Vanessa Colangelo - Hey Neighbor #94

In this episode, we chat with Vanessa Colangelo, branding expert and owner of Life Well Branded, about helping entrepreneurs cut through the noise and create a brand that actually feels like them. From DIY Canva struggles to imposter syndrome, Vanessa breaks down why branding is so much more than a logo—and how she helps small business owners find their voice, their vision, and the confidence to show up online.

We also dive into her leap from a stable corporate job (while 8 months pregnant!) to building her own business, her perspective on personal vs. business branding, and why every entrepreneur should embrace their story—even if it’s still messy.

✨ In this episode:

• Why your brand isn’t your logo (and what it actually is)
• The “soul sprint” package she created for busy, budget-conscious business owners
• How personal branding and business branding work together
• Tips for creating content that connects with your dream clients
• Vanessa’s journey from graphic designer to entrepreneur—and how she balances it all

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Show Intro
(0:20) - What is Branding?
(1:40) - The Process: From Brand Confusion to Clarity
(4:30) - Helping Entrepreneurs Translate the “Heart” of Their Work
(7:25) - Personal Branding vs. Business Branding—Why Both Matter
(10:30) - Why People Buy From People (Not Just Businesses)
(12:00) - Helping Clients Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Overthinking
(14:00) - Packages Offered
(15:50) - Who Vanessa’s Ideal Clients Are (And Why They’re Over DIY)
(18:30) - Why a Website Is Still Essential in 2025
(19:15) - Growing Beyond CNY: Working With Clients Everywhere
(20:30) - Running a One-Woman Branding Studio (and Sleeping Well!)
(22:30) - Empowering Clients to Own Their Brand Without Retainers
(24:00) - Vanessa’s Leap From Corporate to Entrepreneurship
(26:30) - Why Branding is a Non-Negotiable for Business Growth
(28:30) - What’s Next for Life Well Branded
(30:00) - Rapid Fire: Favorite Season, Pizza Picks & Branding Pet Peeves
(33:00) - Creative Process: What She Does When Stuck
(34:20) - Brands That Get it Right
(36:00) - Fitness Lessons That Apply to Business
(37:15) - Life Balance Outside Work
(38:45) - Book For Entrepreneurs
(39:30) - Something That Surprises People About Vanessa
(40:00) - Closing Thoughts

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Vanessa's Links
Website - https://www.lifewellbranded.com
IG - https://www.instagram.com/lifewellbranded.co
FB - https://www.facebook.com/lifewellbranded
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/lifewellbranded
Linkedin -

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Scott's Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com