Expert to Know: Cameron Marie Needham

August 22, 2025

What’s your backstory — how did you end up starting (or joining) an agency?

After years of working in the corporate world—navigating red tape and politics—I hit a wall. In 2018, I walked away and launched my own business, originally called Needham Solutions. I was fed up with the way things were done and knew there had to be a better way to serve clients with honesty, purpose, and results. By 2023, something still felt off—like the business was missing its deeper calling. That’s when I rebranded as Hope & Teal. But even then, I wasn’t sure. I went to work for a local competitor, thinking maybe I needed to try a different path. Turns out, high school drama doesn’t end after graduation—and I knew I couldn’t remain there either, it was obvious God was calling me to bring ""Hope & Teal"" - the name he popped into my head after looking at my teal Bible . After my husband was diagnosed with MS in early 2025, everything shifted. I realized Hope & Teal wasn’t just a business—it was the vessel through which I could serve others with purpose, faith, and integrity.

What was your first entrepreneurial moment as a kid or teen?

There wasn’t a single defining moment—just a pattern that showed up early. I was always drawn to creating, organizing, and finding more efficient ways to do things. I naturally took initiative and found satisfaction in helping others through problem-solving. Even before I knew what entrepreneurship was, I was already living it in small, consistent ways.

What’s a belief you’ve changed your mind about in the last 3 years?

That waiting until everything is perfect is the right way to start. I used to obsess over timelines, logos, copy, systems—wanting it all buttoned up before I moved. But life doesn’t work that way. My husband’s MS diagnosis showed me that clarity comes from movement, not stalling. Now I believe in launching, learning, adjusting, and staying obedient to the nudge—even if the details aren’t all figured out yet.

When do you feel most energized at work?

When I’m in flow—strategizing for a client, building out backend systems that finally make their lives easier, or mapping out a visual brand that reflects their purpose. I also love the moments when a client realizes they don’t have to do it all alone—that we’ve got them covered. That relief in their voice? That’s fuel.

What’s a day in your life really look like (no filters)?

It’s a lot of juggling and a lot of grace. I’m usually up early, squeezing in quiet time before the chaos begins. I split my day between Zoom calls, client work, project managing my team, and responding to urgent fires—all while managing a household and making sure dinner’s on the table. I may go from reviewing a contract to helping my teen get to football practice to troubleshooting a broken website—all in the same hour. It’s not glamorous, but it’s grounded. Every day, I’m reminded why I do this: to serve, to provide, and to build something meaningful that lasts.

What’s a personal ritual or habit you credit for your success?

Starting my day in quiet—whether it’s prayer, reflection, or simply sitting in stillness. That time grounds me before the busyness kicks in. It helps me set my intention, hear what I need to hear, and focus on serving with clarity instead of reacting to chaos.

What’s one mistake you made early on that taught you something lasting?

Trying to do everything myself for far too long. I thought asking for help meant I wasn’t capable. But I’ve learned that building something sustainable requires trust, delegation, and knowing what’s yours to carry—and what isn’t. That shift changed everything.

What’s something people get wrong about you?

People often assume that because I’m confident and driven, I’ve got it all under control. What they don’t see is the daily work it takes to stay focused and balanced while living with bipolar disorder. Some days are incredibly productive, others are a fight to stay grounded. I’ve learned to manage it with structure, faith, and a whole lot of grace—but it’s a constant process. I may not show the messy middle, but it’s there. I just choose to keep moving through it.

What do you do to recharge outside of work?

Sometimes it’s learning something new or going garage saling just to see what treasures are out there. Other times, it’s as simple as sitting with my husband in his pole barn, watching a movie with no agenda, or taking my laptop to the back patio just to breathe in fresh air while I work. I recharge in quiet, ordinary moments—the ones that let me slow down, refocus, and feel like myself again.

What’s your definition of “success” right now?

Success, to me, is building something that honors my values, provides for my family, and makes life better for others—without burning out in the process. If I can serve well, stay grounded in my faith, and be present with the people I love, I’m winning.

What makes your agency different from others in your space?

Hope & Teal isn’t just another marketing or tech agency—it’s built on the belief that small businesses deserve big-hearted support. We don’t do cookie-cutter. Every brand we touch gets our full attention, intentionality, and tailored strategy. We blend faith, integrity, and practical know-how to simplify the chaos behind the scenes so our clients can focus on what they do best. And because we’re rooted in purpose, not just profit, our work goes deeper than deliverables—it’s about impact.

What type of clients or projects are a 'no' for you?

We say no to anything that compromises our values, lacks mutual respect, or feels like a forced fit. We don’t take on clients who see us as just task-runners—they need to value partnership, transparency, and purpose-driven growth. We’re also not the right agency for those who chase trends over strategy or treat marketing as an afterthought. If the relationship doesn’t feel aligned, we’d rather walk away than waste anyone’s time.

What’s a principle or value your agency lives by?

"Serve with integrity, lead with purpose. g" Everything we do comes back to that. We believe in honest communication, doing what we say we’re going to do, and building systems that serve—not just sell. Whether we’re designing a brand, building a website, or managing a campaign, our goal is always to deliver meaningful work that reflects the heart behind the business.

How do you hire? What do you look for in people?

We hire based on values first, skills second. I’m not just looking for a résumé—I’m looking for someone who’s dependable, humble, resourceful, and aligned with our mission to serve small businesses well. Many of our team members start out as contractors, which allows us to test for cultural fit and work ethic. I value initiative, clarity in communication, and a willingness to grow. If you can solve problems, stay curious, and take ownership, you’ll fit right in.

