BRANDSTALK #156
Laura Cross

WHITE SANDS SELF-CARE LLC
CEO | FOUNDER

“Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for showing up as your best self, both personally and professionally.”

How Prioritizing Yourself Builds a Resilient Brand

Are you ignoring your well-being in the name of professional success?
What if I told you that the secret to building an authentic and thriving brand starts with how you treat yourself?

Self-care is the game-changer you’ve been overlooking!

In a powerful and inspiring episode, I sat down with Laura Cross, an Air Force veteran turned entrepreneur and the founder of White Sands Premier Travel. Laura is not just a trailblazer in blending self-care and professional growth; she’s also a walking testament to the transformative power of aligning your personal values with your brand.

From her journey of resilience to building judgment-free communities, Laura shared the insights that are reshaping how we think about branding, well-being, and self-care. Here’s everything you need to know.

🔸Your Brand Is an Extension of You

Laura’s story makes it crystal clear: you cannot separate your brand from your personal well-being. If you’re running on empty, your brand will reflect that exhaustion.

  • Prioritize your health—mental, emotional, and physical.
  • Radiating confidence and elevating your brand starts from within. When you nurture yourself through intentional self-care, you strengthen the foundation for lasting success.

“Your brand is a reflection of who you are at your core—if you’re not taking care of yourself, that will show in everything you do.”

🔸The Power of Community in Branding

One of Laura’s biggest accomplishments is the creation of judgment-free self-care communities. Why? Because your environment plays a massive role in your success.

  • Surround yourself with people who empower and uplift you.
  • Build your brand not just for visibility but to create meaningful connections with others.

“Building a judgment-free community starts with leading by example—by being vulnerable and authentic, you give others permission to do the same.”

🔸Blending Passion and Purpose in Your Brand

Laura’s love for travel became the cornerstone of her business, White Sands Premier Travel. She used her passion to build a holistic brand that reflects her values.

  • Your brand should be a reflection of what lights you up.
  • Avoid chasing trends or molding yourself into what others expect.

“When you align your passions with your purpose, your brand naturally becomes authentic and impactful.”

🔸Self-Care Is Not Optional – It’s Essential

When asked about her approach to self-care, Laura emphasized that taking care of yourself is the foundation of everything else.

  • Mindfulness practices help you stay present, make better decisions, and lead with clarity.

“You can’t pour from an empty cup; refill yours regularly.”

🔸Facing Challenges with Resilience

Laura’s journey wasn’t without struggles, from transitioning out of the Air Force to navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Her advice? Lean into challenges as opportunities for growth.

  • Adaptability and authenticity are your superpowers in overcoming setbacks.

🔸Embracing Change to Foster Growth

Laura spoke passionately about how change is inevitable—and necessary. To grow personally and professionally, you must embrace change and let go of limiting beliefs.

  • Step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself to evolve.
  • Your brand will naturally grow when you’re committed to personal development.

“Transformation begins when you embrace change and commit to growing through challenges, not just going through them.”

🔑Practical Tips from Laura Cross for Entrepreneurs and Leaders

Here are some of Laura’s actionable strategies for balancing self-care and professional success:

  • Daily Self-Care Practices: Incorporate mindfulness, meditation, or journaling into your routine to maintain clarity and focus.
  • Create a Judgment-Free Zone: Whether in business or your personal life, surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage growth.
  • Start with Your Why: Understand why you’re in business and align your branding efforts with that deeper purpose.
  • Say No to Trends: Authenticity is more powerful than chasing the latest industry fads. Build a brand that’s timeless and true to you.
  • Find Mentors: Seek guidance from those who inspire you and have walked the path you’re on. Their insights can save you time and help you stay aligned.

This episode isn’t just about Laura’s story—it’s about your story.

💡 Are you prioritizing your self-care while building your brand?
💡 Do you see the connection between how you treat yourself and how others perceive your business?

🔗 Tune into this episode on all major podcast platforms! Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, etc…

Laura Cross is an Air Force Veteran and the dynamic owner of White Sands Premier Travel. With unwavering dedication to promoting self-care and personal growth, she founded White Sands Self-Care and serves as the dedicated host of the popular TV show “Mindful Mondays with Laura Cross.” Laura’s dedication lies in creating vibrant self-care communities that offer invaluable education, resources, connections, and opportunities for collaboration. At the helm of the White Sands Self-care Community group on Facebook, she empowers individuals to lead their best lives. Laura’s journey from a veteran and blue-collar worker to a successful entrepreneur equips her with a unique understanding of the challenges faced by solopreneurs. Her role as a self-care leader for this community allows her to empathize with their struggles, particularly in the realm of self-care. Laura Cross is on a mission to inspire and support others in achieving holistic well-being, ensuring they thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

📹 Watch us Live

Get in touch with Laura Cross:

 

Time Markers:

02:11 Laura’s Journey to Entrepreneurship
03:03 The Essence of White Sands
04:07 Discovering Self-Care and Personal Growth
07:03 The Symbolism Behind the Brand
10:55 Building a Holistic Community
14:54 Challenges and Opportunities in Wellness Branding
22:22 Finding Mentors and Authenticity
23:13 Embracing Change and Self-Discovery
26:52 The Importance of Self-Care
29:44 Practical Steps for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
32:43 Rapid Fire Session: Insights and Reflections
37:05 The Judgment-Free Community

 

authenticity branding burnout change entrepreneur judgement-free communities leadership leadership branding mindful personal brand personal growth resilience self care symbolism Travel values wellness