Emotional Branding, Business Evolution & Releasing Perfection with Katie Holmes | The Ascended Entrepreneur

Building a brand is rarely just about visuals or strategy. Brand Studio Creative Founder and CEO Katie Holmes recently joined Shelby St. Clair on The Ascended Entrepreneur Podcast for a thoughtful conversation on creativity, entrepreneurship, and what it really takes to build a sustainable business without losing yourself in the process.

Throughout the episode, Katie shares reflections from her own journey, offering honest insight into the emotional, strategic, and human sides of branding that are often overlooked.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AS LEADERSHIP

At Brand Studio Creative, we beleive strong brands are built through connection, not just strategy. Katie speaks to the role emotional intelligence plays in leadership and entrepreneurship, especially for women navigating business ownership. Instead of separating emotion from professionalism, she emphasizes how awareness and empathy strengthen communication, decision-making, and long-term growth.

“It’s ingrained in us; we’re taught at an early age that it’s so ingrained in our brains on how to read those emotions that you can’t really take it out of a business if you are heading towards that entrepreneurial business owner, CEO-type.”

– Katie Holmes

Here, Katie means you don’t stop being emotionally aware just because you step into a role of responsibility. That part of you was built over time, and trying to suppress it often creates more tension than clarity

“I think one of the big triggers for people just not starting is that they think they have to have it all right away, and that’s not the case.”

– Katie Holmes

Katie mentions that you are allowed to begin your path while still figuring things out. Readiness is not a prerequisite for growth; it often comes after you have taken the first step, and that is perfectly okay.

CREATIVITY BUILDS COMMUNITY

A central theme of the conversation was creativity, not as an artistic level, but as a human level. Katie explains how creativity fuels connection, collaboration, and authenticity, even in industries that may not traditionally see themselves as creative.

It’s also a way to rediscover parts of yourself and spark joy in everyday interactions.

“We are a creative species. That is what is innately in all of us.”

– Katie Holmes

Katie’s reflection on creativity goes far beyond artistic talent. She speaks about creativity as a way humans connect, communicate, and feel seen. When creativity is suppressed or dismissed, people often feel disconnected, misunderstood, or unfulfilled. Her words remind us that creativity is less about what you produce and more about how you relate to others.

“Pivoting doesn’t necessarily mean that it failed. That just means that you need to tweak the needle.”

– Katie Holmes

You did not fail just because the path changed. Adjusting your direction can be a sign that you are paying attention to yourself. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit that what once fit no longer does, and choose yourself anyway.

Katie’s appearance on The Ascended Entrepreneur Podcast is a thoughtful reminder that building something meaningful starts from inside. The conversation goes beyond strategy and into the lived experience of creativity, loss, confidence, and learning to trust yourself through every stage of growth. It’s an honest look at what it really means to evolve, both personally and professionally.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Listen Notes, and Amazon to hear how creativity, clarity, and courage can influence not just how you build your brand, but how you move through your work, your decisions, and the season of life you’re in as a business owner.

XOXO, Katie