Every day brings something new for Melissa Lushbaugh, owner of South Made Marketing, a leading Knoxville marketing agency known for blending creativity, strategy, and community. From client meetings and campaign planning to content creation and analytics, Melissa wears many hats—but her mission is always the same: helping businesses grow through innovative marketing and a personal touch.
Melissa’s path to marketing wasn’t linear. Before launching her agency, she began her career as a high school English teacher and head cheerleading coach. There, she discovered the power of digital communication, using social media to connect with students, parents, and the community.
That early passion for digital storytelling eventually evolved into a new career direction. After collaborating with her husband, who owned a web design company, Melissa began writing copy, managing projects, and discovering her love for marketing. When her son was born, she took the leap to start her own business, South Made Marketing, turning passion into purpose.
Opening her own firm remains one of Melissa’s proudest achievements. “It was a leap of courage and commitment,” she reflects. Early mentors, including her first principal and business leaders like Mary Ellen Brewington, helped shape her leadership style. Today, she leads with the same values, kindness, hard work, and setting an example, while cultivating a culture of growth for her team.
Melissa’s connection to Knoxville runs deep. She believes that professional success and community engagement should go hand in hand. South Made Marketing proudly supports local nonprofit organizations, donating time and services to causes such as TN in TEAL, the Knoxville International Network, animal welfare groups, and the Knoxville Hope Gala.
For Melissa, giving back is not just good business, it’s part of South Made’s identity. “Community involvement fuels creativity and strengthens relationships,” she says.
Like many business owners, Melissa faced new challenges during COVID-19. The pandemic forced her to rethink how stories were told and how businesses could stay connected while doors were closed. That experience taught her the importance of flexibility and resilience, skills she continues to apply today as South Made grows and evolves.
Looking ahead, Melissa hopes to expand South Made’s impact, travel often for inspiration, and help clients enter new creative ventures. Her goal is simple yet powerful: to inspire the next generation of marketers and entrepreneurs in Knoxville.
At the heart of South Made Marketing is the belief that creativity and authenticity drive lasting connections. Whether it’s through brand storytelling, SEO strategy, or social media management, the agency continues to help Knoxville businesses stand out and thrive in a digital-first world.
Melissa’s story is a reminder that courage, curiosity, and community can transform not only a career, but an entire city’s creative landscape.
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