
Ep 23 - Stop Overcomplicating Your Website
11/12/2025 | 11 mins.
DescriptionIn this episode, Roberta Rechena discusses the importance of clarity in website design and communication. She emphasises that a website should serve as a functional tool for businesses, effectively communicating their value to potential clients. Roberta introduces the concept of 'caveman communication,' advocating for simple, jargon-free language that resonates with the audience. She shares insights on how to structure content for better user experience and conversion rates, urging designers to prioritise clarity over complexity.TakeawaysA website should work for your business 24/7.Clarity in design leads to better results.The audience should feel like the hero of the story.Avoid overwhelming visitors with excessive content.Use plain language to communicate effectively.Shorter paragraphs and clear typography enhance readability.Simplicity in messaging builds confidence in your brand.Visitors leave if they can't find answers quickly.Clarity is more important than detailed storytelling.Challenge yourself to simplify your website content.TitlesMastering Website Clarity for Better EngagementCaveman Communication: Simplifying Your MessageSound bites"The simpler, the better.""Clarity is authority.""Speak simply, say what you do."Chapters00:00 The Importance of Website Clarity10:31 Caveman Communication: Simplifying Your MessageStay connected with Roberta:Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @coreandformdesignConnect on LinkedIn: Roberta RechenaSubscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updatesVisit the Core and Form websiteBook a Free Discovery Call if you’re interested in collaborating!Keywordswebsite design, clarity, communication, branding, user experience, conversion, simplicity, content strategy, web design tips, audience engagement

Ep 22 - The Core Brands Podcast Turns One: A Candid Look Back (and Forward)
27/11/2025 | 15 mins.
In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, our host Roberta celebrates a double birthday – her own and the podcast’s first anniversary!Roberta reflects on the first year of hosting the Core Brands Podcast – the lessons learned, what worked, what didn’t, and her vision for year two. She shares the behind-the-scenes of managing a podcast as a side project, the realities of balancing client work with content creation, and the evolving structure of the show.If you’re a creative entrepreneur, podcaster, or just curious about what it’s like to run a personal brand podcast, this episode is packed with honest reflections and valuable insights.TakeawaysThe Core Brands Podcast started as a personal outlet after facing challenges pitching herself as a guest on other shows.Roberta initially planned a light schedule (two episodes/month), but shifted to weekly releases – a decision she later reconsidered.Guest episodes performed best, both in reach and engagement, thanks to guest promotion.Solo episodes suffered due to time constraints, but they remain a key goal for the future.Marketing the podcast took over her main business socials, highlighting the importance of balance in content strategy.Plans for year two include:Returning to a two-episode/month cadence.Recording more spontaneous solo episodes (audio-only when needed!).Developing a stronger visual identity and creating a dedicated media kit.Reaching out to dream guests with bold confidence.Chapters00:00 – Birthday celebration & podcast anniversary02:00 – Why Roberta started her own podcast04:30 – The original plan vs. reality of the podcast cadence06:00 – Challenges of promoting weekly episodes08:00 – Reflections on guest dynamics & invitations09:20 – Favorite tools: Riverside.fm & editing process10:50 – Top 3 most played episodes12:00 – Gratitude for Spotify followers12:30 – Vision and goals for year two14:00 – Embracing imperfect solo episodes15:00 – Slower cadence = better promotion & sustainability16:00 – Final reflections and appreciationStay connected with Roberta:Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @coreandformdesignConnect on LinkedIn: Roberta RechenaSubscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updatesVisit the Core and Form websiteBook a Free Discovery Call if you’re interested in collaborating!Resources mentioned:Riverside.fm – Roberta’s go-to platform for recording and hosting her podcast (affiliate link in episode notes)

Ep 21 - How to find graphic design clients? Sharing what worked for me.
16/9/2025 | 11 mins.
In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, host Roberta Rechena returns with a fresh format, sharing her journey from a career in project management back to her passion for design. Roberta addresses a listener's question about transitioning back into the design field after a career break, offering personal insights and practical tips for finding clients and building a successful design business. Tune in to discover how Roberta navigated her own career shifts, the importance of networking, and strategies for showcasing your work effectively. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable advice to help you thrive in the creative industry.Resources mentioned:Book Yourself Solid for Creatives - by Michael Port and Joana Galvão: https://amzn.to/4pHAmjR✨ Let’s connect:Instagram: @coreandformdesignLinkedIn: Roberta RechenaWebsite: coreandformdesign.com📩 Ready to build a brand that feels like you and attracts the right clients? Explore my services here: coreandformdesign.com/services

