SPECIAL FEATURE:
5 SIGNS YOU’VE OUTGROWN YOUR CURRENT BRANDING (AND HOW TO KNOW IF IT’S TIME TO REBRAND)
From the Founder
You’re reading the very first issue of Riot Magazine!
This magazine is a celebration of bold ideas, fearless creativity, and the incredible entrepreneurs who dare to dream big. At Riot Creative Studio, we believe that breaking boundaries and thinking differently are the keys to building businesses that inspire, grow, and make an impact
With Riot Magazine, we’re creating a space where stories of innovation, resilience, and ambition come to life Each feature showcases the passion and ingenuity of business owners who are challenging the ordinary and shaping their industries in meaningful ways
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Whether you’re here to be inspired, find fresh ideas, or connect with like-minded trailblazers, know that this magazine was created for you
I hope your business makes some noise this week
Erica Nash Founder, Riot Creative Studio
5 Signs You’ve Outgrown Your Current Branding (and How to Know If It’s Time to Rebrand)
As a small business owner, your brand is the face of your business. It’s the first impression potential clients get and the reason loyal customers keep coming back. But what happens when your brand no longer feels like you? Or worse, what if it’s holding you back from growth?
Here are five telltale signs you’ve outgrown your current branding and what to do about it.
1. Your Brand Doesn’t Reflect Your Growth
When you first started, you probably pieced together a logo, colors, and fonts that worked for now. But as your business has evolved, so has your vision. If your branding still screams “startup” when you’ve established yourself as a leader in your industry, it’s time for an upgrade.
What to Do:
Rebranding doesn’t just mean a new logo, it’s an opportunity to align your visual identity with your current expertise and goals A bold, strategic rebrand can position you as the go-to authority in your space
2. You’re Attracting the Wrong Clients
Do you find yourself fielding inquiries from clients who aren’t aligned with your expertise or pricing? Your brand could be sending mixed messages. The way your business looks and feels online plays a huge role in who decides to reach out.
What to Do:
Evaluate your messaging, imagery, and tone. A rebrand can help you appeal to your ideal clients who are ready to invest in your services and share your values.
3. Your Offerings Have Evolved
Maybe you started out offering one service but have since added multiple revenue streams. Or you’ve pivoted to serve a new audience. If your branding still focuses on what you used to do, it’s no wonder your audience is confused.
What to Do:
A rebrand allows you to clarify your offerings and show off what makes your business unique. Think of it as resetting the stage for your audience to see the full scope of what you bring to the table.
4. Your Brand Feels Outdated
Trends come and go, and what felt fresh and modern five years ago might not resonate today If your visuals look tired or your messaging doesn’t feel relevant anymore, it’s time to rebrand before your competition gets ahead
What to Do:
A bold, forward-thinking rebrand ensures your business stays top-of-mind with your audience and positions you as innovative and adaptable
5. You Feel Disconnected From Your Brand
The most obvious sign? You no longer love your brand. If it feels like a chore to share your website, create marketing materials, or talk about your business, that’s a red flag. Your brand should energize and excite you.
What to Do:
A rebrand is a chance to reconnect with the heart of your business. When done right, it can reignite your passion and give you confidence in how your business shows up in the world.
How to Know It’s Time to Rebrand
If any of these signs hit close to home, you’re likely ready to take the leap. A rebrand doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or risky. At Riot Creative Studio, we partner with ambitious small business owners to create bold, intentional brands that grow with them
When you’re ready to stop settling for a brand that’s holding you back, let’s talk Together, we’ll build a brand that feels like you and gets your business where it’s meant to go
Ready to Riot?
Let’s break through the growth ceiling together. Schedule a free consultation to chat about it.
FromthePortfolio:TheMenstrualMaven
The Menstrual Maven is a cycle syncing and fertility coach helping women optimize their life and increase productivity
Together with Sydney Simpson Digital, we rebranded The Menstrual Maven with something girly, fun, and classic.
Starting with a mood board featuring pink and bubbly retro vibes, we quickly honed in on the logo, seamlessly integrating "the" into the wordmark while balancing readability and fun details like heart motifs The approved all-pink concept expanded into a cohesive brand kit, including custom icons (like an adorable bra), versatile patterns, and social media templates tailored for their marketing needs. The final brand exudes girlhood, care, and empowerment, perfectly aligning with The Menstrual Maven's mission
RiotCreativeStudio//EricaNash
RIOTCREATIVE.STUDIO
There is something magical that happens when a creative person finally develops confidence in their style and ideas
I’ve been creating (and questioning) art my entire life Heavy on questioning None of it was ever good enough Not realistic enough Too cartoony Too playful Too colorful I couldn’t see how people would actually want any of it if it looked like this.
