3 Rules for Defining Your Brand Values
- Kari Sorensen
- Oct 29
- 4 min read
Why Some Brands Last — and Others Don’t
When your brand is rooted in clear values, loyalty isn’t luck, it’s strategy. After working with Ventura Meat Co. on their rebrand and website design, I was reminded that the businesses that stand the test of time aren’t chasing trends or quick wins. They’re grounded in what they believe in, and they lead every decision, interaction, and experience from that place.
So, whether you’re building an online brand or a brick-and-mortar business, these three rules (inspired by Ventura Meat Co.’s approach) can help you define - or redefine - the values that make your brand unforgettable.
Lesson 1: Relationships > Reach
Before you chase visibility, focus on connection.Sure, algorithms matter. But what matters more is the relationship behind the sale.
Ventura Meat Co. didn’t grow because of viral posts; they grew because they remembered people’s names, their family traditions, and the cuts of meat they loved most.
That kind of consistency creates something money can’t buy: genuine loyalty.
“We’ve built this business one relationship at a time" shares Michael of Ventura Meat Company.
Try this: Ask yourself, How am I making my clients feel seen, known, and valued - beyond the sale?
Lesson 2: People Crave Authenticity
Today’s customers are savvier than ever. They can spot realness a mile away — and they can tell when something’s just marketing fluff.
Ventura Meat Co. never needed gimmicks; they built trust through transparency, care, and education.
“We want people to know where their food comes from, and feel good about feeding it to their families. We also don’t believe in a dumb question — and believe me, we’ve heard them all. One of my favorite things is educating our clients so they know they’re making healthy decisions and understand the why behind their purchase.”
For entrepreneurs and creatives alike, this is your reminder: authenticity is your best growth strategy. When your story aligns with your values, your audience can feel it, and they’ll remember you for it.
Try this: Revisit your brand messaging. Does it sound like you - or like what you think you “should” say to sound professional?
Lesson 3: Evolve Without Losing Your Essence
As Ventura Meat Co. expands into in-house clean proteins, they’re doing what every strong brand eventually must, evolving while staying true to their core.
Growth is important. But your audience fell in love with your essence., not your latest offer, not your logo refresh, but you. When you evolve your brand visuals and story to reflect where your business is now (without losing the heart of what people love), you deepen trust instead of risking it.
That’s the real magic of long-term brand building.
Try this: Write down three things your clients consistently say they love about working with you, and make sure every new brand decision honors at least one of them.
The Takeaway: Define What You’ll Never Compromise On
Defining your brand values isn’t about crafting the perfect tagline or mission statement. It’s about deciding what you’ll never compromise on, the principles that stay steady no matter how much your business grows or pivots.
When your values guide your brand, loyalty becomes natural. People don’t just buy what you sell, they buy how you make them feel.This season, I’m celebrating the brands (big and small) that stay rooted in what matters most: community, care, and consistency.
✨ Because the best brands aren’t built overnight, they’re built on values that last.
The Kinship Creative Take
As a brand designer and strategist, I believe your values should lead every creative decision you make. When you’re looking to hire a designer, it’s essential to find someone who understands that strategy isn’t just about pretty visuals, it’s about alignment.
Every touchpoint your clients interact with - from your website and social media to menus, signage, packaging, even the way your team answers the phone - should reflect your core values. That’s how trust is built and loyalty is reinforced.
Think of it like hiring a new team member: you’d train them on what matters most in your business, the tone you expect, and what you never compromise on. Your brand deserves that same level of intention and care.
Take the Next Step
Defining your brand values isn’t just theory, it’s how your business shows up every day. Take a moment to write down the principles that matter most to you and your clients. Which ones you would never compromise on, and which ones you might be unintentionally ignoring? Use those as your guide for every decision, from marketing and messaging to customer interactions and team training.
When your values lead the way, everything your audience experiences will feel authentic, consistent, and unforgettable, and that’s how brands like Ventura Meat Co. build loyalty that lasts.
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About Ventura Meat Company:
Website: www.vtameatco.com
Socials: @VtaMeatCo
Located at: 2650 E Main St, Ventura
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At Kinship Creative, we believe that running your business shouldn’t feel like doing it all alone. That’s why each month we spotlight a business owner who’s not only crushing it in their field but generously sharing their wisdom with the rest of us.
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