How do you foster creative thinking on your team?

We give people room to explore and take ownership of ideas. I don’t believe in micromanaging. I believe in equipping. We work in a collaborative environment where even the smallest suggestion is welcomed—and sometimes, that’s where the best ideas come from. I also encourage space: space to pause, to play, and to step back when needed. Creativity doesn’t always happen in a rush; sometimes it needs room to breathe.

What trend in marketing/advertising do you think is overhyped?

Chasing vanity metrics—especially on social media. Too many businesses focus on followers, likes, or going viral, when what really matters is building genuine relationships, consistent messaging, and systems that actually convert. Flashy doesn’t mean effective, and “influencer-style” content without strategy is just noise.

What’s a trend you’re betting on long-term?

Authenticity and simplification. People are tired of gimmicks and over-complication. I believe the long game is in clear messaging, automation done right, and honest, human-centered marketing. The more we help businesses simplify their backend while staying true to who they are, the better they’ll perform—and the longer they’ll last.

What’s one small decision that led to a big result for your agency?

Rebranding from Needham Solutions to Hope & Teal. It wasn’t just a name change—it was a shift in clarity, identity, and mission. That decision made everything else align. It gave me the confidence to lead with purpose, attract the right clients, and build something that truly reflects who I am and what I stand for.

What advice would you give to someone starting an agency today?

Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Start small, stay true to your values. The right clients will come if your heart and offer are aligned. Also—don’t underestimate the power of systems and boundaries. They’ll save your energy and your sanity.

What’s something you’d do differently if you were starting from scratch?

I would’ve taken the time early on to really educate myself on business financing and accounting. I knew how to serve clients and build systems—but I underestimated how critical it is to understand cash flow, budgeting, and long-term financial planning. If I’d built a stronger financial foundation from the start, I would’ve made more confident decisions, avoided a few costly mistakes, and scaled more strategically. You can outsource bookkeeping, but you still need to understand your numbers.

How do you approach pricing — any rules you live by?

Price based on value, not just time. I’ve learned that what comes easy to me often solves big problems for clients—and that’s worth more than just hourly math. I also build in flexibility where it makes sense, especially for small businesses, but I never underprice at the cost of my team’s energy or my business’s sustainability. Fair, firm, and purpose-aligned is the goal.

How do you prioritize growth vs. sustainability?

Sustainability comes first. I’ve been through burnout, and I’ve seen what happens when you chase growth without the structure to hold it. I always try to make decisions with the long game in mind—systems, cash flow, capacity—so when growth does come, it doesn’t break everything. Growth is exciting, but sustainability is what keeps the doors open.

Who’s one founder or operator you really admire — and why?

Honestly, I don’t put anyone on a pedestal. I’ve learned not to chase someone else’s version of success because their story, circumstances, and definition of “making it” are unique to them. What I admire are people who stay true to themselves, build with integrity, and don’t lose sight of their values—whether they’re running a billion-dollar company or a solo operation from their kitchen table. That kind of quiet consistency is what inspires me most.

What software or tool do you swear by?

None—because I haven’t found a single software that does everything right. Every tool has its limits, workarounds, or quirks. I use what gets the job done for now, but I’m constantly tweaking systems to fill the gaps. One day, I plan to build the platform that actually works the way small businesses need it to. Until then, it’s about making the current tools work together as best as they can.

What’s one resource (book, podcast, etc.) that changed how you work?

Honestly, it’s not just one. Every software manual I’ve ever read, every article I’ve dug into on new technology or better processes—that’s what shaped how I work. I’ve learned by doing, troubleshooting, and staying curious. My growth has come from constantly teaching myself how to solve problems, adapt systems, and improve workflows. It’s a patchwork of practical knowledge, not one big aha moment.

Remote, hybrid, or in-office — what’s your ideal setup and why?

Hybrid. I thrive on the peace and focus that remote days give me—it’s where I get into the zone and do my best deep work. But I also really value in-office time for collaboration, team energy, and that built-in accountability that keeps momentum going. For me, the ideal setup is a mix: space to think and space to connect. Both serve a purpose.

What is your most controversial or unpopular belief?

That hustle culture is toxic. Growth doesn’t have to mean exhaustion. I believe you can build a successful business without glorifying burnout. Rest, boundaries, and clarity are just as critical as strategy and effort—and often lead to better results.

What’s one thing you wish clients understood better about agency work?

That great work comes from true partnership. We’re not here to just check boxes—we’re strategists, designers, problem-solvers, and extension of your team. The more we’re brought into the big picture, the more aligned and effective the results. And yes, when we say “we do that too,” we actually mean it. We offer a wide range of services for a reason—so you don’t have to juggle multiple vendors or piece things together on your own. That’s why we exist: to simplify and streamline it all for you.

What’s your favorite thing about being in this industry?

Seeing something go from idea to execution—especially when it unlocks confidence in a client who didn’t think it was possible. I love building behind the scenes so that others can shine out front. Helping small businesses feel seen, supported, and capable? That never gets old.

What is one (1) fact or statistic about your industry that most people don't know?

Most small businesses use 10+ different tools to manage marketing, sales, and operations—and many of them don’t talk to each other. That disconnection costs time, money, and opportunity. It’s one of the biggest pain points we solve through strategy and integration. Simplicity is the real power move.

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