Beyond the Forge™: Get Clear or Get Lost

Halle Montgomery
Apr 16
3 min read

How Vivid Vision by Cameron Herold Helped Me Map Out My Future—and Why You Need a Solid Brand Foundation, Too

Building a business without a clear vision is like baking a cake without a recipe. You might have the ingredients, but you’re winging it on the temperature, the timing, and whether that flour is baking powder. It’s chaos.

And in branding? Chaos = confusion = no coins.

That’s exactly why I picked up Vivid Vision by Cameron Herold. I was tired of spinning my wheels, knowing I had the passion, the skills, and the fire—but feeling like I was missing the map. And let me tell you, this book? It snatched me up.

The Metaphor That Made Everything Click

His insights on looking ahead for your business are not only top-tier but they are clearly explained. He leaves no room for confusion. A Vivid Vision is to help you and your company get aligned without the frustration of trying to visualize it on their own without you.

Then, it clicked: You are the atlas, and they are the sailor at sea; you are their compass. Cameron Herold describes a Vivid Vision as a guide to help your company succeed and help your team buy into the crazy goals you lay out for them.

Herold explains, "...if you are rowing in different directions, you will end up going around in circles."

That metaphor alone made me sit up straight. Truthfully, how can anyone help you build something you can’t see? A vivid vision gets you and your team on the same page and helps them see clearly what you envision for your brand’s future.

As the founder of Halle M Creative™, I know how easy it is to get caught up in visuals—the logos, the colors, the Instagram-worthy aesthetic. But all of that falls flat if there’s no meaning behind it. Without a vivid vision, you’re not creating a legacy—you’re making a pretty distraction. Vivid Vision taught me how to break through that fog.

What Makes This Book a Must-Read

Vivid Vision isn’t just a business book—it’s a mindset shift. It’s a guide to creating a living, breathing document that aligns your team, attracts the right clients, and gives your business room to grow on purpose.

1. It’s Personal and Professional

This book isn’t just about revenue or KPIs. Herold urges you to dream vividly about your personal life, company culture, and long-term goals. He encourages you to think bigger and more boldly than you ever have.

Go to your favorite quiet place—not your office or workspace—get outside with nature, and open your mind. It’s holistic, and in a world where burnout is the norm, that’s refreshing.

2. It’s Visually Rich (Yes, Please!)

He doesn’t just tell you what to do. He shows you. Each chapter ends with real-life Vivid Visions he created for himself and other entrepreneurs he’s helped. As a visual thinker, I loved seeing how people brought their goals to life in their own words. It made the process feel accessible and real.

3. It Makes Big Dreams Feel Possible

Herold doesn’t sugarcoat the work, but he makes it feel doable. And for someone building a business that empowers women and creatives of color? That kind of encouragement is fuel. You’re unstoppable with a Vivid Vision, a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal), and a plan.

So, my homework this weekend? Book a retreat or a mini escape to plan my own Vivid Vision. There’s no time to waste, and I have big, hairy, audacious goals I want to crush in 2025 and beyond! What are you going to do about it, babes? Are you ready for your Vivid Vision?

Why Foundational Work Comes Before the Design

Let me be blunt: Your brand identity should be more than “a vibe.” If you don’t know your values, how do you know your voice? How can your visuals stay consistent if you haven’t mapped your vision? How can you grow with intention if you’re unclear on your goals? Most people skip the foundation, but it’s the piece that makes everything else resonate—your social media, packaging, and client experience. When you have it, you move confidently, empower your audience, and become unforgettable.

Ready to Build Your Vivid Brand Vision?

📥 Book a 1:1 on with me today to start your journey to an epic brand.

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