“Your brand isn’t just what people see—it’s what they feel when they experience you. The magic happens when you stop chasing strategies and start trusting your own voice.”
— Beverly Cornell
In a world where entrepreneurs are constantly chasing visibility, it’s easy to lose sight of the deeper purpose behind a brand. For many, branding feels like a never-ending checklist—logos, colors, social media posts—without ever really answering the question: Does this feel like me? Beverly Cornell, founder of Wickedly Branded, is here to change that. With nearly 30 years of experience in marketing and a unique ability to help entrepreneurs rediscover their authentic voice, Beverly is known as the “Fairy Godmother of Brand Clarity.” Her work goes beyond surface aesthetics to help business owners build brands that are not only seen, but deeply felt.
In this powerful and heartfelt interview, Beverly shares her personal journey of transformation—from burnout and disconnection to alignment and impact. She dives into the truth behind what makes a brand magnetic, explains her signature 3 C’s framework, and illustrates how storytelling can create genuine connection. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your business or just looking to bring more meaning into your message, Beverly offers guidance that’s both practical and soul-stirring. Get ready to step into your brand magic.
Thank you so much for joining us, Beverly! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Thank you so much, Stacey. I’m thrilled to be here. My journey in marketing spans nearly 30 years, and throughout that time I’ve worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs, helping them tap into their brand magic and bring it to life in a way that feels bold and deeply aligned. But things shifted dramatically about 13 years ago when I married an active-duty Army soldier. That meant packing up my established VP of Marketing career and starting fresh—completely mobile and freelance. It was humbling. I went from corporate boardrooms to building my business from scratch with just a laptop, a dream, and a fierce determination. Over the years, I evolved, my brand evolved, and everything grew—but not without some hard lessons. A few years ago, I had a midnight moment, sitting at my computer, feeling utterly burned out and disconnected from my work. Even though I was “successful,” I felt like I was disappearing. That moment became the catalyst for rediscovering who I was and realigning my brand to reflect the real me. That’s when Wickedly Branded truly began.
What led you to create Wickedly Branded, and what does the name mean to you?
Wickedly Branded came from a place of deep personal reinvention. I was craving something that captured the bold, magical energy I wanted my work to evoke—something with a little edge, a little mystery, and a lot of heart. I didn’t want another generic marketing brand. I wanted something that would spark curiosity and speak to the emotional, transformational side of branding. For me, “wickedly” symbolizes that boldness, that little bit of rebellion against the cookie-cutter way of doing things. And “branded” is about more than logos—it’s about voice, vision, values, and being fully seen. I wanted a brand that could help others feel at home in their own skin, business, and message. Wickedly Branded is about showing up unapologetically and embracing the magic that’s already inside of you.
You mentioned feeling successful but disconnected. Can you share more about that turning point?
That turning point was raw and real. I remember it vividly—everyone was asleep, and I was at my desk, eyes burning, mind racing, wondering why I always felt like I was falling behind. I was checking every box, bringing in revenue, and yet I felt completely out of sync with myself. It was like I was performing success instead of living it. The pressure to juggle everything—marketing, service delivery, finances, strategy—was relentless. I realized I was operating from this place of “shoulds,” following someone else’s map instead of my own. I had lost the thread of why I started and what truly mattered to me. That night was the beginning of a deep transformation. I didn’t need another course or guru. I needed clarity. I needed to come home to myself. And from that point on, I committed to building a business rooted in alignment, joy, and authenticity.
You use a powerful Wizard of Oz metaphor in your work. Can you explain that?
Absolutely! The Wizard of Oz metaphor has been such a grounding symbol for me and for the work I do with clients. Dorothy’s journey is the perfect reflection of what entrepreneurs go through—we follow the yellow brick road, thinking if we just get to the Emerald City (aka six figures, the perfect funnel, that next client), it’ll all finally make sense. But when Dorothy gets there, she discovers the wizard is just a man behind a curtain. The real magic? It was in her all along. And that’s what I’ve discovered too. So many of us are chasing clarity, chasing authority, chasing the next best thing, thinking someone else has the answer. But what if the answer was already within you? That’s what I help people unlock. True clarity doesn’t come from outside validation. It comes when you trust your journey, lean into your voice, and reclaim your authority. That’s where the transformation begins.
What does it mean to be the “Fairy Godmother of Brand Clarity”?
Being the “Fairy Godmother of Brand Clarity” is my playful yet powerful way of saying I help people rediscover what’s already been inside them all along. I don’t show up with a magic wand to hand someone a new identity—they don’t need that. What they need is someone to guide them back to their essence. I help entrepreneurs cut through the noise, get out of the tornado of overwhelm, and reconnect with the heart of their message. My role is to reflect their brilliance back to them, help them find the words they didn’t know they were searching for, and build a brand that feels like home. It’s clarity, confidence, and courage—and that’s the kind of magic I love to create.
You talk about the difference between visibility and connection. Why is that important?
It’s such a crucial distinction. Visibility is simply being seen—anyone can slap a logo on a website and post a reel on Instagram. But connection? That’s about being felt. It’s the emotional resonance that draws people in and makes them want to stick around. I’ve seen brands with thousands of followers and zero engagement. And I’ve seen brands with 400 followers who sell out every offer because they know exactly who they’re talking to and why it matters. True connection comes when your message reflects your values, when your stories make people feel seen, and when your content feels like a conversation—not a performance. When your audience senses that you understand them, they lean in. They trust. And that’s when magic happens.
How does storytelling factor into your branding philosophy?
