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.
by Miriam Hara | Jun 24, 2025 | Branding, Marketing
I know that some of you may feel that brand confidence isn’t a real goal. However, I constantly say that brand is a living organism. As such, it must evolve and earn it’s attributes just like any living organism. Brand confidence is not loud. You will not find it in a tagline or a product claim, although perhaps, parts of it elude to its confidence. Brand confidence does not need to shout to be noticed. Instead, it shows up in the clarity of how a brand speaks, moves, and holds space in the market.
If you envision Brand as you would a person, Brand Confidence is a natural fit. Confidence is knowing who you are and staying consistent in that truth. (do I hear the word authentic?). It is the ability to communicate without needing to over-explain. Brands that are confident do not just tell you what they offer, they show you what they believe and who they are.
You can feel it in the tone. In the restraint. In the way they choose their presence over pressure to conform. Confidence lives in the choices a brand makes. But also in the things it chooses to leave out.
Where It Comes From
Brand confidence does not happen by accident. It is shaped over time. It grows through alignment. Between strategy and story. Between what is promised and what is actually delivered.
It begins with clarity. Not just clarity around purpose, but around boundaries. What a brand stands for. What it will say yes to. What it will say no to.
Many brands want to be everything. Confident brands know they do not need to be. They define their value, and reinforce it with consistency. Confidence does not chase. It attracts.
You Feel It Before You Can Name It
There’s a reason confidence gets noticed even when no one talks about it. It lives in its truths, every time, and everywhere. A visual that is unique, as with every person. A line of copy that lands without effort. A product name that doesn’t explain itself, but somehow you get it.
People don’t say, “This feels like a confident brand.” They say things like, “This makes sense.” Or “I trust this.” Or they don’t say anything at all. They just come back.
That’s confidence doing its job.
It’s a Choice. Over and Over Again.
You don’t reach brand confidence once and stay there. Just like a product lifecycle… brand confidence has to maintain, has to evolve. In this fast paced business world, marketing teams change and priorities shift. Confidence gets challenged. And when it does, the instinct might be to respond. Fast. Loud. Bigger than the moment needs.
Confidence is built in layers. You will not find it in a brand book alone. And you cannot manufacture it with a new visual identity. It is the result of decisions made over time. Especially the small ones.
Confidence is choosing to stay quiet when the trend does not align. It is resisting the urge to respond when silence would say more. It is showing up in a way that reflects your values even when the spotlight is elsewhere.
To nurture confidence, a brand must return to its centre. Often. That means having internal clarity before creating external noise. It means asking the right questions before sharing the next message.
Is this still true for us?
Does this align with what we believe?
Are we being clear, or are we just trying to be clever?
These are not checklist items. They are ongoing conversations.
Owning It in the Long Run
Brand confidence is not static. It is something that must be protected. Over time, markets shift. Pressure builds. Competitors speak louder. It can be tempting to match the energy, even if it does not feel right.
Owning confidence means returning to core values again and again. It means being willing to say no. To refine. To pause. Sometimes, it means trusting that the audience you have is more valuable than the one you are trying to reach.
Confidence is not stubbornness. It is discipline. It is knowing what makes the brand work, and staying close to that centre even when the outside world feels uncertain.
Confidence Is a Practice
Brand Confidence is not a declaration, it is something the Brand demonstrates.
A confident brand does not just exist in words or visuals. It exists in consistency. In alignment. In intention. It is a practice, not a personality.
When done well, it becomes something the audience can feel long before they understand why. And that is when the brand begins to lead.
by Miriam Hara | Mar 28, 2025 | Business Success, Marketing
Canada Local, buying into it is trending, imagine that! That’s one silver lining in all this chaos and craziness with our southern neighbour. Canadians are finally waking up to the power of buying Canadian. We’ve always had the resources, the talent, and the ingenuity to thrive. But for too long, “buying Canadian” has been more of an afterthought than a movement. That changes now. Because when global forces shake us, we don’t crumble, we double down.
