Most Inspiring Women 2021
We are surrounded by inspiring women doing inspiring things and all too frequently, they don’t realize it. In this series, we highlight the awesome work women are doing to make an impact in and around Delaware.
Don’t Hide Your About Page
Your About page is the hype man that gets you the date with the pretty girl. Use it to your advantage and let it actually get you the people you would want to connect with. Part of the client’s discovery process is scoping the sea to see how well they can potentially vibe with you and your team.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: BrandSwan Edition
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: BrandSwan Edition. ‘Twas the night before launch day, and all through the site, Not a pixel was stirring…
Why Clients Ghost
The modern customer has endless options. If their local provider doesn’t deliver, they can hire a business across the world with a single click. That freedom has shifted the balance of power significantly away from the seller to the buyer.
Value vs Hyperconsumerism
It’s time to rewrite the equation. The question isn’t: “How can we do more?” Because, could we ever consume our way to happiness? The world doesn’t need more. It needs meaningful.
Is Your Business Thriving? Here’s How to Measure It
How do you know if your business is thriving—not just surviving? The 2024 stats are impressive, but the real story lies in how businesses navigate challenges and measure success.
Reverse Benchmarking
In tech, it’s disruption. In strategy, its innovation. Ogilvy marketer Rory Sutherland has knighted it “reverse benchmarking.”
Instead of copying the best, smart companies look for what everyone else is doing badly and go there first. Genius.
Celebrating Pride: Standing for Love, Inclusivity, and Equality All Year Round
As Pride Month unfolds, many companies and individuals proudly wave the rainbow flag in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. But at BrandSwan, our commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and love is not limited to just one month. We believe in creating a safe, supportive space for everyone, every single day of the year.
Delaware Press Association 2025 Awards
During 2025’s DPA Communications Contest, our team brought some serious swan power—strategy, style, and just the right amount of sauce—and it paid off big time.
Women in Business 2025 — The Numbers
At BrandSwan, we know the power of women-led businesses. With the right resources, they can seamlessly merge creativity with strategy. We specialize in helping legacy brands and nonprofits craft impactful brand identities, design purpose-driven websites, and execute strategic marketing campaigns. By combining creative vision with data-driven insights, we ensure our clients not only stand out but also forge meaningful connections with their audiences.
The Power (and Pitfalls) of Brand Authenticity
Brand authenticity is about being real. It means a brand’s messaging, values, and marketing feels genuine, not forced. When a brand is authentic, consumers believe that what they see aligns with what the company actually stands for. It’s the difference between a celebrity promoting something they actually use versus one cashing a check for a product they’d never buy. People can spot the difference, and when a brand feels inauthentic, it’s hard to take them seriously.
Get Inspired with these Women to Watch
While we couldn’t interview everyone (believe us, we wanted to!), we still loved what we learned about these nominees and want to highlight these amazing women!
Denée Crumrine
Corporate Communications Manager
Highmark DelawareConnect on LinkedIn
“Inspiration comes in many forms for me, but overall it is the human experience. Witnessing my family, friends and community overcome challenges, fail with grace, grow, create, love, and just live life in all its mess and beauty, is a such a blessing. I am the sum of the people I care about, and they are why I strive to be the best version of myself. “
Nina Thomas
Owner
UNITED & FREE PHOTOGRAPHY LLC
www.unitedandfreephotography.com
“Things that inspire me the most – my love for God, Audrey Hepburn, nature, positive people.”
Emily Dougherty
Yoga and Mindfulness Facilitator
instagram.com/ecmdougherty
“I find a special kind of inspiration in survivors of trauma who are living with symptoms of PTSD. Trauma in any of its forms (and there are many) can make even the most seemingly small or benign task feel inconceivable and terrifying. I serve survivors of trauma through my facilitation of trauma-sensitive yoga. To witness someone taking even just a little bit of their power back despite their experiences and suffering is inspiring beyond any words I’ll ever know.”
Valerie Lane
Founder & CEO
Miss Social Mogulwww.misssocialmogul.com
“When I was a kid, I watched the Oprah Winfrey show almost every afternoon at 4:00pm. No matter the topic or interview, Oprah instilled a love of learning within me. One of the most interesting interviews I saw was with Sarah Jessica Parker, no doubt making her rounds on the various talkshows for Sex and the City. Oprah asked Sarah what inspired her to consistently be so fashion forward and trendy.
Sarah talked about how walking through everyday life was an inspiration. She would see another woman on the sidewalk and think, “oh I really love how tight she got her ponytail,” or, “I love the way that skirt lays.” It wasn’t “stealing” another woman’s style, but being inspired to integrate elements into your own wardrobe. I was so awestruck by Sarah’s ability to let the little things inspire her. So what inspires me?
Tight ponytails. The moment your coffee has just been poured and you can see the steam billowing. A podcast episode where I learn something new. Good books. Piano versions of pop songs. A fresh ball of yarn. The movie Eat Pray Love. Glennon Doyle. Traveling to a new place. Traveling to an old place. My best friend. My favorite Peloton instructor. A really good interview. My writing coach. British accents. Ugg boots.
I’m inspired by the big things, the little things, the courageous acts, and small moments of compassion. I love finding inspiration in my everyday life, it makes the tough times all the more worth living, and the good times all the better. “
Kelsey Styles
Multimedia Technologist
Wilmington UniversityConnect on LinkedIn
“I am constantly amazed by really powerful, strong, go-getter role models, but this year my biggest inspirations were the people who picked me up and dusted me off after COVID repeatedly knocked me down. I am grateful to the people in my life who tell me I deserve the opportunities I choose to pursue.
Secondly, I am endlessly inspired by nonprofits, mutual aid and grassroots organizations. They exist because someone set out to make active change in the world. I live my life to learn, grow, and make little positive changes every day. “
Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer | President
Design Services, Ltd.
www.designservicesltd.com
“What inspires me? Making a difference and changing people’s lives… by design! “
Emma Pautler
Owner/Founder
Pautler Creative Enterprises
linkedin.com/company/pautler-enterprises/
“I’m inspired by the quote, ‘The world needs you to show up today. You are valuable, you are powerful, and what you believe changes the world.’ I believe that each of us was put on earth at this time, in this generation for a reason. Life is about showing up for each other, our communities, our families, and giving all we can. This idea keeps me inspired and helps me wake up each morning with renewed energy and inspiration.”
Want to Celebrate Even More Fabulous women?
