Who We Are

We believe in the power of stories to forge connections, spark curiosity, and boost your bottom line.

Our approach is a perfect combination of expertise and innovation, but we're not just marketers; we're the heartbeat behind stories that stick.

We're not content with the status quo; we thrive on pushing boundaries and crafting narratives that leave a lasting impact.

We're not just about making things pretty; we're architects of connection, creators of experiences that resonate, and believers in the power of authentic stories to drive revenue. Unlike traditional agencies, we're a nimble crew, ready to meet you where you are on your journey—be it a bustling business or a startup dream.

Core Team

Find out more about each of our team members and the skills they bring to the table. Each team member manages and leads a team of 2 - 15 people—creatives, fellows, and interns.

Laura Quick

Founder, CEO & Lead Strategist

Laura is the visionary force behind Good Grit Agency and Good Grit Magazine, with 19 years of experience in marketing, brand storytelling, and strategic development. She has worked extensively with tourism boards, government entities, hospitality brands, and wellness industries, helping them create narratives that inspire action. Her superpower? Transforming ideas into compelling, high-impact stories that resonate with audiences and drive results. Laura is known for asking the right questions, truly listening to her clients, and ensuring every campaign is backed by a strategic plan that delivers. She also founded Les Dames, a nonprofit dedicated to reframing the childhood poverty mindset.
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Shivani Zuppardo

Creative Director & Co-owner

Shivani is a visual storytelling powerhouse with 14 years of experience in branding, problem-solving, and creative strategy. She has led top creative teams while working with Grammy-winning artists and globally recognized brands, crafting designs that are both innovative and emotionally engaging. Known for her ability to translate a client’s vision into a compelling visual identity, Shivani blends creativity with precision, ensuring every project is executed at the highest level—on time and within budget.

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Linda Stone

COO & Strategy

With over 30 years of experience in organizational development, Linda is the backbone of Good Grit Agency, building sustainable structures and systems that drive success. She is a master at identifying strengths in people, fostering collaboration, and creating high-impact strategies that push both clients and team members to raise the bar. A solution-oriented thinker, Linda ensures every project runs smoothly and delivers exceptional results.

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Sarah Margaret Shelton

Chief Relationship Officer

Sarah Margaret is the heart of Good Grit Agency’s client relationships, ensuring that every project is rooted in trust, communication, and exceptional service. With six years in the media and agency industry, she specializes in account management and strategic planning, working closely with nonprofits, city governments, and business organizations to bring their brands to life. Her ability to understand client needs and execute with excellence makes her an invaluable part of the team.

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Ashley Locke

Content Director

Ashley is an expert storyteller with nine years of experience in editorial, digital marketing, and content strategy. She leads the charge in research, audits, and creating impactful copy across digital ads, websites, print materials, and more. Whether it's refining brand messaging or developing a compelling campaign, Ashley ensures that every word aligns with the brand’s voice and goals.

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Cat Barnes

Lead Designer

Cat is a design visionary with eight years of experience in creative marketing, editorial, and entertainment design. As Good Grit’s Lead Designer, she oversees the visual storytelling of both organic and promotional content, bringing brands to life through graphics, photography, and illustrations. Her expertise ensures that every design is not only beautiful, but also deeply aligned with brand strategy.
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Mary Grace Myrick

Project Manager

Mary Grace is the organizational powerhouse who keeps everything running smoothly. As Good Grit’s Project Manager, she orchestrates timelines, oversees deliverables, and ensures seamless execution across all projects. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for keeping teams aligned, she makes sure that every project moves forward efficiently and successfully.
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Taylor McLain

Social Media & Community Manager

Taylor is the voice behind the brands, leading social media growth strategies, influencer partnerships, and community engagement. With six years of experience in people management and social media marketing, she specializes in building authentic connections between brands and their audiences. Passionate about fostering relationships and driving engagement, Taylor ensures that every post, campaign, and interaction is meaningful and impactful.
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Brittany Tsoi

Junior Designer

Brittany is a designer through and through—if it involves visuals, she’s all in. A Georgia State University graduate with a degree in graphic design, she’s spent the last five years bringing brands to life through bold, effective storytelling. From typography and branding to infographics and advertising, she loves tackling creative projects of all kinds and making art accessible to everyone. Her flexibility and problem-solving mindset allow her to adapt to any challenge, ensuring that every design not only looks great but communicates something meaningful. For Brittany, great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about connection, clarity, and impact.