And that concern? Totally validated one day when I answered a call for a designer and was rejected because my “work was great but my style was a little too ‘Canva.’” �� I was SO offended. No shade to Canva or anyone who uses it, but it was so clearly not meant to be a compliment.
But here’s the thing: I was proud of my work. Each element she criticized had been custom-built for each brand, rooted in strategy, and aligned with the client’s vision. These were solid, thoughtful designs. And even so, my confidence wavered. My innermost fears were being confirmed in real time until they weren’t.
The next day I received not one but TWO emails from people wanting to hire me because they loved my style. Be still my heart. Say no more.
That was the day Riot Creative Studio started forming. Just an idea in the back of my mind. A what if? sparked a dream of working with people who were as ambitious as I was people who wanted brands that didn’t just blend in but helped them make a little noise in their industry.
If you haven’t already guessed, my name is Erica Nash and I’m the Founder, Brand Designer, and Creative Director at Riot Creative Studio, and my favorite thing ever is to help businesses experience real, sustainable growth through branding that connects deeply and tells a story
The weeks and months that followed the rejection and subsequent validation of my own style and design decisions was nothing short of transformational. I decided there and then that ordinary just wasn’t going to cut it for my clients and it certainly wasn’t going to cut it for me. Riot Creative Studio was born from that conviction.
Riot exists to help ambitious entrepreneurs reimagine their potential and shatter glass ceilings whatever that looks like for them. But we don’t believe in making noise just for the sake of it. Every move we make is intentional, rooted in research, aligned with goals and values, and tailored to industry standards... and then we shake things up.
Because if there’s one thing we know to be true, it’s this: business is one great experiment. And if that’s the case, why not chase it fearlessly?
But more than that, Riot Creative Studio is built on the belief that bold creativity can spark a positive ripple effect Our goal isn’t just to help our clients succeed we want to care for them so well, empower them so completely, that they can turn around and do the same for their own clients, communities, and families
Because when you create with purpose, the impact knows no end. That’s what Riot is all about.
EricHintonRealEstate
My name is Eric Hinton and I own Eric Hinton Real Estate I help people buy and sell houses But beyond that, I want to serve my clients by helping them achieve their best life and so that's why I went through training and certification as a life coach That's why my wife Sarah and I founded a non profit organization called Solace Renewal Ministry
I want to help my clients not only navigate the sometimes tricky waters of real estate transactions, but I also want to help them discover and realize their dreams. I've found that people are the most receptive to counsel and to growth when they are at transitional stages in life. And moving is a big transition.
If you've ever moved, you know it makes a big impact on your life, right? But think about why we move. Maybe we got a new job or we got married or divorced. Maybe we need a bigger home for a growing family or maybe we're downsizing when the kids move out. Or maybe we need more space for hosting in our home and building community.
Or maybe we need more space to grow our hobbies or our interest, or we want to move closer to our church, or to our school. These are all seasons of change. And change is the primary ingredient to growth. And so, when someone allows me to step into that season of change, they're allowing me to speak into their lives at a very important time.
So, sometimes my counsel, my expertise, remains very centered around real estate, how to best navigate the transaction, but sometimes it includes walking them through a new marriage, which is a joyful time, a new beginning. Sometimes it's walking them through separation or divorce. I recently helped a client who was referred to me by her daughter and she was a recent widow and just needed to sell her house and move into her next season, so that was a more somber relationship
Any of those instances are times of change and and growth and new seasons. And so helping my clients with the biggest financial decision that they may ever make during these kind of times of change, that's a sacred trust and so the muscles that I have to use the most in my business are my ears.
I've had to learn to become a skillful, empathetic listener. Look how people use their home is a reflection of who they are. It's important for me to listen to the nuances that are particular to each client like what are their dreams? What are their stress points? Where would they like to end up years from now, maybe even beyond this particular house?
My business goes far beyond the contracts and the disclosures. Of course, I have to be an expert in those areas as well in order to serve my clients. That's why I'm continually training and taking continuing education and new certifications so I can best serve my clients
But the aspect of my business that I'm the most proud of is helping my clients create a roadmap to their next home and to their next season And so when they see the process laid out clearly before them, they can see the costs and the timelines and all their options, they can make the best decision for their family
And they can best embrace this new change and they can grow. That is the best part of my job. So if there are any readers who I can serve who are coming up to that transition of moving or if you know someone who is, I would love to help you and guide you through that season of change and growth and move into your next season
TLCFamilyHealth // Dr.LezliBraswell
My name is Lezli Braswell, and I’ve been a family doctor for 20 years Over the past year, I’ve had the joy of working at TLC Family Health in Flower Mound, Texas, and it’s been the best job of my career TLC Family Health is a direct primary care clinic founded by Dr Doug Cluff in 2017, and I joined the practice in 2023 I’ve never felt this happy in my work before, and being part of this clinic has restored my joy in medicine. TLC operates using the direct primary care model, which means we provide care without using insurance.
