How She Built This

A real look at creative entrepreneurship

On this episode of The Next Level, Tom Lauro sits down with Ashley Burke, the creative force behind Steady Hand Cafe & Collective in Bradley Beach, NJ. What began as a mobile coffee cart soon evolved into a vibrant brick-and-mortar café, and a full expression of Ashley’s artistic vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep love for community.

Ashley shares her early beginnings as a working artist and barista, and how those dual paths eventually merged into something bigger. She opens up about navigating the transition from side hustle to business ownership, the growing pains of scaling a creative idea, and the importance of trusting your gut, especially when you don’t have all the answers.

They also explore how Steady Hand Cafe’s branding came to life through color, playfulness, and a childlike sense of wonder. But at its core, the café is a space built to uplift others, whether that’s through inclusive hiring, collaborating with local makers, or creating a culture where self-expression is always welcome.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build something meaningful from scratch, or how to stay creatively fueled while doing it, this conversation delivers.

Key Takeaways:

• Ashley Burke is the founder of Steady Hand Cafe, which began as a creative side project.
• Her background in art and design heavily influenced the cafe’s branding and aesthetic.
• The cafe stands out for its colorful, playful identity and unique flavor profiles
• Inclusivity, collaboration, and community support are foundational to the business.
• Ashley shares advice on pivoting with purpose, embracing uncertainty, and growing sustainably.
• She encourages creatives to trust their instincts, lead with heart, and build with intention.
• Steady Hand is more than a coffee shop, it’s a living, breathing creative collective.

https://www.steadyhandcollective.com

https://www.instagram.com/steadyhandcafe

https://www.wixstudio.com

Iconic to Ironic

Cracker Barrel just dropped their iconic logo—and designers are not okay.

In this episode of The Deeply Graphic Design Cast, we unpack the massive rebrand, the rise of minimalist “debranding,” and why legacy brands are trading story for simplicity. What are we losing in the name of flexibility and scale? And more importantly—how can you avoid the same mistakes?

Whether you’re a freelance designer, art director, or just a branding geek—this episode gives you a full playbook for navigating high-stakes rebrands without killing what makes a brand special.

👀 Topics Covered:

• Cracker Barrel’s controversial new logo

• Why so many brands are “debranding”

• The emotional cost of losing legacy

• When minimalism works—and when it doesn’t

• A step-by-step rebrand checklist for designers

🎯 Your Rebrand Survival Kit: [link to downloadable PDF or checklist]

💬 Let us know in the comments: What’s your take on the new Cracker Barrel logo? Is this evolution—or erasure?

Link to the Checklist:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/760ssvtaun7q4mt2ywotl/Legacy_Rebrand_Survival_Checklist.pdf?rlkey=f21m3xgyjwmkof4dwfhgfaovr&dl=1

#CrackerBarrel #Rebrand #DesignPodcast #LogoDesign #BrandingTips #Minimalism #DesignFails #DGDC #DeeplyGraphicDesignCast #DesignCommunity

🎙️ Rise Without Permission

Turning doubt into creative fuel with Rob Bedford

In this episode, we sit down with designer and creative strategist Rob Bedford to unpack what it really means to be an underdog—and how that label can become your ultimate advantage. From being overlooked to outworking everyone in the room, Rob shares the moments that shaped his mindset and how carving his own path gave him the freedom to break the rules and rewrite the playbook.

We talk about staying hungry, being underestimated, and why not coming from the “establishment” might be the best gift you’re ever given. Whether you’ve felt like an outsider, been counted out, or just needed a reminder that you don’t need permission to rise—this episode is for you.

Call to Action: What part of your creative journey are you still waiting for permission to own?

Connect with Rob:

www.juiced.studio
www.juiced.supply

For more info on Wix Studio:

www.wixstudio.com