Together, we’ve rebranded dozens of small businesses across the U.S. with bold strategy, smart design, and a whole lot of heart.
We’re Sahara and Micayla - creative partners, business besties, and the duo behind Refined Marketing.
The DIY stage. The pivot. The “I know I’m made for more” phase.
More importantly? We’ve been where you are.
Whether you’re scaling or just starting, we bring clarity, confidence, and cohesion to your next move—with branding that matches the vision in your head (and the growth in your heart).
This didn't happen overnight.
Our paths crossed in the real estate world—but our dreams were always bigger than the job description. Sahara was leading top-performing teams. Micayla was knee-deep in branding strategy. And we both knew something was missing.
So we said yes to the idea that wouldn’t leave us alone: a branding studio built on trust, creativity, and strategy that actually works.
Six-figure growth, 50+ brands, and one podcast later, Refined is more than a design studio. It’s a resource. A creative home. A movement.
A short story about two women, one coffee shop, and a whole lot of faith.
real talk...
business brains, reality TV watchers, caffeine connoisseurs
get to know the duo
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🍸
📈
the strategic one
the creative one
meet micayla
brand visionary & dog mom
Micayla is the design-obsessed half of Refined—the one turning ideas into identities and jotting down ideas at 2am. A former collegiate athlete turned brand strategist, she brings the perfect mix of heart and precision to every project. Equal parts deep thinker and detail queen, Micayla lives for helping women-owned brands show up bigger, bolder, and more them than ever before.
Off the clock? She’s gathering inspo from all her travels, taking entirely too many photos of her dogs (Winston and Luca), and rewatching Gossip Girl like she doesn’t already know how it ends.
the creative one
the strategic one
meet sahara
the brains behind this whole thing
Sahara is the systems-savvy half of Refined—the one streamlining the backend, mapping out launch timelines, and making sure every moving piece is perfectly in place. With a background in real estate and operations, she brings the calm, clarity, and structure that turns creative chaos into client results. She’s a master of momentum, always focused on building brands (and businesses) that are made to last.
Off the clock? You’ll find her running around to her daughters dance recitals, whipping something delicious up in the kitchen, or planning her next Disney / beach vacay.
current caffeine order:
iced vanilla latte
latest binge:
southern charm
go-to adult bev:
apple martini w/ vodka
on repeat lately:
Lordes new song
next vacay:
beach
current caffeine order:
dirty chai w/ cinnamon
latest binge:
sex and the city
go-to adult bev:
spicy marg
on repeat lately:
2000s throwbacks
next vacay:
beach trip <3
Think you know who's who?!
"SINCE LAUNCHING... I have had my 4 best months in business to date.”
"Since launching in December 2025, I have had my 4 best months in business to date. I’m talking 4x’d my best month from before my rebrand."
cassidy of the copywriting mama
"we are still in pre-sale mode but already 75% to goal with a month left to go before we open.”
"It has established our visual identity immensely - especially in the Lagree world where everything is so dark and moody and black and white, we ended up with something that felt so unique and authentic. I get compliments on the branding, logo and design all the time. We are still in pre-sale mode but already 75% to goal with a month left to go before we open. I do think smart branding plays a big part in that."
liz of rise lagree studio
"you literally brought a dream to life.”
"YOU GUYS!! OMG. I'm so in love with the website! You literally brought a dream to life. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
chelsea of eat well gulf coast
"From start to finish, this process, by far, was one of the easiest things I’ve had to do.”
"I was looking for a way to rebrand and reorganize my business. All roads began with marketing. Refined Marketing was one of the most professional businesses I’ve had to deal with. Micayla was attentive to my requests and absolute wants, and was swift when I was iffy on some decisions. From start to finish, this process, by far, was one of the easiest things I’ve had to do. The amount of details and information that was provided from start to finish and how we are going to roll out a new look and platform for my company was impeccable. I would recommend anyone that is looking for a good partner to work with and a great company that has wholesome values and lots of determination to use Refined Marketing for any of their needs."
corey of quilting corey
"We have already received leads through the website.”
"We are loving our site girl! Thanks a million...Everyone loves it. We have already received leads through the website and it's working great. The team really appreciates it and we just interviewed a new designer that we will be hiring in May. She said that the website made a huge impact on her. Makes us more appealing to good talent out there."
