for failure. When timelines are not realistic, or budgets not sufficient to deliver on KPIs, I say so, right at the get go. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll work relentlessly to exceed expectations, every chance me and my team get. But the mandate or the challenge needs to be realistic. Off topic, I’m pretty proud of the fact that my team feels the same way.
7. Own Mistakes and Share Wins
Accountability is at the core of trust. When things go right, I celebrate with the team. And we are a team…which I lead. Showing up everyday to lead means responsibility and building trust. So when things go wrong, I take responsibility and course-correct fast.
8. Stay Human
No brand is built by algorithms alone. And, couple that with AI…. staying human is and will become more on trend than we think. I believe in face-to-face conversations, hand-written notes, and a sense of humour. People do business with people, and building relationships with people… Make sure your brand remains authentic. It’s essential to remember, logos do not make brands.
9. Keep Learning, Keep Growing. Keep Open.
What works today might not work tomorrow. Just like what didn’t work yesterday, may work tomorrow. It’s essential to look at situations with a fresh eye and not be tarnished about the past failures. Keep a fresh perspective.It’s equally important to never stop learning from clients, peers, and yes, competitors. Growth is a lifelong pursuit…and has no end date.
10. Protect the Why
When the work gets hectic or the market shifts, I remind myself and my clients: our purpose is the anchor. We don’t chase trends at the expense of what matters most. It’s not important to jump in on the band wagon, especially if it doesn’t resonate with the brands’s persona.
These brand commandments aren’t just words on a page. They’re the backbone of my brand, the measure of my partnerships, and the reason clients trust me when the stakes are high.
If you’re building a brand, or simply want to show up more boldly, hope these brand commandments inspire you to set your own non-negotiables. Don’t forget and never minimize the importance of understanding what you stand for. Ultimately, it is what will make you and your brand stand out.
by Miriam Hara | Aug 15, 2025 | Agency, Business Success, Marketing
Showing Up for Brands. Why It Matters
What sets you apart… what commands attention is how you show up each and every day. Of course showing up when it’s time to deliver, matters…but it’s the small interactions before the deliver date that matters. For me, showing up for the brands I’m entrusted with is my mantra. It isn’t a slogan or a checklist. It’s a promise. It’s a living practice that shapes every project and partnership I engage in.
All In…Every Step of the Way
When a client entrusts their brand to me, it’s personal. I don’t just “take on accounts”. I dive in, ensure that my entire team (me included) learn the business, and listen before ever start crafting solutions. Asking tough questions and inviting honest answers is the only way to successful outcomes. That’s how real results happen, and it’s how trust is built.
I’d like to believe that when my clients deal with me… and any of my team members, they experience a partner who is present in every sense of the word. I show up early, come prepared, and stay late when it matters. It’s not about punching a clock or becoming a martyr. Whether it’s a workshop, a crisis call, or a pitch that needs a rethink, it gets my full attention and energy every single time.
Strategy First, But Never Strategy Only
I’m known for creative solutions, but the ideas are never pulled from thin air. They’re rooted in strategy, real insight, and a deep understanding of what’s at stake for the brand. I believe in rolling up my sleeves, digging into data, and seeing the bigger picture because creative that works is always grounded in purpose. My approach is to question, clarify, and challenge assumptions, not just to make noise, but to make sure we’re building something lasting and something we can continuously evolve.
Unafraid to Challenge, Always Ready to Support
Clients know I’ll challenge them, but always with respect and partnership in mind. I won’t shy away from tough conversations, and I never settle for “good enough.” If I see a better path or a potential blind spot, I speak up because I care about the outcome as much as they do. Showing up for brands isn’t only about pointing out what can improve. But rather, being a champion for the brand when the stakes are high, offering steady guidance, and celebrating every milestone together.
Consistent Standards, Personal Touch
Above all, I hold myself to high standards. Consistency matters to me, to my team, and to my clients. That means follow-through, honest feedback, and a refusal to over promise is paramount to the integrity of any relationship. I would like to believe that I bring a personal touch in everything I do. Clients aren’t just names on a roster; they’re partners, collaborators, and often, friends. I want every interaction to leave them feeling seen, understood, and confident that they have someone in their corner who truly cares. That’s what showing up for my clients and brands means to me.
by Miriam Hara | Aug 8, 2025 | Advertising, Agency, Business Success, Creative, Design
Unmistakably Purple
If voice shapes how a brand sounds and represents, its visual identity is how it’s remembered. In a world crowded with choices, visuals are strategy, personality, and first impression all at once. For my business... my brand, that unforgettable visual identity begins with one unexpected colour: purple.
