Hard House Nutrition + Hard House University

Founded by Sarah Tierney

OVERVIEW

We partnered with Hard House Nutrition to refine their overall brand strategy and identity. This project also introduced Hard House University (HHU), a sub-brand that expands their educational offerings. Together, the two brands now present a cohesive message and identity focused on sustainable behavior change, wellness, and education.

Services:
Brand Strategy, Brand Messaging, Brand Identity Design
Industry:
 Nutrition Coaching & Health Education
Project Link:
hardhousenutrition.com

THE CHALLENGE

Hard House Nutrition was ready to evolve from its founder-driven identity to a more professional and scalable brand. Sarah Tierney's personal touch had resonated with her audience–but the goal was to expand the brand's reach and impact while introducing Hard House University as a separate, educational arm. This required developing distinct yet cohesive messaging for both entities, with a focus on long-term behavior change in nutrition and wellness.

The Goals

✳︎
Develop a brand strategy that reflects Hard House Nutrition’s mission of sustainable health and behavior change–without reliance on diet culture fads​.
✳︎
Establish distinct branding for Hard House University that supports education, mentorship, and behavior change principles.
✳︎
Create a cohesive visual identity for both brands–ensuring individuality and brand recognition across platforms​.

THE SOLUTION

1. Brand Strategy

We focused on Hard House Nutrition’s position as a trusted source of science-backed nutrition coaching, dedicated to long-term behavior change rather than quick-fix diets. The strategy included elevating the brand from being personality-driven to a more professional, scalable business. The introduction of Hard House University provided an educational platform that supported this shift, offering courses and mentorship for those seeking deeper knowledge and sustainable health habits​.

2. Brand Messaging

We developed key messaging that aligned with Hard House Nutrition’s vision of prioritizing health over aesthetics and helping individuals embrace long-term wellness. Messaging across both brands emphasized:

✳︎
Sustainable change through behavior-driven nutrition.
✳︎
Evidence-based coaching that builds trust and reliability.
✳︎
Empowerment through education for Hard House University–catering to clients who want deeper health insights and actionable tools for their health journeys​.
✳︎
Developed custom taglines for both arms of the business that are strong and bold while staying true to their individual purposes.

3. Brand Identity Design

We developed a cohesive visual identity for Hard House Nutrition and Hard House University, ensuring both brands were easily recognizable while maintaining their individual focus. The identity was built on strong, earthy tones like mustard yellow and slate gray, symbolizing strength, growth, and resilience. The typography was bold but approachable, reflecting the brand’s ethos of being both science-based and inclusive.

The Hard House University logo was designed with education in mind–using sharp lines and abstract elements representing knowledge and growth. Both brands share visual themes, creating a seamless connection between the coaching and educational services​.

THE PROCESS

1. Research + Analytics

We conducted competitive research and audience segmentation to ensure the rebrand would resonate deeply with Hard House Nutrition’s target demographic.

2. Collaboration

Sarah Tierney was involved throughout the process–ensuring her values and personal experiences remained central to the brand while transitioning into a more professional identity. We worked together to ensure Hard House University would launch with messaging and visuals that were aligned with the existing community​.

3. Design + Development

The final brand identity suite, including logos, typography, and a color palette, was applied to both brands. Social media templates, website designs, and marketing materials were created to align with the new brand guidelines, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints​.

The Outcome

✳︎
Stronger Brand Presence
The refreshed identity and messaging have strengthened Hard House Nutrition’s position in the health and wellness space. The professional branding elevated the business, attracting more clients who are ready for sustainable change.
✳︎
Successful Launch of Hard House University
The creation of Hard House University allowed Sarah Tierney to expand her offerings–providing educational programs and courses that support long-term behavior change. The strong messaging and brand identity have made HHU recognizable as a separate but connected entity.
✳︎
Increased Client Engagement
By clarifying the brand’s mission and creating a cohesive identity, Hard House Nutrition and Hard House University have seen increased engagement across social media and other digital platforms​.