Episode 15: Building Brands Before The Blueprint

Evolution of Influencer and Brand Marketing with Kristin McClement and Kirby Smith
Episode Overview
In this inspiring episode of Founders & Fortitude, host Audrie Dollins sits down with Kristin McClement, President of Arden St. Clair, and Kirby Smith, branding and marketing strategist, to reflect on the early days of influencer and brand marketing.

At a time when there was no clear blueprint, these trailblazers worked within public relations, influencer management, customer service, and marketing growth to curate an ecosystem that shaped today’s creator economy. Together, they share stories of navigating brand negotiations, learning from both successes and setbacks, and building companies that helped define how brands and influencers collaborate today.

Listeners will gain insight into how an undefined industry grew into a thriving marketing channel that continues to evolve, along with the lessons learned from those who were there at the very beginning.

Key Takeaways

• Building Without a Blueprint: How influencer and brand marketing emerged before clear processes existed.
• The Power of Collaboration: Why aligning PR, influencer voices, social media, and customer service created long-term growth.
• Lessons from Negotiation: The reality of structuring partnerships between brands and creators in the early stages.
• Growing with the Industry: How setbacks, adjustments, and persistence led to sustainable campaigns and thriving companies.
• Influencing the Future: The role professionals like Kristin and Kirby played in shaping today’s creator economy.

Notable Quotes
“Influencer marketing wasn’t written down in a handbook when we started. We built it as we went.” – Kristin McClement

“The best campaigns weren’t just about sales. They were about connection, story, and growth for both brand and creator.” – Kirby Smith

“Every misstep became a roadmap for the future. Success comes from learning, adjusting, and trying again.” – Audrie Dollins

Links & Resources

Connect with Kristin McClement

• Email: Kristin@ardenstclair.com

• Instagram: @kristin_mcclement

• LinkedIn: Kristin McClement

Kristin’s Recommendations

• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• Podcasts: Aspire with Emma Grede, Building Brand Advocacy
• Newsletters: Marketing Brew, Girlboss Daily

Connect with Kirby Smith

• Email: Kirbyannesmith@gmail.com

• LinkedIn: Kirby Smith

Kirby’s Recommendations

• #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso
• Normal Gets You Nowhere by Kelly Cutrone
• Leave Your Mark by Aliza Licht

Guests

• Kristin McClement – President, Arden St. Clair
• Kirby Smith – Branding and Marketing Strategist

Host

• Audrie Dollins – Founder & CEO of AD Media Group, Marketing Strategist

Final Note
This episode is a masterclass in building before a blueprint existed. Whether you’re an influencer, brand founder, or marketer, Kristin and Kirby’s stories will inspire you to approach challenges with creativity, persistence, and vision. Their experiences remind us that the creator economy wasn’t given to us, it was built, and it continues to evolve with those willing to lead the way.

Suzy Mighell of Empty Nest Blessed – Finding Joy and Purpose in the Empty Nest Season

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt episode of Founders & Fortitude, host Audrie Dollins sits down with Suzy Mighell, the voice and vision behind Empty Nest Blessed. Suzy opens up about her passion for blogging, her journey as a leading resource for empty nesters, and the inspiration behind her new book.

This episode explores how the empty nest stage can be a time of rediscovery, growth, and meaningful new beginnings. Suzy shares practical advice and personal stories that make you feel understood, inspired, and equipped to navigate this transition with confidence and joy.

Audrie and Suzy dive deep into the power of community, the challenges and rewards of midlife reinvention, and how sharing your story online can impact countless others going through the same journey. This conversation leaves listeners feeling empowered, supported, and ready to embrace the possibilities of their next chapter.

Key Takeaways

• Rediscovering Purpose: How Suzy turned her personal journey as an empty nester into a thriving blog and supportive community.
• The Power of Sharing Your Story: Why blogging can create impact and connection during life transitions.
• Navigating Change with Confidence: Practical tips for finding meaning, joy, and direction when your children leave home.
• Creating a New Identity: Building a life that reflects who you are now while honoring the chapters that came before.
• Encouragement for the Journey: Why no one has to feel alone during the empty nest season.

Notable Quotes

• “The empty nest isn’t the end of your story. It’s the start of a beautiful new chapter.” – Suzy Mighell
• “When you share your journey, you give others permission to feel, to grow, and to know they’re not alone.” – Audrie Dollins
• “Midlife reinvention is not about starting over. It’s about stepping into who you’ve always been meant to be.” – Suzy Mighell

Links & Resources

Follow Suzy Mighell on Instagram: @emptynestblessed

Explore Suzy’s blog and resources: www.emptynestblessed.com

Check out Suzy’s new book: Empty Nest Blessed

Follow Audrie Dollins on Instagram: @audriedollins

Visit Audrie’s websites: www.audriedollins.com
and www.admediagroupllc.com

Guest

Suzy Mighell – Blogger & Author, Empty Nest Blessed

Host

Audrie Dollins – Founder & CEO of AD Media Group, Marketing Strategist

Final Note

Whether you’re entering the empty nest stage, reinventing your career, or simply looking for encouragement, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone. Suzy’s story and insights offer a roadmap to living fully and joyfully in this new season of life.

