Brand support in chaotic times (+ creating a new space for us)

I was all set to hard launch my planner… and the first posts even snuck out... but then the Los Angeles fires happened… I've been frozen in horror at all that’s happened since. And as a result of all of it, I've been sitting with some thoughts about community.

Here's the thing: I have an uncanny track record with launches during historic moments. My first launch? Early September 2001 - you can guess how that went. My big rebrand to BrandStyle Design? Right before the 2008 market crash. Skyward Ink’s debut? Early March 2020.

I tried to ignore this pattern during this launch… but now it’s time to launch again, and the world is up to its’ antics, right on cue.

At this point, I should probably warn everyone when I'm planning to launch something - it might be better than a Magic 8 Ball for predicting major events.

I was thinking about what to do when this sort of thing happens. Part of why my business shut down before was that when things got weird in 2020, I failed to pivot. I had a very clear plan - all written down! - that focused on building a business locally, working with small companies and nonprofits.

I could not change my vision and plans quickly enough - and had to take a job to get the “in-person” factor I thought would help so much.

It turned out that wasn’t right for a whole host of other reasons… but I was right about needing people. Community isn't just nice to have - it's essential. Especially when things feel uncertain.

This time I can’t get stuck. I have so many things I want to share with you, I have to keep working towards Skyward’s launch (tentatively scheduled for early February, mark your calendars and stock your pantries). I had to figure out how to pivot.

And I really want to spend more time talking to entrepreneurs who are building their brands, helping them get their ideas off the ground.

I had a longer-term plan to start a Facebook group, but with the changes to that platform lately surrounding AI training and fact checking, I’m growing less and less comfortable sharing my content there.

After exploring other options, I decided to start simply by opening up a paid Substack option, where we can hang out together and grow our brands.

I’d love to invite you to…

It’s a space where you can:

• Get your brand questions answered directly
• Do coworking sessions with other brand builders (because everything's better with company)
• Take creativity breaks, and actively avoid burnout together
• Support each others’ growth
• Get the behind-the-scenes in my business - and find out when I’m going to be launching something new… just in case.
  

I’m offering the first 60 days free, and then the group is just $10/month or $100/year after that.

Don’t adventure through your brand alone. Become a member of the Brand Adventure Club and let’s build something beautiful together!

Erin Stratton
Skyward Ink Design Co.

P.S. Oh, and that planner I mentioned? The Big Enough Bang Launch Planner is still available and free. Because whether the world is calm or chaotic, we all need good systems. Grab it here.