Being a Weirdo & Distilling Your Secret Sauce
Let’s be real—being a little weird is the best thing you can do for your brand. In a world full of sameness, it’s the memorable quirks, the unexpected twists, and the “wait, who are you?” moments that make people pay attention.
I’ve taken an unconventional path to get here (think: almost failing design school, living in a van in Australia, running a wedding company in China—yeah, it’s a story), and along the way, I realized that the magic in branding isn’t about fitting in. It’s about helping people own what makes them different and turning that into a brand that feels like them.
We’ll talk about:
- Why your weirdness is your unfair advantage
- How to help clients find their real brand essence (aka their secret sauce)
- Creative confidence—showing up fully as yourself
- The unexpected paths that lead to success
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit the mold—good. That’s exactly why you’re going to thrive. Let’s talk about it.

Maria Lobo is the founder and creative mind behind Planet Lobo, a high-end design and marketing studio specializing in brand strategy, web design, and digital storytelling for visionary businesses. With a global upbringing spanning Australia, Japan, and Hong Kong, Maria brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to her work, blending ethnology, design, and marketing to craft brands that resonate on a deep level.
With over a decade of experience in branding and creative direction, Maria has worked with corporate clients, solopreneurs, and high-ticket brands, helping them build bold, strategic identities that stand out in competitive markets.
Now scaling Planet Lobo into a multi-seven-figure agency, Maria is passionate about brand transformation and business growth, mentoring creative entrepreneurs and businesses on how to build compelling, high-impact brands.
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