Lorelei Garnes, MSc. founder, designer, brand and marketing strategist.
Specialties include:
Meet Lorelei Garnes, MSc., founder of Digital Buzz Media. After more than 30 years working in the public sector, Lorelei built this company to help small business owners grow with clarity and confidence. She started Digital Buzz Media in 2012 with $400, a laptop, and a clear belief that local businesses deserve marketing that feels true and works in the real world.
Lorelei has been recognized for her community leadership, including the Southwestern Community College 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award and multiple honors from the Smoky Mountain News. Her work reflects a long-term commitment to the region and the people who build it.
At the center of her work is a simple goal: help small business owners and nonprofits tell their story clearly, earn trust quickly, and grow in ways that last.
She holds a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing and Advertising from Liberty University, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology from Western Carolina University, and a degree in Business Administration from Southwestern Community College.
Kathleen Coleman,
Visual communication designer
Specialties include brand assets, design, and visual identity.
Kathleen is a passionate Visual Communication Designer with a flair for transforming ideas into captivating visual stories. Whether she’s crafting a sleek website layout, curating a harmonious color palette, selecting the perfect typeface, or bringing designs to life through eye-catching graphics, Kathleen helps brands express who they are and connect meaningfully with their audience. She believes great design is not just beautiful, it’s strategic, empathetic, and impact.
When she’s not behind the screen, you’ll likely find her outdoors, hiking, camping, or painting scenes inspired by nature’s quiet beauty.
Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Science in Education.
Christina, Content management
Specialties include media relations, DEI engagement, communication, branding, and content management.
Meet Christina Esmay. Originally from Iowa (Go Hawkeyes!), Christina has called WNC home since 2006. Her true passion lies in empowering women and BIPOC leaders to achieve powerful change in our community.
With over 14 years of experience as a trained Strategic Communications Advisor, Christina has honed her skills in enhancing public relations and creating diverse, inclusive environments for underrepresented communities. Her expertise in this field is unmatched, and she is dedicated to making a positive impact.
Rachel Youker, Project management & graphic design
Specialties include graphic design, visual storytelling, and digital illustration.
Rachel Youker is a versatile artist and graphic designer with a deep-rooted passion for visual storytelling. Whether she’s crafting bold digital illustrations, refining brand identities, painting with gouache or watercolors, Rachel brings a thoughtful and collaborative approach to every project. Her work blends technical precision with artistic intuition, helping clients communicate their vision with clarity and impact.
Born and raised in Holland, Michigan, Rachel’s love for art began in childhood and never wavered. Though she earned a Bachelor of Science from Grand Valley State University, her creative drive led her to pursue a career where she could merge her analytical mind with her artistic soul.
Today, based in Los Angeles, she thrives on turning ideas into striking visuals, specializing in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, ink drawing, and mixed-media painting.
For Rachel, great art is more than aesthetics, it’s a dialogue. She believes in working closely with clients, understanding their stories, and crafting pieces that resonate on a deeper level.
Zac Coleman, Tech intern with engineering and web development path
Zach joined Digital Buzz Media as our youngest team member, stepping into a tech internship focused on engineering and web development. At just 14 years old, he brings a fresh perspective, natural curiosity, and a clear vision, his dream is to one day work for NASA.
With a passion for learning and a drive to explore the digital world, Zach is diving into real-world projects that will shape his path forward. We’re honored to support him on this journey and proud to be the first step in what’s sure to be an incredible career in technology and innovation.
Outside of work, Zach is always learning something new, especially anything that brings him closer to the stars.