Beverly Cornell: Building Businesses with Authenticity and Impact

From the fast-paced world of advertising to the unpredictable life of a military spouse, Beverly Cornell, Founder of  Wickedly Branded, demonstrates the powerful role of resilience, adaptability, and self-determination in becoming a successful entrepreneur and an effective leader.

Choosing this path wasn’t a sudden decision. Through her work in advertising at Chrysler’s agency, she gained invaluable insights into connection, culture, and communication. These experiences, along with her roles supporting small businesses and working at a tech startup, provided valuable lessons that shaped her expertise and ultimately led her to become an entrepreneur.

Being the wife of an active-duty Army officer, Beverly Cornell faced numerous challenges that required frequent relocations and made her reconsider traditional career paths. With remote work on the rise, Beverly seized the opportunity and transitioned from freelancing to founding Wickedly Branded., emerging as one of the most empowering businesswomen to watch- 2025.

Fostering Connection Beyond Marketing

At Wickedly Branded, awakening brand magic is at the heart of everything they do. It begins by deeply understanding where its clients have been, where they are now, and where they envision their business in the future. Wickedly Branded helps clients uncover their unique opportunities and provides a clear blueprint for owning them.

From there, the agency boldly and intensively brings its marketing to life, empowering it to truly capture those opportunities. This process provides clients with clarity, focus, and renewed confidence in their brand. Wickedly Branded simplifies marketing, reduces overwhelm, and reignites their clients’ excitement about their brand because it authentically reflects who they are: their heart, their passion, their service, and their impact. While video is one tool the agency may use, its approach encompasses a much broader strategy to help clients achieve their full potential.

Recognizing the value of hands-on learning, Wickedly Branded develops workshops and mentorship programs specifically tailored to empower small business owners. These initiatives equip entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, strategies, and confidence to effectively market their businesses, even from the ground up.

Moreover, the agency actively fosters a sense of community beyond marketing campaigns. Through speaking engagements, nonprofit collaborations, and community-building events, Wickedly Branded nurtures a supportive network among small business owners.

The Secret to Marketing for Service-Based Businesses

For service-based small businesses, especially those that bring joy, wellness, or kindness into the world, successful marketing isn’t about flashy campaigns or endless social media posts. It’s about three core principles that truly resonate with your audience:

1. Clarity

The foundation of effective marketing starts with understanding who you are and who you’re here to help. Trying to appeal to everyone dilutes your message.

Instead, ask yourself:

• What makes your business unique?
• What problem are your customers facing, and how do you solve it in a way only you can?

Identifying these answers makes everything click into place, says Beverly Cornell. Your ideal customers will see your business and think, Yes, that’s exactly what I need! This clarity creates a strong foundation for your brand and makes it easier for people to connect with your message.

2. Connection

Beyond visibility, marketing is about trust. Customers don’t want to engage with faceless businesses, they want to feel connected to the people behind the brand. That’s why storytelling is so impactful. Share your “why,” celebrate client success stories, and be authentic in your interactions.

Connection happens in small, meaningful moments, like:

• Responding thoughtfully to a comment or review.
• Sending a personalized email.
• Showing up at local events or simply saying hi.

These moments, though seemingly small, create lasting relationships.

3. Consistency

Marketing is a long game. It’s about staying visible and offering value over time. Whether you’re sharing tips, inspiring stories, or engaging within your community, being consistent keeps you top of mind for when your customers are ready to act. Think of it as planting seeds,  and regular effort helps them grow into something impactful.

4. Less Is More

A common pitfall is feeling the need to do it all, be active on every platform, follow every trend, or churn out content non-stop. But here’s the truth: simplicity wins. Focus on the platforms where your audience spends their time and do fewer things exceptionally well. This allows you to create content that feels meaningful instead of rushed.

At its core, marketing is about authenticity. It is about showing your audience the heart of what you do and helping them see how you can make their lives better. That’s the kind of marketing that’s not only effective but fulfilling to do.

Measuring Success Through Client Achievements

Wickedly Branded has experienced significant growth by consistently adapting and aligning with its core values. Initially, the company focused on diversifying its client base. However, a pivotal shift occurred when it specialized in service-based businesses focused on joy, kindness, and wellness. This strategic decision fostered deeper client relationships and increased the impact of its work.

Embracing remote work, initially a necessity for the company’s founder, proved to be a key advantage. This flexibility allowed for nationwide client reach, enhanced adaptability, and a better work-life balance for employees.

Building a team of passionate professionals was transformative. The collaborative environment expanded the company’s capabilities and allowed them to offer more comprehensive solutions to clients.

Furthermore, Wickedly Branded transitioned from a project-based model to a partnership-driven approach. This shift fostered long-term relationships with clients, enabling them to achieve sustained growth.

