[00:00:01] Opening + Intention

Alexandra: Our video. We have an intro. We’re pros now.

Robyn: Now we have a real show. We’re official.

Alexandra: We weren’t before. We were just practicing, and now we’re in the big leagues. We might even have a better camera for the next time.

Robyn: We will, I think. Better—spoiler alert—because it’s your birthday week.

Alexandra: I know. Leo season, baby. It’s time to shine. Let’s go.

Robyn: This episode is number four. We’re talking about Contrast—in branding, in business, in fashion, in interiors.

Alexandra: And our traumas.

Robyn: Yep. We’re also going to get into our traumas. I have a lot to talk about on that. The power of polarity.

Alexandra: I love that. Let’s do an intention.

Robyn: Okay. I want to flow with the same intention we’ve kind of been rolling with this whole time. (These matches are not going to be great.) I want to use the same intention—that this is a space for honesty and discovery for us and the people watching. Our conversations always stick with me and repeat in my head for weeks after. It’s healing for us, and I hope it’s healing for the people listening. That’s my intention—that we continue to bring the light of awareness, of love, of truth to beauty, to our souls, to our inner and outward journeys.

Alexandra: I couldn’t have said it better. My eyes are watering. Guess what phase I’m in in my cycle…

Robyn: Oh?

Alexandra: I think my intention would be the same—anchoring into the truth of our unique expression and how we can co-create a stage that’s beautiful not only for us but for the people watching. I really think this is becoming a remembering of who we are, and I hope it’s showing people who they really are too.

Robyn: I love that. So good. And a cheers.

Alexandra: Cheers! Kick things off.

Robyn: What did you end up putting in here?

Alexandra: Things. Birthday surprises.

Robyn: Woo. That tastes like a birthday.

Alexandra: There’s going to be a sharp decline in about twenty minutes.

Robyn: Or an incline. We were on the struggle bus a little bit.

Alexandra: Yeah—we were struggling to stay awake.

Robyn: Stay awake and be serious. Not that we need to be serious. There was a little booty-shaking.

Alexandra: Yep. If we’re lucky, guys, we might see some more if we keep feeding her tequila.

Robyn: Exactly. Okay—let’s open the portal.

[00:04:03] The Power of Polarity

Robyn: On the topic of contrast—what feels sharp, defined, contrasty in your life right now?

Alexandra: Oh, I know we’re going there.

Robyn: I feel like our Proportion conversation a few weeks ago keeps sticking with me—where are things out of balance? Contrast is similar to proportion—you’re pairing things intentionally to create tension or polarity, but what’s the right proportion of it?

Alexandra: Mhm.

Robyn: For me, the last few weeks have been full of work. We launched Adam’s new online business—UltimateMoving.guide (plug if you’re moving!)—and that was a lot. I’m making updates to The Soulbrand System, so there’s tons of creative output but not much contrast. The days have felt like Groundhog Day—so much to do that I’m missing the contrast of playing outside or taking an afternoon to just [__] off and not work.

Alexandra: Yeah.

Robyn: I’m in a lack of contrast right now. But it’s my birthday Tuesday—it feels like a personal New Year. How do I want to enter my thirty-fifth year? (Twenty-nine and holding.)

Alexandra: Ha!

Robyn: What do I want to create this year? I’ve been honest on this show—I haven’t put enough emphasis on my physical health or self-care. Not just the gym or losing weight, but the deeper practice of showing up for myself—mind, body, spirit. I’ve been doing it in work ways, not physically or mentally. That’s my confessional. It feels sharp—it needs to shift. I’m ready to make that shift.

Alexandra: Right—you’re on the precipice.

Robyn: I’m on the precipice. What about you?

[00:07:09] Guilt, Rest + Fire

Alexandra: For me, I have deep guilt when I’m not doing something. That’s why people see me as the activator—I’m always starting something, sparking momentum. When there isn’t momentum, I get frustrated and guilty. There’s this inner dynamic—and we’re in the middle of summer, very fiery.

Robyn: Look how fiery you look today.

Alexandra: My innards want sweatpants, but the outer is fire. That guilt shows up even when I’m eating—I rush myself. There’s always a timeline. I don’t want to live that way. I don’t want to teach my future kids that rest and revelry aren’t okay. That’s what feels sharp for me right now.