Instead, patients pay a monthly membership fee, gaining access to personalized, flexible care While some people might compare this to concierge medicine, direct primary care focuses on inclusivity and affordability, ensuring that high-quality healthcare is accessible to everyone who needs it.
Before TLC, I worked in an insurance-based clinic, where the pace was overwhelming. I often saw over 20 patients a day, with appointments limited to just 20 or 30 minutes. While I did my best, it was frustrating to feel like I couldn’t deliver the kind of thorough, attentive care I’d been trained to provide. At TLC, everything is different. Patients can choose the length of their appointments whether it’s 20 minutes for a quick visit or a full hour to address multiple concerns. On a busy day, I now see eight to ten patients, which allows me to truly listen, understand, and provide the care they deserve.
Another challenge in the insurance model was managing large patient panels, often numbering in the thousands. Patients would sometimes wait weeks or months to book an appointment, even for routine visits. Urgent care needs often couldn’t be accommodated, which frustrated me as a doctor. At TLC, our patients can schedule appointments online often for the same or next day or message us through our patient portal for advice. If needed, we can rearrange our schedule to make room for urgent visits. This accessibility ensures that patients don’t have to rely on urgent care and can receive the care they need when they need it
One of the things I love most about this model is that it allows me to build meaningful relationships with my patients I have time to get to know their stories, understand their challenges, and create a
personalized care plan we both agree on. I also have the freedom to research new treatments, medications, or testing methods to provide the best possible care. It’s intellectually stimulating and reignites my curiosity, which makes this work even more fulfilling.
At TLC, we see medicine as a form of ministry. Everyone in our clinic believes that people are created in the image of God and are deserving of dignity and respect. When a patient shares their struggles in the exam room, I recognize the sacredness of that moment. Listening to their story, understanding their concerns, and walking alongside them in their health journey is a profound responsibility that I don’t take lightly. Our goal is to treat every patient with compassion, honor their unique story, and support them holistically.
Direct primary care is for everyone, but it’s particularly helpful for those without insurance or with highdeductible plans For patients with a high deductible, the monthly fee often costs less than what they’d pay out of pocket in a traditional clinic It’s also a great option for those who feel frustrated by the lack of access in insurance-based systems Even patients with excellent insurance are drawn to direct primary care because of the ability to see their doctor quickly, spend more time in appointments, and receive consistent, thoughtful care
Through this model, I can also follow up with my patients in a way that wasn’t possible before. Our patient portal allows us to message back and forth to check on progress, adjust treatments, and ensure they’re on the path to healing. I’ve found that many of my patients come to TLC after years of unanswered questions or unresolved symptoms. Even if I can’t always solve everything, I offer an understanding ear, a genuine curiosity, and a commitment to helping them feel heard and valued.
If you think this type of care might be what you’re looking for, I invite you to learn more about us. Visit our website at www.tlcfamilyhealth.com, email us at info@TLCfamilyhealth.com, or call 972-914-9421. We’d love to answer your questions and help you explore whether direct primary care is right for you.
TheNotaryNookbySharron
My name is Sharron Bowens of The Notary Nook by Sharron I currently reside in the DeSoto area, south of Dallas I love to eat, try new food, try new drink recipes, cook, etc Really big foodie over here I started a business a notary business
I got my notary commission here in Texas and then I also went to become certified as a loan signing agent. And so my business, the Notary Nook by Sharon, specializes in notarizing different things for individuals as well as businesses. I can notarize educational documents and I can also notarize or work with loan officers and escrow agencies on mortgage documents and facilitating and guiding buyers through the paperwork of buying a home, selling a home, refinancing, etc.
What would this theme of your chapter be for your business?
I would say for me, it would be getting over fear. I think in general, in various areas of life, I can let fear overtake what I want to do, but I think it's best for me or for my son.
