How to Keep Building When Life Feels Heavy with Keira Krenek

Summary

Podcast Summary: Next On Scene: The Human Behind The Brand
Episode: How to Keep Building When Life Feels Heavy with Keira Krenek
Host: Jaclyn Zukerman Delory
Guest: Keira Krenek, Founder of Elementsis
Date: April 14, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this raw and insightful episode, host Jaclyn Zukerman Delory sits down with Keira Krenek, founder of Elementsis—a brand strategy, web design, and automation studio. The conversation unfolds around the central theme: how to keep building a meaningful business and legacy, even when life feels overwhelming or heavy. Keira shares her unique journey from fine arts to entrepreneurship, discusses the pivotal role of systems and automation, and opens up about the impact of chronic health challenges and personal loss on her path to creating sustainable success and authenticity within her brand.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Keira's Unconventional Path to Branding and Tech

(01:15-02:47)

• Integrated Approach: Keira explains her unusual combination of expertise in branding, web design, and SEO.
  • “To really create high converting designs... it all had to go together. I loved the creative aspect of design, but there was also this part of me that craves strategy and craved actual outcome, not just here's something pretty." (B, 01:21)
• Early Business Ventures: She began in a done-for-you ecommerce agency before launching Elementsis, emphasizing transformation using the "alchemy" metaphor.
  • “Elementsis is... we're taking the raw materials of what exists in your business... and transforming them into something that's actually going to convert for you.” (B, 02:13)

Current Goals & Client Impact

(03:19-03:54)

• Focus has shifted toward systemizing and automating for businesses aiming to perform at the level of bigger teams without expanding headcount.
  • “How can we systemize? How can we become more productive without hiring on a bigger team?... How can I improve an existing business that didn’t necessarily need a new logo... but needed to find a way to operate as a larger team without hiring on more employees?” (B, 03:21)

Practical Guidance on AI & Automations

(04:03-04:43)

• Mindset Shift: Keira advocates reframing perceptions of AI.
  • “Don’t be afraid of AI... Automations have existed before these kinds of models became available... AI can also be automating the grunt work... things that are taking you out of your zone of genius.” (B, 04:04)

Artistic Foundations & Approach to Brand Strategy

(04:48-05:52)

• From glasswork and welding to web design, Keira brings a creative yet systematic mindset.
  • “I see a way to bridge this gap between, you know, doing something creative and doing something that feels like it's contributing to society.” (B, 04:55)
• Every branding and digital touchpoint is crafted to support the user's journey and business outcomes.

Navigating Life’s Heavy Seasons—Personal Story

(06:57-08:49)

• Major Turning Point: Keira candidly discusses her struggle with undiagnosed endometriosis and how chronic pain forced her to rethink her career.
  • “There would be days where I was completely debilitated by the pain... so I thought to myself, I need to... build a business that can work around all the downtime of having a chronic illness.... I had to build a team.” (B, 07:04)
• The autonomy of entrepreneurship became both a necessity and a source of empowerment and motivation.
  • “Sometimes knowing that I have this responsibility... is the only thing that can get me out of bed in the morning.” (B, 08:16)

Memorable Game Segment: Rapid-Fire Personal & Professional Insights

(09:22-12:26)

Website Mistake Most Entrepreneurs Make

• “Trying to talk to everyone in the messaging on your homepage instead of narrowing in on who your ideal, specific client is.” (B, 09:26)

Must-Have Automation for Founders

• “Definitely a smooth onboarding process if you are a service-based client... from prospecting to getting them into your CRM, all the way through getting them the materials they need.” (B, 09:44)

Morning Routine

• “Listening to like sci-fi audio dramas while doing word searches and drinking my coffee... I have to multitask even in my morning routine.” (B, 10:07; 10:18)

Intuition vs. Systems

• “Can I be both? Por qué no los dos?” (B, 10:26)

Defining Hard Seasons

• “When my mother passed... I actually stopped my program then and decided, okay, we need to build again. We need to build something stronger that feels more sustainable.” (B, 10:36)

One Word & Song for Life Right Now

• “One word: Transitional. The song... Maniac from Stray Kids.” (B, 10:58; 11:05)

Protecting Peace:

• “Oh, my cat.” (B, 11:21)

Defining Brand Legacy and Motivation

(11:33-12:26)

• Brand Legacy: Keira wants Elementsis to be known as “brand therapy”—a place where founders truly feel heard and understood.
  • “I want it to stand for the person that's really going to hear you... They're really going to take the time to learn the nuances of what I want.” (B, 11:33)
• Advice to Younger Self:
  • “Just start. Take the leap of faith and start and put your all into it and never stop learning. Even if it’s outside of traditional education, never stop learning.” (B, 12:05)