[00:08:39] Masculine + Feminine Balance

Robyn: The foundation of this episode—contrast, polarity—relates to masculine and feminine energies. Not man or woman, but energy. It’s hard to find the in-between, and maybe we never will. It’s ever-evolving by season or phase. We just have to be honest—where is there too much masculine or too much feminine?

Sometimes I’m too much of both. Shadow masculine: produce, perform, achieve. Shadow feminine: lounge, rest, assume it’ll work out. I’ll work so much that when I rest, I’m too tired to actually recharge. Where’s the tension and contrast in a healthy, productive way that serves the season we’re in?

Alexandra: I like that we go soul first and then design.

Robyn: I know! We always end up in our traumas before design tips.

Alexandra: It works for us—we’re not small-talk people.

Robyn: True.

[00:10:22] Micro-Shifts + Nervous System Regulation

Alexandra: Balance is a never-ending pursuit. We’ll fluctuate. My tendency is to default into my masculine—that’s easy for me. Others default into their feminine. No judgment—just awareness. The key is micro-shifts. For me, it’s a 15-minute walk around the block with no distractions—that’s me dropping into my feminine. When I come back, my nervous system is regulated.

Robyn: It’s so funny how every beauty principle connects to soul and spirit. These aren’t just design lessons—they’re life principles. Our bodies and souls need them as much as our eyes do. It’s like sacred geometry—patterns repeat from micro to macro, seen and unseen. These principles make us feel safe.

[00:12:04] The Meaning of Contrast

Robyn: With this principle especially—contrast—there can be too much. It’s not contrast for the sake of it. From a design standpoint, when you choose contrast just because you think you need it, it’s not authentic. Same with life. You can say, “I need more contrast—more rest, more movement”—but is that truly yours or what you’ve seen online?

Alexandra: Right.

Robyn: What’s authentic to me? What’s my mix of light and dark, soft and hard, strong and gentle? It’s not about copying someone’s smoothie routine because it looked happy on Instagram.

Alexandra: You nailed it.

[00:14:04] Uniqueness + Constraints

Alexandra: When we realized this episode would be about contrast, I was thinking of my workout this morning. I wasn’t in turbo mode and thought, “I didn’t get enough protein.” But my friend can run 10 k on an empty stomach. I’d fall over. What’s unique to you is what works for you. That’s the beauty of contrast—there’s no one-size-fits-all.

And I want to say—this doesn’t need to be expensive. These concepts are accessible at any budget.

Robyn: I love that. Money can’t buy taste.

Alexandra: Exactly. Some people misuse hundreds of thousands of dollars—I wish I could show them how far it could go with taste and intention.

Robyn: Creativity thrives in constraints. In branding or business, we need boundaries to play within. Hand ten people a blank page and say “Draw something”—they’ll freeze. But say “Draw a tree”—suddenly they create. Constraints unlock creativity.

[00:17:54] True Luxury + Definition

Alexandra: That’s such a preaching moment. Constraints teach us what real luxury is.

Robyn: Yes. The energetic definition: contrast helps us feel what’s aligned—it gives our desires definition.

Alexandra: And aesthetically, contrast is the interplay of opposing elements—light and dark, soft and sharp, bold and subtle—that create visual interest and emotional depth.

Robyn: Should we talk about all the things?

Alexandra: Let’s talk about all the things. Pull up your pics.

[00:18:20] Interiors: Texture + Earth Elements

Alexandra: As a reminder—if you’re listening in the car, be safe, but check the video version later. All the images live on Substack.

I don’t want to say “good vs. bad design,” but when we talk about contrast, we can see what works. You shouldn’t walk into a space and question where things are. That happens when there’s not enough contrast.

On the left—too flat, no intrigue. On the right—the texture of the wall, the framed art, the stone table, beautiful chairs—it’s the right amount of contrast. Earth elements are the number-one way to develop contrast: rock, stone, wood, velvet, fabric. Mix them and your brain learns what harmonizes.

Robyn: I want to ask about the left one—it looks bold, maybe they thought contrast = bold?

Alexandra: Exactly. Bold isn’t always contrast. If they’d chosen a different color table and chairs, it would work. It’s 70 % there—the wall color is great, but the table and chairs need change.

Robyn: So, pick one or two domains—color, font, texture, lighting. If you try to create max contrast in every domain, it overwhelms. It’s not contrast for the sake of it—it’s what you want to convey and feel.

