The Brandakin Blog

Social media tips, insights and how-tos from Emily Avdem Nelson.

A smiling woman with blonde hair and a rust-colored sweater sits on a gray couch, smiling at her golden retriever. The graphic reads “Rules for 2026” with a list: rest without guilt, trust my instincts, get out of my comfort zone, take some leaps. Text and visual branding match Brandakin Social Media.

My Rules for 2026 and Why I’m Letting Go of Overworking to Succeed entrepenuers small business small business mindset

If you have ever felt like you had to overwork, overthink, or over explain just to succeed, this one is for you.

For a long time, I believed success had to feel exhausting. Like if I was not constant...

Neutral graphic with pink text that says: “I picked a word for 2026 that demands more from me. (To be honest, it scares me a little.)” Represents a personal reflection and blog post about choosing a powerful word of the year.

My Word for 2026 Is Sovereign and Here’s Why It Matters for Growth and Confidence entrepenuers small business small business mindset small business owners

Every year, I choose a word to guide how I show up in my life and business.

Not because it sounds nice.
Not because I need motivation.
But because it reflects what I need to step into.

My word for 2...

Running a Business Is Personal, Here’s the Honest Truth About What I’ve Been Feeling Lately entrepenuers small business small business mindset

This blog post isn’t polished. It isn’t strategic. It’s just real.

I’ve been sitting with a lot of anxiety lately. And truthfully? I didn’t plan on posting about it. But I’ve always promised to sho...

A woman with blonde hair smiles while working at her home office desk, wearing a lavender sweater, seated at an iMac with colorful sticky notes and a coffee cup nearby. Text overlay reads: "Ask Emily: Home Office Productivity."

Ask Emily: Home Office Productivity entrepenuers small business small business owners

Working from home can feel like the dream, until distractions sneak in and productivity slips away. If you’ve ever sat down to work and thought, “Where do I even start?” you’re not alone!

After sever...

Own Your Business Journey entrepenuers small business small business mindset

Here’s a quick reminder that can go a long way in your business growth: own your journey.

It sounds simple, but it’s so easy to forget — especially when you’re scrolling and comparing your social...

Woman peeking over a book titled "The Grace Year" with a bookshelf in the background. Text overlay says "Don't Let Fear Get In Your Way."

Don't Let Fear Get In Your Way content creation motivation small business small business mindset

Your Pep Talk for the Year Ahead 💬

Here’s your reminder as we step into a new year:
Don’t let fear stand between you and your success.

I know showing up on social media can feel scary.
Selfies, vi...

Illustration of a small shop with a pink and blue awning and hearts around it, on a maroon background with the words “show businesses some love.

Show Businesses Some Love small business small business marketing small business owners

How to Support Your Favorite Small Businesses on Social Media

Wondering how to support the small businesses you love without spending a dime? It’s easier than you think and those small actions on...

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