Encouragement for Those in Heavy Seasons

(12:37-13:12)

• “It’s possible... We can’t change the hand we’ve been dealt, but we can change the way we play the hand... Yours is not going to look like that because you have other factors impacting your journey and that is okay. If anything, it makes your story more unique and more impactful.” (B, 12:37)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On blending creativity with strategy:
  “I loved the creative aspect of design, but there was also this part of me that craves strategy and craved actual outcome, not just here's something pretty.” (B, 01:22)

• On AI and automations:
  “AI can also be automating the grunt work... if we can automate that so it's happening on the back end, you can perform as a team... because all that work is being done in the background.” (B, 04:07)

• On resilience and business-building with chronic illness:
  “How can I build a business around these days where I have flare-ups or I feel awful? And I at first wasn’t sure it was possible, but I had to create something that allowed me to work on my own hours, on my own terms.” (B, 07:23)

• On what matters most in her brand’s legacy:
  “I want people to think synonymously with, like, oh, that's like brand therapy... They're really going to understand. They're going to take the time to learn the nuances of what I want and what my business represents.” (B, 11:33)

• On redefining the path to success:
  “You might think that there is a linear trajectory to success... and yours is not going to look like that because you have other factors impacting your journey and that is okay. If anything, it makes your story more unique and more impactful.” (B, 12:46)

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Important Timestamps for Key Segments

• Keira’s journey & brand creation: 01:15 – 04:03
• AI and automation in business: 04:03 – 04:43
• Life pivot due to chronic illness: 06:57 – 08:49
• Rapid-fire Q&A/game: 09:22 – 12:26
• Advice for heavy seasons & closing wisdom: 12:37 – 13:12

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Tone & Style

The conversation is deeply human, honest, and supportive—balancing professional advice with powerful personal storytelling. Both Jaclyn and Keira foster a warm, encouraging mood, offering actionable business insights while reminding listeners of the value in embracing vulnerability and authenticity.

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Connect with Keira

• Website: elementsis.com
• Instagram/Facebook: @Elementsist

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This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating tough seasons while striving to build something lasting. You’ll walk away with fresh clarity on blending systems with heart, and practical strategies for resilient entrepreneurship—rooted in humanity, not just hustle.

Transcript

[A]

Before we jump into today's episode, I want to thank our partner, Feast and Fettle. One thing I've genuinely loved is how easy it makes lunch during busy work days, because that's usually the meal I forget the most. Welcome to next on scene, the human behind the brand. I'm Jacqueline Zuckerman DeLauri, award winning publicist, mom and media visionary. I believe visibility isn't just about being seen, it's about being of service. Each week we are going to uncover real stories behind success. The breakthroughs, the heartbreaks and the moments that made you hoo you are. Because the truth is the more we allow ourselves to be human, the more powerful our impact becomes. This is where visibility meets legacy. This is next on scene. Today on next on scene, the human behind the brand. We have Kira Krennic. Kira is the founder of Elementsis, a brand strategy web design and automation studio, helping businesses build high performing websites and systems that allow them to operate like larger teams. Welcome back to next on scene, the human behind the brand. I'm so excited to be here with the amazing Kira Kranik who is so incredible at what she does. Website, SEO, brand strategy, all the things. Kira, how did you fall into the world of SEO, brand strategy and websites?

[B]

And that's an interesting combination, right? Because most people say like if you're doing branding or if you're doing web design, you don't also find someone doing SEO at the same time. But I just felt like to really create high converting designs, to really not just give someone a color palette and a logo, but give them an asset to use in their business and marketing to actually grow their business. It all had to go together. I kind of just fell into it from understanding that I loved the creative aspect of design, but that there was also this just part of me that craves strategy and craved actual outcome, not just here's something pretty. And so I just learned it on I have to continue to do it ever since.

[A]

Amazing. And you had another business before this one, right?

[B]

I did.

[A]

And was it the same business model

[B]

or it was an agency but it was kind of a done for you service, helping people build e commerce businesses and source their products.

[A]

So interesting. So elementsis is the name of your business, what inspired the name of the business.

[B]

So I did get it off of a random word generator. But what it means to me is we're taking the raw elements, right? Because we play off of this theme of alchemy, right? Which would in many definitions be like taking raw materials, raw metals and transforming them into gold. Or this pursuit of the elixir of life. Right. So Elementsis is we're taking the raw materials of what exists in your business or the brand that you've built with passion, whether you want to redo it or not, and kind of transforming them into something that's actually going to convert for you.

