In this episode, Kay Suthar sits down with Trudie Avery to explore what it really takes to build a brand that feels aligned, distinctive, and true to who you are. Trudie shares her journey from knowing at a young age that design was her path, to walking away from a successful agency and starting all over again with nothing but her Mac and her vision. They talk about the emotional realities of building a business, how stress can show up in the body without you even realising it, and why networking groups and great coaches can make all the difference when you are self-employed. Trudie also explains why branding is about far more than looking professional, how clarity around who you help changes everything, and why trying to appeal to everyone only makes business harder.

If you have ever struggled to define your brand, your message, or how you want to show up in the world, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and practical advice.

What to expect in this episode:
(00:00) – Introducing Trudie Avery and her background in branding and design
(01:34) – How Kay and Trudie first met at an event in the UK
(02:15) – Trudie’s journey from graphic designer to agency owner to starting again
(05:35) – How Trudie realised design was always her path
(07:31) – The college interview that changed everything
(08:49) – Why Trudie never wavered from design
(09:29) – Turning down a directorship and choosing travel instead
(10:30) – Meeting her future husband and travelling the world together
(11:48) – The fear and stress of starting a business from scratch
(15:09) – How stress affects the body and Kay’s own wake-up call
(17:36) – The importance of networking groups and having a great coach
(20:23) – Why branding is about much more than looking professional
(21:45) – Why trying to help everyone makes your business harder

About Trudie Avery
Trudie Avery is an award-winning branding expert, designer, and mentor, best known as the founder of Logo Lady. With nearly 30 years in the design industry and over two decades running creative businesses, she helps business owners build confident, distinctive brands that truly reflect their value. Combining strategic thinking with creativity and clarity, Trudie supports clients to stand out, attract the right audience, and feel proud of how they show up. She also speaks on branding and visibility at business events, sharing practical, straight-talking advice rooted in real-world experience.

Connect with Trudie Avery

Website: https://www.logolady.com/
Brand Personality Quiz: https://www.logolady.com/personality-quiz
LinkedIn: Trudie Avery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/logolady

Connect with Kay Suthar

Business Website: https://makeyourmarkagency.com/
Podcast Website: https://www.makeyourmarkpodcast.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-suthar-make-your-mark/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/482037820744114
Email: kay@makeyourmarkagency.com

FREE Gifts from Kay Suthar:
3 Ultimate Secrets to Getting Booked on Podcasts: https://getbookedonpodcast.com
5 Simple Steps to Launch Your Podcast in 14 Days: https://14daystolaunch.com