The Layering Approach
An unforgettable visual identity is never just about what looks good on a page. It’s about crafting patterns, moments, and details that make an impression before you’ve said a word. It embodies and propels forward the brand's logo while carrying the momentum to social media communications, and advertising.
When I considered what would signal my business to the world, I started with the simplicity of a my business' visual identity. I started with a colour that was unexpected 37 years ago. It was a colour that was rarely seen or utilized in the business world yet oddly traditional. It was a bold move in the seas of grey, blue and burgundy. Additionally, I wanted a colour that sparked curiosity, commanded attention, and reflected the kind of creative courage I bring to every project.
Why Purple?
Purple wasn’t chosen by accident. It’s the signature of my brand for a reason. Throughout history, purple has signalled creativity, originality, and even a little bit of rebellion. It’s confident, distinctive, and unapologetic just like the brands I love to build. And let's not forget...purple is often associated with courageousness...with braveness.
Albeit, purple is also personal for me. It reflects imagination, a bias toward bold ideas, and a commitment to standing for something unique, not just what’s expected. It’s the heartbeat of every piece of creative, every campaign, and every brand moment we deliver.
Consistency Creates Confidence
Of course, visual identity is about more than just one shade. It’s the patterns, rhythms, and small details that turn colour into memory. Purple is the visual thread that runs through our brand. It appears in the logo, the website, event booths, even the energy of the team.Consistency is a competitive advantage. I want people to feel the brand before they even know it’s us.
Purple invites a double take. It stands out in a sea of sameness and, in our world, that matters. Clients and potential clients alike, take note of our brand colour. Unbeknownst to them, from the very first hello, we are already having a brand conversation. One that enables us to really show what we can accomplish for their brands. The use of purple is very intentional.
Visuals That Speak Volumes For My Clients, Too
Many of the brands I work with are navigating complex, crowded spaces; health, innovation, food, lifestyle, and legacy industries that can feel overwhelming and even feel a little sterile. For them, standing out isn’t just a luxury; it’s survival.
When I and my team are given to develop an unforgettable visual identity... it isn't only about colour. It's about being unexpected...and whatever that form takes. We aim to make their message impossible to ignore and giving their brand sense of confidence and cohesion that transcends vehicle. Confidence in their communications, advertising and of course, confidence for their sales force to articulate what needs to be. The visual identity is the springboard for which all brand communications (digital, print, sales) take flight. Clients have told me that our creative choices, especially the signature visual elements, help their brands claim space, spark conversations, and signal that they’re not afraid to lead.
When someone is exposed to one of my businesses' campaigns or walks into our office, I want them to feel that spark. Purple makes sure they do. It’s a colour that opens doors, starts conversations, and makes the brand unforgettable not just for me, but for every client I have the privilege to work with.
by Miriam Hara | Aug 5, 2025 | Agency, Business Success, Marketing, Miriamisms
In my previous blog, the first of this series of six, I explained how every business has a story. And since every story has a beginning,… every business has one too. If “what” is the heartbeat of any entrepreneurial story, then “why” and “how” are the soul. Here’s a little synopsis of my business beginnings.
Business Beginnings
Before I could start a business, let alone build a business, I needed to dig into what truly mattered to me. That meant pausing, reflecting, and asking myself some real and serious questions. What shaped me in my career? What do I actually stand for within the industry that I wanted to shape and be a part of? What did my experience thus far, teach me, frustrate me, invigorate me? More importantly, how did I want to sound out in the world? By answering those questions, I had the makings of my business beginnings.
My business beginning was stitched together from curiosity, drive, and, honestly, a stubborn streak. I always questioned the usual way of doing things. Why not try something different? Why not find a way for strategy and creativity to meet without compromise? In all honesty, the stubborn streak was essential…and the curiosity also had a constant companion…sheer determination. Nothing about my path was handed to me. I carved it out, sometimes the hard way. Trusting instincts, even when it meant taking the harder route, became a pattern. When something felt right, I doubled down, even if it made things messier at first.
Business Adventure
It goes without saying that the in the beginning, you really don’t know what it’s going to take to actually start, build and maintain a business. Nothing quite prepares you. We all know the adage ignorance is bliss. When I started my business adventure, not knowing was the silver lining that I needed to keep going. I just started and off I went to take the curve balls and the outs, and the homeruns in stride.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my team. Throughout the 37 years I’ve been blessed. Key to my business journey is that I found an eclectic team of like-minded professional and quirky people who got me… who believed in my vision… and who would propel my business forward. I had one additional thing going for me that many didn’t. I leaned on my family’s and husband’s unwavering support and belief that what I wanted to do, could be done. That’s really where my brand story began.
