Stephanie Wong
Stephanie Wong
Brand Strategist / Digital Marketer / Yoga Teacher
San Francisco, CA
www.thebrightcollective.com
instagram @brightcollective
instagram @stephmwong
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a brand strategist who is passionate about supporting creative entrepreneurs in the lifestyle and wellness space with launching their dream business. ”
I recently launched the Bright Collective, a creative studio that helps self-starters build inspiring brands to share with the world. This could be brand identity, website design, social strategy, and 1:1 coaching. I’ve always been passionate about branding and wellness, so I wanted to create a place that supports other like-minded entrepreneurs. I also teach yoga on the side (currently just via Zoom).
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
As a typical millennial I've hopped around a bit. I started my career at POPSUGAR, moved to a startup, then to another startup, and finally, tried my hand at the agency life. Ultimately, I realized I wanted to work for myself so launched my own brand consulting business. It's been a wild ride but I love being my own boss and getting to choose which projects I want to work on. There's no going back!
How do you stand out in your field?
I'm a people person at heart so can tune into each of my client's unique and innate qualities to see what makes them stand out. Then I bring this to life online — making sure their digital presence aligns with their personal values. I have 8+ years working with bigger brands from lifestyle to CPG, so apply these skills on a more personal level - helping wellness entrepreneurs grow their audiences in a meaningful and yet authentic way.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
My big vision for the Bright Collective! Our mission is to give entrepreneurs and small businesses the tools to launch and build their dream business. I recently launched the Brand Bootcamp, which is an online clarity course to help people either launch or grow their business. I want to create more digital courses and programming like this at all different price points so everyone has the resources to go after what lights them up. I also want to build a robust community where people can share ideas, collaborate, and connect with like-minded people.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I'm inspired by nature, earthy tones, and lean towards minimal with a splash of color or something unexpected. I like pretty things but want it to feel real at the same time. All about that yin/yang balance. ☯️You can see my personal brand identity below.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I love the yoga side of my business and want to integrate that into more of my brand business. There's an intersection between creativity and wellness and I want to explore that more.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Being a freelancer, I feel like I'm being pulled in a thousand directions. Anyone else relate? I have a couple amazing retainer-based clients that pay the bills but they are not my ideal customer since they are bigger brands. I really want to focus on helping more entrepreneurs and service-driven individuals launch their dream business and provide them with my full support and accountability.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would hire someone to run the social media channels I manage so I can think more high level and focus on building out my brand services and grow my community there.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
First, I'd say take a deep breath you're doing great. Then I'd say trust the process. Right out of college, I was like a lost little puppy putting so much pressure on myself to have it all figured out. Looking back, I can see now how all my side projects and jobs led me to this path.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
How to optimize my current processes, scale, and grow my community in a sustainable way. All while finding balance and keeping my zen.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
My favorite kind of project is developing your brand from scratch — defining the brand strategy, creating the logo and visuals, producing the photo shoot within the Bright Collective, building the website, and helping launch via social. Basically crafting the brand from A-Z!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal client is someone who has a vision for their business but needs support and accountability to make it happen. Anyone who is passionate, open-minded, and ready to go after what they want. I also love collaborating with other creatives. This could be photographers that need help with styling, web designers that want to work with a brand strategist, or other brand strategists.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
You can reach out via my website or send me an email at stephanie@thebrightcollective.com.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Coffee, morning movement, quality zzz's, connecting with other creatives.
This member profile was originally published in July 2020.