What Beyoncé, Elon Musk, and Nollywood Can Teach You About Building a Brand

Let’s be real: building a brand that people actually remember is tough. Whether you’re running a business or trying to grow your personal brand, you’re probably asking yourself, How do I make people care? How do I stand out?

Here’s the good news: you don’t need a huge budget or a whole team of branding experts. Sometimes, it’s just about taking notes from people who’ve done it right. So, let’s look at what Beyoncé, Elon Musk, and Nollywood can teach us about creating a brand that sticks.

1. Beyoncé: Be Consistent, but Keep It Fresh

Beyoncé is a master at staying relevant. From her early days in Destiny’s Child to her solo career now, she’s always been consistent—but never boring. She knows how to evolve without losing her identity.

Take her Coachella performance or the surprise drop of Lemonade. It wasn’t just about music—it was a moment. She builds on what she’s already done, but she’s always finding ways to keep people guessing.

What you can take from this:

• Stick to what you’re good at, but don’t let your brand get stale. Keep finding ways to grow and surprise people.
• Think about the experience you’re creating, not just the product you’re offering. How can you make people feel something?

2. Elon Musk: Make Your Brand About More Than Just You

Say what you will about Elon Musk, but the guy knows how to make people pay attention. Tesla isn’t just a car company—it’s a whole vibe about the future. SpaceX isn’t just rockets—it’s about exploring what’s possible. Even when he’s being chaotic on Twitter(sorry X), people are watching because there’s a story behind everything he’s doing.

Musk’s real genius? He makes his brands about a bigger vision. People don’t just buy the products—they buy into the idea.

What you can take from this:

• Your brand should stand for something. What’s the bigger story behind what you’re offering?
• Don’t be afraid to take risks or think big. People love brands that push boundaries.

3. Nollywood: Tap Into What People Care About

Nollywood isn’t just an industry—it’s a movement. It works because it’s rooted in stories that feel real. These aren’t just movies; they’re reflections of culture, life, and experiences people relate to. That’s why people show up for them, over and over.

Nollywood’s biggest strength? It knows its audience. It knows what they care about, and it delivers every time.

What you can take from this:

• Understand your audience. What do they care about? What makes them feel seen? Build your brand around that.
• Be real. People connect with authenticity—it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being relatable.

Final Thoughts

Building a brand isn’t rocket science (unless, you know, you’re Elon Musk). It’s about knowing what you stand for and connecting with people in a way that feels real. Whether you’re taking notes from Beyoncé’s consistency, Musk’s big ideas, or Nollywood’s deep connection to its audience, the goal is simple: stay true to what makes you, you.

What do you think? Which of these lessons speaks to you the most? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’re building your brand.

At Reason Atelier, we’re passionate about helping brands create stories that stick. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your brand to the next level, we’re here to help you build something unforgettable. Ready to get started? Please chat with us on WhatsApp and let’s make it happen!