From Blue Hair to Red Soles: The Art of Being Memorable in Business

by Lindsay Schlick, Founder, Content Strategist & Producer

I’ve always believed that good work speaks for itself.

But lately, I’ve been wondering…

What if the truth is: good work whispers—and memorable work shouts?

The thought came to me while watching one of our longtime makeup artists, Jen, trudge up our studio stairs with her makeup equipment, signature smile and … bright blue hair. 

As the natural light in our studio made each strand glow cerulean, I had to ask, “What made you decide to go blue, Jen?”

She’d dyed it on a whim. Just for fun. A little creative rebellion to shake things up. 

She had no idea she’d just changed the trajectory of her career.

Within weeks, Jen’s bookings were filling up faster than ever. With a little investigating into why, Jen found out that people kept asking for “the girl with the blue hair.” 

And just like that, she wasn’t just Jen anymore.
She was unforgettable. 

Of course, Jen wasn’t new to this world. She’d been building her career for years, working on big-name TV and movie productions. The kind with call sheets, camera crews, and actors you’d definitely recognize. She had always been good—kind, creative, professional, naturally talented—all the things we value when we choose a partner to support our clients. 

But the blue hair made people notice how good she was. It gave her work a spotlight. It made her easy to remember, and even easier to refer.

It wasn’t just the color. It was the fact that she’d become instantly recognizable.

Without even meaning to, Jen had found her signature—a visual marker that helped her rise above the noise. And once she saw how powerfully it worked, she kept the blue for years.

Jen’s blue hair didn’t make her talented. But it made people pause long enough to see her talent. 

Memorability made her excellence register. 

It got me thinking: What makes any of us memorable?

We all work hard to be excellent. We care deeply about our craft. We go above and beyond for the people we serve. But in a world full of excellence… what makes someone remember you?

I thought of the first time someone said they’d just “gotten Schlick’d.”

At first, we weren’t sure what to make of it. Was that… a compliment? A joke? A weird nickname? It sounded slightly scandalous—like something that should be whispered in a hallway. 

Then more people started saying it.

“I got Schlick’d!”
“You need to get Schlick’d.”
“Look at you! You’ve been Schlick’d!”

When I stopped to think about it, we already had our “blue hair”—and our community had chosen it for us. 

In doing so, they told us what made our brand experience unique: a specific visual style, a warm and collaborative experience, and an emotional result that felt polished and personal.

What began as a quirky little comment became a calling card—one we now proudly wear on t-shirts. (Yes, of course we made shirts.)

Weeks later, as Jen returned to our studio with the same blue hair and busy schedule, I realized …

Sometimes, your brand’s most memorable trait isn’t something you choose; it’s something you listen for.

And when you hear it clearly, being memorable doesn’t have to be something you engineer. Sometimes, it’s simply something you embrace.

Like blue hair.
Or a quirky catchphrase.
Or even … a red sole.

World-renowned fashion designer Christian Louboutin could have made any color his signature. But he chose red—bold, unmistakable red—painted across the sole of his most beloved high-heel. Today, that single visual detail has become synonymous with luxury and status.

Every Louboutin is stunning. Every pair is high-quality. But the red bottoms? They’re iconic—the shoe equivalent of a mic drop. They’re what people save for, splurge on, and dream about. In fact, if a girl could buy only one designer shoe in her lifetime, I bet she’d choose a red bottom Louboutin.

Why?

Because they stand out.
Because they say something about the women who wear them.
Because they’ve become synonymous with value.

And maybe that’s the real takeaway.

Memorability doesn’t just build brand awareness or even meaning—it builds value.

It transforms a single product into a cultural icon, or a business into a household brand. 

So now I’m wondering…

What’s your blue hair?

Not your job title. Not your resume. Not your ability to reply to emails at lightning speed (though, respect).

I’m talking about the thing that lingers. The detail that sticks when your name slips their mind.

Maybe it’s something you chose. Or maybe—like us—it’s something people handed you with a wink and a tagline.

Either way, it’s not about standing out for attention. It’s about standing out long enough to be understood. 

Because good work whispers. 

But great work?

Great work leaves a blue streak behind—a reminder that being seen isn’t the goal. 

Being remembered is.

Marketing Strategy With SchlickArt 

Maybe you already know your brand’s “blue hair” calling card. Maybe you’re still searching for it. Either way, we’d love to help you uncover the detail that makes you unforgettable—and capture it in a way the world can’t ignore.

At SchlickArt, we believe the best marketing strategies start with real conversations, honest goals and a deep understanding of your unique business. That’s why our approach to strategy goes far beyond spreadsheets and surface-level planning. We take the time to get to know you—your story, your values and the vision driving your work—so we can craft a plan that not only performs but feels right every step of the way.

Whether you’re scaling your business, launching a new offer or simply ready to take the guesswork out of your content, our strategy services are designed to bring clarity, purpose and momentum to your marketing. From high-level consulting and quarterly planning sessions to detailed content calendars and brand messaging, we offer tailored support that meets you where you are—and grows with you.

If you’re looking for a strategic partner who listens closely, thinks creatively and plans intentionally, we’re here to help. Let’s map out a marketing strategy that reflects your goals, supports your team and tells your story with impact.

About SchlickArt 

SchlickArt, a luxury visual marketing company based in Santa Clarita, started in March 2012 with the simple idea that empowerment creates a kind of authenticity that shines through every camera lens. Built on a philosophy–rather than a product, service or person–SchlickArt has rapidly evolved, meeting fractional CMO, business and strategy planning, professional portraiture, business photo and business video needs as diverse as the community we capture. It’s the desire to take care of you, the client, that drives us at SchlickArt. 

Kirsten Quinn

A lover of strong coffee and yellowed pages, Kirsten Quinn-Smith is a professional content writer and owner of WordSmith Content Marketing here in Santa Clarita. She believes great content can forge a loyal, authentic and beneficial relationship between you and your audience – and grow your business. With each piece of writing, Kirsten's goal is to position you in the content spotlight through audience-centered, strategy-based writing that actually sounds like you. Why? Everyone has a story, and every story deserves to be heard.

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