Authentic Visual Branding for Small Business: The Golden Path Project
How a Newport-based coach brought her brand to life through natural portraits and heartfelt video messaging.
When Laurie Nicoletti set out to launch her new coaching business, Golden Path, she knew her online presence had to reflect more than just credentials — it needed to express who she is at the core. That’s where I came in.
Laurie wasn’t looking for the typical studio portraits or executive photos staged in luxury interiors. She wanted something more grounded. More real. Something that felt like her.
Working in close collaboration with designer Laura Sorensen of Atelier LKS, we set out to create a personal brand experience through photography and video that felt true to Laurie’s message — helping others realign with who they are and move forward with clarity and calm.
Capturing Her Story in Motion
Laurie’s video was the centerpiece of this project — a 90-second introduction that lives on her homepage at Golden Path. We used a teleprompter with just bullet points so she could speak naturally, from the heart. The result? A warm, confident delivery that invites potential clients to connect with her message and personality — not just her resume.
Real Locations. Real Connection
We wanted every visual to reflect Laurie’s love of the outdoors and her thoughtful, grounded approach. Our half-day session included three wardrobe changes and locations all within walking distance of her home. We wrapped at the Rhode Island coastline, recreating a scene of Laurie speaking with a client. While most of her work is virtual, this moment brought to life how she connects — calmly, directly, and with purpose.
A Collaborative Approach
Laura Sorensen was instrumental in aligning visuals with Laurie’s brand direction — a seamless collaboration that made creative decisions feel effortless. We also had a makeup artist on set to keep things polished through wardrobe and location changes, and an assistant helped ensure smooth transitions between photography and video setups.
This type of production — blending executive portraits, brand-focused video messaging, and small business storytelling — is one of my favorite kinds of projects. It’s where corporate-quality production meets personal branding. It’s storytelling with purpose.
Spring in Newport and the Road Ahead
Springtime in Newport gave us the perfect backdrop for natural light portraits and coastal calm. Laurie’s new website is a true reflection of her values and personality, and I’m excited to see how her practice grows.
Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, thoughtful visuals can make all the difference in how people first experience your brand. If you’re ready to bring your own story to life, I’d love to talk.