The company’s ultimate measure of success lies in its clients’ achievements. Witnessing their growth, whether it’s increased revenue, new service launches, or enhanced brand clarity, fuels the company’s passion and reinforces its commitment to making a positive impact.

This journey highlights the importance of staying true to one’s “why” and prioritizing meaningful connections throughout every stage of growth.

Empowerment As The Foundation

At Wickedly Branded, empowerment is central to leadership, collaboration, and client success.

• Leadership: It fosters an environment where team members feel safe to take ownership, experiment, and learn from challenges.
• Clients: The company equips clients with the knowledge and confidence to achieve long-term success by understanding the “why” behind its solutions.
• Core Belief: The company believes in the inherent potential of individuals, helping them overcome obstacles and translate ideas into action.

The Impact: This has led to remarkable client transformations, such as a wellness business owner who rediscovered her purpose and became a leader in her community. This story exemplifies the power of mentorship and the far-reaching impact of empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.

Advice for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs in Marketing

To every aspiring female entrepreneur, especially in marketing, here’s what Beverly Cornell wants to say:

1. Own Your Voice

First and foremost, trust that your perspective matters. The marketing industry can feel noisy and crowded, but there’s always room for your unique voice. Don’t try to blend in or follow every trend. Lean into what makes you, you. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s your greatest asset.

2. Start Before You’re Ready

Perfection is a myth that holds too many women back (myself included). If you’re waiting until you feel 100% ready, you’ll be waiting forever. Start now, with what you have, and learn as you go. Progress is the key! The mistakes you make will teach you more than waiting ever could.

3. Build a Support System

Being a business owner can feel very lonely. Find your people, the ones who will cheer you on, give you honest feedback, and help you grow. Whether it’s a mentor, a networking group, or a trusted friend, having a community makes all the difference. You don’t have to do this alone.

4. Be Bold About Your Boundaries

As women, we often feel the pressure to say “yes” to everything, but building a sustainable business means being selective. Protect your time, energy, and mental health. Learn to say “no” when something doesn’t align with your goals, and don’t feel guilty about it.

5. Never Stop Learning

Marketing is always evolving, which means there’s always something new to discover. Stay curious, experiment, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you invest in your own growth, the more you’ll be able to offer your clients.

6. Remember Your Why

Finally, always stay connected to your purpose. Marketing isn’t just about selling. It’s about connecting, inspiring, and making a difference. When you build your business around your “why,” it keeps you grounded and focused, no matter how challenging things get.

The marketing world needs more bold, creative, passionate women stepping up and showing what’s possible. Trust yourself, take the leap, and know that you’re creating something extraordinary not just for yourself but for the people you’re meant to serve.

Overcoming Challenges with Intentionality

Women in leadership roles face unique challenges, but with the right mindset and intentional approach, these obstacles can transform into stepping stones for success. At the core of this transformation lies the power to design a career, or business, one that fits your life, rather than molding your life to fit traditional expectations.

According to Beverly Cornell, here’s how women leaders can navigate and thrive:

1. Balancing Confidence and Perception

“One of the most persistent challenges is navigating the tightrope between being confident and being perceived as overly assertive. (Bossy girls unite!)”

Society still judges women leaders by different standards, and that pressure can feel stifling. The solution? Beverly advises embracing your authenticity and leaning into your unique leadership style. “When you design a professional life that reflects who you are, you naturally show up with more confidence and ease, regardless of how others might perceive you,” she says.

2. Impostor Syndrome

Impostor syndrome is that sneaky feeling that you don’t belong, and it can creep in even when you’re at the top of your game. According to Beverly Cornell, the key to overcoming this is intentional reflection. Take time to acknowledge your achievements, document your wins, and celebrate the progress you’ve made. “We are notorious for moving the goalposts and not truly taking the time to sit in our wins.” Building a career that fits your life means giving yourself permission to feel proud of how far you’ve come.

3. The Double Duty Dilemma

Women often carry a heavier load outside of work, from caregiving to managing households, and that can make leadership roles feel even more demanding. As a military spouse, Beverly Cornell carries even more of the load, Here’s the thing: you don’t have to do it all, says Beverly. Being intentional about your priorities both at work and at home helps you focus on what matters most. Say “no” to things that don’t align with your values and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s about designing a life that works for you, not bending your life to meet impossible expectations.

4. Lack of Representation and Mentorship

“When women don’t see themselves represented in leadership, it can feel isolating.” To tackle this, Beverly Cornell advises seeking out mentors and communities that inspire and support you. And when you have the chance to mentor others, take it! You will find it’s one of the most powerful ways to create intentional, lasting change.

5. Breaking Through Bias

Unconscious bias is still a hurdle, and women often feel the need to prove themselves more than their male peers. The best way to combat this is by staying focused on your values and results. When you’re intentional about your goals and aligned with your purpose, it becomes easier to navigate bias and make an impact in ways that matter.

