ABOUT US
We build brands that connect.
Whether you’re a small business owner, a nonprofit professional, or a leader of a corporate team, our agile team of experts can help you unlock your brand’s full potential. Together, we'll create something amazing that leaves a lasting impact on your audience and drives your message forward.
WE'RE THE LOOK & THE FEEL™
We're not just a branding agency; we're your creative partners.
We're a unique breed of branding agency—a nimble, 100% remote team based in Atlanta, Georgia and Asheville, North Carolina. Our team is a tight-knit group of branding experts scattered across the country united by our love for helping clients create brands that resonate.
Creative, dynamic, and passionate with a love of adventure, we're all about making connections and creating unforgettable brands that stand out and connect deeply with their audience.
We’d love to be your creative partner on your brand journey.
We created The Look & The Feel® drawing inspiration from our collaborative branding process; our design and development experts drive and define the captivating look of a brand—the head-turning prowess of your project. While our team of skilled copywriters and brand strategists refine the feel of your brand. Our approach to messaging and story-crafting leads to the success of each project. This dynamic synergy of look and feel creates a brand that is not only visually engaging but resonates deeply with a brand’s audience and continues to stand above the rest.
Let’s build a better brand, together.
Our work is driven by the success of our clients—your wins are our wins. So whether you're down the street or on the other side of the world, we're here to make your brand journey a successful one.
We work with purpose-driven brands that are committed to…
Putting Good into the World
Collaboration & Inclusion
Reflection & Intuition
Creating Healthier & More Sustainable Communities
Compassion & Integrity
Honest & Open Communication
Our Team
Shelly Jackson Buffington, MBA, CPC
Executive Director, Co-founder
Three words to describe me are: loyal, playful, passionate
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I’m a writer and strategist with over 15 years of experience supporting organizations in their messaging and communications efforts. I’ve learned that the most compelling, engaging, and successful messages are those that focus on connection. In a world where nearly everything is transactional or disposable, people still just want to feel connected, heard, and valued. The stories that keep this as the goal are the stories that stick. When it comes to telling the story of your brand, I’ll help you develop clear language, sharpen your focus, craft interesting narratives, and ultimately have more confidence talking and writing about the work you do.
For fun? One of my hobbies is collecting more hobbies—I love trying new things, and I'm always up for an adventure. One of my favorite things to do is play music, sing, and then enjoy a good meal with great company. Within the last decade and a half, I've lived on three continents and all over the USA. A true bohemian, I'm comfortable knee-deep in mud on an organic farm or enjoying a staycation at a fancy hotel. I’m also a total nature nut. I love hiking in the mountains, biking along the coast, setting sail on the ocean, or trying to not be such a kook when out in the surf. If I weren’t at The Look & The Feel, and I was to win the lottery, I imagine myself in a hammock somewhere on a remote beach with a tropical drink in hand splitting my time between napping and writing just for fun. Or maybe I’d live in Paris and just eat pastries 24/7. It’s my dream, so let’s say I choose both! I currently live in the fun mountain town of Asheville, NC.
Callie Cullum
Creative Director, Co-founder
Three words to describe me are: determined, adventurous, intrepid
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I'm an award-winning designer and creative director based in Atlanta, GA. With a degree in graphic design and over 10 years of experience working with a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from government agencies to large corporations, and non-profits to startups, I’ve come to know the many facets of design and how it can help a brand succeed. Design touches us on many levels, it’s inescapable— if done well, it’s a way to better experience the world in which we live. The spaces and things we surround ourselves with, whether on or offline, greatly impact our lives much more than we often realize, so let's make them smart, sustainable, and beautiful. By being intentional throughout all aspects of design, we can create better systems, better experiences, and an overall better world to live in.
Aside from my work as a designer, I love to travel and adventure, and I feel lucky to have already traveled to so many places on my bucket list. One of my all-time favorite corners of the world is Nusa Penida in Bali—it was wild! Currently, Zanzibar is my next dream destination. White sand beaches, clear water, yes, please! For me, I draw inspiration from my adventures, whether traveling overseas or journeying to wild places closer to home. My husband and I own a VW van, and we even road tripped it across the country a few years ago. I'm constantly exploring, whether it be new restaurants in Atlanta or new cultures abroad. I feel most alive when I'm in the water; I can’t get enough of surfing, swimming, or just enjoying the beach. If I were a cocktail, I’d be a jalapeno margarita—strong, different, a little sweet, but with a kick, and perfectly suited for a late-night beach party. I live in a fun corner of the creative city of Atlanta with my husband and our daughter, Sonora.
Toni Aston
Project Manager
Three words to describe me are: tenacious, patient, adventurous
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I'm a passionate project and relationship manager that prides myself on working hard and having a great time while doing it. Coming from the emergency management, business consulting, and advertising industries, I enjoy getting to use my varied personal and professional background to create exceptional client experiences. If I'm not finding creative solutions to traditional problems, I'm contemplating how to squeeze one more great idea into a plan. Being part of The Look & The Feel means I get to be surrounded by talented, zealous people that drive me to be the best version of myself. When I'm not organizing and executing projects you can usually find me baking, having dance parties with my husband and daughter, or hiking my way through Washington.
