In the summer of 2017, Lemon Thyme Macarons was born within the heart of the Cascade Mountains in Roslyn, Washington. It began with Charmaine, a self-taught baker, with a passion for colorful confectionaries and blossomed into a thriving business. In the last year, her custom creations have been featured in local markets, coffee shops, styled weddings and online shops throughout the local area. After partnering with her on a previous project, I was thrilled when she came to me in search of personal branding photography.

As a new small business owner, Charmaine has created an incredible personal brand in the local community. Her colorful macarons are well known and a huge hit at our local farmers market. But in a world where your digital footprint is just as important as your physical presence, first impressions are so important. Personal Branding photography allows you, as a business owner, to communicate your values, beliefs, goals, and purpose through visual representation. It’s proven that humans are visual creatures. Using photography to reinforce your personal brand is an excellent way to take advantage of the visual nature of the human brain. Whether you’re running an online business, taking advantage of the huge social media market or building an online portfolio, high-quality, authentic photography plays a crucial role in delivering the personality of your brand. With Charmaine, we were able to convey the colorfully fun, delicate, and whimsical nature of both her personal aesthetic and her brand.

How and why did you start your business?

I started Lemon Thyme Macarons because macarons always fascinated me. I grew up in a household that loved to bake. I started baking as a teenager and could not get enough of it! I wanted to start a macaron business to provide something unique to our community. Macarons have been such a passion of mine and it is such a joy to share that with others around me.

Why Mary Maletzke for your personal branding photography?

I chose Mary Maletzke Photography because of one word:  passion. Her passion shines through her amazing artistic work. She takes her time, and works hard to perfect every image.  She made me feel confident and important during her photo sessions and consultations. She is the most talented photographer I’ve ever worked with in terms of customer service, reliability and professionalism.

What do you love about Cle Elum/Roslyn?

I love the close-knit community. There is something special about how we all bond together. There are so many things I can name that the community has done, such as fundraising, helping each other in times of need and more.

Things I do for fun in the Kittitas County.

Eating Out

I am definitely a huge foodie gal! I love going to our local eateries such as Roslyn Cafe. Every time someone visits Roslyn we always end up at the Roslyn Cafe! Every month they come out with a unique Tater Tot dish that makes it so hard NOT to come back.

Fruit Picking

When I moved to Kittitas County I fell in love with picking fruit (and of course some of it ends up in my baking!).  There are so many options in spring and summer, but I particularly love going to Ellensburg berries for blueberry picking while enjoying the sunshine.

Enjoying the Lake

After spring ends, I love going to the lake in the summer. I usually go kayaking at my favorite lake, Cooper Lake. It’s nice to enjoy fresh air and a quiet peaceful environment.

Roslyn Farmers Market

I enjoy the Roslyn Farmers Market because it bonds the community. Every time I shop around, I catch-up with neighbors and local friends. I like to see new people at the market and get to meet people from all over the world.

Roslyn Theatre

As silly as this sounds, I love going to my local theater. This has got to be the smallest theater I have ever been in my life, and I like that it is walking distance from my house. They have the best popcorn in the Kittitas County!

You can find Lemon Thyme Macarons in person at the Roslyn Farmers Market from June-September, Harvest Festival at Suncadia in October and at local pop-up shops. You can also order online at Lemon Thyme Macarons year round!