Episode Powered by

AD Media Group – @admediagrp

Episode Overview:
In this episode of Founders & Fortitude, host Audrie Dollins sits down with Penny Gibbs, Founder of Moxy Energy Drink. Penny shares her journey from concept to execution, describing her mission to create a health-driven energy drink after realizing how many mainstream options were filled with unhealthy ingredients. What started as a personal need quickly turned into a brand built on impact, fortitude, and perseverance in the unknown.

Audrie and Penny dive into the realities of building a brand with Penny's non-prior industry experience, from formulating the drink to producing it for the masses. This conversation highlights the resilience required to keep moving forward, the importance of surrounding yourself with support, and how the AD Media Group team partnered with Penny to bring her vision to life through design and marketing processes.

Grab a Moxy and join us for an inspiring conversation about drive, passion, and making bold ideas a reality.

Key Takeaways:

• Building with Purpose: Why Penny’s personal health journey was the catalyst for Moxy Energy Drink.
• From Vision to Reality: What it takes to develop a product from scratch without prior experience.
• Fortitude in the Unknown: How persistence drives success when facing challenges in uncharted territory.
• The Power of Support: Why surrounding yourself with the right people is essential to growth.
• Marketing the Mission: How AD Media Group helped shape and amplify Penny’s brand story.

Notable Quotes:

• "I knew energy drinks were part of my daily life, but I didn’t want to compromise my health, so I made it my mission to create a better option." – Penny Gibbs
• "Building a brand is about fortitude, pushing through the unknown, and believing in your why." – Audrie Dollins
• "Surround yourself with people who support your vision, even when the journey feels uncertain." – Penny Gibbs

Links & Resources:
Follow Moxy Energy Drink on Instagram: @drinkmoxy

Learn more at: www.drinkmoxy.com

Follow AD Media Group on Instagram: @admediagrp

Learn more about marketing strategies at: www.admediagroupllc.com

Guest:
Penny Gibbs – Founder, Moxy Energy Drink

Host:
Audrie Dollins – Founder & CEO of AD Media Group, Marketing Strategist
Instagram: @audriedollins

Website: www.audriedollins.com

Website: www.admediagroupllc.com

Final Note:
Launching a product takes courage, persistence, and a clear mission. Whether you are building a new brand, developing a product, or finding your footing in uncharted territory, this episode shows the value of passion, fortitude, and surrounding yourself with the right team.

Capture. Brand. Engage. Let’s Do Big Things.

Episode Powered by:
AD Media Group – @admediagrp

Episode Overview:

In this episode of Founders & Fortitude, host Audrie Dollins sits down with AD Media Group’s Chelsea Drysdale @chelseadrysdale) to discuss the impact of trust marketing and the evolving dynamics between brands and influencers. They explore how sharing personal journeys online fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and creates meaningful collaborations.

Whether you're an influencer, brand, or marketing professional, this episode provides actionable insights on building authentic connections, navigating partnerships, and leveraging social media for success.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Trust Marketing: Why authenticity is the foundation of successful brand-influencer partnerships and consumer connection will take you further.
• Understanding Your Audience: How to create content that truly resonates and converts.
• The Give & Take of Collaboration: What brands and influencers should expect from each other.
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Turning self-doubt into confidence and action.
• Leading with a Servant Heart: How generosity and genuine connection fuel success in marketing.

Notable Quotes:

"The best collaborations stem from trust, transparency, and shared values." – Chelsea Drysdale
"Your audience connects with the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your story." – Audrie Dollins
"Influencer marketing isn’t just about promotion; it’s about relationships that bring value to both sides." – Chelsea Drysdale

Links & Resources:

Follow Chelsea Drysdale on Instagram: @chelseanndrysdale
Follow AD Media Group on Instagram: @admediagrp
Learn more about marketing strategies at: www.admediagroupllc.com

Outfit Provided by Vici
Wine Glasses Provided by Saludi

Guest:

Chelsea Drysdale – Collaboration Manager, AD Media Group
Instagram: @chelseadrysdale

Host:

Audrie Dollins – Founder & CEO of AD Media Group, Marketing Strategist
Instagram: @audriedollins
Website: www.audriedollins.com
Website: www.admediagroupllc.com

Final Note:

Marketing is about authenticity, strategy, and relationships. Whether you're a brand looking to strengthen partnerships or an influencer seeking deeper connections, this episode will give you the tools to build trust, navigate collaborations, and market with purpose.

Capture. Brand. Engage. Let’s Do Big Things.

Episode Powered by:

AD Media Group – @admediagrp

The Luxury of Reading The Room

You may know The Agency from the hit Netflix series Buying Beverly Hills and its founder, Mauricio Umansky, but did you know that The Agency Frisco is making waves in the luxury real estate world right here in North Texas? Join me for an inspiring conversation with Heather Stephens, the powerhouse owner of The Agency Frisco, as we dive into her journey from dental hygienist to luxury real estate mogul.

In this episode of Founders & Fortitude, we chat about the importance of building genuine connections, understanding how to read the room, and how these skills translate into the bespoke, high-touch experience that defines The Agency Frisco. Heather shares her remarkable story of growing from a part-time real estate agent to owning one of North Texas's most elite boutique real estate firms.