Ashley Snow
Administrative Manager
Three words to describe me are: creative, driven, intuitive
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I'm the Administrative Manager, the glue that holds our small but mighty team together. I'm our clients' go-to for support and troubleshooting, helping to ensure everyone has what they need at the start of a project. Based in Northern Virginia, I am a passionate storyteller with a background in acting, writing, and counseling. For the last 16 years, I have traveled the world as an international speaker, helping women overcome trauma and realign to their passions. I’m excited to join The Look & The Feel and I love being part of a like-minded team that supports brands and entrepreneurs in achieving their dreams.
Heather Bowen Ray
Copywriter
Three words to describe me are: clear, resourceful, ebullient
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I create marketing campaigns that resonate with intended audiences, often in the holistic wellness and spa sectors. It's a joy to help brands launch innovative product and service offerings to improve lives. I'm an avid reader of futurist writings and behavior-change literature. I have a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Kansas and a Master of Science in Marketing from Johns Hopkins University. I live in Boulder County, Colorado, where I enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, pilates, and pickleball. But the thing I enjoy most is bringing out the best in others.
Katie Bannon
Copywriter
Three words to describe me are: passionate, empathetic, fun-loving
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I’m a writer of memoir and personal essay, and I teach writing at Emerson College, where I recently earned my MFA in creative nonfiction. My essays have appeared in NPR, Salon, Narratively, and more. I’ve worked as a copywriter and editor for the past seven years, and my passion is creating content that “sings” with voice, story, and personality. My experience with market research and brand work, coupled with my creative writing background, provide me with a unique lens for the digital projects I’ve been involved with. I live in the Boston area with my husband, where we can often be found searching for neighborhood cats, going on hikes, and perusing local bookstores.
Kendra Rhim
Content Editor
Three words to describe me are: empathetic, scrappy, genuine
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I'm a copy and content writer based in Atlanta, GA, although I was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN. I've always loved to read and write; my passion for words runs deep - I think they're one of the most powerful tools we have. I wasn't always sure how to use my talents because I was under the impression that my only option was to become an author (not the path for me). In January 2021, I was inspired to launch my writing business, Kendra Editorial Co., once I realized how many people needed this kind of work!
I've always loved helping people. I like when the people around me are happy and feel at ease. So I'm proud of the fact that so many people truly find value in the work that I offer. When I don't have my head down in my work, you can likely find me binge-watching Netflix series with my husband or waiting in line at a new restaurant. I truly believe everyone has something special to offer the world, it just takes some a little longer to tap into it. I encourage everyone to pursue their "why".
I've always been a detail-oriented person. The small things are really important to me. So I like working on The Look & The Feel creative team because it gives me the opportunity to check the details and ensure the content that's being produced is high quality.
Katie Bostedt
Designer
Three words to describe me are: creative, loyal, empathetic
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I'm a Los Angeles-based graphic designer with over 5 years experience working in start-up and corporate settings, but my heart lies with brand and web design for small businesses with big dreams. While I have a degree in graphic design, I am constantly striving to learn new skills and grow as a designer to better serve our clients. I believe that good branding can be the difference between success and struggle for small businesses, and am here to guide business owners along the way. I enjoy being a part of The Look & The Feel team not only because of the talent and expertise everyone brings to the table, but also because we all work together to create something truly successful for our clients. When I'm not designing, you'll find me cooking a good meal for the people I love, reading, or trying a new craft brewery with my fiancé.
Mary Elizabeth Bergeson
Designer
Three words to describe me are: persistent, inspired, unconventional
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I'm a designer and Atlanta native who's been in the industry for over five years. I thrive on creating brands that connect and expand. You can't go wrong with a strong brand personality, so no sterile designs here! I'm currently engaged to my high school sweetheart and we love to explore Atlanta's foodie scene, when I'm not on my computer creating!
Colleen Eakins
Designer
Three words to describe me are: quirky, whimsical, introverted
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I am a quirky and energetic, although highly introverted, graphic designer based in Atlanta, GA. I'm all about effective marketing and branding in design. I truly believe that if a piece does not meet the goal of influencing the consumer in a desired way, it is effectively worthless.
Emma Scott
Designer
Three words to describe me are: positive, witty, honest
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I'm a designer with over ten years of experience. I was born and raised around Toronto, Canada. Whether it's winter or summer, I enjoy outdoor activities, trying new things, and other creative ventures such as sewing or painting. I was initially inspired to get into the industry when I fell in love with funky snowboard deck illustrations as a teen. I love to laugh, so anything comedy-related always keeps me balanced and wanting to create. It has been a rewarding experience to be able to work with such inspiring women and clients across North America with The Look & The Feel creative team.
We work with dynamic organizations and spirited entrepreneurs.
Our in-house branding experts and team of strategists, writers, and designers are ready to support your company’s needs!