Meet Kristen O’neall | CEO & Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristen O’neall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Coming from a four-generation entrepreneurial family, starting my own business has always been a natural aspiration. From a young age, I knew I wanted to create something of my own. Mirage Media is actually the ninth business I’ve started, beginning with selling rocks in my backyard at age six and extending to ventures like doing nails in college and running an assistant business. I’m a serial entrepreneur, driven by a relentless desire to find better ways to do things.

In every business I’ve launched, the common thread has been a quest for improvement and innovation. I’m constantly asking, “Have we thought of it this way?” and striving to enhance every aspect of what I encounter. Having experience on both the brand side and the agency side, I realized there was a more effective way for agencies and brands to collaborate. I wanted to create an agency that stands out for brands that feel frustrated with traditional agency models—a place where we truly understand and meet their needs.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Mirage Media, we like to say we help “ugly brands,” and that statement alone sets us apart. Many agencies avoid confronting hard truths, they care more about the client than the brand. At Mirage, our commitment is to transparency and honesty. We focus on staying true to a brand’s authentic positioning, not just telling clients what they want to hear. If you’re looking for a “yes man” agency, we’re not the right fit.

Getting to where I am today was far from easy. It took serious drive and a work ethic that wouldn’t quit. I might not have always been the smartest in the room, but my dedication and passion made up for it. Being younger than most of my peers came with its own challenges—I was often the youngest on boards or executive teams, and I had to earn respect by working relentlessly.

What I want the world to know about Mirage Media is that while there are many excellent agencies out there, we are unique in our unwavering dedication. We always tell clients that no one will ever care as much about their brand as they do, but we come as a pretty close second. Our mission is to make marketing and advertising stress-free and enjoyable, so clients can focus on running your business while we handle the rest with dedication and care.

As a founder, I’ve often been told by friends and family that I work too much, but I can’t help it. I feel a deep sense of purpose in what I do. I truly believe I was meant to start an agency that’s obsessed with brands and dedicated to their success. Every brand deserves an agency as passionate and hardworking as Mirage Media.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m the go-to itinerary planner in my friend group, so this is a no-brainer! We’d start with dinner at Fire at Will—their cheeseburger is seriously next level. For drinks, we’d hit up The Rosticceria for amazing cocktails and their fun BYO Gelato Milkshake Bar. I’d also make sure to stop by Truly Blessed Jewels for some permanent jewelry—it’s been a game changer for me, keeping me accessorized no matter how hectic my day is. And we definitely can’t miss Monsoon Market; it’s the perfect spot to find unique and natural wines.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many incredible people and organizations I’d like to acknowledge. First and foremost, I want to give a huge shoutout to the AMA Phoenix Board. Serving on this board for the past few years has been a highlight for me. It’s been amazing and inspiring to work with such a dedicated group of professionals committed to advancing the marketing community in the Valley.

I also want to recognize the Leadscon organization. I’ve admired them for a long time, and being part of their community and faculty speakers has been a tremendous opportunity. The connections and relationships I’ve built through Leadscon are invaluable and will stay with me throughout my career.

Lastly, I want to thank my parents, Liz and Tim O’Neall. They started their own business a year before I was born, so in many ways, their company and I grew up together. Watching their business thrive and grow has been one of the highlights of my life—they’ve inspired me endlessly, and what they’ve built is truly remarkable. Their dedication and work ethic have shaped me so much that I often joke about resenting them for the intense work ethic they instilled in me. I’d probably be less stressed without it, but I’m incredibly grateful for their guidance and the example they’ve set through their own business journey.

Website: https://miragemediaco.com

Instagram: _miragemedia

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-o-neall-36a139172/

Image Credits
Kristen O’Neall