Key Topics in this Episode:

• Heather’s transition from dental hygienist to full-time real estate agent, balancing both careers while raising a young family
• The art of reading a room and understanding client needs in luxury real estate
• How Heather's background in patient care helps her build meaningful relationships with clients navigating life-changing decisions
• The impact of working with a global brand like The Agency and its influence on her business growth
• The importance of surrounding yourself with a strong support system, including family and mentors
• Heather's experience as a young mother and how it shaped her leadership and resilience in business

Notable Quotes:

• "It's not about a price point, it's about the experience." – Heather Stevens
• "When you find your passion, it’s easy to dive in." – Heather Stevens
• "Life is choices. It's about how you follow up from those choices." – Heather Stevens

Links & Resources:

• Guest: Follow The Agency Frisco on Instagram: @theagencyfrisco
• Heather Stephens: @heather_theagency
• Host: Audrie Dollins FOUNDER & CEO of AD Media Group Marketing Expert
  Instagram: @audriedollins
  Website: www.audriedollins.com
  Website: www.admediagroupllc.com

Final Note
Success is about surrounding yourself with luxury and connecting with people who are driven to achieve greatness. Heather Stevens' journey with The Agency Frisco highlights the power of building relationships with like-minded individuals who share a passion for excellence. Her story is a testament to the importance of aligning yourself with a community that challenges and inspires, creating an environment where success is not only possible but inevitable.

Capture. Brand. Engage. Let’s Do Big Things.

Video and Sound Production provided by: Kris of Danielle Rankin Photo & Film
Episode Powered by: AD Media Group @admediagrp

Founders & Fortitude: Conversations with Audrie Dollins

Understanding Your Purpose Per Season with Chavayee & Herbert Johnson

Episode Description
Building a business while working alongside your spouse takes resilience, passion, and a deep sense of purpose. In this episode, I sit down with Chavayee and Herbert Johnson to discuss their journey of growing a real estate firm as a family.

Chavayee shares her transition from a career in education to stepping into her role within the business full-time, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and how faith has guided her through this new season. Herbert discusses the fortitude it takes to establish and maintain an independent real estate firm, the systems he has in place to stay competitive, and the discipline required to thrive in a demanding market.

This episode is a powerful conversation about honoring the past, leaning into the present, and trusting in what’s to come.

Key Takeaways

• How Chavayee transitioned from assistant principal to real estate entrepreneur
• The balance of running a business as a husband-and-wife team
• The structure and discipline needed to succeed in the real estate industry
• The role of faith and resilience in entrepreneurship
• Finding purpose in each season of life and career

Follow Along

Host: Audrie Dollins FOUNDER & CEO of AD Media Group Marketing Expert
Instagram: @audriedollins
Website: www.audriedollins.com
Website: www.admediagroupllc.com

Guests: Chavayee & Herbert Johnson – Founders of The Johnson Realty Group
Instagram: The Johnson Group

Website: The Johnson Realty Group

Final Note
Success is about more than just business. It’s about the relationships you build, the lessons you learn, and the resilience you develop along the way. Chavayee and Herbert’s story is a testament to trusting the process, leaning into change, and embracing the journey.

Capture. Brand. Engage. Let’s Do Big Things.

Video and Sound Production provided by: Kris of Danielle Rankin Photo & Film
Episode Powered by: AD Media Group @admediagrp

Founders & Fortitude: Conversations with Audrie Dollins

Standing on Strong Bonds, Strong Business, & Learning to Let Go

Episode Description

Building a business while being a wife, mother, and friend takes resilience, passion, and a strong support system. In this episode, I sit down with Monica Pittenger, founder of Wash Yo Self, to talk about the reality of entrepreneurship, the power of relationships, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Monica shares how she built Wash Yo Self into a brand rooted in quality and integrity, the challenges of balancing business with family life, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. With her signature humor and honesty, she reminds us all to buckle up and enjoy the ride—because success isn’t just about the destination, it’s about who you become along the way.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative, or someone looking for motivation, this episode is full of real talk, practical advice, and plenty of laughs.

Key Takeaways

• How Monica turned a passion for skincare into a thriving business
• The balance between entrepreneurship, motherhood, and marriage
• Why great friendships are essential to success
• Overcoming challenges and learning to adapt in business
• Monica’s best advice for staying grounded and enjoying the journey

Follow Along

Host: Audrie Dollins
Instagram: @audriedollins
Website: www.audriedollins.com
Website: www.admediagroupllc.com

Guest: Monica Pittenger – Founder of Wash Yo Self
Instagram: @washyoself
Website: www.washyoself.com
Instagram:monicaandco_
Website: Monica&Company

Final Note

Success is about more than business—it’s about the relationships, the growth, and the moments along the way. Monica’s story is a powerful reminder to embrace the journey, trust yourself, and enjoy the ride.

Capture. Brand. Engage. Let’s Do Big Things.

Video and Sound Production provided by: Kris of Danielle Rankin Photo & Film

Episode Sponsored by: AD Media Group @admediagrp