In this episode of Mark It 2 Me, I sit down with Brianna Calero, founder of Pastel Creative and Fractional CMO, to unpack what real strategic marketing leadership actually looks like.

We talk about the difference between visibility and authority, why most companies chase acquisition instead of retention, and how serving your “super fans” can build stronger revenue than chasing mass audiences.

Brianna shares how she transitioned from wanting to be a pastry chef to becoming a growth engine for founders, how she approaches market intelligence before building strategy, and why she believes discernment is more profitable than hype.

We also dive into marketing alignment, authenticity in business, and the mindset shift that separates sustainable growth from hustle culture.

If you’re a founder, creative, or marketer trying to build authority instead of just traffic this conversation is for you.

Guest Info

Brianna Calero - https://pastelcreative.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pastel-creative/

Host Info

Joe Baron - https://www.brandedbaron.com/

Mark It 2 Me instagram - https://instagram.com/markit2me

In this episode of Mark It 2 Me, Joe Baron sits down with New Jersey's Larry Krayn an attorney, street photographer, curator, and rapper known as IL Lusciato.

Larry opens up about rediscovering his creative identity after building a legal career, releasing his album Life’s Legacy and A World Not For Everyone, and embracing the idea that none of us are one-dimensional.

The conversation explores:

• Releasing music after 10+ years and overcoming self-doubt
• Balancing a professional career with creative passion
• The rise of Newark as a cultural hub
• Building community through Grit Gallery
• Breaking through gatekeepers by creating your own platform
• Why thinking like a beginner can elevate advanced creative work
• The tension between art and algorithms in the social media era

This episode is about confidence, proof of concept, creative resilience, and embracing all dimensions of who you are.

Follow Larry Krayn

https://www.instagram.com/xquisite_grit/

http://youtube.com/il_lusciato

Don't forget to follow Joe Baron

https://www.instagram.com/brandedbaron/

https://www.brandedbaron.com/

Mark It 2 Me Podcast Instagram account - https://instagram.com/markit2me

In this episode of Mark It 2 Me, Joe Baron sits down with designer, dad, and community builder Michael Smith, founder of Dadsigner, host of The Dadsigner Podcast, co-owner of R5 CoLab, and creator of two successfully crowdfunded children’s books.

They dive into what it really means to build community, not just online, but in real life. Michael shares how a lonely coffee shop routine turned into launching a coworking space that prioritizes intentional connection. From setting clear expectations with a community handbook to fostering genuine engagement through pre-scheduled events, he explains why structure is essential to making culture work.

The conversation also explores entrepreneurship, fatherhood, and the mental tug-of-war creatives face between making meaningful work and monetizing everything.

Michael opens up about:

• The importance of hiring an accountant early
• Why crowdfunding is really a marketing tool in disguise
• What surprised him most about launching on Kickstarter
• How personal creative projects can have value years later
• Why professional growth isn’t just about titles and promotions
• The tension between ambition and family presence

They close with rapid-fire questions (including the official dad sneaker debate) and reflections on what it means to build something sustainable both in business and at home.

This episode is about ownership, intention, and creating community that actually feels real.

You can follow Michael Smith on Instagram, Threads, and Youtube at @dadsigner

His website: https://www.dadsigner.com/

You can follow the Mark It 2 Me official instagram: @MarkIt2Me

You can follow Joe Baron specifically at @brandedbaron
The website: https://www.brandedbaron.com/