Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Callie Cullum, Co-Founder of The Look & The Feel, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We're The Look & The Feel, and we're a creative branding agency that specializes in design, copywriting and brand storytelling. Our team works to harmonize the look (visuals) and feel (voice) of your organization so that your website and related marketing materials have a clear, consistent, and cohesive brand identity. Ultimately, story-centered branding is intentional and authentic and helps you create more thoughtful, compelling, and enriched relationships with your customers and community. We work with global and national brands, nonprofits, government agencies, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. Basically, if you're a business that needs an effective and cohesive brand, we've got you covered.
Tell us about yourself
I'm an award-winning designer and Creative Director based in Atlanta, Georgia. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a specialization in Graphic Design. I founded The Look & The Feel alongside my business partner, Shelly Jackson Buffington, in June 2017. After moving to Atlanta from San Francisco, I craved the creative freedom that freelancing offers. I began freelancing full-time in 2015, and during that time, Shelly (who was freelancing as a brand strategist and writer) and I saw a need for more cohesive and consistent branding through visuals and messaging for our individual clients. We had the idea to team up and build The Look & The Feel to serve our clients better. I'm motivated to do the work I do because I love seeing my clients succeed and am honored to be a part of their brand journey. We absolutely love getting to the heart of a brand and helping our clients realize their unique brand story so that they can confidently share it with the world.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Running a profitable business through the pandemic feels like a pretty big accomplishment. :) We're also proud that we're a small, women-owned business. We're in our 6th year of business and are growing year after year, so we feel really good about that.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Wearing many hats! As a Creative Director and Founder, I am not only managing the creative work and design team, but I also have to switch hats very often. People often forget how many moving pieces there are when running a business, and having to hop in different roles on a weekly basis can be challenging. On the flip side, it does keep things interesting and fun!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't give up! Starting a business will have its ups and downs and inherent challenges. You'll live in the feast or famine mode for some time, and it may feel like you will never get out of it. Keep going and making smart decisions, and realize that building a business takes time. There are no shortcuts.
- Be Adaptable! If the pandemic taught business owners anything, it's that you have to stay adaptable and open-minded to change. If a particular service or product isn't working, change it! As long as you're staying true to your why your business can and should evolve as time goes on.
- Don't overlook your branding. This may seem obvious coming from me, but having a solid brand will take you further than you may think. Most business owners don't have the funds to invest in a professional brand when starting out, but I urge you to start small and find a branding partner that will be by your side as you grow and evolve and ensure your brand stays relevant.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lookandfeelbranding.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lookandfeelbranding
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lookandfeelbranding/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lookandfeelbranding/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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