Happy 10th Anniversary to Illuminated Marketing

My business started out of an experiment. It was fall of 2016, and I was a newly recovering, burned-out elementary teacher. I knew in my bones I had made the right decision not to renew my contract, but otherwise I had questions. Could I build a career from scratch that felt more life-giving and sustainable? Would people actually pay me to do what I loved—writing? Could I embrace this plot twist — such a deviation from the expected narrative I thought would play out for my life? 

It started with a mass email, letting everyone in my contact list know I was now a “Freelance Writer,” and, with all the bravery I could muster, asking if they could pass my name on to anyone looking for content creators. That led to blog posts and newsletters, then website copy and social media posts, and finally marketing strategy and brand development. 

Writing felt easy, and the world of freelancing opened up my curiosity about a wide range of topics—from a stained-glass artist in Mendocino to fiduciary financial advising to commercial-grade waffle irons —and I researched and found engaging ways to write about it all. 

As the months went on, the question shifted from “Can I make money doing this while I figure my life out?” to “How do I run and grow a business?” With each new gig, I found the parts that really brought me joy: sitting down with passionate but overwhelmed business owners and listening to their dreams and experiments. I articulated back to them the themes and values in their business and watched their faces light up in recognition. “Yes! That’s it!” 

When I was a little girl, I came across a baby name book that said my name meant “Illuminated One.” I always loved the poetry of that word, and it felt like a fitting name for my business. Beyond the writing, the design, and strategy, the gift we offer at Illuminated Marketing is helping people feel seen, shedding light on the gifts that their organization, small business, or non-profit has to offer, and brightening that message in ways that resonate with their audience.

Illuminated Marketing grew out of freelance writing while traveling and housesitting, setting down roots in Northern California, and building connections and a desire to help that community thrive. As my clients grew, so did my need for support and adding people to my team. 

With Melissa, my first employee and assistant, Illuminated Marketing grew in exceptional customer service, dedication to support and serve, and keeping projects moving.

With Megan, our graphic designer, Illuminated Marketing expanded in exponential talent for human-centered design and eye-catching, well-thought-out brands.

And with Kathryn, our head writer and journalist, Illuminated Marketing grew in our capacity to tell stories well and to capture the heart behind initiatives and growing organizations. 

We’ve found a niche in working with clients who specialize in helping their communities thrive—from service-based businesses and nonprofits to government agencies and economic development organizations. 

Each new project and season brought its own growing pains and lessons, but even more moments of satisfaction in the evidence of our impact and pride in work well done. It can be so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day that it feels surreal to look up and see how far we’ve come.

A decade of business? Wow. This experiment has been one of the most rewarding adventures of my life.