Be the reason
they walk in
One integrated team, bespoke by default,
for brands in a category of their own.
The Category exists to take brands out of the comparison set entirely, with strategy bespoke enough that the market has no choice but to give you a lane of your own. We're not here to make you the best option in the room. We're here to make you the reason people walk in.
Meet our founder
Kat Wawner spent two decades inside the biggest rooms in communications, leading work for Comcast, Johnson & Johnson, Samsung, the Preakness Stakes, the FDA, and the giants of global CPG across Australia and New Zealand. She founded the agency that became The Category on a simple conviction: growing brands deserve big-agency strategy without the big-agency distance. Today she leads a team of eight with a reputation for sharp instincts, national headlines, and community at the core. Outside the office she's a mentor, a connector, and a mom, committed to making room for more women who lead.
Our Journey
Four years, a lot of headlines, and one new name. Here's how we got here.
Agency Launch
Founded in Charleston as Wawner Strategies, with a clear mission: big-agency strategy for emerging brands.
National Campaigns
We earned the trust of some of the biggest names in the Southeast, leading national campaigns with celebrities including Jeremy Renner and Alex Morgan.
Agency Recognition
Five wins in one year: PR Agency of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year (founder Kat Wawner) from the Small Business Awards, Innovator of the Year from the Charleston Metro Chamber, SC Influential Leaders, and SC Empowering Women from the South Carolina Business Journal. Plus a finalist spot for PRWeek Boutique Agency of the Year.
A Category of Our Own
Wawner Strategies became The Category. Same team, same standard, and a name that finally says what we do. The next chapter starts now.
Our Team
Brands I've worked with: Comcast, Johnson & Johnson, Samsung, the Preakness Stakes, the FDA
Brands I've worked with: Airbnb, Delta Air Lines, Cigna, Expedia, Accenture, Marriott, Calm Health and Visit Seattle
Brands I've worked with: Forbes, Liberty Mutual, Booz Allen Hamilton, Johnson Controls, Boston Consulting Group, Algolia
Brands I've worked with: Disney, Branded Television, Consumer Reports, BBC Studios, Onassis Foundation, PBS KIDS, WNYC, GBH, Fred Rogers Productions, Raycon
Brands I've worked with: Sushi Bar, Bellerose Hotel Bar, Charleston Candle Co., Zuma Imports, Commonhouse Aleworks
Our Awards
In Their Words
We could tell you what it's like to work together. We'd rather you hear it from them.
Let’s Elevate Your Brand Together
Connect with us to explore how we can amplify your brand’s story and impact.
