Meet Rachel Martin

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachel Martin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rachel, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey rather than a single event for me. When I first started my career in advertising in New York City, I often felt like I had to prove myself constantly. Moving on to senior roles and eventually founding Mindful & Good, those feelings didn’t just vanish. However, a few key strategies helped me manage and eventually overcome them.

Firstly, I leaned into my passion for sustainability and using design to drive positive change. By focusing on the greater good and the impact I wanted to make, I shifted the focus away from my insecurities and towards my mission. This sense of purpose provided a solid foundation that helped ground me whenever doubt crept in.

Secondly, I made a conscious effort to celebrate my successes and acknowledge my progress. Whether it was attaining B Corp Certification, being named one of the ‘100 Most Talented and Influential Creatives Working Today’ by HOW Design, winning Charlotte’s Sustainability Award for Most Inspiring Small Business, or seeing the tangible impact of a project, I took time to recognize and savor these achievements. These moments served as reminders that my work was valuable and impactful.

Additionally, surrounding myself with a supportive community has been crucial. I have a small, tight-knit group of fellow female founders and entrepreneurs with whom I collaborate. My involvement with B Lab Global and 1% for the Planet has also connected me with like-minded individuals who share my values and passions. These connections have provided a network of support, encouragement, and validation.

Lastly, I’ve embraced lifelong learning. From earning a certification in Advanced Design Thinking from IDEO to continuously updating my skills and knowledge (Google AI and Shopify Certified to name a few), I’ve found that staying curious and committed to growth helps combat feelings of inadequacy. This approach not only enhances my expertise but also reinforces my confidence in my abilities.

By focusing on my purpose, celebrating my achievements, building a supportive network, and committing to continuous learning, I’ve been able to navigate and overcome imposter syndrome. It’s an ongoing process, but these strategies have empowered me to lead Mindful & Good with confidence and clarity.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Rachel Martin, the Founder and Creative Director of Mindful & Good, a B Corp Certified design studio dedicated to creating impactful brands that ignite positive change. At Mindful & Good, we work with purpose-driven businesses in the food & beverage, health & wellness, and sustainability sectors. Our mission is to design compelling brands that draw attention, open minds, and drive both purpose and prosperity.

One of the most exciting aspects of my work is the opportunity to merge creativity with a higher purpose. We’re not just designing logos or marketing materials; we’re helping to shape the narrative of businesses that are making a real difference in the world. Whether it’s through sustainable packaging design, impactful marketing campaigns, or comprehensive brand strategies, we strive to reflect our clients’ values and missions in every project we undertake.

What’s particularly special about Mindful & Good is our emphasis on a quadruple bottom line: people, planet, profit, and culture. This holistic approach ensures that our work is not only aesthetically pleasing but also socially responsible and environmentally sustainable. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see our clients thrive and to know that we’re contributing to a greater good.

At the heart of everything I do is a passion for sustainability and a commitment to using design as a tool for positive change. Whether through my work at Mindful & Good or my involvement in various community initiatives, my goal is to inspire and create a better, more sustainable world.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Passion for Purpose-Driven Work:
My passion for sustainability and positive change has been essential. It keeps me motivated and aligned with my values. For those starting out, find what truly inspires you. When your work aligns with your values, it becomes a source of motivation and resilience.

2. Continuous Learning:
Staying curious and committed to growth is crucial. I’ve constantly updated my skills and knowledge to stay at the forefront of my field. Invest in learning new skills, attending workshops, and seeking mentorship. The industry is always evolving, and staying adaptable will give you a competitive edge.

3. Effective Communication:
Clear and persuasive communication has been vital for presenting ideas and collaborating effectively. Hone your communication skills through practice and feedback. Engage in public speaking, write regularly, and seek opportunities to present your work.

By staying passionate, continually learning, and communicating effectively, you can navigate and thrive in your career journey.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

“Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things” by William McDonough and Michael Braungart has been profoundly influential in my development. This book opened my eyes to the potential of sustainable design and how it can reshape our world.

One of the most impactful concepts is the idea of designing products with their entire lifecycle in mind. Rather than following the traditional “cradle-to-grave” model, which often leads to waste, the “cradle-to-cradle” approach promotes creating products that can be reused, recycled, or composted, contributing to a circular economy.

Another valuable nugget is the emphasis on using safe, healthy materials. McDonough and Braungart advocate for selecting materials that are safe for both people and the environment, which has inspired me to prioritize sustainability and health in my own design work at Mindful & Good.

The book also highlights the importance of innovation and creativity in solving environmental challenges. It encourages designers and businesses to think outside the box and explore new ways to create products that are not only functional but also environmentally responsible.

These principles have deeply influenced my approach to design, motivating me to create solutions that are both beautiful and sustainable. “Cradle to Cradle” continues to be a source of inspiration, reminding me of the potential design has to make a positive impact on the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mindfulandgood.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulandgood/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachellmartin/

Image Credits

Photo Credit: Julia Fay Photography