Meet Callie Cullum: Creative Director & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Callie Cullum and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Callie, how do you think about risk?
Most people who know me would say that I like to take risks. I’m of the mindset that if you don’t take significant risks in your life and/or career, you’ll likely miss out on some amazing experiences and opportunities. Becoming a full-time entrepreneur and starting my business is a risk that has paid off, but not without it’s ups and downs. I decided to become an entrepreneur when I moved from San Francisco to Atlanta, and had a strong desire to have autonomy over my design work as well as more flexibility in my schedule. Not having any back-up option lined up, I began putting myself out there and picking up any freelance work I could possibly find. The first year or two were rough–I was doing lots of uninspiring work and making pennies just to build up my portfolio. Lots of instant ramen was consumed. Slowly, as my portfolio got stronger and I built a base of clients I was able to find more creative work and subsequently charge more for it. I began to think, ok, I can turn this into a full-fledged business. It wasn’t until a coworker from my days in San Francisco reached out looking for branding work for her new business that the idea to build a full-service branding agency was truly formed. She had also left our previous employer to become an entrepreneur. As a professional business coach and writer, she was often referring her clients to me for branding and design work and vice versa. We realized that if we joined forces, we could provide more robust services to our clients and from there, The Look & The Feel was born. We’re now going on 4 years old and are growing substantially. I’ll be eternally grateful for taking the risk and starting my own business. Even though it can be extremely difficult at times, it has taught me the importance of believing in myself and putting myself out there, provided me the flexibility I strongly desire, and awakened a true passion in me that wasn’t being fulfilled in my previous work. 

What should our readers know about your business?
The Look & The Feel is a women-owned, full-service branding agency. We specialize in harnessing your unique story to elevate your messaging and have a collaborative, hands-on approach to working with our clients. We believe the best brands are built with honesty, integrity, and enthusiasm. We’ve been able to achieve success by being honest and authentic in every aspect of what we do and truly believing in our work. We have a set of strong core values and make strategic decisions to work with clients and businesses that are committed to putting good into the world and creating healthier and more sustainable communities. By staying true to our ethos, we’re able to bring an ignited passion to each of our projects that results in effective and successful brands for our clients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in southwest Atlanta, so love hanging out at the breweries at Lee & White on the westside Beltline. A particular favorite is Best End Brewing. I love Ethiopian cuisine so two of my favorite spots to treat visitors to for dinner are Desta Ethiopian Kitchen or Feedel Bistro. For beer lovers, you can’t miss Porter Beer Bar in Little Five Points. In the summers here I do quite a bit of paddleboarding so like to head out to Sweetwater Creek State Park or Morgan Falls for an easy trip to the water.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First off, my business partner, Shelly Jackson Buffington. We created The Look & The Feel together and she’s been by my side since day one working tirelessly as we built our business from the ground up. Our success wouldn’t be possible without the energy, knowledge, and creativity she brings to the business each day. Second, my husband AJ has been vital to my success as a business owner. He’s supported me since I decided to make the move from the corporate world into the unknowns of entrepreneurship. He’s been there for the ups and the downs and is always cheering me on. Lastly, our clients. They give us our motivation and inspiration. Their success is our success.

Website: www.lookandfeelbranding.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lookandfeelbranding/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lookandfeelbranding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lookandfeelbranding

Image Credits
Headshot by Taraline Photography. (https://www.taralinephotography.com/)