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Each team member is a powerhouse in their own right, but collectively we’re unstoppable. With Good Grit, you're not just getting a marketing team; you're gaining partners who are as invested in your story as you are.

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Our Core Values

We are meaningful and relational.

We are proactive communicators.

We do things on purpose and with purpose.

We set realistic expectations.

We add more value than we receive in compensation.

We are honest, even if it sucks.

Good Grit FAQs

What’s your favorite coffee shop in the Southeast?
Laura: Gallery Espresso in Savannah GA

Shivani: Waller’s Coffee Shop in Decatur, GA

Linda: I am an at-home coffee drinker

Sarah Margaret: Punch Love in Birmingham, AL

Ashley: Tempo in Nashville, Tennessee

Cat: Muchacho in Atlanta, GA

Haley: The Local in Cullman, AL

Taylor: Karmas Coffee House in Cullman, AL

Brittany: Cafe Flat in Duluth, GA
What book should I read next?
Laura: Think Again by Adam Grant

Shivani: Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy

Linda Stone: Three Feet From Gold by Sharon Lechter

Sarah Margaret: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Ashley: The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman

Cat: The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl

Haley: Believe It by Jamie Kern Lima

Taylor: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Brittany: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
What’s your go-to meal when you cook dinner?
Laura: Everything and anything pasta—made from whatever I have, with or without meat protein.

Shivani: Sweet Potato & Black Bean Veggie Enchiladas

Linda: Salmon, squash & zucchini with a Ceasar salad

Sarah Margaret: Chinese takeout

Ashley: Pantry pasta—pasta made out of whatever fridge and pantry scraps I have.

Cat: Tacos for every meal, everyday

Haley: Rotisserie chicken, salad and mac & cheese

Taylor: Taco Bowls

Brittany: DIY Pepper Lunch with whatever protein and veggies I have
What drink is always on your desk?
Laura: Iced chai from a local coffee shop

Shivani: French press and water

Linda: Water

Sarah Margaret: Diet Coke

Ashley: Iced latte, a glass of water that I won't drink, and a coconut LaCroix that I will drink.

Cat: Obnoxiously large water bottle

Haley: Coffee

Taylor: Coke Zero

Brittany: Water in my Owala and a Good & Gather sparkling water
What’s on your work playlist?
Laura: focus playlist from Spotify or Headspace

Shivani: 70s and 90s Spotify radios

Linda: Trust in God, Elevation Worship

Sarah Margaret: All Taylor Swift songs on shuffle.

Ashley: Whatever is on my Spotify Daylist

Cat: Tunes are different everyday, but always some Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Haley: Brown noise so I can focus

Taylor : Song that make me feel like I’m strong enough to pick up a sword in battle

Brittany: Taylor Swift’s entire discography
How do you relax after work?
Laura: Long walk with my dog Bear or a good glass of Italian wine

Shivani: Yoga and gardening (& sometimes wine)

Linda: A walk or a boat ride depending on the season

Sarah Margaret: Walks (or Netflix/Wine) with my husband, Dan, and Golden Retriever, Archie!

Ashley: I go on a little walk and say hello to all the neighborhood pets

Cat: Melt at yoga, then melt by the pool, then melt with my puppies

Haley: CrossFit

Taylor: Reading, spending time with my husband or friends

Brittany: Explore the city, or melt into my bed with my kindle

Our Work

Visit Mississippi

Social media content, editorial content, photography, campaign building, and video content for Visit Mississippi.

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Story Arts

Branding, website development, social media, blog posts, marketing materials, and video content for an arts-based curriculum for students K-12.

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Pepsi Rock the South

Branding, digital marketing, social media management, influencer marketing, and on-site activations for a three-day music festival.

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VIEW MORE OF OUR WORK

JOIN OUR TEAM FELLOWSHIPS SCHEDULE A MEETING

Laura Quick

Shivani Zuppardo

Linda Stone

Sarah Margaret Shelton

Ashley Locke

Cat Barnes

Mary Grace Myrick

Taylor McLain

Brittany Tsoi

What’s your favorite coffee shop in the Southeast?

What book should I read next?

What’s your go-to meal when you cook dinner?

What drink is always on your desk?

What’s on your work playlist?

How do you relax after work?

Visit Mississippi

Story Arts

Pepsi Rock the South