MadeUp Media began in early 2024 to support the small businesses and nonprofits shaping our Great Lakes Bay Region. We realized that many people dedicated to meaningful work find it overwhelming to share their story or keep up with the pressure to stay present online. You have the heart for your craft: we provide the sustainable systems and support to help it bloom.
What a Sustainable System Looks Like:
Branding that captures your story.
Consulting that meets you exactly where you are.
Content that feels authentic.
Digital Presence that remains steady and consistent across every platform.
Social Media that connects you to your community with intention.
Websites that make it easy to do business with you.
About MadeUp Media
A MARKETING & DESIGN COMPANY WAS BORN
What We’re All About
ROOTED IN INTENTION
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We believe in keeping things simple, smart, and human. Every project starts with listening and ends with something we're proud to share.
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Integrity, creativity, and empathy shape the way we work. These aren't just words—they’re the foundation of everything we build.
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What began as a passion project has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead. What sets us apart isn’t just our process—it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, explore, and create with purpose at every turn.
Branding
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Consulting
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Content
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Digital Presence
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Social Media
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Website Development
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Branding 〰️ Consulting 〰️ Content 〰️ Digital Presence 〰️ Social Media 〰️ Website Development 〰️
Who We Work With
CLIENTS WORKING HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Friends We Support
Portfolio Piece
Meet the Team
MARKETING & DESIGN MAGIC MAKERS
Meet Kathleen Haney
Creative Director
Kathleen Haney is the founder and creative director behind MadeUp Media. With a deep belief in the power of storytelling and soulful strategy, she blends intuitive insight with practical execution to help clients show up confidently and authentically in their brand presence.
Collaboration, Creativity, Care
Whether she’s mapping out a content strategy, designing a visual identity, or capturing brand photography, Kathleen creates intentional, aligned experiences rooted in collaboration, creativity, and care.
Supporting Small Businesses
She’s passionate about supporting small, values-driven businesses and brings a calm, focused energy to every client relationship. Kathleen is multi-disciplinary at heart and believes that creativity, strategy, and healing can—and should—coexist in business.
2025 MYPros Rising Star
Kathleen is a proud recipient of the MYPros Rising Star Award. Midland Business Alliance’s MYPros Program honors young professionals for noteworthy achievement and leadership. This recognition shows her commitment to improving our Midland community and staying rooted in local progress.
THE FOUNDER OF MADEUP MEDIA
The Crew That Supports You
CREATIVE FRIENDS BY YOUR SIDE
Mikayla
Content Assistant
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Mikayla brings a rare blend of quiet observation and creative energy to the MadeUp Media content team. With a natural eye for detail and a heart for purposeful design, she transforms client outlines into beautiful visuals that help local stories bloom online. Her work is rooted in the belief that digital spaces should feel both inviting and deeply personal, ensuring every reel, graphic, and carousel is crafted with immense care.
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Creates and edits social media content including posts, carousels, and reels for monthly client accounts
Designs graphics and organizes deliverables within client content calendars.
Supports content development through caption writing and ongoing refinement of creative execution.
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She has a borderline LEGO addiction and is officially running out of places to display them in her house.
If she is not working, she is probably fishing. Bluegill are her favorite!
She loves puzzles of all kinds, from local escape rooms to the New York Times daily challenges.
Amber
Content Assistant
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Amber specializes in bringing the "behind the scenes" story to life. Whether she is capturing the energy of a live session or crafting social media posts, she has a gift for finding the authentic moments that make a brand feel human. A passionate soul who calls the Pacific Northwest home, Amber spends as much time as she can outdoors. She is always up for a new adventure, usually with a good cup of tea in hand.
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INFO NEEDED
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She is a black belt in Judo, bringing a sense of discipline and focus to her work.
She is a true lover of the ocean and finds her best inspiration near the water.
She is a dedicated Harry Potter fan.
Joannah
Virtual Assistant
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Joannah serves as the structural heartbeat of the team. She believes that every creative project requires a steady foundation. As someone who has spent over a decade in the art administrative arena, she has felt the weight of countless emails to manage, calendars to juggle, and crucial details at risk of slipping through the cracks. This personal experience ignited a passion within her: to help others achieve clarity and focus on what truly matters in their business journeys.
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Master of Arts in Art Administration from the University of Michigan.
Certified Performing Arts Executive (CPAE) designation.
Strategic involvement with the Midland Young Professionals and the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.
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She is a classically trained musician who views a well organized spreadsheet as its own kind of musical score.
Her ideal weekend involves exploring local historic architecture or attending a performance at a regional theater.
She collects vintage postcards from the various cities she visited during her time with Arts Northwest.
Kathleen
Founder & Owner
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Kathleen is the visionary behind MadeUp Media. She built the agency on the belief that story is the strongest currency for local business. Her approach is grounded in the Great Lakes Bay region. She focuses on long-term health over short-term trends. Kathleen treats every client project as a contribution to the regional ecosystem.
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Mentor for women in business through the BRAVE network.
Contributor to regional storytelling via the Midland Communicators Group.
Advocate for community vitality on the Midland Whimsy Committee.
Supporter of future leaders through Midland Young Professionals.
Marketing Advisory Board Member at Northwood University.
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She’s happiest outdoors, whether in the garden, on a trail, or spending time with her dog, Teddy.
A big fan of yoga and slow mornings, usually paired with good food and a good book.
Loves getting lost in fantasy worlds, then switching it up with games and time with friends.
Steven
Content Assistant
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Steven is a constant source of vibrant energy and genuine enthusiasm within the MadeUp Media team. He focuses on creating and managing content that feels both structured and creative, ensuring our clients’ digital presence feels welcoming and intentional.
