About the Event
Build Your Own Brand is for small business owners. Period. If you’re growing a business and ready to take it seriously, this is your room.
This event brings together top experts in marketing, website design, brand photography, social media, and image consulting to help you build a brand that works in the real world.
This is for you if:
- You run a small business and want to grow with clarity and confidence
- You feel stuck with your branding, messaging, or online presence
- You’re not sure what to post, how to show up, or how to attract your ideal client
- You want real support, not just theory
- You’re ready to stop figuring it out alone
What you’ll walk away with:
- A clear message that connects with your audience
- Website and social media strategies that attract and convert
- Updated headshots and brand photography you can use immediately
- Guidance on how to visually show up with confidence and alignment
- Content ideas, marketing tools, and expert feedback you can actually use
You’ll spend the day learning, laughing, working, and growing with other entrepreneurs who get it. This isn’t just a workshop—it’s a room full of momentum.
If you run a business and you’re ready to show up like a brand, this is for you.
GRAB YOUR SEAT!Event Location
Join us in Huntsville, Alabama for a full-day branding experience.
Address:
229 Wynn Drive
Huntsville, AL 35805
Date: July 12th
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Meet the Speakers
Samantha Southerland
Brand expert/Consultant
- Rebranded a $500M+ company
- Branded 10+ businesses from scratch
- Led record-breaking nonprofit campaigns
Lauren Rainwater
Marketing Guru
- Founded Rainwater Ranch & Captivate
- Teaches authentic brand confidence
- Built brands rooted in service
Gia Giacomoni
Executive Coach
- 15+ years with Fortune 500s
- Certified image consultant
- Expert in brand confidence and alignment
Chris Shaw
Media Storyteller
- 20+ years behind the lens
- Founder of Final Flash Productions
- Expert in impactful storytelling
Jacob Robertson
Expert Technologist
- Founder of RDS (automation + AI)
- Helps businesses scale with tech
- Creative coder and visual designer
Meet the Speakers
Samantha Southerland
Brand expert/Consultant
- Rebranded a $500M+ company
- Branded 10+ businesses from scratch
- Led record-breaking nonprofit campaigns
Lauren Rainwater
Marketing Guru
- Founded Rainwater Ranch & Captivate
- Teaches authentic brand confidence
- Built brands rooted in service
Gia Giacomoni
Executive Coach
- 15+ years with Fortune 500s
- Certified image consultant
- Expert in brand confidence and alignment
Chris Shaw
Media Storyteller
- 20+ years behind the lens
- Founder of Final Flash Productions
- Expert in impactful storytelling
Jacob Robertson
Expert Technologist
- Founder of RDS (automation + AI)
- Helps businesses scale with tech
- Creative coder and visual designer
Event Agenda
B.Y.O.B. – Build Your Own Brand
Saturday, July 12, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering | Huntsville, AL
A hands-on branding and marketing workshop designed to help you clarify your message, elevate your visuals, and confidently grow your business.
Morning Schedule
Kick-Off + Group Assignments – Meet your speakers and get your expert rotation assignments.
Websites That Work While You Sleep – Jacob Robertson
Learn how to build a website that builds trust, automates leads, and works 24/7.
Brand Photography That Converts – Chris Shaw
Understand how great imagery builds brand trust and how to confidently show up on camera.
Break + Transition to Expert Rotations
Expert Rotations – Part 1
Rotate through 3 of the 5 expert-led breakout sessions (20 minutes each):
- Jacob – Websites & Automation
- Gia – Image Consulting
- Chris – Brand Photography
- Samantha – Marketing & Messaging
- Lauren – Social Media Strategy
Lunch + Headshots + Networking
Afternoon Schedule
Own Your Onlyness: Market to Your People – Samantha Southerland
Discover what sets your brand apart and how to attract your ideal client.
Social Media Strategy That Converts – Lauren Rainwater
What to post, where to show up, and how to use content to build community and sales.
Expert Rotations – Part 2
Finish your final 2 expert sessions to complete the full rotation.
Final Takeaways + Closing – Walk away with an action plan and next steps.