Meredith Paige, founder of Media By Mer, on how one session helped shape the visual direction of her business launch.

I’m 21 years old and run a social media marketing agency. I also write, record, and release my own music. I graduated in December with a degree in communications. Somewhere in the middle of all of that, I had a branding session with Colt Melrose — early on, as I was stepping into building my business.

At the time, I didn’t fully realize how much those photos would shape the way my brand was perceived.

My original reason for booking with Colt was simple: I was about to graduate from college and knew I needed professional headshots. I wanted something that felt professional and true to how I saw myself stepping into this next phase.

I didn’t walk in with a fully built-out brand yet, but I’ve always had a strong sense of what I like visually and what feels right for me.

Colt and Lindy helped take that and turn it into something great.

They brought structure and direction to the session, from the backdrop, to the makeup, to the styling!

“Those photos, without even knowing it, kind of established my brand colors, which have been super fun and unique to work with.”

While many social media managers stick to blacks, whites, and neutrals, that bold, unexpected palette has become a signature part of my brand. It reflected my personal taste, brought to life in a way that felt playful and memorable.