We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alicia Schrader and Kaylin Ingram a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alicia Schrader and Kaylin Ingram, thanks for joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?
The story of Hang Ten Creative Agency began when two passionate Florida gal creatives, Kaylin Ingram and Alicia Schrader, were introduced by a mutual business connection, Madison Thayer. At the time, both Kaylin and Alicia were carving their own paths as freelance designers in the vibrant coastal landscape of Tampa Bay, Florida. Kaylin specializes in unique and impactful logo designs, while Alicia crafts intentional, custom websites. Given their individual specialties and similarly energized personalities, Madison knew the two of them absolutely had to meet, and she now calls the design duo a “match made in heaven.”
Once Kaylin and Alicia’s creative harmony was ignited, they became each other’s go-to’s and would refer their individual clients back and forth to each other to the point where almost all of their clients ended up being the same people. As they collaborated on branding projects, they noticed that together, they were creating the work they were the most proud of. But it wasn’t just the quality of their work that set them apart; it was their contagious energy, chemistry, and shared vision they brought to every project. Clients began to inquire about the official status of their business partnership, asking: “So when are you going to make this thing official?!”
The decision to found Hang Ten Creative Agency wasn’t merely a leap of faith; it was a natural progression fueled by a deep-rooted mission to craft incredible brands under one roof. Kaylin and Alicia knew that they could offer something truly unique in the creative landscape—a fusion of authentic branding, exceptional website experiences, and a shared commitment to excellence, especially when it came to their combined processes and focus on client relationships.
The accolades and recognition they were honored to receive within the first year—The Launch Award by AMPLIFY Clearwater, a prestigious Silver-Davey Award, and finalist nominations in Best of The Bay—served as affirmations of their vision and dedication. More importantly, they validated the trust placed in them by the countless startups and businesses that sought their expertise in crafting brands.
Today, Hang Ten Creative Agency stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and unwavering determination.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hang Ten Creative Agency is a strategy-driven, award-winning, women-owned branding agency in Tampa Bay, Florida. Being comprised of more than just logo and web designers—their mission is to craft narratives that resonate, experiences that captivate, and brand identities that endure. Their services cater to a diverse clientele, from ambitious start-ups seeking to establish their brand presence to well-established businesses searching for innovative strategies for continued growth. Whether it’s guiding start-ups through the critical early stages of branding or partnering with seasoned businesses to elevate their brand presence, they are committed to delivering tailored solutions that exceed expectations and drive tangible results.
With a belief that a strong brand identity is the cornerstone of any successful business, Hang Ten Creative Agency is dedicated to crafting authentic brands that tell compelling stories and foster meaningful connections. Co-founders Kaylin and Alicia’s love of the world of branding was fueled by a shared passion for empowering businesses to stand out in a sometimes extremely crowded, competitive marketplace.
What sets Hang Ten Creative Agency apart is their commitment to authenticity. During every branding project, they take extra special care to make sure their client’s authenticity truly shines so they can connect with their dream clients. They believe that great design goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about creating experiences that resonate with audiences on an emotional level and foster meaningful connections. Whether designing a logo or crafting a website, their goal is always the same: to create something that feels genuine and true to the essence of the brand.
Kaylin and Alicia bring their individual strengths, expertise, and achievements to offer a unique blend of creative and strategic insight that sets them apart. Kaylin’s academic journey, earning her a Masters in Branding from the esteemed School of Visual Arts, provides the foundation for the agency’s strategic approach. Drawing from the teachings of some of the best brand strategists in the USA, she brings a depth of insight that goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on crafting brand identities that resonate with audiences. Alicia brings her unique approach to web design, crafting award-winning websites that seamlessly blend stunning visuals with strategic functionality. Her collaborative process ensures that each design is tailored to the client’s goals and resonates with their target audience, making her an invaluable asset to the web design side of Hang Ten Creative Agency and our clients.
As proud advocates for businesses of all sizes, Kaylin and Alicia are dedicated to helping clients succeed in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Whether you’re a start-up looking to make a splash or an established business, Hang Ten Creative Agency invites you to join them on this creative journey.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
At Hang Ten Creative Agency, our mission is rooted in championing DREAMERS and empowering entrepreneurs to take the leap and follow their dreams.
We are passionate about partnering with start-ups, as we truly understand the challenges and aspirations of building something from the ground up—we’ve been there ourselves. We know the struggles that come with trying to identify your target audience, attract your dream clients, and figure out your brand voice along the way. It can be challenging to go at it alone, so that is what we are here for.
A big part of our mission is to help start-ups find their footing and build a brand that they believe in. Our goal is to provide a guiding hand to those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey, helping them navigate the complexities of branding, connecting with their audience, and finding their unique voice in a crowded marketplace. We recognize the importance of a strong brand identity, not only as a reflection of the business but as a source of pride and confidence for the entrepreneur behind it.
Your brand is more than just a business—it represents your dreams, passions, and vision for the future. And we’re here to ensure that you feel proud and empowered every step of the way.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Authenticity! We never want to appear like something we are not, so maintaining our genuine voice through our business growth has been essential. We never offer a service we know we won’t absolutely CRUSH! Because of this, we have happy clients who love the work and are proud to rep their new brands. Our focus on quality has been vital in building trust and credibility with our clients, fostering long-term relationships, and repeat trade. As we continue to uphold our commitment to authenticity and excellence, we look forward to furthering our impact by supporting even more start-ups and new businesses on their creative journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hangtenagency.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hang_ten_agency/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hangtenagency
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/54120045
Image Credits
Photography Credit: Joyelan Media Photography Photography Credit: Jess Veguez Photography