Case Study: The MINNEØATS Transformation
In the extremely competitive world of selling products, creating a strong brand identity is crucial for success. Today, we're excited to spotlight MINNEØATS, an innovative oatmeal catering, and granola company, and their transformative partnership with Venlo Studio. This collaboration not only enhanced MINNEØATS' visual branding but also helped them connect more deeply with their community and expand their reach.
This case is officially open, so let’s dive in!
The Origin of MINNEØATS
MINNEØATS began in 2017 in a college apartment at the University of Minnesota. Operating as a “cafe” serving hot and fresh bowls of oatmeal to friends, the founders, Maria & Allie, quickly realized they were onto something special. The overwhelming response, with lines out the door and enthusiastic feedback, encouraged them to take the concept off campus and start catering events. Their mission has always been to share the love of Jesus through wholesome food and meaningful community. Today, MINNEØATS operates as both an oatmeal catering and granola company, continuously growing their community and customer base.
The Dynamic Founding Duo
-Maria & Allie-
Seeking Visual Branding Solutions
By 2021, MINNEØATS had grown significantly and recognized the need to elevate their visual branding after merely getting by with iPhone photos for years. Maria & Allie wanted to professionalize their content library for web and social media, especially with new products needing high-quality photos for the online store. They reached out to Venlo Studio, drawn by their Christ-centered approach to business, flexible photoshoot options, and evident passion for their craft. Venlo Studio quickly became a trusted partner, understanding and aligning with MINNEØATS' vision.
Before image: Dim lighting, low resolution, off white balance, messy/ unappealing layout
After image: Natural lighting, high resolution (textures pop), correct white balance for true-to-life color, strategic placement of ingredients, added layers and props, elevated look with marble background
Recognizing the Right Moment
The timing for this branding upgrade was perfect. MINNEØATS was running low on social media content and needed a website refresh. With the necessary funds available, it was clear that investing in brand photography would help them maintain and enhance their growing presence.
Bringing the Brand to Life
It was crucial to present the MINNEØATS brand authentically, consistently, and professionally to the marketplace. Venlo Studio provided a comprehensive suite of services to elevate the MINNEØATS brand, including e-commerce product photos, styled flat lays, packaging updates, headshots & team photos, and lifestyle imagery with models. These efforts helped ensure their visual branding resonated with their growing audience and stood out in the marketplace.
Their work helped attract both new and existing customers by bringing the brand to life on the website and social media platforms. While specific analytics were challenging to pinpoint, the growth in business since partnering with Venlo Studio speaks volumes about the effectiveness of their collaboration.
Lifestyle imagery to evoke emotion associated with the brand.
Beyond the Numbers
The partnership brought numerous intangible benefits as well. MINNEØATS gained new brand recognition through Venlo Studio's work and received consistent compliments on their elevated branding and professional look and feel. The process was seamless, efficient, and exceeded expectations, making it a valuable experience for MINNEØATS.
Flat lay imagery of product offering – food photography
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for MINNEØATS. They are excited about new packaging changes, moving from Kraft paper to thin plastic, and a refreshed design that maintains their simple, handcrafted, clean aesthetic. Additionally, they are introducing new bulk packaging, further enhancing their product offerings.
Stop by their next pop-up shop or find their granola for sale at these locations. Trust us when we say this is the best granola you will ever taste!
“We most recently booked Lydia for team headshots and lifestyle product shots and she surpassed our expectations! This is the second time we've done a photoshoot with her, and we are so grateful for her services. She's passionate, professional, and talented. From start to finish (the booking process, planning meeting, photoshoot, and gallery delivery), everything went so smooth! 5 stars from MINNEØATS!”
How We See It Today
The partnership between MINNEØATS and Venlo Studio highlights the transformative power of strategic visual branding. By working together, MINNEØATS has achieved a cohesive, professional, and authentic brand image that resonates with their audience. For small business owners, this serves as a powerful example of how investing in your brand's visual identity can drive growth and foster a deeper connection with your community.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the world of small business, and remember to follow MINNEØATS on Instagram and sign up for their newsletter for the latest updates!
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