We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cat Scanlan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Cat, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
At Mountain Cat Media, our mission is to help small businesses and nonprofits show up confidently online through intentional strategy, storytelling, and creative content.
I grew up in my hometown of Summit County, and starting this business was my way of giving back to the place that shaped me. I’ve seen how much heart and hustle goes into local businesses, and I wanted to create something that helps them shine without sacrificing their authenticity.
This work matters to me because it’s not just about marketing—it’s about community, visibility, and making sure the people and places I care most about have the tools to thrive and grow.
Cat, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hi! I’m Cat Scanlan, the founder of Mountain Cat Media, a creative marketing studio based in Summit County, Colorado. I help small businesses, nonprofits, and local entrepreneurs show up online with confidence through strategic social media management, storytelling-driven photography, and branding that feels as real and vibrant as the people behind it.
I’ve always been a creative at heart with a deep love for storytelling, visual design, and community connection. After studying abroad in Italy at 20, I realized how much the world opened up when you could tell a compelling story and that idea stuck with me. Over time, I combined my love of creativity with a passion for helping small businesses thrive, and that’s when Mountain Cat Media was born.
I grew up in my hometown of Summit County, and coming back to launch this business here was a full-circle moment. I know firsthand how hard small business owners work and how overwhelming the digital space can be. That’s where I come in: helping you get organized, show up consistently, and tell your story in a way that drives results while still feeling totally you.
At Mountain Cat Media, I offer:
Social media management & content creation
Brand + product photography
Strategy sessions and marketing consulting
Website support and creative direction
What sets me apart is how personal I make it. I’m not just here to post pretty things—I dig into what makes your brand tick, what your audience truly cares about, and how to bring that to life in a way that’s sustainable and fun. I truly become part of your team.
What I’m most proud of is being able to support so many local businesses—whether it’s a coffee shop in Breck, a nonprofit doing big things for the community, or a wedding venue telling their story through images. This work lets me give back to my hometown in a way that feels impactful, creative, and connected.
At the end of the day, I want potential clients to know this: you don’t need to have it all figured out. If you’re passionate about your work but overwhelmed by the digital world, I’m here to help you show up in a way that feels aligned, professional, and powerful—without losing your voice. Let’s build something amazing together.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for me has consistently been word of mouth. There’s nothing more valuable than someone sharing a great experience with their network. Most of my growth has come from referrals—clients telling their friends, coworkers, or fellow business owners about the work we’ve done together. It’s the most genuine kind of marketing, and it means a lot knowing people trust me enough to recommend my services.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building my audience on social media didn’t happen overnight—it came from showing up consistently, being real, and focusing on connection over perfection. I started by sharing behind-the-scenes moments of my work, local collaborations, and little snapshots of life in the mountains. I leaned into my brand voice fun, approachable, and community-driven and people responded to that authenticity.
My biggest advice for anyone just starting out? Start messy. Stay consistent. And talk like a human. Don’t overthink every post—your audience wants to see the real you and your process. Share your wins, your work, your why, and even your learning moments. Engage with your followers like they’re your friends, not just numbers. And always focus on building relationships, not just gaining followers. Social media is about community, not just content.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mtncatmedia.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountain.cat.media/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mountaincatmedia
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-cat-scanlan-5141a3125/
Image Credits
All photos by Mountain Cat Media