Paula
Mackenzie

Branding expert | Entrepreneur | Investor

I’ve spent over twenty years helping entrepreneurs and businesses turn ideas into meaningful, strategic, and successful brands.

Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated on projects with organisations such as Unitywater and Firefly Education, as well as with small businesses like Aurepa, social enterprises like HerPreneurs, and creative entrepreneurs across diverse industries.

My journey has taken me through education, community impact, hospitality, and fashion, always guided by one mission: to create brands that feel real, connect deeply, and grow sustainably.

Today, through Essentia, I blend strategy, creativity, and vision to help founders and individuals uncover the essence of who they are, define their message with clarity, and translate it into brands that inspire connection and long-term growth.

I believe branding is an act of self-discovery for both, people and businesses. When you understand who you are and why you do what you do, everything you create becomes more intentional, more magnetic, and ultimately, more successful.

My approach

To me, branding is way more than logos and visuals; it’s the emotional and strategic foundation of identity.

Whether I’m working with a business or an individual, the process begins with uncovering the story behind the brand, the values, beliefs, and experiences that give meaning to what they do. That discovery shapes the strategy, guiding how a brand expresses itself, communicates, and connects with others.

Once the foundation is clear, we turn that essence into expression through visuals, words, and experiences that feel genuine and consistent across every touchpoint.

My work is about bringing clarity and alignment to how people and brands show up in the world, helping them express who they truly are with confidence, purpose, and direction.

Branding isn’t about following trends; it’s about creating something timeless, aligned, and ready to grow with you.

Why working with me is different

I don’t approach my clients as an “expert” who dictates what to do. I see branding as a collaborative journey of discovery. Together, we uncover the essence of who you are, the story behind what you do, and how it can be expressed in a way that feels genuine and aligned.

Whether it’s a business or a personal brand, my work goes beyond visuals. I help you build a clear and meaningful foundation that supports growth, consistency, and confidence, ensuring your brand has both structure and soul.

This process isn’t about following trends or chasing perfection. It’s about creating a brand (personal or professional) that reflects your truth, inspires real connection, and evolves naturally as you do.

Beyond branding

My work is not only about creative direction, it’s about guiding people and businesses to grow with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

As a speaker, mentor, and investor, I create workshops, talks, and one-on-one experiences that inspire growth, connection, and new ways of thinking. My goal is to help people and teams see their potential from a different perspective and give them the tools to bring it to life.

I collaborate with founders and creatives who are ready to align their brand, business, and mindset, transforming ideas into meaningful experiences that connect deeply and inspire change.

From workshops, one-on-one experiences, partnerships, to investments, my purpose remains the same: to help people express who they are and build brands that evolve alongside their growth.

photos by Vivian Gasperotto

Qualifications

Professional Degree in Advertising

Focused on creative strategy, brand development, and effective communication across print and digital platforms, with expertise in brand strategy, visual communication, and marketing solutions for diverse audiences.

Certificate IV in Graphic Design

Specialised in design principles, typography, branding, packaging, and digital design, with a focus on creating impactful visual identities across platforms.

Certificate III in Entrepreneurship and New Business

Equipped with the tools to turn ideas into thriving ventures, blending practical business skills with creative, values-driven strategy to support entrepreneurs at every stage.

Languages

English
Spanish

Let's connect!

www.paulamackenzie.com

paulamackenzie11@gmail.com

PaulaMackenzie