Katie Holmes of Mrs Understood Podcast

In this powerful episode of Mrs. Understood, host Renee Vee sits down with Katie Holmes, Founder and CEO of Brand Studio Creative, for a deep conversation about creativity, being misunderstood, and building a business rooted in purpose. Katie shares her journey from navigating skepticism around creative careers to building a thriving, strategy-led branding studio. Throughout the conversation, she offers clarity on what branding truly means, why creativity is essential to connection, and how trusting yourself can change everything.
TRUST YOUR GUT
Choosing a career often comes with doubt from others, especially when it does not fit traditional ideas of success. Katie shares how early pushback forced her to trust herself more deeply. Instead of walking away from creativity, she leaned into it, even when it felt uncertain. That self-trust became the foundation for her confidence, her career, and why she now supports other women who feel out of place following their own paths.
“Once I was in the design program, I realized that this is my purpose.”
– Katie Holmes
Here, Katie is describing the moment where alignment clicked into place. She is saying that clarity does not always come from logic or external validation; it often comes from gut feeling. When something feels right at your core, that feeling can become a powerful guide, even when the outside world does not understand it yet.
BRAND IS STRATEGY BEFORE VISUAL
One of the biggest misconceptions Katie addresses is the idea that branding is just a logo. She explains that branding is a system that supports the entire business, from messaging to decision-making. Without a strategy, visuals become disconnected and inconsistent. With strategy, branding becomes a tool that creates clarity, confidence, and long-term growth.
“Branding is much more expansive and encapsulates so much more of your business than people tend to realize.”
– Katie Holmes
Here, Katie is emphasizing that branding is not decoration; it is infrastructure. She is explaining that when businesses skip strategy and jump to only focus on visuals, they miss the opportunity to build something sustainable. True branding supports how a business communicates, grows, and shows up consistently over time.
CREATIVITY IS HOW WE CONNECT
Katie reframes creativity as something far bigger than artistic skill. She explains that creativity is how humans relate to one another, build trust, and find belonging. When creativity is suppressed, whether personally or professionally, people feel disconnected. Katie highlights that creativity is the bridge between what someone does and why it matters, even in industries that are not traditionally seen as creative.
“In the long run, people want to connect with authentic people. We all want to connect authentically.”
– Katie Holmes
Here, Katie emphasizes that creativity is not about aesthetics; it is about authenticity. She is saying that people connect through shared experiences, curiosity, and passion, and that same principle applies in business. When a brand taps into what someone genuinely loves about their work, whether that is engineering, building, or problem-solving, it creates a more human and meaningful connection.
STARTING MATTERS MORE THAN GETTING IT PERFECT
When asked what advice she would give someone starting out, Katie keeps it simple and honest. Fear, grief, insecurity, and imposter syndrome can all slow people down; must movement creates momentum. The first step does not need to be perfect; it just needs to happen.
“Definitely just start.”
– Katie Holmes
Katie encourages people to release the pressure of having everything figured out. She says that clarity comes through action, not overthinking. By starting, you open the door to community, learning, and opportunities you cannot access while being still.
This episode of Mrs Understood is a reminder that being misunderstood does not mean you are on the wrong path. Katie offers grounded wisdom, empathy, and practical insight for anyone building a business, navigating creativity, or learning to trust themselves more.
Listen to the full conversation on YouTube to hear Ktie share her journey of embracing creativity, building authentic brands, and finding your people. Discover how clarity, courage, and connection can transform not just your work, but the way you show up in life. Whether you’re starting a business, pivoting your career, or simply seeking inspiration, this conversation will leave you motivated, empowered, and ready to take the next step.
XOXO, Katie
Are you struggling with your brand?
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