7 Shifts That Helped Me Build a Brand People Actually Care About
Lessons from a founder who went from styling hats to shaping mental wellness through fashion
There is a quiet power in choosing to build slowly and intentionally. That feeling stayed with me after sitting down with Archie Clay III, founder of Brain Love. His journey from Wear Brims, a headwear brand, to Brain Love, a purpose driven company focused on mental wellness, is more than a business pivot. It is a complete mindset shift. One that speaks directly to creative entrepreneurs who are building more than just a product.
This article breaks down what I learned from that conversation. These are not marketing tips. These are human principles. They are useful whether you are running a fashion label, building a personal brand, or figuring out how to align your work with something that feels true.
Build Slowly So It Lasts
There is nothing glamorous about building brick by brick. But it is one of the only ways to create something that can actually hold weight. When Archie talked about building the foundation first, he was not talking about product launches or email funnels. He meant clarity. Purpose. A stable center before any outer growth.
Most people try to grow fast. But speed without structure leads to collapse. The brands that last are the ones that spend time getting their values and systems right before trying to scale. That is true whether you are making clothing or running a service business.
Customers can feel when something is rushed. They can also feel when something is built with care. Focusing on your core offering gives you the room to refine your message, your product, and your presence without pressure. It is the only way to grow without losing yourself in the process.
Do Not Let Your Wallet Limit Your Vision
Too many founders shrink their ideas down to fit their current resources. That mindset is common, especially for people building businesses from underrepresented backgrounds. Archie named it clearly. He said, "We put ourselves in a box based on what is in our bank account." That sentence hits hard.
There is a difference between being realistic and being restricted. Yes, budgets matter. But your current financial situation does not have to define what you believe is possible. Some of the strongest businesses are built by people who dreamed past what they could afford at the time.
Planning for growth means setting up systems and storytelling that are ready for scale. That does not mean faking success. It means refusing to think small just because money is tight. It is hard. But it is one of the most important mental shifts any founder can make.
Keep the Human in the Process
You cannot automate soul. This came up when we talked about marketing, community, and what it takes to build trust. Archie said, "There are certain things you cannot automate." He is right. The more your business grows, the easier it is to lose the personal parts. But those are the pieces that matter most.
Efficiency is great. But connection is what makes people stay. You can schedule content, but you cannot schedule empathy. You can set up automations, but you still need to show up. Especially if you are building something rooted in purpose.
This is where a lot of brands lose their voice. The pressure to post, to grow, to optimize leads to content that feels hollow. The fix is simple. Bring back the human. Even a small check in or a personal touch makes your audience feel seen. That is the kind of detail people do not forget.
Focus on Seasons, Not Sprints
Quick wins are easy to chase. Long term impact is harder. It requires patience. Archie described this idea through the metaphor of planting seeds. He explained that putting a shirt on a celebrity is not the real win. The real win is when your brand message becomes part of everyday culture.
When you focus on fast outcomes, you start cutting corners. But when you think in seasons, you build with care. You learn how to water what matters. You accept the quiet growth that does not show up on social media but builds real momentum over time.
If you are building something with a mission, this mindset is essential. Conscious consumers are watching. They want to know if your work will still matter next year. The answer depends on what you are planting now.
Make the Product Match the Promise
The product is the message. This became clear when Archie explained how Brain Love sources its materials. If you are building a wellness focused brand, the physical quality of your pieces needs to reflect that care. Otherwise, the message falls apart.
People are tired of brands that say one thing and sell another. If you claim to care about mental health, your garments should feel like that care. The fit. The feel. The attention to materials. It is not just what you say. It is what you make.
There is a lot of pressure to cut costs. But lasting trust comes from delivering real value. When your product reflects your purpose, people notice. And they remember. Especially if you are building something from a community that has been historically held to higher standards.
Share the Work in Progress
Perfection is not relatable. Progress is. That is why I appreciated Archie’s honesty when he said, “We are not there yet.” That kind of transparency creates connection. Especially when your audience also feels like they are still figuring things out.
Most people are not looking for flawless brands. They are looking for honest ones. You can still have high standards and talk about the things you are learning. That vulnerability builds trust. It also shows that you are willing to improve.
For anyone working in values driven business, this is a big one. Share the learning process. Show the shifts you are making. That is what builds a brand people want to grow with.
Treat Your Community Like a Stakeholder
This might be the biggest shift of all. Archie said it clearly. “Our community are our stakeholders.” That perspective changes everything. It moves you from treating customers like buyers to treating them like partners.
When you view community as part of the process, your decisions get better. You start listening more. You start designing for actual needs instead of assumptions. You stop asking how to sell to people and start asking how to support them.
The result is not just a stronger brand. It is a brand people feel invested in. That kind of loyalty cannot be bought. It is earned by showing up, over and over, with care.
Legacy Over Hype
Building something that lasts requires more than strategy. It takes alignment. That means making sure your values show up in your product, your decisions, and your community. That is the kind of work that leaves a mark.
This conversation reminded me that building with purpose is not a trend. It is a choice. And it is a choice we get to make every day, whether we are just getting started or already growing.
Questions for You:
Where are you planting seeds instead of chasing fast growth?
What part of your process still needs a human touch?
How are you making sure your product reflects your purpose?
Watch the full conversation with Archie here:
Brands That Build
Each week, I curate a list of brands, creators, and experiences that embody exceptional connection-building through their digital presence, product innovation, or community engagement. These recommendations highlight those who turn transactions into relationships and products into experiences all while maintaining authentic brand personalities.
This Week's Recommendations:
The Love You Collection by Brain Love: Luxury pieces that double as mental wellness reminders - perfect for anyone looking to wear their self-care journey while making a style statement.
Nomads Swimwear's Expressivo Collection: Dreamy swimwear created by a founder who actually wears her own designs - ideal for beach days where you want to feel both confident and adventure-ready.
The Crosby Boot by Kendall Miles: Italian-crafted statement boots from a family business that proves luxury can be both ethical and wearable for those bold everyday moments.