If you’ve been craving a brand conversation that doesn’t sound like a warmed-over marketing course you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. Bex LaFranchi is rewriting that future with her bare hands and a whole lot of brainpower.

From her roots in the Pacific Northwest to leading design strategy for IKEA US, Bex has built, broken, and reimagined brands across the spectrum  not to impress the industry, but to disrupt what the industry thinks it knows. She’s not just a creative director. She’s a pattern breaker.
A strategist with soul, a high vibration AI rebel who isn’t afraid to call out the fluff and build tools that actually work. Now she’s the founder of Hey Bex Creative Intelligence™, where she helps entrepreneurs supercharge their brands with AI that feels like it gets you because it was designed to.

On this episode of Gritty is the New Pretty, Bex doesn’t hold back.
She shares the unfiltered version of her journey (spoiler: it wasn’t cute or linear), her take on the evolution of branding, and why creativity always  always comes before the algorithm.

 * The development of Creative Intelligence™  and how Bex turned an AI “aha” into a methodology that centers human tone, not robotic output
 * Why brand differentiation isn’t just strategy it’s survival
 * What it really takes to lead creatively in a space obsessed with trends and templates
 * And the future of branding that doesn’t just look good it feels true

So pull up a chair because Bex isnt here to play it safe.
She’s here to show you how to lead with resonance and design a brand that moves people before it ever markets to them.



29. The Future Isn’t Branded It’s Designed: Building Brands with Creative Intelligence™ That Lead — Not Chase with Bex LaFranchi

You might know Vicci Martinez as the fierce and unforgettable “Daddy” from Orange Is the New Black (Seasons 6 & 7) or from her soul-shaking performances on The Voice and role as  Frida Kahlo on HBOmax’s Clone High. But behind the spotlight is a story few have heard — and in this episode, she tells it all.

A Grit City Local, Vicci gets real about her journey from national stages to personal healing with host and friend, Krystle Edwards. Through it all, she’s kept her core intact and she’s not here to play the game by someone else’s rules.

We dive deep into what it costs to stay authentic in industries designed to shape, market, and sell your story before you’ve lived it. This isn’t just a celebrity interview for being famous.
It’s about being whole. Join us a we discuss: 

 * Turning Rejection into Resilience: Navigating the path to success while staying authentic
 * Sobriety Over Sales: The decision to choose healing, even when the industry glamorizes chaos.
 * A Producers Ultimatum : A behind-the-scenes ultimatum on OITNB- a gift or a curse?
 * Sisterhood, Not Rivalry: Choosing connection in a world that pits women against each other.

28. Beyond the Spotlight: Vicci Martinez on Sobriety, Sisterhood, and Staying True

It's not just one to listen to. It’s one to feel in your bones.

Dallisa Hocking — 5th-generation psychic medium, world-event predictor, energy visionary — join us as we discuss:

 * Building a business around your gift, not the grind.
 * Using intuition as strategy — not backup.
 * Unraveling the illusion of control in leadership.
 * And yes... she read my tarot cards live on air. 

This woman saw a global health crisis before 2020 hit, predicted the Cybertruck explosion on Jan 1, 2025, and called the U.S. election outcome before the results dropped. She is not out here guessing — she’s anchored in the unseen and guiding people through it with precision.

She’s trained with Tony Robbins. Studied under John Holland and Lee Harris. Has a resume that could floor a room. But what makes her rare? She uses that power to heal, empower, and reconnect you to your own knowing.

If you’ve ever second-guessed your gut, played small to play safe, or wanted proof that your inner voice is legit — this episode is the mirror you didn’t know you needed.

Tune in.
Trust yourself.
Then pass it to the one still waiting for permission.

27. Lead Like You Know: Intuition, Power & the Unseen with Dallisa Hocking

If podcasting has been tugging at your sleeve—but the tech, tools, and tactics have felt like a second job—this episode is your permission slip to move anyway.

In this conversation, I sit down with Hayleigh Hayhurst, founder of Espresso Podcast Production, the full-service agency helping experts stay in their lane while scaling their voice. From concept to editing, audience growth to monetization—Hayleigh’s team handles it all so you can focus on what matters: your message.

We go deep into:

 * A real-time audit of Gritty is the New Pretty (yes, she gave me notes 👀)
 * Ways to monetize beyond the “get sponsors” default
 * What separates a podcast that builds trust from one that just adds noise

Hayleigh also shares lessons from hosting Employee to Boss and Podcast Café, two shows she built from the ground up—and the mindset shift required to lead the mic and the backend.

Spoiler: podcasting is simpler than you think. When you build from clarity, not chaos.

Learn more about Hayleigh at espressopodcastproduction.com [https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/] or email her at hello@espressopodcastproduction.com. Seattle-based, dog-loving, and caffeine-fueled—she’s the real deal.

26. Start the Show, Skip the Spiral: Featuring Hayleigh Hayhurst, Founder of Espresso Podcast Production

Founder and CEO Jamie Taylor started Confetë with a single balloon garland for her niece in 2015. That one creation quickly ballooned (pun totally intended) into a thriving business, earning features on King 5’s Evening Magazine, New Day Northwest, and even The New York Times. But Jamie didn’t stop there. With a background in interior design and a knack for making people feel special, she launched Confetë Party Box, bringing high-end curated gift boxes and virtual party experiences to businesses of all sizes—including big names like Facebook and Microsoft. Join us as we discuss:

 * Burnout & lessons you can get out of going through tough times.
 * How anxiety led me to retrain my brain
 * Going from almost bankrupt to generating over $300K in revenue



25. Almost bankrupt to generating over $300K: Jamie Taylor, Founder and CEO of Confetë

Kelsey is the founder of the Get Shit Done Rebelution, a business coach and host of the Get Shit Done Podcast where ambitious women learn to grow profitable, streamlined businesses without sacrificing their sanity. As today's guest on Gritty is the New Pretty, she’s bringing her expertise in profit strategy, leadership optimization, and team delegation to help you think bigger and take bold action.