And I decided I’m not going to do that. I’m getting over fear, starting a side hustle--because I do have a full time nine to five. So starting a side business to gain some extra income, to live a better life, to help the community, to just build a brand of myself and for myself So I would say getting over fear is the theme and it feels important right now because I feel like we all suffer from that Imposter syndrome, fear of just failing, etc
It does take a lot of work to run a business and to start one, but it's kind of exhilarating and thrilling to have something that's my own And I think that that could go for many areas of life But for me in starting this business, that's kind of how I'm feeling
I think that fear can hold one back from plenty of things in today's day and age. Like I said, this is a side business for me right now. Maybe full time at some point, but I need a second job. Bills are billing.
Everything is costing more money. Cost of living is going up. Gas is going up. Children are getting more expensive. So starting the side hustle and business for myself has been really important. And getting over the fear is the first step in doing that.
If you want to know more definitely feel free to get in touch with me. We're on Facebook and Instagram, and I actually have a website as well. Feel free to reach out follow us, utilize us for your notary needs, and any loan signing needs. We are here to help.
Frenchy’sWonders
My name is Frenchaire Gardner, and I believe in the power of words and creativity to bring healing, comfort, and inspiration As an author, artist, and podcast host, I’m passionate about helping people find hope and expression, especially those navigating life’s challenges
One of my proudest achievements is my book, Mommy and Daddy, Do You Still Love Me Anymore? (Second Edition), a heartfelt story that gives a voice to foster and adoptive children and adults as they explore emotions around love, family, and belonging. It received an honorable mention at the Book Fest Spring 2022 and continues to bring comfort to families worldwide.
Frenchaire Gardner has also co-authored several impactful books, including the Amazon #1 bestseller Finding Joy in the Journey Vol. 2: Healthy Ways to Find Joy in Difficult Times, a beautifully crafted 90day devotional that serves as a beacon of hope, guiding readers through life’s complexities with grace, resilience, and inspiration
At Frenchy’s Wonders, art and movement intertwine to create a sacred space where people of all ages can heal from traumatic experiences through creative expression In addition to writing, I hold therapeutic painting workshops where participants are encouraged to create, release, and reconnect with their emotions Each brushstroke becomes a story of resilience, transforming pain into vibrant expressions of hope and self-discovery The canvas listens without judgment, absorbing struggles and reflecting them back as something beautiful and whole. Movement, whether through the gentle sway of the body or the rhythmic flow of paint, becomes a silent language of healing, offering strength and confidence. Witnessing someone embrace their creativity and find peace within themselves is an incredibly fulfilling experience. At Frenchy’s Wonders, art is not just about beauty it’s about transformation, about turning emotions into masterpieces and discovering the freedom that comes with self-expression.
I also host A News You Can Use Podcast, a platform amplifying the stories of Black entrepreneurs,
artists, and small business owners. Each episode shines a light on their journeys, challenges, and successes, providing inspiration for listeners worldwide. This podcast is a safe space for authenticity and connection, reminding people that their dreams matter and are within reach. Through these stories, I aim to create a ripple effect of empowerment, encouraging others to step into their own purpose.
My work is deeply personal. I navigate ADHD, PTSD, bipolar depression, and anxiety daily, using my journey to connect more deeply with my community. I know how tough the road to healing and growth can be, and I use my creativity to show others that it’s possible to find strength and joy on the other side of pain.
You can connect with me in many ways. My business, Frenchy’s Wonders, is a hub for my creative projects, from books to art workshops I’m always looking for opportunities to collaborate whether through pop-up art classes, book signings, or workshops Reach out to me if you have a venue or event in mind You can also find me on Facebook at Frenchy’s Wonders, TikTok at @AuthorFrenchaire, and Instagram at @FrenchaireGardner
My podcast, A News You Can Use Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and other platforms Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and check out my artwork and merchandise, including prints, tote bags, yoga mats, and more, on Threadless. You’ll find everything linked at linktr.ee/FrenchaireG.
To Black musicians, producers, and artists: I’m seeking positive music for my podcast. Send me your
TheSculptFairy
My name is Miku Sakamoto, and I'm the owner of The Sculpt Fairy, a noninvasive body sculpting spa in Dallas, Texas We help people reduce stubborn body fat, reduce cellulite and wrinkles, tighten skin, improve muscle tone, and improve overall lymphatic health All noninvasively, so no incisions, no injections, and it's all very easy on the body and a lot more cost effective than surgery.
I started the Sculpt Fairy when I was 31 and I just turned 35. For the better part of my 20s and early 30s, I had been in a toxic relationship and very toxic job, both of which left me with very, very little self worth, self love, self respect, and self-confidence, pretty much all of the good “selves” I did not have at that point.
