Caleb Ziegler on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Caleb Ziegler shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Caleb, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I typically start my day between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m., and I’m in the gym by 5:00 a.m. every day. Waking up early gives me an incredible advantage… more time in my day and the peace and quiet that comes from being up before the world wakes. The gym is non-negotiable for me; it’s both my therapy and a way to set the tone mentally and physically for everything that follows. I’m intentional about not looking at my phone first thing in the morning. Keeping a clear mind for the gym is crucial; if I start checking emails or messages too soon, my focus shifts to those instead of my workout and mindset.
After my workout, I refuel with something light usually fruits and/or oats before I tend to my three dogs and two cats. Caring for them is part of my morning rhythm and a grounding way to start the day with puppy love.
Because my creativity is at its peak in the morning, I intentionally use this time for high-level, creative projects or strategic planning before the demands of the day take over. This routine has become essential not just for my physical health, but also for my mindset, productivity, and the way I show up in both my personal and professional life.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Caleb Ziegler, and I’m the founder of Social One, a media and marketing agency serving clients in Atlanta, Chicago, and Charleston. We specialize in creating high-impact photography, videography, and social media strategies that help brands tell their stories in a way that feels authentic, elevated, and unforgettable.
What makes Social One unique is our balance of creativity and strategy… we’re not just creating beautiful content, we’re crafting visuals and campaigns that actually move the needle for our clients. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with hotels, celebrities, restaurants, lifestyle brands, and creators, helping them bring their visions to life through a combination of artistry, marketing expertise, and an understanding of what truly connects with an audience.
My personal journey into this space started with a camera and a love for capturing moments, but it evolved into building a platform that connects brands with their audiences in more meaningful ways.

At Social One, our mission is to take the stress out of marketing for our clients. We know how overwhelming it can be to consistently create, post, and manage content while running a business, so we step in as a trusted creative partner. Our focus is on producing high-quality, consistent content that not only reflects a brand’s identity but also gets it in front of the right audience.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that truly shaped how I see the world was realizing the power of sharing my perspective through photography and video. There’s so much hate and negativity in the world, and I’ve made it my mission to fill people’s space with beauty, capturing and sharing moments that inspire, uplift, and connect. Through my creative lens, I want others to see the world the way I do: full of stories worth telling, details worth noticing, and moments worth remembering. It’s not just about taking a picture or recording a video—it’s about creating something that can shift someone’s mood, spark inspiration, or bring a little light into their day.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: stay true to who you are. Don’t try to be like anyone else… everyone else is already taken. You have a unique eye that most don’t: an eye for details, for consistency, and for business. Trust that perspective, nurture it, and keep honing it; it’s going to pay off.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is INDIVIDUALITY. Working with dozens of real estate agents early on taught me the importance of helping each person stand out and highlighting what makes them unique. Whether it’s in my creative work, leading my team, or telling a brand’s story at Social One, embracing individuality ensures authenticity, originality, and real impact. It allows creativity to thrive and helps people and brands truly distinguish themselves in a crowded space.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply that most people don’t is how to make people feel comfortable and confident in front of a lens. Working with clients every day has taught me that it’s not just about capturing a photo or video; it’s about creating an environment where people can let loose, be themselves, and trust the process. When that connection happens, the results are authentic, natural, and truly memorable.

Another thing I understand deeply that most people don’t is that in our industry, it’s not about competition; it’s about collaboration. I partner with several other creatives who do similar work, and each of us brings a unique eye and approach to storytelling. By working together, we elevate each other’s work, share perspectives, and create opportunities that wouldn’t exist otherwise.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Jeff Kaplan
The rest: Social One

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than