Proud to Present: an inspiring and empowering brand for career and business consultant, Merlinda Francois
Merlinda Francois is one heck of a lady. Merlinda lives on the Caribbean island of Dominica, which was devastated by hurricane Maria, a category 5 hurricane, in September 2017. Hurricane Maria absolutely decimated the island with many residents' homes being left without roofs or windows - Merlinda's included. Merlinda's employer relocated her to the UK while the islanders attempted to recover and rebuild, whereupon our paths crossed.
Merlinda is no stranger to having to overcome obstacles, and is exceptionally resilient. It seems to me that when faced with such a horrendous situation in life, you're faced with two options - either crumble under the pressure and wallow in self pity, or roll your sleeves up, assess the damage and find the best way you can to get through it. Merlinda is definitely in the latter camp, and won't let anything stop her from pursuing her dreams.
Merlinda is living proof that with the right mindset, people can achieve whatever they set their minds to. She hates to see people struggling, limiting their potential or experiencing a feeling of helplessness when she know that everybody has the potential to improve their circumstances. For this reason, she's made it her mission to help people regain independence, find ways to earn more and provide them with the confidence and direction to recognise they can do better.
Having begun blogging as an outlet for her love of writing, Merlinda quickly realised she has a real passion for writing about what she knows best: career development and small business strategy for people who want to improve their lives. Merlinda is now preparing to formally offer her services as a small business mentor and career coach, giving clients access to her experience, can-do attitude and signature style.
Colour Psychology Season Personality
Merlinda's brand personality is best mirrored by Summer and Autumn, in almost equal balance.
Autumn personalities are hard working, tenacious and dedicated to whatever they set their minds to. They have a restless energy that needs to be channelled; they’re brilliant at managing multiple projects at any one time and love to be busy. They’re independently minded and unafraid to challenge convention to find a new way of doing something. They have an instinct to protect those in need and make brilliant campaigners due to their strong work ethic, determination and defined moral compass. They hate injustice.
Summer personalities, meanwhile, are gentle, perceptive and nurturing. They’re highly observant and able to detect what others are too distracted to see. They have a strong nurturing instinct which can sustain and balance, with a warm empathy that makes them sensitive to the needs of others. Importantly, they have a meticulous eye for detail and expect high standards of themselves. They’re able to bring order to chaos and can calmly assess the facts before creating a plan to drive things forward. Summer personalities have a strong sense of style and love high quality.
While Autumn captures the strength, authenticity and substance behind Merlinda's brand, Summer captures the perceptiveness and gentle empathy that enables her to bring out the best in her clients.
The brand
Merlinda's brand is all about empowering people to take control of their destiny, to reach higher and achieve more. As we know that Merlinda will be based primarily in Dominica, we looked to her native island for inspiration. Dan came across a fascinating bird called a black capped Petrel. Thought to be extinct on the island due to over hunting and predation, a colony were recently discovered in Dominica, heralding the return of these beautiful birds to the skies of Dominica. We loved the metaphor for strength, revival and success against the odds, and so featured a series of Petrels in flight in Merlinda's brand. It's wonderful when there's the opportunity to feature something meaningful within a brand.
The brand feels light, bright and energetic - perfect for a brand that's all about inspiring people. We love the contrast between the gentle colour palette and the graphic prints - the bird pattern and palm leaf pattern certainly toughen up the design. Strong typography, blocks of colour and carefully chosen photography come together for a brand that's approachable, engaging and personal.
Merlinda hired the wonderful Sophie Carefull for a brand photoshoot - aren’t the photos of Merlinda just gorgeous?! So on brand!