And I just knew that I had to change something. I couldn't keep going the way I was because I was slowly dying inside. So, starting the Sculpt Fairy was pretty much a Hail Mary for me, for my life. I had an idea that I wanted to be in the beauty industry, but I really didn't know what that would look like for me.
I knew more so what I really didn't think would be a good fit. I am not tedious enough for lashes. I am not steady enough for nails. I'm terrified of cutting into people's skin like doing microblading. So I was just kind of going through the process of elimination. And then one day, my friend posted a training for body sculpting, and at that point, I really didn't know what it was.
I had to look into it to see if it was even legit, because it kind of sounded too good to be true to me at first - lose inches on your waist without having to do surgery? Get out of here. But it was legit, and I really liked the idea of helping people improve stuff about themselves that they're not the biggest fan of, to help them increase their self confidence and self love. I thought that sounded amazing, because at one point in my life, I really could have used someone like that too.
So, I went for it, and I had no idea if it was going to work out I really didn't even know if I was going to like it, or be any good at it And of course, in the beginning, I wasn't good, because no one's good at anything
when they first start. But I quickly fell in love with it. I just really love the transformative magic that is body sculpting.
Someone can come in feeling a little insecure or down about themselves and they can walk out with a little bit more sparkle, a little bit more self love, and it's such a beautiful thing, and I'm honored that I can be a part of that journey for people. I think what I'm most proud of is that we place a heavy emphasis on self love.
Yes, we are helping you change your physical attributes and improve them, but we try to make sure that we work on the inner beauty as well. As soon as you walk into our spa, there's a sign that says, you're not just a work in progress. You are a masterpiece in motion. And that is to set the tone for your entire time at The Sculpt Fairy
And that's something we truly believe: yes, we can work on things, but you are already worthy of love and you don't need to change anything about yourself We are going to help you do that, but you are fine the way you are You are amazing the way you are And I think that's something that our clients can really feel
The best feedback that I get from our clients is stuff like: I haven't felt confident enough to wear just a sports bra working out ever,” or they didn't like the way they looked in the mirror naked and now they can look at themselves with more self love and be more confident and have a little more pep in their step. Getting that feedback honestly is everything to me. It makes every day at work just so fulfilling and I don't wake up a single day dreading to go to work. I just LOVE what I do.
If you are a person who is struggling to achieve their body goals even with a healthy diet and exercise, or feeling a little off - whether you're lethargic, having poor sleep, trouble losing weight, brain fog, skin problems or allergies, bloating or swelling - which are all signs of a poor lymphatic system - then we would love to help you.
We would love to help you on your journey of health and wellness. If you want to get in touch with us, you can visit our website, send us a DM on Instagram or call or text us.
We have free consultations available and would love to talk to you! You can book a free consultation on vagaro.com/thesculptfairy
TheMaddChef
I'm chef Abby Maddox. My business is a one woman show called TheMaddChef I bring years of experience as a professional chef, right to your kitchen And what I provide goes far beyond entertainment I love teaching each person in my class, real tangible skills that will give them the confidence to make exciting, nutritious and glamorous home cooked meals
And we have a lot of fun doing it. To give you an idea of what a class looks like, visit my Instagram @the1maddchef. You can also message me through Instagram for any additional info or to book your class. I so look forward to cooking with you and your friends.
The Riot List
The Riot List is our unapologetically fun and eclectic roundup of the things sparking joy, creativity, and energy in our world right now. Think of it as a sneak peek into what’s fueling the fearless vibes at Riot Creative Studio. Maybe it’s a killer playlist, a quirky tool we can’t stop using, or the snack currently keeping us alive.
It’s quick, it’s random, and it’s always a good time. ⚡
1 A song that’s on repeat
Okay, honestly?? It’s All Coming Back to Me
Now by Celine Dion. I know, crazy throwback, but it’s been hitting just right lately And of course, anything by Taylor Swift.
2 A tool making life easier
xTiles is our current obsession It’s where our entire business life lives and we can’t function without it. Clients get a custom portal to keep up with their projects, and they love it too!
3 A podcast worth sharing
THE TELEPATHY TAPES �� It is SO good As an autism mom, I felt especially connected to the content. It’s mindblowing, world-bending, and just plain well done.
4 Something eye-catchinig
Lately we’ve been really inspired by graffiti You can find some really great letterforms in that style of art, plus ... I’m not sure what makes a bolder statement.
5 A snack keeping us alive
Snacks are obviously superior, so around here we take them seriously The Glutino gluten free honey mustard pretzels are currently where it’s at. So good and so crunchy.
Howareyoumakingnoise thisweek?
Never miss an issue.