In the process of creating Meylah, we have learned a lot about the B-word.

Branding.

It's gone from being a business buzzword to a business necessity and even for crafters and artisans who are working on selling their first batch of products.  Our good friend Melinda at Hinson Neely asks the question do brands still matter? and answers it with some great lessons.

We'd love to share what we've learned on our branding journey so that you don't have to start from square one. One way to approach the process is to remember that branding is all about how you would like people to perceive you and your business. It's a bit like developing your personal signature.

The quickest way to do this is to ask yourself the following 3 questions:

1. How do you want your customers to describe your business?
2. How do fellow crafters and artisans describe you to their peers?
3. How do your friends and family describe you to others?

These questions were the most powerful tools for defining Meylah's brand. Meylah is all about togetherness. Our vision is to bring the world closer through creativity and our logo is an expression of the values we share: it illustrates togetherness, inclusion and transparency through the colors, shapes, connections and language. This is what sets us apart from the crowd. It is also what we communicate throughout our interactions with our customers and partners. The most important thing to remember is no matter the message of your brand, make sure you are consistent with that message everywhere.

But enough about us. Once you've answered the questions above, it’s time to start thinking about your brand’s visual identity. What’s your favorite color? How does your business relate to the rest of the world? You can work on a design concept using easy do-it-yourself online software or you can hire someone to help you. The key is to create a design concept that illustrates your business and cements your values in the brand. Here are some great local artists that we believe have great brands:

• Miska: Yep, she goes by only one name. Miska is a renowned artist from Seattle. Her work is unique and instantly recognizable. Recently, we visited the Sammamish Art Fair and the entrance to the show was lined with Miska’s paintings. Right away, we knew they were her pieces. A great example of a successful brand is when people can identify your products without being told they are yours. Miska has achieved this and her talent and style radiate off the canvas. Read Miska’s bio on her website to understand more about the symbolism and elements within her paintings which reflect her personal brand.

• Ricco diStefano: Per Ricco, “Branding is the first and lasting impression of any business.” You will see by looking at Ricco’s website that he has done a phenomenal job branding himself throughout the entire site. The more you explore his site, the more you will learn about Ricco as a person and about Ricco as a brand. Through Ricco, you really learn how to carry a consistent brand through various mediums as well as into the community. He is a great inspiration to our team at Meylah, both through his branding and through his art.

Tell us what you noticed about Meylah's brand. Tell us about your brand and the tools you need to hone yours. Together we can create unique experiences.