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Marketing and Marketing Communications double major with a minor in Digital Marketing at Northwood University, bringing a thoughtful curiosity to every project he takes on.
Served as the Marketing Director for a university fashion show, managing the social media, PR, and website development.
Developed over a year of experience in the automotive industry through work in dealership marketing and a national Fixed Ops program.
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He is a pizza enthusiast who never turns down a good slice.
His favorite way to recharge is practicing Mixed Martial Arts.
He once competed in and won a marketing reality series on YouTube called The Intern.
Kori
Content Assistant
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Kori is passionate and driven when it comes to creative exploration. She focuses on designing meaningful content that helps our clients’ businesses grow and foster deeper connections within their community.
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Studies at Sonoran Desert Institute, developing skills in logistics and mechanics.
INFO NEEDED
INFO NEEDED
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She is an avid boarder who loves skateboarding, surfing, and snowboarding.
She is a talented multi-instrumentalist who can play eight instruments, though the acoustic guitar is her favorite.
She maintains an extensive diecast car collection featuring NASCAR, F1, and classic models.
MadeUp Media In The Community
PLANTING SEEDS OF CHANGE
MadeUp Media At Work
BRINGING IDEAS TO LIFE
Our Approach
GROUNDED IN AUTHENTICITY
Philosophy
We blend strategy with soul: combining clarity, aesthetics, reflection, and storytelling to create brands that feel human.
Roots & Bloom Framework
We use the Roots & Bloom framework to provide that grounding. Every project is built on three pillars: Wisdom, Beauty, and Connection. We do not chase trends. We do not use gimmicks. We focus on building a digital home that reflects your essence and protects your energy. Our goal is to help you feel proud of your work and have fun representing it.
Our Decision Filters
Every project, post, and page we build passes through our internal filters:
(Move these to the accordion to the right)
Wisdom: Is it clear, strategic, and sustainable?
Beauty: Is it intentional, refined, and story-driven?
Connection: Is it kind and supportive of community belonging?
By leading with these questions, we help you communicate with confidence and build relationships that last.
Our Decision Filters
Every project, post, and page we build passes through our internal filters:
By leading with these questions, we help you communicate with confidence and build relationships that last.
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The Grounding & Reflective Pillar
Wisdom represents the strategic foundation of our work. It is the practice of slowing down to ask the right questions before taking action. By observing the rhythms of nature, we move away from the noise of the hustle and toward a sustainable path for your business.
Sustainable Pace: Honoring your internal rhythms to prevent burnout.
Strategic Curiosity: Infusing lightness and exploration into serious business conversations.
Reflective Storytelling: Sharing insights that spark imagination and provide clarity over noise.
Learning From Nature: Using nature as a teacher for growth and timing.
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The Creative & Aesthetic Pillar
Beauty is not about vanity; it is the bridge to trust and emotional resonance. We create aesthetics with purpose, ensuring your brand feels as good as it looks. By focusing on intentional design, we celebrate the unique creative identity that helps your business bloom.
Intentional Design: Creating brand identities and visuals that feel effective, refined, and trustworthy.
Detail-Oriented Artistry: Highlighting the textures and aesthetic details that elevate a brand’s story.
Inspirational Visuals: Drawing from nature to create digital spaces that feel lived-in and intentional.
Community Expression: Uplifting local brands by showcasing their unique creative identities.
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The Relational Heart
Connection is the glue that binds strategy to impact. It is our superpower and the core reason we prioritize community-centered work.
Authentic Belonging: Building trust through honest, human-centered storytelling.
Relational Collaboration: Working as a dedicated peer, never a distant vendor.
Community Impact: Championing local brands to keep creativity rooted in our region.
Safe Spaces: Creating environments where you feel seen, supported, and less alone.
Our Values
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Championing Michigan-based brands to keep resources and creativity circulating within the local economy.
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Simplicity and transparency in both design and process.
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Every project deserves a spark of originality and storytelling.
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Strategy before aesthetics. Purpose before popularity.
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We educate and equip, not just deliver. Our goal is to help clients grow confidently and sustainably.
WHAT WE PRIORITIZE
Our Services
TAILORED SYSTEMS & CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
Branding
Tell an authentic story with consistent visuals and a clear message. Create content faster, saving time and energy for other important tasks.
Consulting
We bring an outside perspective to your brand, grounded in strategy and guided by intention. We help you align your brand with where you’re going next.
Content
For brands ready to create meaningful content that reflects who they are and connects deeply with their audience.
Digital Presence
Bring your brand to life online with a cohesive, aligned presence across website, social media, and search.
Social Media
We help you connect and build trust with your audience by creating a consistent, authentic, and strategic story.
Website Development
Creating simple, clean, and creative websites to make a great first impression, build trust, and get sales.
Branding
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Consulting
〰️
Content
〰️
Digital Presence
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Social Media
〰️
Website Development
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Branding 〰️ Consulting 〰️ Content 〰️ Digital Presence 〰️ Social Media 〰️ Website Development 〰️
The Process
1) Meet
LET’S CHAT
Define Needs
Discuss Options
Make A Plan
WORKING WITH US IS AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3
2) Review
LET’S FOLLOW UP
3) Continue
LET’S COLLABORATE
Create
Define Needs
Review & Refine
Finalize
Deliver
Post
Report
The Process
This isn’t just a business—it’s a reflection of what we believe in. We’re here to create work that matters, led by a shared commitment to quality and care.
Meet
Your Questions, Answered
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We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs—whether you're just getting started or scaling something bigger. Everything is tailored to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
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Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
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We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
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We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.
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Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.
The best work happens when we build it together.
