Sara Kelly Brand Consulting

Sara Kelly Brand Consulting Strategic brand and marketing consultant
For brands making a difference
Scale with strategy, focus and creativity Ready to scale your business and brand?

With deep expertise in brand strategy and consultancy, the focus is on scaling brands that care—by getting to the root of your brand challenges, clarifying what your brand stands for, and turning that into confident, intentional growth. The result? Bold, clear, commercially focused brands that connect, resonate, and grow with meaningful impact. Get in touch and let's get started!

The 2016 trend popped up and my first thought was:
That feels like no time ago (a sure sign of my age!).I didn’t think a...
19/01/2026

The 2016 trend popped up and my first thought was:
That feels like no time ago (a sure sign of my age!).

I didn’t think anything major had happened. I was still grieving my mum, parenting young children, and trying to work out professionally, what I would do next.

But 2016 was the year I started my consultancy. Not with a big plan or launch, just one project that turned into another….

I wasn’t ready to return to agency life, so I built something that worked around my life then and there, with plenty of juggling and hard work.

In that year, I also got a confirmed spot in the London Marathon - I trained and fundraised hard. It gave me structure and a place to channel some of my grief.

By March, I’d secured a second client. The business grew quietly from there and continues to evolve with both longer term clients and new relationships too.

Looking back, perhaps 2016 was more impressive than I first gave it credit.

I did a lot of a groundwork and learnt resilience and set the foundations of where I am today - containing to build and nourish brands. 🤗

(NB. These days I’m happily married)I’m out and about in the wildI spot something shinyI’m superficially attractedI don’...
26/11/2025

(NB. These days I’m happily married)

I’m out and about in the wild
I spot something shiny
I’m superficially attracted
I don’t even know them
I just want them.

They look great
Like someone I’d get on with
Surface level stuff.

We pair up
It’s nothing deep
Might be a one off
A light touch connection
But it’s enjoyable
I’m curious for more.

Next time we meet, I’m paying more attention
I’ve given them some thought
I want to find out more
Go a bit deeper
I’ve been drawn in
I’m ready to get to know them.

I learn a bit more
They share things
We form a connection
The attraction grows.

Next date, they bring a friend
A different flavour
Not my usual type
But I’m open to it
And I think I quite like it.

Are we bonding now?
We’ve met a few times
It’s moving beyond attraction
I like what they stand for
But something’s not quite right.

I spy something else shiny
They’re very similar
I get the same first feelings
And I’ve got to try this one too.

And then, wow!
I’m hooked
We jinx over shared feelings
It’s deep
It might even be love.

It’s brutal out there.
Win my heart once, and I’m basically monogamous.
(Brands included.)

This is for the brand founder who:🎲 Feels like brand and marketing decisions are a gamble❓Wonders if their brand is real...
19/11/2025

This is for the brand founder who:

🎲 Feels like brand and marketing decisions are a gamble
❓Wonders if their brand is really making the impact it could
💡 Has the vision and ideas but hasn’t got the time to move it forward
⬆️ Is ready to grow but needs an expert helping hand

I get it. I’ve worked with founders who feel stuck, unsure if their brand is being seen or understood or growing at the pace that it should.

I help founders cut through the doubt, find clarity, and create a strategy that aligns their vision with their growth.

It stops the guessing and start moving your brand forward with confidence.

I was invited by  to share my story for the final day of  .Sharing my experience isn’t always easy, but it’s helping to ...
06/11/2025

I was invited by to share my story for the final day of .

Sharing my experience isn’t always easy, but it’s helping to shape who I am and how I work, with empathy, clarity and purpose.

I’m a brand and marketing expert. I nurture and nourish brands to help them grow. I’d love to help your brand.

Ps. I’ll have more clothes on!

