We hear a lot of talk these days about authenticity - it’s a buzzword that is quickly losing its meaning. But that doesn’t mean the concept is out of date, in fact, it’s more important than ever. So, when it comes to making your design brand authentic, what does it really mean?
On this episode of Wingnut Social, Darla and Natalie speak with Karima Neghmouche, a brand expert who works alongside all kinds of people - designers and otherwise - to help them discover, capture, and communicate a brand that is authentic to who they are. As a designer, that’s of paramount importance because the clients you attract will be attracted to your personal approach as much as they are attracted to your beautiful design work. Listen to hear all of Karima’s advice.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[5:20] Beyond the buzzword, what does “authenticity” mean?
[9:54] How simplified branding gives you the ability to pivot in the future
[13:36] Website principles for resonating with your ideal client
[16:50] Common mistakes designers make when building out a genuine brand
[20:40] Soul-searching processes to discover your authentic brand
[23:09] The importance of a great website
[28:39] Summary of the episode: focus on your closet!

Connect with Karima Neghmouche
Karima’s website - https://karimacreative.com/
On Facebook
On Instagram @Karima.Creative
On LinkedIn
On Pinterest

Resources & People Mentioned
The RESA Edge chat Darla will be doing 
Darla’s upcoming presentation at High Point
BOOK: You Are A Badass At Making Money

Authenticity is keeping it real no matter what others say you should be doing
We all know authenticity is a buzzword, a trendy thing people tack onto their slogan or mantra. But behind the buzzword is a principle that is vital for designers to understand and apply. Here is Karima’s definition of authenticity:
Keeping it real and ignoring the noise of what everyone else says you should be doing.
That’s a pretty good definition. But there’s a trick to developing the relationship between branding and authenticity in today’s marketing. Filters and effects change how things are perceived, which is not how your brand may be best represented. Karima has a good perspective on what it takes to keep things authentic. It includes taking pictures of the favorite spaces in your own home. Listen to learn how it works out practically - and to understand why her approach is so helpful.
Practical ways to keep your interior design brand authentic
The authenticity of your interior design brand is what will appeal to your ideal clients - the ones you really want to work with. That’s because something about you and your personal perspective on design work draws them to you. So you want to make sure you’re getting this piece of the branding puzzle right.
Karima’s advice makes it so easy to see how everyday observations about your own life, the kind of things you are drawn to on Pinterest or Instagram, and the previous design work you’ve done will reveal some of the real you that needs to go into communicating an authentic interior design brand.
Don’t miss this episode. Karima digs into logos, websites, naming conventions, images used to represent your brand, and more. She’s also going to share why simplicity in your branding is often a better path than specificity. 
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)

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