Meet Gilleon Smith-Mercado | Branding, People, and Web Design Expert.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gilleon Smith-Mercado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gilleon, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Honestly? Because I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Creativity has always been the way I make sense of the world—whether it was through casting, building brands, or designing websites, I’ve always been drawn to the process of turning ideas into something tangible and impactful. But beyond that, the drive comes from knowing I’m building something for myself. There’s this freedom and limitless potential when you’re creating your own path—knowing that the success, the growth, and the vision are all mine to shape. I’m not just working—I’m building something meaningful, and that kind of ownership fuels me like nothing else.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Where do I even start? My business is all about empowering entrepreneurs—specifically in the wellness space—to build brands that not only look beautiful but actually drive results. What sets me apart is that I’m not just creating a logo or a website—I’m helping my clients define their entire brand identity and positioning so they can confidently attract the right clients and grow their business. I know how to blend creative vision with strategic execution, and that’s what makes the difference.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve built this business on my own terms. After working as a celebrity agent at CAA and running my own casting agency for years, I knew I wanted to create something for myself—something with limitless potential that would allow me to use my creative strengths while helping others succeed. It wasn’t easy. Transitioning from entertainment to branding meant rebuilding from the ground up, teaching myself web design, and figuring out how to stand out in a crowded market. But I’ve always been relentless when it comes to making things happen, and I trusted that my experience and instincts would get me through.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that clarity is everything. When you know exactly who you’re speaking to and what you’re offering, things start to click. That’s why I focus so much on helping my clients define their brand voice and ideal client—it’s the foundation for everything else.

And honestly? I have great taste and energy—and that’s not something you can teach. It’s inherent, it’s infectious, and it’s why my clients trust me to elevate their brand. You can’t mimic good taste or genuine energy—it’s something you either have or you don’t. And that’s why my work stands out.

Another edge I have? My background in fashion and entertainment gives me an intuitive sense of aesthetics, but I balance that with a technical discipline that ensures everything functions as beautifully as it looks. Good branding isn’t just about visuals—it’s about creating a seamless experience that converts. I know how to pair that creative instinct with strategic execution, which is why my clients’ brands don’t just look good—they work.

What I want the world to know is that this business isn’t just about branding—it’s about confidence. When you have a brand that reflects your expertise and vision, you show up differently. My goal is to help my clients feel so aligned with their brand that selling becomes easy, showing up becomes natural, and success feels inevitable. That’s the power of getting your brand right, and that’s what I’m here to help you do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Back when I lived in NYC, that usually meant a long night of cocktails, amazing food, and hopping between my favorite spots downtown. After 20 years in the city, I had my go-to places down to a science. But now that I’m an LA girl? The vibe is totally different—and honestly, I’m loving it.

These days, a “good time” with my friends looks more like uncovering a secret trail to the Hollywood sign (because why would we take the tourist route?), followed by a post-hike acai bowl at some tucked-away spot only the locals know about. We’ll sit there in our sweaty workout gear, feeling accomplished and catching up on life. And if I can sneak in a quick nap before picking up the toddler from school? That’s the real definition of luxury these days. It’s less about the scene now and more about feeling grounded, connected, and recharged—because let’s be real, mom life doesn’t stop for anyone.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Leah Luu was the person who gave me my first real shot in casting. I started as an intern for her, but it quickly became so much more. Leah didn’t just teach me the business—she gave me the confidence to take ownership of my career. I eventually bought her business, built on the foundation she created, and later sold it, but the lessons Leah taught me about leadership, resilience, and trusting my instincts have stayed with me ever since. She saw something in me before I even saw it in myself, and that belief shaped everything that followed.

Website: https://ilovegasm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilleonsmith/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilleon-smith-mercado-9197b063/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gilleonsmith/

Image Credits
Spencer Heaphy