Let’s get real for a second. Brand collaborations are *everywhere* these days, and as someone who works on building a personal brand and connecting with my community, I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a partnership work. And trust me, it’s not just about slapping a logo on your Instagram feed and calling it a day. It’s way more nuanced, and sometimes, downright funny.
Here’s how I approach brand collaborations—taking you behind the scenes to give you the real-deal process, and maybe a few laughs along the way.
I Only Say Yes to Brands I Believe In
You know that feeling when you’re scrolling through Instagram, and someone’s talking about a product, and you’re like, “There’s no way they actually use that.” Yeah, that’s not the vibe I’m going for. I only partner with brands that *really* align with my life and my values. If it’s something I wouldn’t use myself, I’m not going to promote it to my community.
That means a lot of “no, thank you” emails (some of which I compose with a heavy heart because the offer is *so* tempting). But if it’s not authentic to me, it’s not going to resonate with you. And what’s the point of that? Plus, let’s be real, y’all can smell fake from a mile away. Trust is the foundation of everything I do, so I’m not risking it for a random protein shake I’d never drink or some gadget that’ll end up in a drawer.
It’s All About Storytelling (Because Who Wants a Sales Pitch?)
Here’s where the magic happens—storytelling. Every brand I work with has to fit into my life naturally. I don’t want to sound like an infomercial, and I know you don’t want to hear it either. So, I always ask myself: how can I tell a *story* about this product? How does it actually fit into my life as a mom, a blogger, and, you know, a person who enjoys food and a good nap when I can get one?
If a brand sends me something cool, I’m thinking about how it makes sense in my day-to-day. Does it help me juggle work and motherhood? Does it make organizing my life easier? Or, is it something that brings me joy (like, say, a candle that makes my home smell like I actually have time to clean)? Whatever it is, it needs to have a real, relatable connection to my life, or it’s not going to make the cut.
Creative Freedom is Key
Let’s talk about creative freedom for a second. You know when a brand wants to send you a five-page list of things to say about their product, complete with bullet points? Yeah, no thanks. My audience knows when something feels forced, and I’m not about to hit you with robotic product descriptions.
I always make sure I have room to tell the brand’s story *my way*. The best partnerships are the ones that trust me to talk to you like I always do—real, funny, and in a way that’s helpful. Brands that get this? They’re the ones I keep working with again and again because they understand that *I know my audience* better than anyone else.
Long-Term \> One-Offs
I’ve learned that the best brand collaborations aren’t just one-and-done deals. Sure, a quick partnership can be fun, but I’m all about building long-term relationships with brands I love. Why? Because I want to give you consistency. If I’m talking about a product once and never again, it feels a little too much like a random pop-up ad.
Long-term collaborations also give me the chance to go deeper into why I love a brand and how it fits into different parts of my life. It feels more genuine, and let’s be honest—it’s more valuable for everyone involved. Plus, it’s kind of like getting into a relationship: once you find a good thing, why not stick with it?
Honesty is the Best Policy
Okay, this one’s a no-brainer, but it needs to be said. I’m honest about every single thing I promote. If a brand sends me something that doesn’t live up to the hype, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. And if I love something, you’ll definitely know it because I’ll be shouting it from the rooftops (or at least enthusiastically sharing it on Instagram).
Honesty builds trust, and trust builds community. So when I give my opinion, it’s 100% my opinion, even if it’s not what the brand necessarily wants to hear. I think that’s what you all appreciate most—knowing that I’m giving you the real deal.
It’s All About Bringing You Value
At the end of the day, my goal is to bring value to *you*. If a product or service doesn’t add something useful to your life—whether it’s a tool that makes your day easier, something that sparks joy, or a new discovery—I won’t waste your time. I’m constantly thinking, “How can this help my audience? How does this fit into their lives?”
That’s why you’ll only see me promoting things that I believe will benefit you. Whether it’s a helpful tool for organizing your work/life balance (because, let’s face it, we’re all juggling a million things), or something fun that brightens up your day, I want to make sure what I’m sharing has purpose.
The Bottom Line
Brand collaborations, when done right, can be an awesome way to share new things, support businesses I love, and add value to your life. But it’s not just about the partnership; it’s about making sure everything feels authentic and true to who I am—and what’s important to *you*. That’s why I approach every collaboration with intention, honesty, and a healthy dose of storytelling.
So, whether I’m talking about the perfect coffee for busy mornings, a product that saves me time, or something that just makes life a little easier, know that I’m always keeping it real for you. After all, we’re in this together—navigating work, motherhood, and all the little moments in between.
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