Today we’d like to introduce you to Mave Rucker
Hi Mave, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Drawing when I was younger, the designing my own album covers as a rapper and beat-maker. This is when I first payed attention to my interest in designing and how the concept of branding works.
I had to learn what strategy means with producing music. Ponce Beyond is my artist name as a producer. I spent the better halves of the 2000’s and twenty-teens involved in creating my own music, rapping, and working on sound designing with various artists between Memphis, Atlanta, Orlando, and L.A.
I also have 20 years of experience in the corporate sector working in 7 different industries including management, operations and marketing. Applying these skills with my experience in music and design, I decided to go forward and start a brand strategy company KUMAA, LLC DBA KUMAA Branding. KUMAA. is about having courage. It’s my brand’s tone of character and tone of voice. It’s about going forward even when you’re afraid to do so. The KUMAA motto is “Go Forward. We’ll Guide You.”
I more recently worked with Unapologetic., a creative label and platform here in Memphis on various projects that included designing brand strategy guides with them. From music, to photography, to apparel, to podcasts, etc., Unapologetic. is not just a record label. You’ll notice I placed a period at the end of the word ‘Unapologetic.’ each time because it adheres to their brand strategy guidelines. I did a lot of research on what branding truly means while working with them which helped me understand how to apply all those years of experience with strategy used with music production and sound design to brand strategy projects.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road ahead will definitely have its rough moments. The objective is to have the preparation necessary to navigate it. It’s a challenge at this time. I’m still building my own brand’s awareness, daily, while wearing all the uniforms (or hats as most people use) in my operation. I’m in contact with all clients and having to create/process all components for each project. I focus any energy I would on fatigue, doubt or disappointment into persistent effort and seeking valuable opportunities. It’s a struggle to move in front of the established companies, but I will keep moving and making a way through for those seeking to create something authentically theirs with their brand. So yes, owning my own brand strategy company is very challenging, but extremely fun!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the Owner/CEO/CCO of and for KUMAA, LLC (Visit KUMAAbranding.com). Brand Design, Strategic Planning, Project Planning and Design Management, User End Analysis for Software, and Customer Service. I’m an Implementation Project Manager for a tech company headquartered here in Memphis. I utilize my skill set for both my business and with the company where I’m currently under contract. I also specialize in beat-making (Hip-Hop/Rap) and digital sound production.
I don’t have the same time I used to with doing multiple music projects, however, I still find time. One of my most memorable accomplishments is winning a movie scoring contest at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Arts in 2015. It was memorable because I had always wanted to apply the music I was making with film as the mood setter for the scene. I didn’t enter the competition for the award, but for the experience I received from it.
What matters most to you? Why?
Authenticity, Time, Integrity, Respect.
All are very valuable to me because being authentic in our relationships and actions is important to truth seekers like myself. It takes true courage to be yourself and to be creative, no matter what people are saying.
Time can’t be replaced which increases its value, so maximizing and protecting it requires discipline, proper prioritization, and understanding what’s truly necessary when using it.
Integrity is a premise I base my entire philosophy on, whether dealing with others or working on projects I’ve been contracted for and entrusted to complete for clients. Having a high quality, self-audit process is necessary for attracting positive opportunities and good people.
Respect. It’s about creating healthy boundaries with others and establishing a reputation that aligns with the principle of Integrity. Simply put, if I were forced to make a choice, I would prefer to be respected than to be liked by everyone.
Pricing:
- Brand Visual Guides | $4,999+ – $1,499 (Avg.)
- Brand Strategy Guides | $5,999+ – $2,499 (Avg.)
- Brand Planning & Strategy | $8,999+ – $1,999 (Avg.)
- Brand Logo Design | $2,999+ – $999 (Avg)
- For all services KUMAA provides, let’s have a FREE consultation & a conversation about your budget first.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://KUMAAbranding.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kumaa.branding?igsh=MWdpeW1nb2pmaHJsaQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poncebeyond?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kumaabranding?si=zwgE7hrVpszpLSJQ
- Soundcloud: https://SoundCloud.com/poncebeyond
- Other: https://poncedebeyond.bandcamp.com/
