Introducing Katie Holmes | Just the WHO of Us Podcast

In a world where entrepreneurship can feel isolating, Katie joined Reah Hagues on Just the WHO of Us Podcast to share her inspiring journey from employee to business owner. She opened up about the pivotal experiences that shaped her career, including earning a master’s degree in brand strategy in Milan and building Brand Studio Creative from the ground up.

Katie also shared her holistic approach to branding, emphasizing the importance of heart, purpose, and human connection in creating a meaningful business. With warmth, vulnerability, and practical insights, she offered actionable guidance for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of business ownership while staying true to their values. Here are a few key takeaways from their conversation.

START WHERE YOU ARE AND GROW

Katie shared the importance of giving yourself grace when building a business. She emphasized that starting small and taking deliberate steps can be far more sustainable than rushing to achieve everything at once. By focusing on manageable milestones, entrepreneurs can build strong foundations and avoid burnout while staying true to their values. Katie’s story highlights how patience and self-awareness are important for long-term success.

“If you want to start a business, just start. All it takes is a first step. You don’t have to think ten steps ahead; start with the first one, maybe two, and see where it goes from there.”

– Katie Holmes

Katie is encouraging entrepreneurs to take immediate action without waiting for perfection. She shows that small steps compound over time and that progress is more meaningful than speed. Starting where you are allows space to learn, adapt, and grow organically while building confidence in your journey.

“A brand connects with the world and with the people, and it needs more thought and intention behind it. That is where my brand packages come in, with guidelines and deeper strategy, because there is so much more to a brand than a single visual.”

– Katie Holmes

Katie is illustrating that branding isn’t just about aesthetics or isolated marketing efforts; it’s about intentionality and human connection. A strong brand reflects the owner’s purpose and values, providing a framework for consistent, meaningful engagement with clients and customers.

SUPPORT SYSTEMS ENABLE SUCCESS

Building a business can feel lonely, but Katie emphasizes that no entrepreneur succeeds in isolation. She highlights the importance of cultivating a network of trusted colleagues, friends, and mentors who can offer guidance, step in when needed, and provide emotional support during challenging times. A strong support system enables business owners to focus on their strengths, delegate tasks effectively, and maintain balance without burning out.

“If you find the right people, the right support, and people you truly connect with and feel inspired by, it can be worth asking or offering. Saying, ‘ I would love to work with you. I don’t have the financial resources yet, but here is what I can offer,’ opens up that conversation.”

– Katie Holmes

Katie is showing that building a business is as much about your relationship as it is about strategy. This quote illustrates how support systems are reciprocal; they need trust, communication, and a willingness to be flexible. By fostering these connections, entrepreneurs create an environment where collaboration and mutual growth thrive, giving them the room to focus on bigger-picture decisions while knowing their team has their back.

Katie’s insights offer actionable strategies for entrepreneurs at any stage, showing that success is built with heart, patience, and intentional support. She demonstrates that taking small, deliberate steps, rather than rushing, allows business owners to grow sustainably while honoring their personal limits. By adding a holistic approach to branding, cultivating strong relationships, and aligning every decision with purpose, entrepreneurs can create businesses that not only thrive financially but also reflect their values and vision. Katie’s perspective reminds us that leaning on a trusted network and embracing both strategy and empathy is just as important as the work itself.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify, YouTube, and Podbean to hear Katie share more about building a brand with purpose, taking strategic steps, and leaning on the power of community and support systems.

XOXO, Katie