Alexandra: Absolutely. Pick one zone, then maybe another if you want more. Start simple. Too much creates overwhelm—for your brain and your home.

[00:23:52] Curves + Natural Materials

Alexandra: This next one—a curved stairwell. Focus on earth elements again: herringbone wood floors, stone, velvet chairs, wood table. You’re bringing nature inside in a colorful, personal way that’s not overwhelming. When I walk into a space like that, I want to explore. Ask people how your home makes them feel. They’ll notice what your nervous system has gone blind to.

Robyn: That’s great.

[00:25:36] Lighting + Mood

Alexandra: Last photo—lighting. Wall sconces are such an affordable way to add contrast. You can find artisan ones on Etsy or even eBay France. (Canadian friends, check if it ships here.)

Candles too—light creates atmosphere, warmth, femininity. Task lighting—simple lamps—completely changes a space. Daytime and nighttime light are like masculine and feminine energies balancing.

Robyn: Lighting is sexy. A well-lit room makes you want to stay longer. Concord does it so well—their lighting feels sultry and intentional.

Alexandra: That’s contrast—light and texture.

Robyn: Even here, the velvety pillows against a rougher couch—that’s texture contrast.

[00:29:06] Fashion: Bold + Monochrome

Robyn: Fashion! I’m not a super bold dresser—most of my wardrobe is neutral—but pulling photos inspired me. Maybe it’s the Leo in me wanting color. These examples show color-contrast done right: opposite ends of the color wheel but similar tones. Don’t pair a muted pastel with a bold neon—it rarely works. Match vibrancy.

Alexandra: Color-wheel opposites are the best hack—for interiors and fashion.

Robyn: Exactly. But my favorite way to play with contrast is monochromatic texture: shiny leather with rough blouse, suede with silk, knit with satin. If you wear a white silk skirt, don’t pair it with a silk top—mix textures. That’s what creates intrigue.

[00:33:34] Branding: Simplicity + Boldness

Robyn: Branding is the same as fashion. I love high contrast when done right. Look at these examples—each uses one or two domains: color and pattern, or font and tone.

On the left, bold colors and patterns but one simple font on a neutral background. The middle—bold color, clear text, easy to read. The right—We Are Branch (shout-out!)—chunky, playful, still simple.

Alexandra: Why do you think people obsess over logos instead of all the other brand elements?

Robyn: Great question. People think they need a logo first, but it’s actually last. Clarity first—what you stand for, who you serve, why. Without that, the logo is empty. Traditional marketing made us equate “brand = logo,” but brand equals so much more: photography style, color palette, typography, consistency. Nike’s swoosh matters because of everything around it. Consistency builds recognition.

Alexandra: Preach.

[00:39:21] Fonts + Product Design

Robyn: Here are great examples of font contrast: a bold serif paired with clean sans-serif for legibility. The brand name can be playful, but the info should be simple. Make it easy for people to understand what they’re buying. This kind of contrast—visual hierarchy—is elegance.

Alexandra: I’d buy all of these just for the packaging.

Robyn: Same.

[00:41:00] 2D + 3D Play

Robyn: This next example is fun—contrast between 2D and 3D. Not my personal brand vibe, but for others it’s brilliant. It’s the interplay—elements dancing together. “The Braided Life” uses it consistently so it becomes their signature. Consistency with contrast plants a flag in people’s minds.

[00:43:38] Duality + Authenticity

Robyn: Now—the human side. Holding ambition and softness. Balancing sacred discipline with ease. Being both visible and vulnerable. Your duality is your design.

I thought of a friend who completely changed her identity for a partner—gave up her love of wine because it didn’t fit his clean lifestyle. It made me realize people are more interesting when they hold contradictions.

Alexandra: Yes! The CEO who raves on weekends—that’s intriguing.

Robyn: Exactly. It makes you lean in, like a home you want to explore.

[00:46:42] Identity, Purity + Permission

Alexandra: I used to not drink for two years and tied purity to my identity. If I had one drink, I thought I shattered it. Now I know both can coexist—I can be a polished business owner and still have fun.

Robyn: Yes. Multi-dimensional.

Alexandra: It’s not about drinking—it’s about letting contrast exist in every expression: how we dress, speak, create.

[00:49:25] Evolution + Authentic Visibility

Alexandra: I feel like my Instagram isn’t congruent with who I am now. I was deeply spiritual, pure, earthy—but now I’m back in the city, ambitious, dressing differently. There’s dissonance.