[A]

So cool. I feel like that's so spot on for people who don't know you. I don't even think they would understand that. Like, now that I've lived it, I'm like, wow, what a great description. Like, I think just advice here we're talking because, you know, I've done PR with you, but I think explaining that more in your marketing would be very good, by the way. Yeah, but you're so great at it. So I just want to tell you, like, my website, I'm so happy with my website and branding. Thank you so much. I recommend Kira to all my people. So you're very good. Okay, so what are your goals for yourself? Like, what are the current clients that you like, really feel like you're making an impact with right now in terms of their backgrounds and.

[B]

Yeah, so I'm taking on a new client that is. This is the first project I've taken on that is solely systems and automations. Not starting from brand strategy and web development and building out the whole identity, but really just taking on the business as like, how can we systemize? How can we become more productive without hiring on a bigger team? And that's really exciting for me. That's one of my biggest goals, is to see how can I improve an existing business that didn't necessarily need a new logo for me or anything, but needed to find a way to operate as a larger team without hiring on more employees.

[A]

So awesome. Now I want to talk about AI because I feel like you optimize, like your whole goal is systems on automation and all those things. Like, what advice do you have for businesses around that right now?

[B]

Don't be afraid of AI. And I know that there's a lot of people who think AI is solely like an interface. That's a chat, right? Like GPT, cloud, all of those. That's not the only way you can use it in your business. Automations have existed before these kinds of models became available to the public, but that is AI as well. You know, AI can also be automating the grunt work of your business. The things that you do every day that are taking you out of your zone of genius, out of the work that you really want to be doing. And if we can automate that so it's happening on the back end. You can perform as a team. You know, if you're a team of two, maybe you can perform as a team of five, because all of that work is being done in the background for you.

[A]

And I want to talk to you about how you, like, fell into this. So you had a background in fine arts. Can you tell us more about this?

[B]

My God. So my background in fine arts wasn't even on. It wasn't even graphic design. I did glasswork and welded sculpture, and then I did one web design course, and I was like, I see something here. I see a way to bridge this gap between, you know, doing something creative and doing something that feels like it's contributing to society or the world or something. And I just wanted to still create, but also find a way to help other businesses.

[A]

I mean, you're doing a great job with that, so I feel like you're making creative impact as well. Like, I think even with your brand strategy, it's. It's allowing you to have your creative side come out more. Would you agree with that?

[B]

Oh, absolutely, absolutely. But also, like, the need for order and. And strategy and just, like, step by step, how does this feed into the larger picture? You know, even if you have marketing going on, how can we make sure that what we create for you in a brand isn't just, you know, something pretty. It's something that's going to feed into the user journey. It's going to be creating this cohesive experience across every touch point with your business for that customer.

[A]

And I've noticed that, like, every part of the way, at least in my business model so far. So thank you. I really appreciate that. Okay, before we get into Kira's story, we're going to take a quick commercial break and hear about an amazing business that's made a real impact in my life and how it can help transform yours. This episode is brought to you by our partner, Feast and fetl. After long days, knowing dinner is already figured out has honestly made evenings so much easier. Code next on scene gives you 50 off your first week. Be sure to put that in at checkout@ Feast and Fetal.com. all right, Kara, in life and business, there's obviously moments that we kind of come to a halt that really transformed the path that we're on, you know, and I feel like that's a huge piece and visibility. Would you be open to sharing a story that really stands out to you in terms of, I know, your background with connection to chronic health and mental health. And I think it's so inspiring, which is why I'm also thanking you in advance for being open to sharing. But can you share something in your life that stood out to you that really changed the path that you were on?

[B]

Yeah, absolutely. You know, I shared a little about wanting to start my own thing, realizing that I wasn't going to be able to work at another agency 80 hours a week. But the other factor in that was I was starting to experience all the symptoms of what would a few years later be diagnosed as endometriosis. And there would be days where I was completely debilitated by the pain. Like I couldn't even wear pants. Just the slightest pressure on my abdomen would be so painful. And so I thought to myself, I need to, you know, I don't want to not work. I've, you know, I have a passion for growing something, for building something of my own. And how can I build a business that can work around all the downtime of having a chronic illness or it was unidentifiable at the time. So it was like, how can I build a business around these days where I have flare ups or I feel awful? And I at first wasn't sure it was possible, but I had to create something that allowed me to work on my own hours, on my own terms in a way that still was what the client needed at the time. You know, that they weren't waiting 48, 72 hours for me to respond to them every time. So I had to build a team.

[A]

And you did, you have an incredible team. So once you did create that lifestyle change, how has it affected you now?