Ultimately, the key to thriving as a woman leader is intentionality, says Beverly Cornell. By making thoughtful decisions about where to invest your time and energy, designing work that aligns with your life’s priorities, and staying true to your vision, you can redefine success.

Women leaders are proving daily that authenticity, balance, and success are not mutually exclusive. When we embrace intentionality, foster supportive communities, and stay connected to what truly matters, we transform challenges into opportunities—not just for ourselves but for those who follow in our footsteps, emphasizes Beverly Cornell.

A Notable Project: Doubling Inquiries and Building a Thriving Business

One recent project involved collaborating with a photographer specializing in deeply personal, emotive portraits. Despite her exceptional talent for helping clients see themselves in new ways, her business faced challenges in a competitive market. Many photographers differentiate themselves based on pricing or technical skills. However, the challenge was to develop a marketing strategy that would attract clients who truly valued her unique approach and the profound emotional connection she fostered through her work.

Bringing Her Vision to Life

• Highlighting Her Unique Process: The brand focused on “Seeing Yourself Differently,” emphasizing the personal and empowering nature of her sessions. Clients weren’t just posing; they were discovering their authentic selves.
• Creating Emotional Connections: Client stories accompanied each portrait, showcasing their transformations and the emotional depth of her work.
• Revamping Her Online Presence: Her website became a storytelling hub, featuring client stories alongside images. A “Your Story” section invited potential clients to share their motivations.
• Leveraging Social Media: Video campaigns on Instagram and TikTok captured the “before, during, and after” of sessions, showcasing the transformative power of her work.

The Results:

In just three months, her business experienced a remarkable transformation:

• Inquiries doubled, and her calendar was booked months in advance.
• She attracted the clients she truly wanted, those who valued her artistry and the emotional journey her sessions provided.
• Invitations to speak at community events cemented her reputation as a storyteller and artist, not just a photographer.

Purpose-Driven Growth

Wickedly Branded understands that each client is unique. The agency refines its services to precisely meet the specific needs and stage of each client’s journey, whether it’s a startup defining its brand voice or an established company starting on a new chapter. The agency crafts strategies that align perfectly with each client’s unique goals and aspirations.

At the core of Wickedly Branded’s philosophy lies a commitment to helping businesses grow while staying true to their purpose. The agency believes in a future where clients succeed and thrive, fueled by innovative content, impactful community engagement, and personalized solutions.

“At Wickedly Branded, the journey is as crucial as the destination. The agency is dedicated to shaping a brighter, more purpose-driven future for the businesses it serves.”

The Power of Teaching

From teaching dance as a teenager to guiding new Army spouses and serving as a Stephen Minister, the foundation of Beverly Cornell’s leadership at Wickedly Branded is rooted in her passion for teaching. The journey began with mentoring a team and turning leadership into a transformative teaching experience. Whether mentoring team members, empowering clients, or speaking on a podcast, the goal has always been to inspire others to reach their full potential.

Balancing her passion for teaching with her responsibilities as a business owner has required intentionality and growth. Beverly Cornell has learned to:

1. Lead by Example: Teaching her team is not solely about providing direction, it’s about cultivating an approach to challenges characterized by curiosity and resilience.
2. Create a Culture of Learning: At Wickedly Branded, the company fosters an environment where growth is prioritized for both the team and clients. This shared commitment to learning and improvement consistently drives extraordinary results.
3. Keep Evolving: Leading is a journey, not a destination. Beverly is constantly reading, testing new approaches, and seeking feedback to improve how she leads and teaches.

Shaping the Future with Purpose

Beverly Cornell believes that the future is where the magic begins, and the team at Wickedly Branded. is thrilled to begin new initiatives that align with our mission to empower purpose-driven businesses. While staying committed to helping clients gain clarity, forge deep connections, and achieve sustainable growth, we’re also embracing innovative strategies and opportunities that reflect the evolving needs of the world and our clients.

Creating a Legacy of Positive Change

For Beverly Cornell, legacy isn’t about accolades or awards. It’s about the ripple effect of positive change. She envisions a future where the businesses she’s guided not only achieve remarkable growth but also become catalysts for positive transformation within their communities. This vision stems from a deeply held belief that success can be achieved with kindness, authenticity, and a focus on human connection.

Beyond the boardroom, Beverly Cornell is dedicated to empowering others to discover their own unique magic. Be it as a mentor, teacher, or community leader. Whether it’s guiding a young dancer, supporting a struggling entrepreneur, or simply offering a listening ear, she strives to leave a lasting impact on those around her. Her ultimate hope is that her journey inspires others to dream bigger, act with courage, and create a life filled with purpose and joy.

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