Ep 28. Personal Branding Isn’t Optional Anymore with Julie Cole

In this honest and inspiring conversation, I’m joined by Julie Cole, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, bestselling author, speaker, and proud mom of six. Julie shares her journey from making labels in her basement to becoming the face of a beloved multi-million dollar brand, even after selling the business.

We talk about what it really looks like to sell your company and stay on board, the power of personal branding, not just for founders and visible leaders, but for every team member representing your company, and why your team’s alignment with your values matters more than ever. Julie gets real about how her personal brand helped build trust and drive growth, and why it’s so important for founders to separate who they are from what they’ve built.

We also dive into the balance between motherhood and entrepreneurship, the choices and sacrifices that come with both, and how creating independence at home shaped how she leads her team.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens after the exit, or how to show up authentically as a leader, this one’s for you.

• About the Guest

  Julie Cole is a former lawyer turned award-winning entrepreneur, author, and mom of six. She co-founded Mabel’s Labels, growing it from a basement startup into a multi-million dollar brand and leader in the durable label industry.

  Now serving as Senior Director, Julie is also a sought-after speaker and media contributor, with appearances on The Today Show, Breakfast Television, and features in The Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, and more. Her work has earned her honors like the YWCA Women of Distinction Award and the RBC Women of Influence Award.

  Passionate about parenting, leadership, and empowering women, Julie brings authenticity, humor, and heart to every stage she steps on. Follow her for real talk and smart insights on entrepreneurship, personal branding, and building impact-driven businesses.

  Connect with Julie on Instagram
  Website

  Learn more about Mabel's Labels:
  LinkedIn
  Instagram
  Youtube
  Website

• Episode Time Stamps

  00:00 — Introduction
  01:35 — What it’s really like to sell your business and stay
  04:40 — Personal brand as business strategy
  07:05 — Avoiding identity crisis after selling your business
  10:45 — Your personal brand is saying something (whether you mean it to or not)
  14:20 — How one employee can damage your entire brand
  17:50 — What leadership and parenting have in common
  22:15 — Entrepreneurship without sleep: the early days
  26:30 — Letting go of mom guilt and building autonomy at home and work
  29:40 — What legacy really means to Julie