Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristen O’Neall. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kristen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
At Mirage Media, our “We Fix Ugly Brands” initiative sets us apart. The phrase “don’t call the client’s baby ugly” is common in this industry, but we believe the opposite. If something isn’t working, we will tell you, even if it’s uncomfortable or something we don’t handle. Most agencies would stay quiet to avoid rocking the boat, but we’d rather lose a client for being honest than stay silent and let their campaigns underperform.
A lot of marketing directors and founders become ‘nose blind’ to their own brands. They need an outside perspective that doesn’t just agree with them but actually challenges them to grow. That’s what we’re all about—hard truths, bold transformations, and authentic collaboration. We’re not a yes-man agency, and that’s how we deliver real results.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I come from a long line of entrepreneurs, so I always knew I wanted to start my own company. In terms of how I got into marketing and advertising, I majored in advertising in college and worked for a large company’s in-house marketing team right after. My favorite meeting every week was with our agency—they were fun, fast-paced, and always pushing the creative envelope. I loved it so much that I jumped ship to the agency side and never looked back.
Mirage Media is a full-service advertising agency, offering everything from paid advertising and organic social to full photoshoots and branding. I always tell prospective clients, there’s less we can’t do than what we can. What truly sets us apart is our obsession with finding unique perspectives—”I don’t know” or “We can’t” simply aren’t part of our vocabulary. We’re all about making it work, no matter the challenge. I often hear clients say things like, “Oh, I didn’t realize this was included” or “Are we paying extra for this?”—but most of the time, it’s just us going the extra mile. We genuinely enjoy going above and beyond to make their lives easier and their businesses better.
One of the things I’m most proud of is our 100% client retention rate. We’ve never lost a client, and I believe that’s because every project is a true collaboration, built on mutual respect. Our “No Asshole Policy” emphasizes that respect goes both ways. We’re not the ego-filled, know-it-all agency; we ask for the same consideration we offer our clients. We pride ourselves on long-standing relationships and seek partners who are committed to the journey for the long haul.
Unlike many Phoenix agencies named after their founders, Mirage isn’t about me—it’s about the clients, the work we do, and our incredible team. This agency isn’t built around one person’s name or ego; it’s built around crafting bold, innovative campaigns that deliver real results. That’s what makes Mirage Media stand out—we’re in it to make brands better, not just to make ourselves look good.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What’s helped me build my reputation is a relentless commitment to my clients and their success. I’ve been incredibly honored to receive national recognition and awards, but despite those accomplishments, I still feel there’s so much more I could be doing.
I carry an immense responsibility to work hard for our amazing clients because I believe every brand deserves an agency that’s all in for them, just like we are at Mirage. The impact we make is tangible—people interact with the ads our team creates, influencing their decisions, whether it’s choosing a college, securing a job, or finding the perfect skincare product. This direct effect on people’s lives drives me to continually push boundaries, refine our strategies, and deliver exceptional results. It fuels my passion every day.
For me, it’s always been about the clients and the end user. I’m deeply passionate about what we do because the more we work, the more lives we can impact. That’s why I’ve built the reputation I have. It’s never been about the accolades—it’s about the real difference we’re making, one campaign at a time.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
I’ve always had a passion for mentoring and inspiring others throughout my career. Beyond working with clients, what I truly love is managing and uplifting my team. I’m always on the lookout for projects that will get them excited and create an environment where they can thrive and do their best work.
One key piece of advice is to give your team the freedom to spread their wings and take risks. Early in my career, I lost some great people because I hesitated to promote them or push them out of their comfort zones. I cared for them so much that I feared promoting them too quickly would lead to mistakes or burnout. However, I learned that true growth occurs when team members are empowered to embrace new challenges, even if it means stepping into the unknown. Allowing them to take risks and learn from their mistakes is essential for their development and for fostering a resilient, innovative team.
Setting clear expectations is also essential. A team can sense if you’re placing too much of the company’s weight on their shoulders, and that can be overwhelming. While I might work long, intense hours, my team doesn’t have to match my level of intensity—it’s not their company. My goal is to create a supportive environment where they can excel without feeling undue pressure.
In advertising, there’s always pressure, but I remind my team that it’s not life and death—it’s advertising, not open-heart surgery. We’ll tackle challenges together and figure things out. Keeping things in perspective and maintaining a positive, relaxed atmosphere helps everyone stay motivated and enjoy the journey, which has been key to keeping morale high and ensuring our team not only excels but thrives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://miragemediaco.com
- Instagram: _miragemedia
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-o-neall-36a139172/
Image Credits
Kristen ONeall