Welcome to The Branding Habit

Why I’m Here, and Why You’re Here Too

A brand isn’t something you design — it unfolds over time. It’s something you grow.

You’re here because you’re building something—a brand, a business, an idea, a Substack publication. But if you’ve ever felt stuck in overthinking, second-guessing, or starting and stopping — please read on:

As a brand designer, I’ve started to see a pattern emerge.

You want to build something that matters. You want to do good in the world.

You create something from the heart — inspired, and deeply personal. But because you care so much, you start to doubt it.

Maybe the idea is too simple. Too small. (It’s not.)

So you might make it more complex, adding layers and complications, until it becomes too big to launch alone. And so… you don’t.

The idea stalls.

But the thing about your calling is — it calls again.

And when your idea comes back, maybe it’s evolved, maybe you’ve evolved. Now, you’re wiser, more experienced. This time, you keep it small—but now the fear is:

"If it’s too small, will anyone care?"

And so, again, it doesn’t launch.

Or maybe the fear whispers:
"Who am I to do this?"
"There’s some flaw in it — something I haven’t figured out yet” or “it’s not perfect."

I know this struggle because I’ve seen it, and because I’ve lived it.

I created The Branding Habit to call out the cycle, and help you break through - because when you do, you don’t just launch a brand or a business — you step into your next phase, into the work you’re meant to do.

Who writes the Branding Habit?

Hi, I’m Tara Slade — a brand designer, strategist, and creative consultant with more than a decade of experience helping founders craft thoughtful, strategic brands that resonate with the right audience.

You might have seen my design work on Substack — I’ve helped over 100 writers launch their publications — including Mehdi Hasan, Dan Rather, Lawrence Krauss, Casey Newton, and Anne Helen Petersen.

But The Branding Habit isn’t about showing off polished logos or perfect brands. It’s about the process going on underneath.

Because the truth is:
Building your brand isn’t linear — It can be messy, and emotional.

And I’ve learned that the brands that last are the ones that grow with intention.

Who is The Branding Habit for?

Branding isn’t just for big companies with big budgets. It’s for you.

Whether you’re starting a business, building your personal brand, or launching your Substack — this is your space to build, refine, and own your brand, one small step at a time.

Want to connect?

If this resonates, I’d love for you to join me.

If you’re building something and want to stay grounded, consistent, and true to your voice — you’re in the right place.

You can find me in your inbox each week, sharing thoughtful, practical ideas for building your brand one check-in at a time.

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Work With Me

If you’re curious about how we might collaborate, I’d love to connect. You can book a 20min Brand Clarity Call — no pressure, just a short conversation to see if we’re the right fit.

Or check out my website at: omnibrand.co.nz

Tell Others:

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To find out more about the company that provides the tech for this newsletter, visit Substack.com.