How Marshalls Mastered Intentional Branding

By: Yasmine Duhe

On Saturday, April 5, I attended the Good Stuff Social Club event, powered by powerhouse retailer Marshalls. It wasn’t just another brand sponsored affair, it was one of the first major brand events I’d ever been invited to, and a moment that felt beautifully full circle. It felt like divine timing. Amen.

My very first job at 17 years old was working at Marshalls. And years later, here I was, invited as media, under my very own brand. That alone was special.

But what truly stood out was how this event reflected something so rare in brand marketing today: intentionality. And as someone who works in marketing, I had to applaud how Marshalls executed this event. I saw no flaws.

The experience left me inspired, connected, and reminded of the power brands hold when they choose to really show up for their communities, not just in a performative way, but with real intention. It made me think: More companies need to move like Marshalls.

The Good Stuff Social Club: More Than an Event

A Space Built for Women, by Women

Hosted in Houston—one of only three cities chosen nationwide—the Good Stuff Social Club offered a mix of hands-on experiences and deeply meaningful conversations.

Attendees got the full experience from free professional headshots, color analysis sessions to find their perfect hues, a tote packed with a Marshalls gift card, a custom Stanley cup, and more. Plus, there were interactive panels featuring some of the most influential women in the game right now. And the best part? This whole event was FREE and open to the public.

A Powerful Lineup of Leaders

Speakers included:

• CEO of Your Rich BFF Vivian Tu

• Emmy-Winning TV personality Keltie Knight

• Live Tinted Founder Deepica Mutyala

• Beauty & Fashion creator Karen Blanchard

• First Mexican-American Astronaut Katya Echazarretta

The event was hosted and moderated by 97.9 The Box’s own Keisha Nicole, who brought warmth, and energy to every session.

Marshalls’ Mission in Action

According to their press release, the goal of the event was to help women feel financially empowered, embrace their self-worth, turn connections into communities, and show up with confidence.

From my experience, Marshalls didn’t just meet that goal, they exceeded it.

What I Took Away

Walking into the event, I felt excited. But walking out, I felt empowered.

There’s something incredibly fulfilling about being in a room full of women who pour into you—as you do the same. It’s powerful.

Panel Highlights

Each session left a lasting impression:

“Harnessing Your Superpowers to Build a Personal or Professional Brand” – Keltie Knight

“Rewrite Your Financial Story with a ‘Rich Mindset’” – Vivian Tu

“Turning Passion into Profit: Building a Purpose-Driven Business Without Losing Your Spark” – Deepica Mutyala

“Mission: Mentorship – An Astronaut’s Guide to Breaking Barriers & Propelling Upward Together” – Katya Echazarretta

“Power Dressing: Own Your Style, Own The Room” – Karen Blanchard

These weren’t just inspirational talks. They were interactive, hands-on workshops with worksheets, breakout conversations, and real moments between the speakers and attendees.

It was real.

A True Community Feel

Whether you were a college student figuring it out, a small business owner growing your brand, a professional climbing the corporate ladder, or a creative looking for direction; you belonged.

That was the beauty of it: every woman there had a seat at the table.

Why More Companies Should Follow Marshalls’ Lead

1. Community Over Commercialization

Marshalls didn’t try to sell us something. They gave us something: value, time, support, knowledge. And that generosity made us listen, connect, and remember.

2. Representation That’s Real

The diversity of the panelists wasn’t just for optics, it was thoughtful and intentional. Each woman shared her full story: the wins, the struggles, the pivots. That kind of transparency builds trust and creates real conversations.

3. Building Safe, Empowering Spaces

In a world where many women are navigating imposter syndrome, burnout, or simply seeking clarity; events like this matter. They offer more than inspiration.

They offer transformation.

Full-Circle Moments & Future Moves

At 23, I’m in a season of uncertainty, figuring out what’s next, and which direction to take; but fully accepting whatever comes with it.

Marshalls helped unlock answers to questions I’ve been quietly asking myself all along.

Navigating the media industry as a woman is already tough. But as a Black woman, the challenge is even greater. It often means being overlooked and having to work twice as hard just to be seen.

That’s why this moment, and the women who helped create it, meant so much.

A special thank you to the incredible women at Edelman who found me, saw me, and poured into me the way I strive to pour into others.

Shoutout to Bianca Morrison and Sophie Cummings—your belief in me didn’t go unnoticed. You reminded me that showing up as myself, even in seasons of uncertainty, is always worth it.

It left me with more than inspiration, it gave me validation. A reminder that I do matter. That my presence holds weight. That my work hasn’t gone unnoticed.

It showed me that progress is real and the right rooms can shift everything.

It doesn't matter where you start, it’s where you’re headed.