Buy Canada Local: Understanding the various Maple Leaf Labels
In the frenzy of supporting the Canadian economy and Canadian businesses, let’s get clear on what’s actually made in Canada. Those tiny labels on the packaging? They matter. Here’s what they really mean:
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“Product of Canada”: Think more than Maple Syrup Ontario or BC Wines. Any home grown local business falls into this category, artisans, entrepreneurs and that are regionally, provincially or nationally minded, in both in packaged goods and business to business. You can’t get more Canadian than this. This means 98% or more of the product’s total direct costs, including ingredients and processing, originate from Canada. If you want to truly support Canadian farmers, manufacturers, and suppliers, this is the label to look for.
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“Made in Canada”: A little looser. The product was manufactured or processed here, but the ingredients? They could be from anywhere. However, at least 51% of the total direct costs must be Canadian. A step in the right direction, but not quite homegrown.
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“Prepared in Canada”: The most flexible of the claims. The product was assembled or cooked in Canada, but most of its components were sourced globally, including the USA. But it also means that being prepared here… provides and optimizes Canadian jobs.
Bottom line? If you want your dollars to matter and fuel Canadian businesses, “Product of Canada” is your best bet.
The Brain Power Behind the Maple Leaf
Canada can take a page of the hundreds of individual self help and validation books! As a country we really don’t value what we are all about, looking always for validation externally. Our humble-nous has been so ingrained we’ve lost the ability to recognize our true strength and value.
The real problem? We haven’t fully embraced ourselves yet. And that’s where the real identity crisis begins.
We are the first to acknowledge our worth in terms of raw materials and of course, natural beauty. But Canada is a powerhouse of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial grit.
Think Shopify, a homegrown e-commerce titan that’s revolutionizing online retail. Or DeepMind, the AI powerhouse with Canadian researchers driving global advancements. Even Cirque du Soleil, an international entertainment phenomenon, was born out of Canadian creativity.
It goes without saying our sense of humour is second to none, having provided millions of people with the best laughs with the most awesome comedians.
From AI and biotech to sustainable manufacturing and entertainment, we have been at the forefront of some of the most groundbreaking industries in the world. But unlike other nations that shout about their accomplishments, Canada tends to shrug it off and blush.
It’s time to change that.
When Buy Canada Local… Really isn’t
Think about it. Some of our most iconic brands we’ve all grew up with, aren’t actually Canadian-owned anymore.
Hudson’s Bay Company: A Historical Past owned by the USA
Founded in 1670, Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) is North America’s oldest company. It practically wrote the book on Canadian commerce. But in 2006, American businessman Jerry Zucker acquired HBC for $1.1 billion. Two years later, NRDC Equity Partners, another American firm, took over. It may still feels Canadian. But its ownership says otherwise.
Tim Hortons: More American Than You Think
Tim Hortons—the brand that fuels our hockey rinks and morning commutes hasn’t been fully Canadian for years. In 2014, it merged with Burger King under Restaurant Brands International (RBI), a Canadian-American multinational. Yes, RBI is headquartered in Toronto, but its corporate roots run deep into American soil.
So, next time you grab that double-double, know that while the nostalgia is ours, the ownership isn’t.
Buy Canada Local Your Purchase Statement
Every dollar spent on Canadian products is a direct investment in our economy. It creates jobs. It sustains industries. It ensures that the families who grow, manufacture, and innovate here continue to thrive. And in a time when economic uncertainty looms large, that kind of impact matters.
This isn’t about waving flags or blind patriotism. It’s about making choices that keep our economy strong, our communities thriving, and our identity intact.
The Silver Lining
Trump’s tariffs may have set off alarm bells, but they also sparked something else: realization. We don’t need to rely so heavily on imports. We don’t need to play by the rules of an unpredictable trade partner.
What we do need? To recognize that Canada has its own rhythm, its own strength, its own identity. We’re not just an add-on in the global economy. We’re a force.