Robyn: Astrology helps me reconcile that—each placement is an archetype. Leo Sun, Pisces Rising, Scorpio Moon, Venus in Cancer—they all coexist. You’re not one character; you’re the whole play. Let them all share the stage. That’s authentic contrast.

[00:52:00] Visibility + Vulnerability

Robyn: My current edge: visibility and vulnerability. I studied online marketing since 2014—deeply. I catch myself showing up in that “online coach” way instead of as the media founder I’m becoming.

When I look at my old content, I see undertones of apology—like I had to justify my space. I equated visibility with vulnerability: to be seen, I had to bare my soul. But I don’t want to keep performing vulnerability. I want to stand as a curator, a creative director, a media founder. That feels scarier—but more true.

Alexandra: That’s big. Especially as women—we slip into performance to earn trust or attention. I do the same: over-share, then hide to recover.

[00:57:01] Integrity, Kali + Soft Power

Alexandra: “I really do feel like we are people of integrity. And I want to see people of integrity in front of cameras — period.
I want to see people of integrity in my ears, in my eyes. Like I want to experience more integrity in this world. And to the point where I’m like — cutting, like Kali the goddess — just cutting people’s heads off that are out of integrity right now.”

Robyn: laughing “Oh my gosh.”

Alexandra: “That’s what I’m seeing — on my feed, in my life. I’ve been really big on that in the past few years. And it’s actually a funny story because I have a little Kali statue from a very dear soul friend of mine that I met on a plane. Years later he gave me this little artifact — this little Kali goddess — and I’ve had her for the last four years.”

Robyn: “I love that.”

Alexandra: “And just recently, when I realized that I’m okay not doing so much of that — so much of the cutting off of heads — she split in half.
Within like two weeks of me being told by somebody else, who read my cards and had a little bit of a psychic moment, that I didn’t need to hold that energy anymore.
She literally split in half.”

Robyn: “That just gave me chills.”

Alexandra: “She’s in two pieces right now.”

Robyn: “You need to bury her in the ground.”

Alexandra: “Oh, do I?”

Robyn: “Yeah. I think that’s what they say — in the ground, not a potted plant. Like a proper burial.”

Alexandra: “Okay, I’ll dig a little hole in my backyard today.”

Robyn: “Yeah.”

Alexandra: “It was kind of like this moment of drop your swords. It’s not to say that I don’t have that inner warrior in me — she’s there to beckon at any moment — but it was this message of: you don’t need to be on guard all the time, ready to fight, ready to... the first word that came to mind was castrate.” laughs
“But just ready to slaughter anything that’s out of integrity or not benefiting humanity. I need to soften. I’m ready to soften into this confident woman who doesn’t need to have her guard up or her sword drawn.”

Robyn: “That’s hard though — that was survival.”

Alexandra: “Exactly. It’s my default. It’s natural. But this is me sharing something vulnerable — I want to be visible.
I want people to see me as someone who’s evolving.
Because again, I always come back to how my future kids are going to perceive me.
I want them to see somebody who’s willing to evolve — who doesn’t hold onto old stories.
Because I’m not going to be perfect.
They’ll still have things to work through, they’ll still go to therapy one day because of me.”

Robyn: “Yep.”

Alexandra: “And I hope they do.
But I also hope they see someone who gives herself permission to change.
And that everyone watching has that same permission slip — to see other people evolve.
Don’t hold them to what they were a year ago or even six months ago.
And don’t hold yourself there either.
There’s so much more beauty in this world, in our homes, in our friendships, in our families — if we meet people where they are now.”

[01:00:49] The Grace to Evolve

Robyn: “Oh, that’s so good.
I almost don’t even want to say anything else because that was so perfect.
But I do want to share one sentence that hit me this week.
Vanessa Lau — she’s a YouTuber based in Vancouver — she did a really vulnerable video this week.
There were a lot of parallels in her story with mine, so it felt like looking in a mirror — different characters, same essence.”

Alexandra: “Mm.”

Robyn: “And it reminded me how important it is to share our message.
Vulnerability still has a time and a place — because it helps people feel less alone.
But right at the end, she said something like: Each video is a chapter of my life. The video I record today might not reflect who I am a year from now — but it’s still important. It’s still worth capturing.”

Alexandra: “Oh, I love that.”

