Why 'Your Brand, But Better' Became My Promise to You (And Why I Actually Mean It)

Look, I'll be honest with you. I'm writing this with my trusty Coke Zero in hand, my toddler thoroughly engaged with his iPad (no judgment, please, we all do what works), and my Frenchie snoring contentedly at my feet.

As a boy mom who finally found her groove in her mid-30s while replacing my corporate income doing what I actually love, I know a thing or two about evolution and finding your sweet spot.

You should see the list of business names I went through before landing on this one. Actually, want to hear something funny? I have a folder on my phone labeled "potential business names" that I'm keeping just to remind myself of how far I've come. Some of them are truly cringe-worthy, but hey, that's part of the journey, right?

So when I say "Your Brand, But Better," I'm not just throwing around another catchy marketing phrase. I've lived the messy process of finding your voice, changing your mind, and finally landing on something that feels right. Like, really right.

Here's what I mean by "Your Brand"…

You know that feeling when you finally land on the perfect business name? Or when you write an Instagram caption and think, "Yes, that's exactly what I wanted to say"? That's your brand. It's all those pieces of you that are already working. The parts that make you excited to open your laptop in the morning (even with a toddler climbing on your shoulders and a Frenchie begging for attention).

And then there's the "But Better" part..

Think about those days when everything just clicks. When your outfit feels right, your confidence is high, and you're ready to take on the world. You're still you - just a more polished version. That's what I do for brands. I take all your awesomeness and help you present it in a way that makes you feel like that put-together version of yourself

That's what I do for brands. I take all your awesomeness and help you present it in a way that makes you feel like that put-together version of yourself.

The Corporate Exit Story

Let's talk about that corporate income for a minute. Walking away from a steady paycheck? Actually, scratch that... being walked out of it when I got fired? Plot twist! There I was, sitting in my windowless office (nothing says 'corporate success' quite like fluorescent lighting 24/7), probably being too vocal about all the ways the company could do better. Spoiler alert: they weren't as excited about my improvement ideas as I was.

But you know what? Getting fired might have been the best thing that happened to me. Because let's be honest, I was already mentally checking out, dreaming about finding work that actually made me happy during mundane meetings, desperately searching for meaning while nodding along to endless PowerPoint presentations. I was the employee with "lots of potential" and "too many opinions." A deadly corporate combo.

Then I discovered brand photography and web design. Suddenly, all those "disruptive" ideas had a perfect outlet. When I finally matched (and then exceeded) my corporate salary doing what I love? That feeling was better than any awkward office party or forced team building exercise I'd ever endured. Turns out, sometimes getting pushed out of your comfort zone, or literally pushed out of your windowless office, is exactly the nudge you need.

Why I Work With Female Founders

Maybe it's because I've sat where you're sitting. That moment when you're staring at your website thinking, "This doesn't feel like me anymore." Or scrolling through your Instagram feed wondering why your photos don't capture the real energy of your business. Trust me, I've been there, usually with my son showing me his latest iPad art creation while I'm trying to focus.

Here's a truth bomb: it's not effortless for them either. Those brands you admire? They've just figured out how to present themselves authentically AND professionally. And that's exactly what I help you do.

The Real Talk About Better

Let me share something that happened just last week. I was on a discovery call with a potential client (trying to explain my services while my toddler gave an impromptu dance performance behind me and my Frenchie provided unrequested background music with his snores), and she said something that stuck with me: "I'm worried about looking too polished. I don't want to seem fake."

Better doesn't mean perfect. It doesn't mean sterile. It definitely doesn't mean fake. If you could see me right now, typing this with my mom bun and my Frenchie trying to steal my chair every time I stand up, you'd know I'm all about keeping it real

What Behind the Scenes Really Looks Like

Want to know what a brand photoshoot with me actually looks like? While my studio space is professional and designed for the perfect shot, it's the in-between moments that often capture the real magic. I'll help you shake off those camera jitters with real conversation, guide you through poses that feel natural, and make sure you're actually having fun. Because here's the truth: the best photos happen when you're relaxed and being yourself.

