Building a Million-Dollar Brand Without Losing Yourself: Rachel Pedersen’s Unfiltered Success
In a recent episode of the Life by Design podcast, host Kim Ward sat down with marketing powerhouse Rachel Pedersen to talk about how vulnerability became her greatest business asset.

In the noisy world of online marketing, authenticity often feels like a risky move. Many entrepreneurs carefully craft an image, hiding the messy, complicated parts of life in fear it might damage their brand. But what if the very thing you’ve been hiding could actually be the key to your success?
Rachel’s story is far from the polished highlight reel many people see online. She’s faced personal challenges, mental health battles, and seasons of uncertainty. Yet, instead of burying these experiences, she’s leaned into them building trust with her audience and creating a million-dollar brand in the process.
Her approach is refreshingly simple: show up as yourself. She shared her “Four Vs” strategy for business growth Value, Viral, Variety, and Viral Vulnerability. It’s not about oversharing, but about letting your audience see the real person behind the business. Start small, share from a place of healing, and focus on building genuine relationships.
Rachel’s journey proves that family-focused entrepreneurs don’t have to choose between success and authenticity. You can build wealth, enjoy freedom, and still be present for the moments that matter most.
If you’ve ever felt pressure to present a “perfect” image, Rachel’s story is a powerful reminder: the right people will connect with the real you.