Robyn: “And that hit me so deeply. Because I’ve had that instinct to delete my old work since it’s not where I am anymore.
But no — that was a chapter.
And that chapter built this one.
So to me, that’s everything: how do we evolve our brand, our soul, our identity — and honor the past versions without cutting them off?”

Alexandra: “Without castrating them.” laughs

Robyn: “Exactly.” laughing “Now no one’s going to want to hang out with us. Everyone’s going to show up in body armor.”

Alexandra: “Bring your helmets, people.”

Robyn: “But truly — grace. For ourselves and for others. Meeting people where they are.
Allowing the story to unfold.
We’re allowed to change our minds. We’re allowed to shift identities.
But when I think about what you said — about how you want to be seen now —
I think that’s you owning all of those archetypes in your chart.
All of those players on your stage.”

Alexandra: “Mm.”

Robyn: “When you start to really look at all those parts of yourself — and allow there to be juxtapositions and contradictions —
that’s what creates art.
That’s what creates intrigue.
And that’s what makes life beautiful.”

Alexandra: “Yes. Juxtapositions are my favorite.”

Robyn: “Exactly. Because how boring would it be without them?”

Alexandra: “How boring. Don’t be boring.
If you take one thing from this episode — don’t be boring.”

[01:03:47] Current Obsessions

Robyn: “Okay, let’s move into our favorite segment: Current Obsessions.”

Alexandra: laughing “I was already preemptively doing mine an hour ago — rummaging through your toiletry cabinet.”

Robyn: “I heard you in there — sprays, drawers opening, bottles dropping — I was like, yep, she’s in my cabinets again.”

Alexandra: “You just have everything. I have to study you. It’s research.”

Robyn: “Alright, go first.”

Alexandra: “Okay, my current obsession — L’Oreal Professional, the Vitamino Color line.
This is the best shampoo and conditioner I’ve ever used.
I didn’t even know shampoo could make this much of a difference.
It’s for color-treated hair, and as someone who’s blonde — it’s magic.
It tones, it hydrates, it makes my color last longer.
I literally felt like I’d just left the salon.”

Robyn: “It’s really pretty packaging too. They did great branding.”

Alexandra: “Yes! I’ll make you a little sample to take home.” laughs
“It smells divine.”

Robyn: “Love it.”

Robyn: “Okay, mine — I’ve been waiting months to share this.
It has literally changed my life: the Doré & Rose silk sleep mask.
I used to hate sleep masks. Every one I tried hurt, slid off, or felt suffocating.
And then I found this one. It’s cushy, it’s adjustable, it blocks all the light.
I can finally sleep through my husband’s YouTube binges.”

Alexandra: “That’s a marriage saver right there.”

Robyn: “Truly. And it’s huge — it covers everything. I will never travel without it again.”

Alexandra: “I might buy one tonight. You’ve sold me.”

[01:09:40] Reflection Prompt

Robyn: “Okay — closing reflection prompt:
Where in your life are you resisting contrast, and what might be revealed if you let the tension in?”

Alexandra: “Mmm. I think the resistance for me is around visibility — showing up more consistently.
Because the version of me that loves to hide still feels safer than the one who wants to be seen.
So I’m working on systems that support me being seen — like filming in the car, recording on YouTube every few weeks, building a rhythm.
That’s the tension I’m letting in — between hiding and shining.”

Robyn: “That’s so good.
And I think tension isn’t always bad.
Sometimes it’s the paradoxes — the juxtapositions — that create the art.
I think you’ve been resisting showing all of your sides.
So now you’re breaking your own little box and letting them all play together.”

Alexandra: “Yes. I want them to all play in the sandbox.”

Robyn: “For me — it’s the same, honestly.
I’ve been resisting balance between the shadow masculine and shadow feminine.
And stepping into my birthday this week, I want to recalibrate — mind, body, and spirit.
I’m letting go of the belief that visibility has to mean vulnerability.
And I’m stepping into a new identity — media founder, curator, thought leader — and letting that contrast come to life.”

Alexandra: “Mmm. Yes.”

Robyn: “So — where in your life are you resisting contrast? And what might be revealed if you let the tension in?”

[01:12:26] Outro

Robyn: “We’ll see you in two weeks.”

Alexandra: “See you on the other side.”

Robyn: “And don’t forget — go to form-frequency.com if you have any design therapy or even life therapy questions.”

Alexandra: “Life therapy — that’s what we’re here for.”