Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sophia Perlee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sophia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

I went to the University of Georgia and received a degree in marketing. It was Athens, GA, that exposed me to the exciting opportunities of being a marketer for musicians, venues, and artists. I got a taste of every aspect of marketing for the arts – social media management, website design, promotional events, and traditional advertising methods. I came out of school with a well-rounded idea of how to do the most good with digital tools available to those with a limited budget and a wide bandwidth for creative expression.

This led me to move from my lifelong home of Atlanta to Charleston – pretty much sight-unseen. I wanted to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone so I could have the space (and frankly, stress) to create a successful business. I moved to Charleston in October of 2023 with no friends or family in the area, started my company in January of 2024, and have been going strong ever since.

My marketing agency, Perlee Digital, has served more than 15 local businesses providing organic SEO services and elevated website design. I co-created a local art community – the Creative Current – which empowers creatives of all ages and skill levels to participate in collaborative and fun art projects – with no stress or expectations. I joined the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League’s board of directors and created a new event that makes art and classical music more accessible – the CSOL Art Serenade. This is happening for the first time August 16th, 2025 from 11-5 pm.

It was a huge risk to leave everything I knew- but now, having experienced all of this in less than 2 years, I am truly so grateful for the opportunities and communities that Charleston created for me. It has been the most rewarding time of my life, I feel like I have to pinch myself to remember this is all happening.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I come from a creative background—my family is made up of artists, so I was raised with a paintbrush in hand. I was encouraged to express myself through any means possible: music, art, and personal style. That foundation became the catalyst for my life—I was taught to be unconventional and free.

During school, especially my time at UGA, I discovered a love for data—particularly the process of identifying patterns to better understand human behavior and communication. Combined with my access to the local art scene, a growing knowledge of marketing strategy, and a deep desire to find my place among the artists and musicians I admired, I laid the groundwork for what would become my agency, Perlee Digital.

I explored all areas of digital marketing but found myself most drawn to organic Search Engine Optimization—the algorithm that shapes not only our online experiences as consumers but our perception of the world around us. Growing up with search engines like Google, I wanted to understand the logic behind what gets shown, when, and why. So I worked as a copywriter and website manager to test my theories and refine my strategies—essentially giving myself a masterclass in ranking websites organically.

In simple terms, I taught myself how to get websites to the top of the search results—not through paid ads, but by deeply understanding the algorithm and the nuances that make a site competitive. Unsurprisingly, this is a niche skill. I became an expert through trial and error, creative problem-solving, and a strong reliance on data.

This is what I do: I help my clients reach the top of organic search results with authentic, strategic content that resonates with both their ideal audience and the algorithm. In 2025, 66% of all clicks go to the first and second result on a search page—so if we can get you there for a high-volume, high-intent keyword, you’re reaching people at the exact moment they’re ready to buy. My clients value this proven, alternative approach to marketing—one that leads with insight, delivers value, and is grounded in data.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

It’s not “better” to be a team of one. I used to think my greatest strength was how much I could accomplish on my own. But as my business and responsibilities grew, it became clear that trying to do everything myself—at a high level and on time—was no longer sustainable.

As an artist, the idea of sharing the process of creating a painting feels almost unthinkable. But as a business owner, I’ve had to completely shift that mindset. Work is better when it’s shared. Having a trusted team is something I’ll never take for granted.

I would not be where I am today without the incredible Perlee Digital team. I’m grateful for them every single day—and grateful I get to share the work.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

When I first moved to Charleston, I had just launched a brand-new startup and was fresh out of college. I had no connections in the city, no sales background, and was starting completely from scratch. It was daunting.

I tried all kinds of ways to find work, but nothing was sticking until I realized I needed to start networking. Honestly, I didn’t even know what that really meant at the time. So I threw myself into it. I went to every event I could find. If someone invited me somewhere, I said yes. I took every opportunity that came my way, yet I still struggled to find clients who could help me build a sustainable business. It was a stressful time.

I set a goal: get five clients by the end of Q1 (the first three months of business). It was ambitious, maybe even unrealistic, but I was determined. As the final days of the quarter approached, I only had two clients, which only added fuel to the fire.

Then something unexpected happened. I went to a dermatologist appointment and struck up a conversation with a kind man who asked about my work. I shared what I did, gave him my website and number, and treated it like a real opportunity. I followed up, asked him to meet for coffee – and instead, he invited me to his family dinner. I didn’t realize just how much I needed that gesture.

I showed up as myself – no pitch, no plans, just a bowl of guacamole and a good attitude. His family welcomed me warmly, and I ended up staying for four hours. He listened to my story, coached me on my sales approach, and gave me practical, actionable advice. No one had ever been that generous with their time.

Long story short: I didn’t hit my goal of five clients by the end of Q1. But chasing that goal so fiercely opened doors I never expected. Months later, that same mentor convinced his company to meet with me, and they became one of my biggest clients nearly a year later.

This story sticks with me. It reminds me that if you show up with sincerity, stay open, and lead with love, you never know what’s possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://perleedigital.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-perlee-charleston-marketing/
• Other: Art website: wrenpaint.com art Instagram: @wrenpaint