In this episode, Stefani Fryzel sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, author, podcaster, and visibility strategist Michelle Thames for a powerful conversation about personal branding, authenticity, and building a career rooted in purpose. Michelle shares her journey from marketing professional to community builder, explaining how helping people get seen and paid has become her life's work.
Together, Stefani and Michelle explore the fears that hold creatives back from showing up online, the difference between posting consistently versus posting with intention, and why authenticity will always outperform trends. Michelle also shares practical strategies for creating content without burnout, building a personal brand that reflects your values, and leveraging AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human connection.
You'll discover why personal branding is so important for artists and creatives, how to stand out in a crowded digital landscape, and why investing in yourself and getting into the right rooms can accelerate your growth in ways you never imagined. This episode is a reminder that your story, personality, and lived experiences aren't distractions from your brand—they are your brand.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction & Michelle's journey into visibility strategy
04:35 Overcoming the fear of being seen online
08:15 Consistency, burnout, and creating content sustainably
12:10 Trends vs. authenticity: what actually works
16:20 What personal branding really means for creatives
20:35 How to stand out in a crowded online world
23:40 AI, creativity, and using technology intentionally
26:00 Self-care, entrepreneurship, and navigating different seasons
27:40 The power of investing in yourself and building community
30:45 Creating opportunities through authentic relationships
LINKS
Join us at our Annual Hitmakers Songwriting Retreat this October in Los Angeles!: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/songwriting-retreat-1-1
More info: stefanifryzel.com
Self-Care for the Creative book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Creative-Survival-Creatives-Sensitive/dp/1960876120
Connect with Michelle Thames:
Website:https://michellethames.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellelthames/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-thames
Listen to Michelle's podcast, Social Media Decoded, and learn more about her visibility strategies, community events, and programs designed to help entrepreneurs show up authentically and grow their impact.