[B]

Oh my goodness, the autonomy, especially from the mental health aspect as well. Sometimes knowing that I have this responsibility that I'm helping these businesses grow and is the only thing that can get me out of bed in the morning. You know, it's, it's always that accountability, right? Like short deadlines for ADHD people that makes them work faster, you know, so constantly having the responsibility of I am helping someone else grow their goals and their dreams is what helps me get through the day a lot of the time.

[A]

I just, I have to commend you too. Like, you're a great listener. You digest information so, so well that the average person like normally can't, you know, So I think that is a gift and I want to, like, acknowledge that because I think also, like, as somebody personally who does a lot of different things, like you got my business model in like a week. Like, it was really impressive, you know, so that is a gift. So it's. It's a gift that you started your own thing and have the flexibility to really help the impact that you're doing.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

So thank you for sharing that. I really appreciated that. Okay, I want to play some game time.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

This is fun. Okay. Website mistake.

[B]

You see constantly who trying to talk to everyone in the messaging on your homepage instead of narrowing in on who your ideal specific client is.

[A]

That's very good. One automation. Every founder should have one automation.

[B]

Definitely a smooth onboarding process if you are a service based client client. From prospecting the client to like getting them a quote or getting them into your system, into your CRM, all the way through, like getting them the materials they need to work with you.

[A]

Love that. Morning routine or work straight away?

[B]

Morning routine, Absolutely.

[A]

What's your morning routine?

[B]

Okay, right now it's like a little weird, but I love listening to like sci fi audio dramas while doing word searches and drinking my coffee.

[A]

I love that for you. That's amazing. Perfect.

[B]

I have to multitask even in my morning routine.

[A]

Yeah, yeah. I mean, that's important. Are you more intuition or systems?

[B]

Can I be both? Por que lo nos dos?

[A]

Why not? Yeah, yeah, why not? I love that. A hard season that secretly built you. Well, we kind of just talked about that, right? Yeah.

[B]

I mean, there have been many. There have been many. Yeah. I mean, when my mother passed, that was one too. It, you know, it took that. I actually like stopped my program then and then decided, okay, we need to build again. We need to build something stronger that feels more sustainable.

[A]

I love that one word and song for Season of Life you're in right now.

[B]

Okay, one word. Transitional. The song has nothing to do with it though.

[A]

That's okay.

[B]

It would probably be Maniac from Stray Kids.

[A]

Ooh, good one. That's a great one. Love that. I'm creating a playlist for all my guests. That's why I asked it to. What protects. What protects your piece today?

[B]

Oh, my cat.

[A]

I love it. And we have a pillow. We do.

[B]

He's here with us.

[A]

He is. We'll put him in the teaser. What do you want your brand to stand for years from now?

[B]

I want it to stand. Stand for the person that's really going to hear you. You know, I want people to think synonymously with like, oh, that's like brand therapy, right? Like if, if, if I've worked with other service providers and nobody's gotten it right because I feel like they're not listening to me. That's like when you come to us and you're like, no, they're really going to understand. They're going to take the time to learn the nuances of what I want and what my drawbacks are and what my business represents.

[A]

Very well described. What would you tell your younger self today?

[B]

Oh, my goodness. To just start. To just take the leap of faith and start and put your all into it and never stop learning. To absolutely continue learning, even if it's outside of traditional education, to never stop learning.

[A]

Great advice. I love that one. If someone is in a season where life feels heavier than expected, but they still want to build something meaningful, what would you want them to hear?

[B]

That it's possible. And that two things. This is something my husband always tells me that always rings in my head. It's that we can't change the hand we've been dealt, but we can change the way we play the hand. And that you might think that there is a linear trajectory to success in what you think whatever the goal you're trying to achieve is and yours is not going to look like that because you have other factors impacting your journey and that is okay. If anything, it makes your story more unique and more impactful.

[A]

That was beautiful. I really felt that. You're amazing. Kira, how can people follow you? Get in touch, all the things.

[B]

Yes. So they can follow Elementsist, which is Elements I s t on Instagram, Facebook or just on our website elementsis.com and you can reach out to us on any of those platforms and I personally will answer you.

[A]

Yes, she will. And thank you so much everyone for tuning in to becoming or thank you so much everyone for tuning in to next on scene, the human behind the brand. And stay tuned for who's next on scene. Thank you again to our partner Feast and Fetal for supporting today's episode. Use code Next on scene at checkout for 50% off your first week. I'm here to give you your red carpet moment. So follow us on all our podcast channels on any stream from iheartradio Spotify. If you just type in next on scene, the human behind the brand. Or you can also follow us on all our social media channels at Next on scene. Can you feel free to come on this journey with us? Your say is very impactful as an audience member. So come along for the ride and we are going to all evolve together and we can't wait for you to see who's next on scene.