Exploring Life & Business From Rock Bottom to Bold Brands: The Story Behind Blue Ridge Creative Marketing

Today we’d like to introduce you to the Founders of Blue Ridge Creative Marketing: Aaron Lee & Amanda Donohue

Tell us how Blue Ridge Creative Marketing came to life.
Aaron: Blue Ridge Creative started at rock bottom. I had just earned a master’s degree in branding from VCU and was finally in a good place after years of recovery from addiction — then I got laid off. It could’ve been a breaking point. But instead, it lit a fire.

Amanda: I had been freelancing as a content writer and strategist, and I believed in Aaron’s vision. We took the leap together — no savings, no investors — and turned it into something real. We made it official in 2024.

Aaron: I brought the branding and design. Amanda brought the voice, the strategy, and the vision for growth. We hustled, we said yes to every opportunity, and we built BRCM from scratch.

What have been some of the biggest challenges — and what’s kept you going?
Amanda: We started with nothing but talent and grit. There were months we didn’t know if we’d make rent, but we kept showing up. What’s kept us going is knowing that the work matters — especially in industries like healthcare and hospitality. We help people connect, show up honestly, and grow.

Aaron: There’s nothing easy about starting a business with zero funding. But each win — especially the ones where we help clients feel seen and understood — reminded us why we bet on ourselves.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Blue Ridge Creative Marketing. What sets BRCM apart from other marketing studios?
Amanda: We’re not here for safe, forgettable branding. Safe doesn’t sell. We help clients own exactly who they are — especially in industries that need a bolder voice, like mental health, sexual wellness, and hospitality.

Aaron: We’re not just creatives. We’re strategists. Everything we do has intention behind it — from logo design to social campaigns. It’s all about alignment, impact, and originality.

Amanda: Our proudest example? Sex Toy Bingo. We pitched it to a local bar that was hesitant, but we got the toys donated, built a marketing plan, and made it their most successful music bingo night ever. That’s what we do: create ideas that make people stop, show up, and talk about it afterward.

How do you approach risk as a business?
Aaron: Risk is necessary. You don’t stand out by playing it safe. We take smart risks — ones that make sense for the brand and spark engagement.

Amanda: We like to say: safe brands survive, but bold brands thrive. That’s our whole philosophy.

Pricing:

• WordPress/SEO-Optimized Website: $3,500–$10,000
• Social Media Management: $1,500-3,000
• Brand Design Package: $1,500–$3,000
• Google My Business Optimization: $300/month (limited pricing until June)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.weareblueridge.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueridgemktg
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeCreative/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blueridgecreative