"How can my brand get more exposure without spending a fortune?" is one of the most commonly asked questions by founders. And as we all know, building credibility and trust is crucial in the world of marketing. That's where social proof comes into play. Social proof is like having a third-party endorsement, which could be in the form of a quote, testimonial, or, you guessed it, a feature in a renowned publication.

Today's guest has mastered the art of scoring features in major publications through good old-fashioned pitching - no fancy PR agencies or expensive promotions needed. Emma Vollrath, the founder of Emma Lou the Label, has managed to get her brand featured in top-tier publications such as Sports Illustrated, Cosmo, Forbes, Marie Claire, and more.

Emma Lou the Label is an athletic wear brand that uses recycled thermoplastic fabric to reduce water weight and bloating while enhancing your silhouette. Emma's no-nonsense approach to getting PR for her brand is nothing short of impressive, and we're thrilled to have her on the show to share her exact process with listeners.

So if you're ready to steal Emma's scrappy PR strategies and get your brand noticed by the big leagues, then tune into this episode, and don't forget: you don't need a huge budget or fancy connections to make a splash in the media world.

Shop Emma Lou the Label: https://emmalouthelabel.com/

Follow Emma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmamvollrath/

Welcome back to a new season of The Next Big Thing podcast! 

In this episode, we chat about the intersection of design and AI with Lauren DeVane, founder of The Bemused Studio. Together, we explore why many people view AI as a threat to their jobs and discuss how design and creativity can work with, rather than against, this rapidly evolving technology.

Lauren shares her insights on why the distinction between art and design is subjective and how AI comes from prompting. We dive into the differences between creativity and technical skills and discuss how designers can build their skills to stay ahead in the industry.

Rather than fearing the impact of AI, Lauren encourages designers to embrace learning and to see this technology as a positive tool for their careers. We explore how creativity is essential for staying ahead in the field and how designers can use their skills to create meaningful, impactful work. 

The power of this innovative tool also extends far beyond design alone. Brands can use Midjourney AI to streamline their product photography process by creating high-quality backdrops without the need for an elaborate photo shoot. 

We also discuss how product photographers can use Midjourney AI to plan out their own photo shoots by experimenting with different lighting and backdrop options so they can create a clear vision for their shoots.

Follow Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebemusedstudio/

Get on the wait list for Lauren's Bais Camp: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63c75f8fde520bd60dc32e13

Try Midjourney for yourself (not sponsored BTW): https://www.midjourney.com/