A Message From Our CEO
directing the brand story“Speak up!” When I was young, I heard these words more often than I would’ve liked. I was quiet and reserved, finding it difficult to advocate for myself or confront uncomfortable situations. But, I was a gifted observer, taking experiences in, absorbing the interactions of others, and processing how communication (or the lack thereof) impacted relationships around me. While I may have had a tough time using my spoken voice, my written one shined. I used writing to share those opinions, thoughts, and ideas I felt I couldn’t say out loud. Writing was an avenue that got me from obscurity to clarity, unheard to understood.
Others quickly recognized this mastery, and years later, I learned the power of finding my spoken voice. Now, I relish opportunities to speak, share insights, and be a dot connector for others. Once Upon A Brand was born from a deep appreciation of communication and has grown into a powerhouse of strategic guidance. Our messages drive understanding, impact, and action for our clients so that they can promote positive change and deeper connections. There’s an opportunity that sits, waiting ahead of you. Open the gates to increased awareness and understanding, and find your way to enduring growth.
To your success,
Samantha M. Carroll, MBA
CEO & Principal Consultant
Once Upon A Brand, LLC was founded in 2012 to address a growing need for high-quality, research-driven communications consulting that drives brand visibility and deeper understanding.
We specialize in advising healthcare, health and social advocacy, and education sector clients. We are sparked by the desire to shine a light on your good work. Let’s achieve your goals by engaging stakeholders, creating content that resonates, and empowering your team with the skills and resources necessary to strengthen your communications efforts.
client appreciation
“[Once Upon A Brand] learned about our business quickly and was able to guide our decision-making process about the direction of our site as well as how to successfully promote it. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Samantha and have been impressed with her dedication to our success.”
S. Fiesta, Partner at 3rd Gen Law Group, LLP
“Thank you so much for taking the time to facilitate the [marketing strategies roundtable] discussion. It really helped me think through the strategies and come up with a more effective, actionable plan.”
Y. Mohs, Chief Executive Director at Global Education Destinations and Former President of Moms, Inc.
about us
Leadership Team
Samantha M. Carroll, MBA
CEO & Principal Consultant
Samantha drives high-profile communications projects, ideates strategies, and defines messaging development for mature and growth-stage clients and specializes in the healthcare, advocacy, and education sectors. She has advised organizations to increase brand awareness and understanding and position themselves as industry leaders.
Samantha has been a Featured Expert on Catalant, a Series Writer for Bloomberg BusinessWeek’s MBA Journal, and created curriculum content for The George Washington University Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence and Center for Integrative Medicine (on behalf of the mindfulness program). In 2023, she led Once Upon A Brand to win a Public Relations Society of America Pepperpot Award for excellence in Executive Communications. She has been an invited Speaker at Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, where she also obtained her MBA and speaks on the topics of brand strategy, communications, and stakeholder relations.
Jillian Swartz
Chief Branding Consultant
Jillian is a seasoned branding and marketing consultant with 20+ years of experience designing strategies for sustainable success. She has built numerous businesses around a single notion: branded businesses succeed. Jillian has enabled clients to elevate their brand identity and position themselves to increase awareness, cultivate trust, and generate quantifiable ROI.
She is the former CEO & Editor-in-Chief of THE FAMILY GROOVE, an award-winning digital magazine, rated by Real Simple magazine as the “Best Daily Destination” among top parenting websites. Jillian has been a featured expert in Women’s World magazine, in the book, Free Range Kids, on WOR710’s “Straight Talk”, on My9NY and numerous radio shows and podcasts. She also leads psa3 as its Chief Marketing Officer, producing memorable PSA campaigns for leading nonprofit organizations.
Once Upon A Brand partners with an extraordinary network of creative and analytical experts. We form the right team for your specific needs, working with you to understand how we can bring the best talent mix to your organization.
Speaking (More coming soon!)
Get In Touch
Once Upon A Brand P.O. Box 550 Lahaska, PA 18931
339.222.8867 Info@onceuponabrandllc.com