Captured Stories: Business Feature – Blender Creative Co Brand Story

Welcome to Captured Stories! A Monthly Small Business Feature!

Blender Creative Co is a branding studio based in North Carolina and I’ve had the honor to have Lauren as a client but more importantly she’s become one of my friends! Lauren and I connected Early 2025 when she was looking for a curated gallery of brand photography for Blender Creative Co. Lauren puts so much heart & soul into all the brands she designs and I am always so impressed with her talent! I’m excited to share more about Blender Creative Co with my community! So, without further ado, let’s turn the mic to Lauren!

Let’s meet Lauren!

I’m Lauren Cooper, owner of Blender Creative Co., a branding and graphic design agency based in Mooresville, North Carolina. I was previously the senior designer on staff at Blender before taking ownership of the business in July of 2024. Today, Blender specializes in working with small to medium-sized businesses, creating thoughtful, cohesive branding that supports their growth and sets them up for success, so they can focus on what they do best.

The Story Behind the Brand

When I was a senior designer on staff, Blender primarily functioned as a design agency providing support to larger corporate marketing teams. While that work was valuable, I found myself increasingly drawn to the impact of working more closely with small businesses, especially those within our local community, where thoughtful branding can truly change the trajectory of a business.

When the opportunity to step into ownership arose, it felt like a natural next chapter. The early days were very hands-on: balancing client work, refining internal processes, and learning how to run a business while staying deeply involved in the creative. That season of growth gave me the freedom to intentionally reshape Blender into a branding-focused studio, one dedicated to helping small businesses build strong, cohesive brands that set them up for long-term success.

My Purpose & My Passion

I’ve always been an artsy gal. Art was my favorite subject in school, and drawing came naturally to me from a young age. I was fortunate to grow up with two incredibly creative parents who are also graphic designers. They encouraged me endlessly and never once suggested that art wasn’t a viable career path.

I began college studying studio art and loved the creative freedom, but I struggled with the feeling that my work lacked a larger purpose. That’s when graphic design entered the picture. While I initially resisted following the same path as my parents, I quickly realized that design allowed me to blend creativity with real-world impact.

I switched my major to graphic design, kept studio art as a minor, and graduated a semester early… right at the beginning of COVID. Despite the challenges, one opportunity led to another, and I found my way to Blender. I’ve grown my career under the guidance of incredible mentors, and today, that journey has led me to business ownership, doing work I truly love.

The Realities of Owning a Business

One of the biggest challenges has been learning to balance creativity with the operational side of running a business. Wearing every hat (designer, strategist, project manager, bookkeeper) often means learning at a fast pace and making decisions in real time. While that kind of growth is exciting, it can also lead to moments of burnout or imposter syndrome, especially when you’re constantly stretching yourself into new roles. I’ve learned that those feelings are often side effects of growth, not signs that something is wrong.

What’s surprised me most is how personal it all feels. You’re not just building a business, you’re building relationships, trust, and a livelihood. That level of ownership can feel super vulnerable, but it’s also what makes the work so fulfilling.

Your Brand Today

How would you describe your brand in three words?

Considerate, approachable, and intentional.

How has brand photography played a role in how you show up or are perceived as a business?

When I stepped into ownership, I knew it was important to build a professional yet approachable online presence. I work in a very aesthetic-driven field, and I wanted my brand to visually rise to the level of my competition in the industry and also reflect the level of care and creativity behind my work. One of my biggest goals was to show up more visibly as the new lead, especially after previously working more behind the scenes.

Brand photography helped bring all of that together, capturing me doing what I love through a polished lens (literally!) and allowing my brand to feel more personal and confident.

Check out Lauren’s brand session on my website, click here!

In what ways does brand photography help you create a brand that feels connected — to your audience, your values, or your story?

Brand photography has played a huge role in humanizing my brand. Because I’m constantly creating branding and content for other businesses, it can be easy for my own story to fade into the background. Having intentional imagery allows me to show up more personally and authentically, helping my audience connect not just with my work, but with the person behind it.

Looking Ahead

I’m excited to continue supporting clients as they build the businesses they’ve dreamed of! It’s truly an honor to be trusted with such an important part of their stories. Looking ahead, I’m hopeful to expand my team and continue leaning fully into Blender’s brand design niche in a way that feels intentional, sustainable, and creatively fulfilling.

Where to Find Blender Creative Co

Website: https://blendercreativeco.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blendercreativeco/

Portfolio: https://blendercreativeco.com/branding-portfolio/

Closing Note from Madalyn

Isn’t Lauren such a gem? I am honored to know Lauren & so proud to see her chase her dreams through Blender Creative Co. Please, do her a favor and go check out her links above!

Captured Stories is a series highlighting the real people and stories behind small businesses and creative brands. Thank you for being here & stay tuned for the next feature!