Storytelling is everything. It’s how people remember, relate, and trust. The most powerful brands are built on real, human stories—on the messy middle, not just the polished wins. When you share your authentic journey, your audience connects to the emotions, the lessons, and the humanity behind your brand. One of my favorite examples is my client Ashley, who runs a Deaf interpreting agency. Her business was already successful, but her messaging didn’t reflect her fierce passion for inclusion. We rewrote her brand voice to reflect her story, her values, and her integrity. And the result? She stepped into her power. She started leading with confidence, raising her rates, and attracting aligned clients. That’s what storytelling does—it bridges the gap between business and heart, between information and impact.
Let’s talk about your 3 C’s Framework. What are they, and how do they shape a magnetic brand?
The 3 C’s—Clarity, Consistency, and Conversation—are the foundation of a brand that resonates. Clarity is about knowing who you are, who you serve, and what transformation you offer. Without clarity, your message is muddy, and your audience stays confused. Consistency isn’t about posting daily—it’s about showing up in alignment with your values and delivering your brand promise in a recognizable, authentic way. And Conversation? That’s where the relationship lives. Are you inviting your audience in or just talking at them? Are you opening space for dialogue and reflection? When your brand has these three elements in place, it becomes magnetic. You don’t just stand out—you stand true.
Can you give us an example of a brand that experienced transformation using your 3 C’s?
Yes—Ashley is a perfect example of the 3 C’s in action. Her business, A to Z Interpreting Services, was already thriving in revenue, but her branding felt like a placeholder. It didn’t speak to her mission, her values, or her fierce advocacy for the Deaf community. Once we worked through her clarity, created consistent messaging that reflected her purpose, and shifted her communication to be more human and conversational, everything changed. She started showing up online with confidence, started wearing her brand with pride—literally—and saw a ripple effect across her team and client base. Her business now feels like a true reflection of who she is. And that transformation started with clarity.
You also talk about the ripple effect of alignment. What do you mean by that?
When a business is in alignment, the ripple effect is undeniable. It goes beyond the bottom line. It shifts how you lead, how you show up in your personal life, how you inspire your team, and how your community experiences your brand. One of my favorite stories is about a client who owns a holistic pet nutrition company. She began donating nutrient-rich food to local police dogs—not for PR, but because it aligned with her values. That heartfelt gesture led to media coverage, stronger community partnerships, and a boost in brand loyalty. But more importantly, it lit her up. That’s what alignment does—it creates momentum, joy, and impact far beyond what you could script in a marketing campaign.
How do you help clients overcome the fear of being “too much” or “not enough”?
I’ve lived that fear—and I see it all the time in my clients. It shows up as perfectionism, imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, and second-guessing every post. I call those the “flying monkeys”—they swoop in just when you’re about to do something bold. The way we silence them is by returning to clarity. When you know who you are and what you stand for, decisions become easier. You stop outsourcing your worth and start making choices from alignment. And the beautiful thing? The parts you were afraid to show are often the exact parts that will connect most deeply with your audience. Your mess is your magic.
What’s one of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when it comes to branding?
They copy instead of connect. They look around at what’s trending and mimic it, hoping it will give them the results they see others having. But mimicry leads to bland brands—brands that don’t stand out or stick. Your brand should be a mirror of your truth, not a replica of someone else’s. And the second mistake? Skipping the messy middle. That’s where all the gold is—the story, the vulnerability, the relatability. People don’t connect with perfection. They connect with humanity. So share your story. Own your experiences. That’s how you build trust and resonance.
You shared a great prompt about checking recent posts. Can you remind our readers what that is?
Yes! Pull up your last three posts and ask yourself these three questions: Did I share something real and personal—not dramatic, but honest? Did I speak directly to one person, not “everyone”? Did I invite a response, reflection, or conversation? These small shifts can completely transform how your content lands. Your story is a bridge—use it to connect with the people who are looking for exactly what you offer.
How do you structure your business in a way that honors your lifestyle?
I’ve designed my business to support the life I want to live—not the other way around. My team is made up of entrepreneurs who operate under the Wickedly Branded umbrella, and I mentor and empower them while giving them the autonomy to run their own businesses. I’ve learned to outsource the things that drain me—like accounting—so I can stay in my creative zone and do the work that brings me joy. I also prioritize time-blocking, energy management, and giving myself grace. I’m no longer chasing hustle. I’m chasing harmony.
What advice do you have for someone who feels overwhelmed and stuck in their business?
First, pause. Take a breath. Then ask yourself: What do I want people to feel when they experience my brand? That feeling is your foundation. Don’t get caught up in all the noise of strategies and trends. Get quiet, get clear, and take the next right step for you. Your brand is not just a business—it’s a movement waiting to happen. And no, it’s not too late. You are not too much. You are exactly enough. The magic is already inside you. Now it’s time to trust it and share it.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
I’d love to continue the conversation! You can visit www.wickedlybranded.com to explore our free Clarity Quiz, dive into client stories, and discover how we can work together to bring your brand to life. You’ll also find links to my podcast, blog, and all our social platforms. I share weekly insights, personal stories, branding tips, and lots of behind-the-scenes moments that keep things real and relatable. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to evolve your business into something bolder, I’d love to support you in stepping into your full brand magic.
Beverly, thank you so much for such an empowering and heartfelt conversation. You’ve given us deep insight into what true branding looks and feels like. The way you blend storytelling, clarity, and emotional resonance is both powerful and practical.
Thank you, Stacey. This was such a beautiful conversation and truly a joy. Helping entrepreneurs rediscover their voice and step fully into their purpose is what lights me up. I’m so grateful to share this space with you and your readers—and I hope this inspires someone to trust themselves and take that next bold step.