So, Elbows Up. Choose Canadian. We all have a part in making this time a turning point in Canada’s history.
by Tara Ford | Dec 17, 2024 | Advertising, Agency, Branding
The holiday season is full steam ahead, bringing with it sparkling silver bells, holiday imagery and of course seasonal advertising. It almost seems as though snowflakes come pre-loaded with cherished memories and iconic movie moments that have shaped how we see the holidays, and smart marketers know just how to tap into that nostalgia.
Take A Christmas Story and the infamous leg lamp as an example.
It isn’t just a quirky movie set prop, it’s become a pop-culture icon that shows up everywhere, including in Wayfair’s holiday ad this year. And get this, the actor who played 9-year-old Ralphie Parker even appears in the ad! Suddenly, we’re transported back to cozy Christmas mornings, unwrapping gifts by the tree, and perhaps even daring each other to stick our tongues to frozen flagpoles.
Then there’s Home Alone, where Kevin McCallister peaked our imaginations.
What fun it is to watch him defending his home with creativity, determination, and a heart filled dose of holiday spirit. It’s no wonder brands still reference his booby-trap antics decades later. The mischievous satisfaction of outsmarting the bad guys never gets old.
Even Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, that beloved holiday classic.
This household name owes its existence to a clever marketing campaign. Did you know Rudolph was originally created by a graphic designer for a department store promotion in 1939? Talk about branding brilliance that stood the test of time.
These memories create a common ground for fun conversation across all generations.
It’s funny how something as simple as a familiar movie scene or beloved character can spark such warm feelings. Nostalgia is powerful, and when brands tap into it authentically, they create emotional connections that last far beyond the holiday season.
So, as you wrap up this year (pun intended), take some time to enjoy one of those timeless holiday films that still make you smile. Cheers to a season filled with joy, warmth, and maybe even a leg lamp or two.
by Miriam Hara | Dec 3, 2024 | Advertising, Business Success, Communications, Marketing
Are Greeting Cards the Next Dodo Bird?
In 2024…
…with our inboxes overflowing and social media delivering instant “Happy Holidays” posts, is this the year paper greeting cards join Tupperware and the dodo bird in history’s archive of nostalgia? Tupperware, once an icon of kitchen innovation, now on the brink of extinction. It’s a fate sealed for so many beloved traditions and items of yesteryear. And it raises the question: Are greeting cards next?
Every year…
…as the holiday season rolls around, I find myself wondering the same thing: Are Christmas and seasonal greeting cards becoming a thing of the past? For as long as I can remember, holiday greeting cards have been a cherished tradition in the creative, marketing, and advertising world. Every year, my creative team would push the envelope (pun intended) to show just how imaginative we could be.
I’d like to think…
…our clients, partners, and contacts looked forward to seeing what we’d dream up, year after year. Or is this wishful thinking? In the recent past, every year November rolled around, the 3H Team had a lively internal debate. Should we embrace digital greetings to showcase our tech-savvy side? Or stick with traditional cards, which feel more personal and tangible?
On one hand…
…digital communications reflect the fast-paced, connected world we live in. On the other, a beautifully crafted card; something you can hold, display, and enjoy, offers a level of warmth and thoughtfulness that pixels can’t replicate.
The annual debate…
…had been silenced….another COVID casualty. Cards couldn’t reach the intended person in a timely manner, so during COVID, why bother? E-cards were the only mode available for close to 2 years.
As the world turns…
…and seasons change, what was once off-trend, is now in. So what do you think? Paper or digital cards? We resolved the issue by doing both. After all, why does it have to be an either or? We do traditional cards for the seasons, and a digital new year’s card! The best of both worlds, and more importantly…. we connect with our clients and business partners twice!
Ultimately…
…the tools may evolve, but the principles of great marketing never change. It’s about connection, creativity, and making someone feel seen and valued. That’s why embracing relationship-driven approaches, never feels outdated. Actually, they are timeless.
My personal perspective…
…has always been that this time of year is the perfect moment to pause and reflect on the power of personal touches. In a world overwhelmed by emails and instant messages, the act of sending a card stands out. It’s a simple but powerful reminder that business is, and always will be, about people.
Of course if you’re living in Canada, this is a moot point….Canada Post Mail Service is on strike!
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to one and all!