With her no-BS coaching style, Kelsey transforms overwhelmed entrepreneurs into confident CEOs, ready to create serious results. Join us as we discuss:

 * Tips and tricks for getting shit done
 * Get shit done while "expecting" 
 * Difference between sales and marketing
 * Insights on delegation for small business owners

24. Importance of Getting Shit Done: Featuring Kelsey Knutson

As co-owner of Promo Originals, LLC, Lauren spent the past six years helping creatives and small businesses elevate their brands through high-quality custom apparel. With  a background in fashion, marketing, management, and  design/merchandising, she honed the expertise to guide individuals and  companies seamlessly through the product development process—from  initial concept to the finished product. Her journey as an  entrepreneur has been a continuous source of personal and professional  growth. As a creative designer with a strong sense of business acumen,  her proudest accomplishment has been launching her clothing  brand, The Common Theory, which embodies her passion for design and bringing attention to important social issues. 

Join us as we discuss: 

 * Running a business with a spouse
 *  Impact of a meaningful brand
 * Making space in to lead in your business

23. Lauren Sandland, Co-owner of Promo Originals

Becca Boston is a bestselling author, speaker, self-care coach, and NAMI Pierce County's Ending the Silence Coordinator. Despite her learning disability, she inspires others with her motto "Stay Strong. Stay You." Becca empowers individuals to recognize their strength is giving their pain a voice and receiving the help that is needed while staying true to who they are. Her global influence includes being featured in LA Weekly, hosting the "I Am Purpose" conference, and sharing her journey in her book "The Story Behind The Smile: Lessons Within My Life." With the one personal impact mentality, Becca focuses on impacting one person every day. Join us as we discuss:

 * What self care really looks like
 * Her book Burn the Burnout
 * Importance of investing in coaching
 * The one person impact mentality

Learn more at Beccaboston.net [https://beccaboston.net/]

Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe and rate this podcast. Feedback is a gift!  Stay connected and follow us on instagram @gritcitywomen.

22. Becca Boston , bestselling author, speaker & self-care coach

Starting her role at the food bank just days before the onset of the pandemic, Stacey leveraged her 12-year career at Nordstrom Inc. as a buyer and financial manager to lead with agility and expertise. She is a dynamic leader passionate about customer experience, health equity, and community vitality. By integrating technology and human-centered innovation, Stacey, alongside her exceptional board of directors, spearheaded a project called The Market, which reimagines food security. This initiative offers the dignity of choice through curated locally grown foods and fresh ingredients. In Fall 2022, her organization introduced a revolutionary refrigerated smart locker distribution model, creating a network of support hubs for food and resources throughout Pierce County. Stacey's ultimate vision is to ensure the organization's sustainability by fostering local food production and supporting local food producers. 

Join us as we discuss:

 * Key to innovating solutions to old problems
 * Value of a human centered approach 
 * Rebranding- when, why and how?

Learn more by visiting Goodroots.org

21. Stacey Crnich, CEO of GoodRoots NW

Tanisha Jumper is the current Chief Communications Officer for Tacoma Public Schools. Prior to that she worked with the City of Tacoma for 7 years serving as the Director of Communications, Strategy andEngagement. Throughout her career she has been responsible for implementing strategic initiatives, monitoring towards goals and achieving lasting impact. Tanisha is a skilled facilitator, collaborator, and creative thinker. Tanisha has a wealth of experience in health and human services, developing collaborations, strategies and initiatives in both Montgomery County, Ohio and Pierce County, Washington. Tanisha is the mother of three adult children and has served on many community boards and initiatives in both Ohio and Washington. She is currently serving on the board of United Way of  Pierce County, Foundation for Tacoma Students, Multicare Mary Bridge West Region Community Advisory, and Big Brother Big Sister of the South Sound Advisory. Join us as we discuss:

 * Career lifepsan
 * Importance honoring your whole self
 * Importance of knowing when to show up in what roles

20. Tanisha Jumper, Chief Communications Officer for Tacoma Public Schools

Listen up! The Gritty is the New Pretty Podcast is your go-to spot for unapologetic inspiration and real talk powered by Grit City Women, a badass community founded by Krystle Edwards, a leader, change maker, and all-around force who’s on a mission to empower female entrepreneurs, small business owners, and leaders. 

Hosted by Krystle herself, this podcast brings you the gritty, unfiltered stories of women who are crushing it, turning obstacles into opportunities, and leading with heart. From powerhouse business owners who’ve scaled from the ground up to community leaders reshaping their industries, to creatives breaking the mold and innovators changing the game, you'll hear from women who are doing it all. 

If you're ready to ditch perfection and own your power, creativity, and resilience, this is for you. In Grit City, Gritty is the New Pretty —Hit subscribe and let's get gritty with it!

Instagram :@GritCityWomen @Grittyisthenewpretty

Www.gritcitywomen.com

Krystle Edwards

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