Last week I finished off some nice projects, and as I come up for air, I thought I’d remind you how and why we should be...
05/11/2025

Last week I finished off some nice projects, and as I come up for air, I thought I’d remind you how and why we should be working together…

- I nurture and nourish brands, and the people behind them.
- I can quickly spot what’s working, what’s not, and what could be better.
- I get stuck in, I’m hands on, practical and make the most of opportunities.
- I work flexibly, whether it’s a quick fix or a full brand development.
- I get into the heads of customers and work out what makes them tick, and buy.
- I’m hands-on and practical. I find opportunities and make the most of them.
- I can take over brand management, you can concentrate on your business.
- I’ve got ideas - Loads of them!
- I can assess a brand and quickly work out what you can be doing better.
- If I can’t do it, I’ll know someone I can. I know this industry, I’ve got great contacts.
- I’m open, honest and I might be blunt. I will tell you what needs to change and how to do it.
- I fight for brands I believe in.
- I keep my eyes wide open, I follow the trends and shifts in marketing
- I love a challenge. Set me one!
- After all this time, I still love what I do and I know I make a difference.

I’ve spent over 20 years in branding and marketing, working with big and small long term clients, who’ll vouch for me.

So if your brand needs building up, hit me up.

20+ years in branding, several deadlines too close for comfort, and many lessons learned along the way… Here are some tr...
21/10/2025

20+ years in branding, several deadlines too close for comfort, and many lessons learned along the way…

Here are some truths, laughs, and reminders from my career - the good, the not so good, and the fun.

Whether you’re just starting out, running your own business, or in the middle of a rebrand, I hope a few of these might resonate.

💡 My key takeaway: Keep learning, keep going, trust your gut, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.

If you struggle to describe what makes your brand different in one line or two, it’s time to simplify.Clarity makes ever...
17/10/2025

If you struggle to describe what makes your brand different in one line or two, it’s time to simplify.

Clarity makes everything easier: your messaging, your marketing, your decisions.

If you’re too close to see it clearly, I can help.

My Mini Brand Review & Strategy Session (£275) gives you focused, expert insight on what’s working, what’s not, and how to sharpen your brand story.

DM me “REVIEW” to book yours.

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and once again, I’ve got mixed feelings about it. On one hand I’ll back any cause tha...
02/10/2025

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and once again, I’ve got mixed feelings about it.

On one hand I’ll back any cause that help’s raise awareness, funds research and supports women (and men) who experience breast cancer. It’s also a great way of reminding us to check our breasts and awareness campaigns like this can help reduce some of the fear and stigma around the big C, which I certainly had before my breast cancer diagnosis.

From my years working on brands, I also know the power of a limited-edition pack or a brand activity to grab attention and spark conversation.

But, and it’s a big BUT, I loathe the pink washing.

Brands jumping on a bandwagon as an opportunity to run a promo or activity. And when there’s no substance or it’s not really crystal clear how they’re giving back, it hurts a little bit. I’ve already seen a few examples.

I also get a feeling of overexposure. For those who’ve had breast cancer or are still living with it, it’s never far from your mind. I already overthink every body ni**le, and while I volunteer for a mastectomy charity and work on a campaign for Better Bra’s after breast cancer, I somehow have a more positive and controlled association with this, versus what I’ve seen the last couple of days.

But it’s not too late for brands. Here’s how you do it right in October and beyond:

🙏🏼 Be authentic and supportive
🙏🏼 Be transparent and clearly show how you’re giving back
🙏🏼 Be thoughtful and don’t use fear or trauma as a marketing tactic
🙏🏼 Be positive and share how your campaign has helped make an impact

Because the brands who get it right, can help contribute to positive progress.

Anyway, here’s me in my Cancer Research cossie, post-ice bath and making the most of health and life!

This month marks 10 years since I started my own business, and I thought I’d better pause to mark the occasion.It wasn’t...
15/09/2025

This month marks 10 years since I started my own business, and I thought I’d better pause to mark the occasion.

It wasn’t part of a grand plan.

