Brand New Vibes: How I Transformed My Handmade Shop with Fresh Branding
I've wanted to create a separate online space for my handmade shop for a while. While I had experimented with branding, I could never quite bring my vision to life—until I came across an ad on Instagram for a brand guide by Ampersand Studio. I usually try to avoid getting caught up in online gimmicks, but something about their brand book caught my interest. I decided to give it a try, and within a week or two, I had a complete guide that helped me develop my website and marketing materials. I'm so happy with how everything turned out and thought it would be fun to share the creation process!
Using the brand guide, I was able to brainstorm words that spoke to my vision of what I wanted Mini Muse Shop to be. These words helped set the tone for all the other components.
Using my guiding words, I decided to set up a fun photoshoot with some of the students at my elementary school. I mean after all they are the true muses and keep me endlessly inspired. Luckily, our first grade teacher Ms. Knox, who is also my friend agreed to be our photographer. (Photos by: Photography by Mahogany)
There was so much to prepare before the shoot—wardrobe, fittings, props, location, and more. The girls were over-the-top excited to be a part of this. Seeing them squeal, hug, and support each other in the dressing room made my heart so happy. The parents were all present too, which made the day go even smoother! I loved how the final photos turned out and they really helped confirm my vision for the new shop.
Equipped with guiding words and images, it was now time to start crafting the new brand:
Of course, I wanted the overall mood to align with the initial guiding words. I narrowed them down to 3 for clarity: charming, nostalgic, and playful.
I wanted the brand colors to reflect the original mood. Here’s what Chatgpt had to say about a few of my color story choices:
• Tomato Red-The warm, vibrant hue of tomato red is often associated with fun, energy, and a sense of warmth, all of which can convey a playful and inviting feel.
• Antique Pink-This soft, muted shade of pink carries a vintage or retro feel, making it ideal for creating a sense of nostalgia. Its subtle and warm tone adds an element of charm, while still feeling lighthearted and playful. Antique pink can also feel elegant and timeless, which makes it versatile in evoking both a playful and refined atmosphere.
• Mustard-It has a playful yet earthy quality that can feel both vibrant and cozy. Mustard is also an unexpected color that adds a sense of fun and individuality, making it perfect for brands aiming to stand out in a warm, approachable way.
I looooove all of this. I was feeling like I was on the right track!
My logo was inspired by an antique frame I saw at Anthropologie. I also used all the brand colors in the text and an illustration of a muse girl with space buns and a crown.
A Full Circle Moment
A friend sent me this class photo. I’m guessing it was taken around 1983 when I was in 1st grade.
At first, I laughed out loud, but then my eyes watered as I saw my little brown face with space buns, staring back at me. That’s my logo!
A wave of nostalgia washed over me as I realized this little girl had been in my heart all these years, waiting to share her creativity. It was like an epiphany, a sudden recognition of how I am right where I am supposed to be.
So kismet!
I’ve always loved the approachable feel of Gopher font. I thought it might pair well with my brand and help convey a playful yet quirky character.
I also thought Sweet Apricot font would be a wonderful choice for evoking a charming, nostalgic, and playful vibe. It has a slightly retro feel, with soft curves and a friendly, handwritten style that gives it a lighthearted and approachable quality.
I built the website using Squarespace because I wanted to avoid the steep learning curve of mastering another platform. I also appreciate how user-friendly it is, and the ability to create a membership site was exactly what I needed for my collector’s club.
In the end, refreshing my brand has been a transformative experience for my handmade shop. It not only reflects the evolution of my business but also connects more deeply with my customers. From the new logo to the updated color palette, every detail was carefully crafted to tell the story of my passion for creating unique, handmade items. I’m excited to continue growing and sharing my work with you, and I hope this new look helps you feel even more connected to the heart of what I do. Thank you for being part of this journey with me!
