Made by Marlo, Episode 4: Brand Worlds that Inspire Us

What We’re Learning from the Brands That Inspire Us

Brand storytelling is not just about making good content. It is about creating a world that people want to be part of.

As we gear up for the launch of Marlo’s Matcha, I’ve been thinking a lot about the brands that inspire us. Logos are cute, but storytelling and world-building? That’s what makes a brand iconic.

Here are 4 brands shaping how we’re thinking about Marlo’s Matcha.

1. Late Checkout

Late Checkout is in a completely different industry, with a much higher production budget, but what we admire most is their use of tone of voice. Their branding begins with words, not visuals.

Visit their About page and you are immediately welcomed with: “Dear Guest, Welcome. How are you? Please sit, we’ll get you something to drink.”

Just like that, you are inside their world. A hotel.

It is a great reminder that narrative-driven branding can be powerful and immersive without costing anything.

2. Hot Girl Snack

Hot Girl Snack stands out for more than just its vibrant visual identity. The real magic lies in its founder-led content. Founders Leah Marcus and Yasaman Bakhtiar share personal stories that make the brand feel approachable, honest, and human.

In an episode of DTC POD: How the Best Brands Are Built, they explain how each platform serves a unique purpose:

• Reels and TikTok act like a TV show.
• The Instagram Feed is the brand portfolio.
• Stories are for direct communication with the community.

Their social media presence is raw, chaotic and filled with Gen Z humor and unfiltered thoughts. And that authenticity? That’s exactly what builds trust, community and cult-like loyalty.

3. Graza

Graza is a strong example of a brand that balances high-quality design with creative freedom. Their visuals are bold, consistent, and instantly recognizable. But what really makes them stand out is how much room they give their social team to play. That freedom translates into funny, relatable content that taps into Gen Z culture while still feeling cohesive and unmistakably on-brand.

They don’t stop at social media. Their email marketing carries the same energy from their welcome flow and post-purchase series to their regular campaigns. Every email feels like an extension of their brand: beautifully designed, full of personality, and impossible to ignore.

4. Drink Ghia

Drink Ghia has built a lifestyle brand that feels fun, creative and Pinterest-inspired. Their campaigns go beyond product shots. They share artwork, design, even poetry. It proves that social media doesn’t have to just be photography—it can be storytelling across multiple mediums.

Follow our journey on Instagram, and stay tuned.