Raise Her Voice: Portraits of Power
Today, we’re highlighting a branding photography session for someone who brings amazing creative energy, seamless service, and FUN to Milwaukee events!
Susannah Lago has not one, but two companies that we captured during our in-studio brand session:
Style Up Group: Milwaukee’s go-to creative event company specializing in mobile bars, photo booths, event rentals and more.
Killer Cotton Candy: Home of the Killer Cakes! Cotton candy cakes for order and onsite spinning for special events.
What we did:
For this Milwaukee business owner we headed into the lifestyle studio to update headshots, candids and product shots for both businesses. It was important to include a special team member, Kalilah, on shoot day so we could capture a bit of collaborative energy and fun that comes when you hire Style Up Group.
Wardrobe for the brand shoot: The 3 outfits were themed as upscale/ sexy, “working,” and active wear – which is lifestyle Susannah, because if you follow her on instagram you know she is not only the most amazing and creative hard worker… but she is literally SO funny. I definitely wanted to capture her personality. I can’t wait for you to meet her…
Why did you start your business?
I was ready to step into my power and see if I could make my lifelong dream of owning an event business a reality. I knew I had a lot of skills to share with my community based on what my friends, family and past coworkers/bosses would say, plus I love a professional challenge. I have this ambition thing that I’ve had ever since I was a kid, so I knew I had to go for it because if I didn’t try the only thing I knew for sure is that I’d regret not going for it. So I basically got to work and laser focused and made it happen. That was 6 years ago.
What makes you stand out in your industry?
My creativity and problem solving skills set me apart, especially in high-pressure situations where quick thinking is key. I work with a wide range of clients, including high-net-worth individuals, and wealth doesn’t intimidate me – I treat everyone with the same level of professionalism and respect.
I also have a strong relationship with my staff, valuing teamwork and clear communication to ensure every event runs smoothly. At the end of the day, it’s about delivering an exceptional experience no matter who the client is.
What fills you up most about the work that you do?
I get to be creative and there are no limits to that creativity. Although there were so many aspects about working in corporate America that I liked, the thing that I struggled with the most was the limitations that were placed on my creativity.
When you’re working for “the man,” you are executing their vision under their brand guidelines. When you work for yourself, you’re working for your clients and many times they’re coming to me for that creativity; they’re looking at me as the expert. It’s a collaboration and there’s a lot of relationship building and networking in the process – I love it.
What was it like working with Katie?
A blast! It doesn’t even feel like work. It feels like I’m hanging out with my friend for the day and we get to be creative together.
Was there anything that surprised you about having a brand photoshoot done?
I didn’t expect my brand photoshoot to be so FUN!!! Katie just gets me and my humor. Humor immediately puts me at ease and let’s face it, even after doing many brand shoots it’s still scary to be in front of the camera. It’s awkward as hell. But when Katie is the one taking pictures, being relatable and funny, but at the same time 100% professional and wanting to make me look my absolute best for my biz…. it just makes everything so much easier and the whole process enjoyable! The time goes by and I’m like, “wait we’re done? I wanna hang out more!”
She encourages you to be yourself and stand proud in that and I couldn’t ask for anything more out of a brand shoot. And the results? Amazing. Every time.
How can we connect with you?
Is it your turn?
Authentic, lifestyle branding photos might just be the perfect next step to get your message out into the world. Ready to increase your impact and grow your business? I’d be honored to learn more about you. Reach out to me here!
