Reverse Culture Shock

Designing a business you’re stoked about starts here—welcome to The Monday Muse, your weekly guide to business, branding, and creative strategy. 🤸🏼‍♀️

I returned to the states on Thursday.

The next day, my sister turned to me and asked, “What’s the one thing you’d bring back from another country?” My answer was: the simplicity of the Berber people from southern Morocco. They live a kind, casual life, centered around their community, tradition, and connection to their land. It’s a simplicity woven into everything they do—no rush, no need to impress—just a focus on what truly matters.

No matter how many trips I take, I’ll never truly get used to the reverse culture shock that comes with returning home. It’s almost a feeling of being overwhelmed—where everything feels more complex than it needs to be: the noise, the endless to-do lists, the constant striving.

And I get it ─ Western cultures tend to have an ego that others don’t, and we like to make it feel good with overcomplicated systems, as if complexity equals success. The more we do, the more we have, the more we consume, the more successful we must be. But the more we pile on, the more we blur what matters.

The Berber people live without rush. They understand that less can be more and focus on what truly fulfills them—the small, meaningful moments that make life rich.

And this got me thinking—why do we complicate things so much in our businesses?

The irony is, the more complex our strategies become, the less likely we are to connect deeply with our audience. Complexity can feel like success, but it leads to confusion, burnout, and disconnection. We get caught up in a cycle of trying to do everything, trying to be everywhere, but end up losing focus on what really matters.

Simplicity is a superpower.

And it’s often hard to embrace. We’re constantly told to grow faster, try harder, and be everything to everyone. But simplifying your business creates the space needed to thrive. Simplicity doesn’t mean doing less. It means doing what matters most, and doing it well.

Let me explain:

Connection through Clarity

The simpler your message, the more likely your audience will connect with it. Your people don’t have the time or energy to sift through complex jargon or confusing offerings. They want to know what you do, how it benefits them, and why you’re the best choice for them.

When your messaging is simple, it creates an immediate connection. They get you. They understand what you’re about. No fluff. No buzzwords. Just clarity.

Connection through Design

Think about it. When a website is cluttered, with too many options, too much content, and too many pop-ups, it’s overwhelming. Your visitors get distracted and confused, and they click away. But when you simplify your design, you make it easier for your people to take the next step. 

Simplicity in design doesn’t mean boring. It means creating a space that feels calm, welcoming, and easy to navigate. And when it’s done well, it enhances your brand, not distracts from it.

Connection through Copy

Good copywriting is all about getting to the point and speaking directly to your audience’s pain points and desires. The simplest messages are often the most powerful because they’re not clouded with unnecessary details. Think about the most memorable brands—at their core, their messages are simple, to the point, tell you what to do, and why you should. You can connect with your people just as easily. 

Simplicity = Less Stress

The more systems you have, the more time you spend managing them. Simplifying your workflows and tools frees up time for what matters—creating, connecting, and growing your business.

The fewer systems you rely on, the more streamlined your operations will be. And when things run smoothly, you’re able to be more creative and present in your work, which leads to better results.

Simplicity isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing better.

When you embrace simplicity in your brand, messaging, website design, and copy, you’re not just cutting through the noise—you’re creating a deeper connection with your audience and fostering a more meaningful, impactful business.

Wanna walk into the new year with clarity and confidence but struggling to get there on your own?

There are just two spots left to book at my current pricing. If you’re ready to do less and better, now’s the time—together we’ll set you up to make 2025 your most impactful year yet. Don’t wait—send a message to get the support you need to thrive.

Stoked to see ya on Monday,

Bri

02 - keep the fire burning

wanna be friends?

© Creatives by Bri, LLC, 2025

Site created in house

Photo by Danni Figueroa Photo