And web design? Oh boy. I can't tell you how many times I've had breakthrough ideas in the most random moments. Standing in line for coffee, on a quiet morning at my desk, or even during those late-night creative bursts when inspiration strikes. Creativity doesn't wait for perfect conditions, and my best designs often come when I least expect them.

The Truth About Finding Your Style

Remember how I mentioned my endless list of business names? Well, that's nothing compared to how many times I've refined my photography and design style. Just like you, I had to figure out what felt authentic to me.

Some days, that meant questioning everything. Other days, it meant having such clarity that I could work for hours straight (thank goodness for iPads and educational apps, am I right?). The point is, I get it. I get the journey of finding your voice, your style, your brand.

From Corporate to Creative

The transition wasn't easy. Trading structured meetings for creative freedom, steady paychecks for entrepreneurial uncertainty... It was a leap of faith. But here's what nobody tells you about leaving corporate life: the skills follow you. That attention to detail from endless spreadsheets? Now it helps me notice the tiny elements that make a website extraordinary. Those project management skills? Perfect for making sure your photoshoot runs smoother than my attempts at giving up caffeine (spoiler alert: that didn't last).

Why "But Better" Matters

Here's why I'm so passionate about this approach: because I've seen what happens when women try to completely reinvent themselves to fit some ideal of what a "professional business" should look like.

Spoiler alert: it never works.

The magic happens when we take what's already uniquely you and just make it shine brighter. Like finding the perfect lighting that makes your photos pop without making them look fake. Or designing a website that feels like walking into your dream office space but still feels like you.

The Reality of Working With Me

Let's be real about what you're getting into. I'm the photographer who totally gets those pre-photoshoot jitters (and knows exactly how to help you past them). The one who understands when life throws you curveballs and you need to reschedule. The designer who knows that creativity doesn't run on a 9-to-5 schedule, and sometimes the best ideas hit you at 2 AM or in the middle of your grocery shopping (just me?).

What This Really Means For You

When we work together, here's what you can expect:

Real conversations about your business (probably with my son's favorite show playing in the background)

Photoshoots that feel like hanging out with a friend (who happens to know all about making you look amazing)

Website designs that make you excited to send people to your URL

Strategic planning sessions fueled by genuine enthusiasm for your success (and occasional Frenchie cameos)

The Investment in Yourself

Look, I know investing in your brand is a big decision. As someone who walked away from a secure corporate job to build something of my own, I understand the weight of taking that leap.

But here's what I've learned: when you present yourself professionally while staying true to who you are, magic happens. Your ideal clients start finding you. You feel more confident showing up online. You stop second-guessing every post or email you send.

Making Peace with Perfect

You know what's funny about leaving corporate life? You realize that all those perfectly polished presentations and meticulously formatted reports didn't actually matter as much as being real and connecting with people. That's what I bring to your brand now - the perfect balance of professional and authentic.

What Happens Next?

If you're resonating with this then you might be ready for "but better."

I'm not here to completely overhaul your brand. I'm here to help you shine brighter, stand stronger, and feel more confident in how you present yourself to the world.

The Bottom Line

Your brand isn't just about pretty pictures or a sleek website. It's about capturing the essence of who you are and what you offer, then presenting it in a way that makes people stop scrolling and pay attention.

Because at the end of the day, "Your Brand, But Better" isn't just a tagline. It's my promise to help you show up as your best, most authentic self in business. Sticky fingerprints, dog hair, and all.

Ready to make your brand better while keeping it real? Let's talk. I promise to keep it as authentic as this blog post and more exciting than my former windowless office (which isn't hard, but still).

Let’s chat: hell@sabrinamariestudio.com

www.sabrinamariestudio.com

P.S. My Frenchie says hi (and wants to know if you have any treats).