I'm Leah Karrels, based in Sturgeon Bay, born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I've turned my passion for design, technology, photography, and fine art into a reality by starting my own business.

My experience with social media dates back to 2012, and by 16, I had built a following of over 12,000. However, I quickly learned that social media has its ups and downs. Every business owner I've worked with tells me the same thing—social media isn't fun for them or isn't a priority. It understandably gets put on the back burner. I understand the challenges of navigating this often negative landscape, which is why I focus on turning social media into a business tool, not a growing stressor. I specialize in professional photography, website development, creative approaches, one-on-one meetings, and social media growth rooted in actual results and analytics. I base every strategy on real data to ensure we're making strategic moves, not taking wild guesses.

My background includes over 6 years of working within Milwaukee's creative community. Since founding my business in 2019, I've collaborated with diverse companies across Wisconsin, including art galleries, boutiques, interior design firms, antique shops, and farmers' markets. I thrive behind the camera and computer, making my clients feel comfortable and confident while I handle everything behind the scenes.

Eager to expand my expertise, I returned to college in 2023 on a full ride from the state of Wisconsin. In May 2024, I graduated with honors from Waukesha County Technical College's Digital Marketing Promotions program, focusing on marketing, social media, website design, and coding. These up-to-date skills have been incredibly helpful for my business and my clients, as social media and standards are always changing. Using platforms like Squarespace and Shopify, I've been able to help Door County businesses achieve the year-round sales they deserve online with my website development.

Currently, I serve as the Dome House Artist Residency Program Coordinator at the Miller Art Museum, where I continue my commitment to supporting emerging artists and fostering creative communities. Karrels Design is proud to work with women-owned businesses, creatives, and artists, and we actively support LGBTQIA+ businesses in Door County. I specialize in working with business owners who want honest assistance from someone who understands their market and unique challenges. I'm passionate about supporting emerging artists, ensuring Door County remains an artists' peninsula. My 'Design. Capture. Grow.' mission is built on education, mentorship, creativity, and finding solutions that work for my clients.

Let's work together to create a strategy that feels authentic to your brand and actually drives results.