Ep 20 - Healing with Ink: How Aislinn Horgan Is Redefining Recovery
30/6/2025 | 32 mins.
SummaryIn this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, Aislinn Horgan shares her transformative journey from nursing to becoming a specialist in aesthetic services, focusing on the emotional and psychological impact of her work. She discusses the importance of finding purpose, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how her services help restore identity and confidence in clients. Aislinn emphasises the emotional connections she builds with her clients, the challenges of balancing business and personal life, and the necessity of continuous learning in her field. She also highlights the need for recognition of her work as a vital part of recovery for individuals undergoing significant life changes.TakeawaysAislinn transitioned from nursing to artistry, discovering her creative side.COVID-19 prompted Aislinn to evaluate her purpose and career path.Her work focuses on restoring identity and confidence for clients.Emotional connections with clients are crucial in her practice.Balancing business and personal life is an ongoing challenge.Client stories highlight the transformative power of her services.Continuous learning and upskilling are essential in her field.Recognition of her work is vital for its acceptance in the medical community.Aislinn believes in the importance of self-love and personal transformation.She aims to raise awareness about the psychological impact of her services.Sound Bites"Was there always an artist underneath the scrubs?""It was only when I really took a step back.""I felt there was something more I could give.""It’s not just a cosmetic thing.""I will cry with them. I will listen to them.""It’s about restoring your sense of self.""This is only the start of it."Chapters00:00 From Nursing to Artistry: A Journey of Transformation04:31 Finding Purpose: The Impact of COVID-1908:43 Restoring Identity: The Importance of Aesthetic Services12:03 Emotional Connections: Navigating Client Experiences18:32 Balancing Business and Personal Life25:44 The Power of Transformation: Client Stories27:56 Continuous Learning: The Need for Upskilling32:57 Future Aspirations: Recognition and GrowthConnect with Aislinn:Website: www.byaislinn.ieEmail: [email protected]: @byaislinn.ieLinkedIn: Aislinn HorganStay in touch with Roberta:Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @coreandformdesignConnect on LinkedInSubscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updatesVisit the Core and Form websiteBook a Free Discovery Call if you're interested in collaborating!

Ep 19 - From Chaos to Calm: The Power of a Well-Organised Home with Jenny Douglas
23/6/2025 | 49 mins.
In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, Jenny Douglas shares her journey from a structured career in the charity sector to becoming a professional organiser. She talks about the unexpected role of the junk drawer, how personal challenges shaped her passion for creating calm spaces, and what it felt like to step into entrepreneurship. Jenny opens up about building a business while balancing family life, the value of outsourcing, and why an organised home supports mental clarity.Roberta and Jenny dive into the emotional side of decluttering, especially when it comes to sentimental items. Jenny explains how she supports clients through the feelings attached to their belongings and why it is important to understand the stories these items carry. They explore practical approaches to decluttering, how to get family involved, and the benefits of working with a professional organiser. Jenny also shares her love for organising utility rooms and her hopes for the future of her business, A Good Moment.TakeawaysA junk drawer has a place in every home.A calm environment supports a calm mind.Personal experiences often guide our passions.Career transitions can be challenging but deeply rewarding.Outsourcing frees time to focus on what matters.Regular organisation helps maintain clarity.Starting a business means balancing work and family.Mentorship and networking make a difference.Sentimental items carry emotional weight.Decluttering is personal and often emotional.Supporting clients through decisions is essential.It is okay to keep items that hold meaning.Clutter often holds stories.Professional organising improves wellbeing.Start small to avoid overwhelm.Family involvement can make decluttering easier.Sound Bites“Every home needs a junk drawer.”“If not now, when?”“One person’s junk is another person’s treasure.”“Clutter can carry stories.”“Start super small.”Chapters00:00 The Organised Junk Drawer06:08 Personal Struggles to Passion14:08 From Charity Work to Entrepreneurship18:05 Challenges of a New Business23:35 Outsourcing What You Can26:13 Navigating Sentimental Clutter37:00 The Emotional Side of Decluttering48:00 Favourite Spaces to Organise49:58 What’s Next for A Good MomentConnect with Jenny:Website: www.agoodmomentcompany.ieInstagram: @agoodmomentcompanyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-good-moment-company/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agoodmomentcompanyStay in touch with Roberta:Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @coreandformdesignConnect on LinkedInSubscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updatesVisit the Core and Form websiteBook a Free Discovery Call if you're interested in collaborating!



Core Brands Podcast