Episode 7 | How to Build a Brand That Connects: Storytelling, Messaging & Starting Small with Hanna-Mari Kirs
What if the clarity you’re craving in your brand already lives inside of you—just waiting to be shaped into a story that actually connects?
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Hanna-Mari Kirs, brand narrative strategist and founder of Heroes and Guides. We talk about what really matters in the early days of business-building (hint: it’s not your Instagram handle), how to find your voice as a purposeful entrepreneur, and why storytelling isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the heart of a brand that converts.
If you’re in the early stages of launching your marketing business—or revisiting your brand from a place of deeper alignment—this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn:
Why your philosophy is more important than your business name
The magic of talking to just 5 potential clients before you build anything
How storytelling helps your audience tell themselves a new story (the one that inspires them to buy)
Top 3 Takeaways:
Start with your “I believe” statement.
Your brand’s purpose should guide everything from messaging to offers—not the other way around.
Connect early with real humans.
Five client conversations can unlock the clarity you’ve been chasing for months.
Focus on the story, not the size.
Don’t pressure your idea to be a 7-figure business on Day One. Protect it by taking care of yourself financially and emotionally.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Hanna-Mari’s upcoming course: Get Your Story Straight
👉 Join the waitlist here: heroesandguides.com/yourway — and get 30% off as a listener of this podcast!
Connect with Hanna-Mari:
🌐 Website: heroesandguides.com
Join the Marketing Your Way Community
This is a space for women in marketing and creative roles to stay sharp, stay supported, and stay inspired. Whether you lead a team, run freelance projects, or work inside a brand or agency — you’re welcome here.
Inside the group, we:
Share marketing insights, campaign wins, and lessons learned
Post weekly industry news, creative trends, and AI tools worth trying
Talk about how real marketers are streamlining their work with tech
Host casual Zoom chats to ask questions, bounce ideas, and learn together
There’s no pressure to start a business or change careers. This is simply a place to connect with smart, like-minded women who get it — and share what’s really working in the world of modern marketing. Join now!
Thank you to our affiliate partner:
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Hi, I’m Anastasiia!
Ukrainian-born, Miami-based, and someone who spent over a decade building a successful marketing career before finally building something that felt like mine.
I didn’t leave corporate on a whim. I left because I wanted creative freedom, flexible time, and a business that aligned with my life — not the other way around.
It started as a freelance gig. Then a full roster. Then a boutique real estate marketing agency. Now, it’s also this — an education platform and podcast that helps women like you transition from “stuck” to “started.”
I’m here to teach you how to build a business that fits your goals, your energy, and your version of success.