Developing my Strategic Voice
If you’ve spent any time with me, or read any of my blogs, you know I don’t do generic. I like clarity with a bit of edge. I’m always asking another question, never stopping at the surface. Brands deserve to sound confident, not cautious. I leave out the jargon, skip the filler, and focus on ideas that leave a mark. My business follows the same logic.
I talk, write, and collaborate with openness. But there’s backbone in there too. I’m not afraid to challenge a comfortable answer. Curiosity is great, but so is decisiveness. Those two live side by side for me.
My Business Pillars
I’ve built my business by thinking a certain way and by establishing brands in a context that would enable them to achieve success. In my line of work, it gets busy…but no matter how busy things get, there are no short cuts to how we create and develop brand. Whether I’m in a client meeting, kicking off a new campaign, or up late turning over ideas, these business pillars are what I always strive for.
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Owned Confidence:
Developing brands own who they are. Not just what they sell. Confidence isn’t just a buzzword. It’s how brands grow.
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Strategic Originality:
Big ideas are nothing if they aren’t rooted in real insight. I believe creativity works best not only when it serves a purpose, but is unexpected.
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Boldness:
Vision needs a framework. Strong action. Loud Voice. . Forward propulsion. That’s when the magic truly begins.
These are the pillars I always circle back to. This is what I built my own business… my own brand with. These pillars are what drive my all my work and, honestly, what gets me out of bed in the morning.
by Miriam Hara | Jul 29, 2025 | Agency, Business Success
Every business has a story. Which means that every entrepreneur has their story. This six-part series is mine. In these blogs, I’ll walk through what matters most; from the big “why” to the daily decisions, and how it all comes together to create a brand with staying power.
When you’re an entrepreneur, there is a fine line between your very personal brand and that of the company you have founded. Sometimes the lines just get blurred. It goes without saying, there’s a symbiotic relationship between the two. It comes down to leadership and how that leader drives the organization and team members each and every day. More on that later.
In the Beginning…
As with most big decisions in life, it all starts with a question. Entrepreneurship isn’t a single moment of inspiration.
It’s a series of pivots, doubts, and the kind of clarity that only comes from asking tough questions.
Early on, I realized that finding my “what” wasn’t just about naming a service. It was about defining a promise for the company I was establishing… an extension of myself. It was simple: What do I deliver that actually matters? Not just what I do, but what I bring to clients, to brands, to the noisy, fast-moving world of marketing. That is what I wanted for my company…my organization…and for my team to live by.
Owning the “What”
What I deliver is more than strategy or creativity. It’s clarity, boldness, and an unshakeable commitment to outcomes that matter. My role isn’t just to make brands look good. It’s to help them find their voice, claim their space, and make an impact specially when the stakes are high and the landscape is complex. That’s what I bring to the table, and what my company is defined by. I remember when I first stepped out on my own, the temptation was to cast the widest net. I took on every project and brief. I could do this because I realized early on that growth doesn’t come from saying yes to everything… it comes from exceeding the brief. It comes from owning your difference and applying to however big or small the mandate is. Subsequently I also realized that saying no was also right, when what I deliver and how I deliver it isn’t aligned with the ask.
So what exactly is my difference?
“I help brands in complex, competitive spaces own their voice and their market through strategic clarity, creative courage, and a drive for measurable results.”
Why the “What” Matters
Brands always want to get the most attention. But beyond that, they want and need traction. Brands need to know who they are, what makes them different, and how to turn that difference into growth. My “what” is about giving them that edge, not with quick fixes, but with honest, sometimes uncomfortable, always strategic conversations. That is the only way forward towards building the foundation that lets a brand adapt to the newest trends, stand out, and keep moving forward, no matter how crowded the market gets.
The Heart of My Entrepreneurial Journey
Looking back, getting clear on what I deliver was the moment my entrepreneurial story really began. It’s what gave me the confidence to say no when it mattered, and the drive to say yes to challenges that scared me (in the best way possible). The “what” is never static. It grows as you do. But once you’ve found it, you have something solid to stand on. It’s the north star that guides everything else.
In my next post, I’ll dig into the “who”: the clients, teams, and communities I serve, and why their success is the fuel behind everything I do.