I had two tiny kids and had stepped away from agency life to spend time with my mum in her final months with cancer.

In the middle of that, I helped a friend shape her new business idea. We created a brand and launch plan together, and she said told me I was good at it, and I should give this a go.

So I did.

From there, my business developed organically. Referrals played a big part, but I also went after the brands I wanted to work with. I showed them what they could do differently to grow, and how I could help make it happen.

10 years later, here are just 10 of my highlights and learnings:

1. Overcoming big-time imposter syndrome
2. My instincts and confidence get better with experience
3. Finding amazing creative partners and building trusted networks
4. My best clients challenge their categories, whether they’re founders or established brands
5. Ethics have become more and more important to me
6. Staying ahead of trends and consumer behaviour keeps my mind and work sharp
7. Tight budgets often produce the most creative solutions
8. Appreciating the flexibility to work around my family
9. The support I received during my own cancer treatment reminded me why relationships matter
10. Creativity and brands will always excite me

What I’ve learned most is that running your own business is as much about resilience, relationships, and trust as it is about the strategy and creative thinking.

Here’s to the next 10 years, and to everyone who’s been part of my journey so far, thank you.

…I couldn’t have done it without you. 🫶🏼

Tagged just a few who have inspired, motivated and worked with along the way.

I love working with smaller brands. The new ones. The striving ones. The founder-driven ones.Their journey captivates me...
11/09/2025

I love working with smaller brands.

The new ones. The striving ones. The founder-driven ones.

Their journey captivates me. Their energy inspires me. I’m enthralled.

Yes, there are ups and downs. Mistakes. Growing on shoestring budgets.

But I watch these brand owners adapt fast, learn quickly, and push forward with pure passion and drive.

Take Chunkz.

I met these guys pre-launch. They spotted the viral Dubai pistachio crème trend. They wanted to create their own UK brand offering.

Unlike other bandwagon jumpers, they worked smart and fast. Sourced quality certified pistachios from Turkey’s finest suppliers, and they’re growing fast.

But brands can’t do it all. The best ones seek outside expertise and they invest in guidance that accelerates brand growth and avoids costly mistakes.

Thanks for the inspiration Chunkz - I’m with you every step of the way.

It’s not quite a before and after post, it’s a work in progress post. Because there’s definitely still more to learn, mo...
29/08/2025

It’s not quite a before and after post, it’s a work in progress post.

Because there’s definitely still more to learn, more life experiences and mistakes to make. I’m a work in progress and I’d definitely like to hang on to some of the before me, because there’s plenty I still love about her too.

The before (the good)
✔️ My passion and excitement for brands and design
✔️ Agency experience, learning from the best in the business
✔️ Being brave enough to go it alone after having kids
✔️ A life lover, living life to the max and that’s never changed

The not so good
❌ Lots of anxiety around health, an over-thinker and a bit of a stress head
❌ Working with brands that didn’t align with my values
❌ Working all the hours god sends

The work in progress me
⬆️ Realising I have the strength to cope with my worst fears and trying to give less sh*ts
⬆️ Working through some difficult feelings and life adjustments beyond cancer
⬆️ Striving for a better work-life balance
⬆️ Staying laser focused on my vision
⬆️ More learning, on and off the job
⬆️ Trusting my instincts more
⬆️ Working with clients that align with my values

The future? Who knows! But here’s what I’m manifesting…
✨ Good health - way beyond any other priority
✨ Shared appreciation for my expertise and the brilliant work my clients are doing in building brands that make a difference
✨ Growing a long term sustainable business for myself that continues to drive client growth, and which I can shout loudly and proudly about

Which one does your brand or business need right now? As we get ready for a busy last quarter, let’s talk and craft a wi...
27/08/2025

Which one does your brand or business need right now?

As we get ready for a busy last quarter, let’s talk and craft a winning plan together.

Your brand deserves clarity and impact - make it happen!

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