top of page



The Magic They Forgot: Toys R Us store experience
I visited the Toys “R” Us Columbia Mall pop-up and left disappointed. The store lacked immersive play, emotional engagement, and unique products, resulting in low traffic and no purchases. With thoughtfully designed interactive zones, demo boxes, and a Geoffrey-themed ecosystem, Toys “R” Us could create unshippable experiences that drive engagement, justify premium pricing, and deliver measurable ROI - reviving the magic that once made the brand iconic.
Mary Leaf
Nov 203 min read


When the Right People Come Together
When we first tossed around the idea of DevFest Annapolis, I knew one thing: pulling it off would require more than just a good plan. We had about a month and a half to build a website, gather speakers, secure sponsors and partners, coordinate logistics, manage marketing, and get people excited to attend. That timeline demanded more than a solid foundation; it demanded a bedrock of exceptional people willing to stand with you on the front lines, even on the darkest days. For
Mary Leaf
Nov 193 min read


Positioning Our Children for the Workforce: The Real ROI of Intentional Parenting
Over the last few weeks, as our nation has maneuvered an internal battle, causing every American to be left in limbo, I’ve been asked the same question over and over. I think this question has been especially relevant to parents here in the DMV, as the federal government is the largest employer in our area, followed by the fact that almost everyone else is a federal contractor. I expected that my Saturday morning inbox and DMs would follow the same pattern they have every mor
Mary Leaf
Nov 175 min read


Marketing and Its True ROI
Why Businesses Misunderstand Marketing ROI Strategy There is a misconception that marketing simply equals quick sales. Business owners often think, “My business didn’t meet its quota, so I didn’t post enough. My posts aren’t engaging enough. I don’t look legitimate.” The truth is that marketing is not a miracle solution, nor is it a get-rich-quick scheme. Many businesses treat marketing like a short-term expense, expecting instant results from a single campaign. When those re
Mary Leaf
Nov 62 min read


The Future Isn’t Just Digital, It’s Orbital: Reflections on Space-Based Business Strategy
After attending AGILE’s Global Innovation Series at Johns Hopkins, I realized space isn’t speculative, it’s operational. We’re living in a $630B space economy powered by satellites, data, and commercial infrastructure. This blog explores how space-based business strategy is no longer a futuristic concept, but a present-day shift every brand must face. The future of branding isn’t just digital. It’s orbital.
Mary Leaf
Jun 264 min read


AWS Summit DC Vendor Review: Best Booths, Swag, and Marketing Strategies
MLof Strategies recently attended the AWS Summit in Washington, DC, and as a branding and content agency that helps tech-forward...
Mary Leaf
Jun 134 min read


Identity, Story, Emotional Connection, Intention: Crafting a Brand Identity that Matters
What do a Swedish surname, a maternity-leave painting session, and a legacy of firehouse founders have in common? In this post, I share the deeply personal journey behind MLof Strategies—how identity, heritage, and growth intersect to form a brand rooted in meaning. If you've ever struggled to reconcile the different sides of yourself in business, this story is for you.
Mary Leaf
Jun 53 min read


How Do You Sound to Your Audience? The Power of Brand Messaging in Elevating Your Voice
How do you sound to the people you’re trying to reach?” This question unlocks the secret to elevating your brand with or without AI. It’s not just about words or tone, but the feeling and experience your audience gets. At MLof Strategies, we create Brand Messaging & Voice Guides, living frameworks that ensure clarity, consistency, and authenticity. This helps you train AI and teams to communicate your unique voice, scaling your vision with integrity.
Mary Leaf
May 293 min read


Why the Red Poppy? Storytelling for Memorial Day
Every Memorial Day, I include the red poppy in the content I create — not just as a symbol, but as a memory. It takes me back to childhood moments with my mother, standing before veterans handing out poppies, and learning what true sacrifice means. This post isn’t just about a flower — it’s about remembrance, legacy, and the stories we must continue to tell.
Mary Leaf
May 263 min read


Strategically Position Your Brand In 2025
As 2025 approaches, brands must adapt to tech changes and consumer needs by staying agile and creating a strategic roadmap for success.
Mary Leaf
Mar 54 min read


AI, automations and Marketing in 2025
AI, automations, and Marketing in 2025 are going to continue to grow and revolutionize the way we do things. While both processes are...
Mary Leaf
Feb 249 min read


What You Need to Know About Hyper-Personalized Marketing in 2025
Over the last few weeks, we've been discussing ways to connect with target audiences through marketing strategies, but ultimately, the...
Mary Leaf
Feb 215 min read


Adapting Your Brand Voice for 2025: How to Speak to a New Generation of Consumers
Gen Z and Millennials have been influencing the marketplace for some time now, shifting consumer expectations and making it more...
Mary Leaf
Feb 206 min read


The Future of Brands in 2025: How to Adapt and Thrive
Discover how brands can thrive in 2025 with AI, sustainability, and data security. Stay ahead with key strategies for success in the evolvin
Mary Leaf
Jan 94 min read


Tools & Techniques to Identify your Target Audience
Knowing your target audience is essential for effective branding and content creation. Identifying likely customers enables brands to...
Mary Leaf
Oct 31, 20244 min read


Strategies for Building a Strong Online Presence
The virtual world has become just as real as the physical one, the interactions and relationships we build there are just as alive and...
Mary Leaf
Oct 2, 20244 min read


The Necessity of a strong Brand Presence
Creating A Brand Presence Social media is like a lighthouse, with your brand as the light that draws your audience in like a moth to a...
Mary Leaf
Sep 18, 20244 min read


Content Repurposing
What is Content Repurposing, what are its benefits, and how do you use it? Join me in explore using content already in your library!
Mary Leaf
Sep 17, 20243 min read


A Path to Success: Key Metrics for Measuring Brand Performance
The essential metrics for measuring brand performance, uncover how to measure them effectively, driving strategic decision-making
Mary Leaf
Aug 15, 20242 min read
bottom of page
