Matters of Creative

IN THIS EPISODE…

Entrepreneurs can build impactful brands by blending passion with purpose. However, maintaining authenticity while scaling a business can be challenging. How can small business owners craft compelling stories that resonate with their audiences and foster long-term connections?

In today's episode of Matters of Creative, Bobbie Bailey and Ayanna Pasha interview Quincy Henry, Co-founder and CEO of Campfire Coffee, about his journey from marketing professional and musician to coffee entrepreneur. Quincy shares how he identified gaps in the coffee industry, the role of storytelling in brand building, and the importance of creating outdoor access for underrepresented communities.

Business owner and marketer Quincy Henry integrates branding, storytelling, and community engagement to shape his company's identity. He emphasizes the value of authenticity in marketing and explains that small businesses can differentiate themselves in competitive industries through intentional messaging and branding control. By fostering connections through social media, partnerships, and grassroots initiatives, companies can build lasting relationships with their audience while staying true to their mission.

Tune in now for insights on branding, storytelling, and entrepreneurship.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Quincy Henry is the Co-founder and CEO of Campfire Coffee, which provides coffee roasted over a campfire. Through the company's nonprofit arm, the Campfire Explorers Club, he eliminates barriers to outdoor activities by providing gear rentals and educational programs to underrepresented communities. Before his current ventures, Quincy was a Grammy Award nominee twice.

Learn more about Quincy:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/quincyhenry/

https://www.welovecampfire.com/

IN THIS EPISODE…

Market research professionals often face the challenge of integrating data-driven insights with strategic marketing decisions. How can businesses leverage research to enhance communication, brand positioning, and market influence?

In today's episode of Matters of Creative, Bobbie Bailey hosts Svetlana Gershman, the Vice President of Market Research at Method Communications, to explore the intersection of market research and marketing strategy. Svetlana shares how research can influence major marketing decisions, emerging market research trends, and how professionals can bridge the gap between insights-driven research and marketing.

Market research expert Svetlana Gershman believes that data is the foundation of effective marketing strategies. By combining multiple research sources, understanding audience behaviors, and leveraging AI for efficiency, businesses can make informed decisions that drive impact. However, Svetlana emphasizes the role of human interpretation in extracting meaningful insights and maintaining research integrity. Additionally, fostering collaboration between research and marketing teams translates insights into actionable strategies.

Tune in now to learn how data-driven research can shape the future of marketing.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Svetlana Gershman is the Vice President of Market Research at Method Communications, a global PR and marketing firm. In her role, she integrates research methodologies into marketing and communication strategies. With two decades of experience leveraging insights-driven business strategies, Svetlana has held various positions at Escalent, including Vice President in the technology division.

Learn more about Svetlana:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/svetlanagershman/

https://www.methodcommunications.com/

IN THIS EPISODE…

Women entrepreneurs can struggle to embrace their personal narratives in branding, which limits their visibility and financial potential. How can they develop their brands with confidence and authenticity to build a lasting impact?

In this episode of Matters of Creative, Natalie Sinisgalli-Kettavong, Founder and Strategic Brand Specialist at Embolden Your Brand, joins Jenny Ridenour to discuss personal storytelling in branding. Natalie explains how women can step into their power, how she balances multiple roles, and Embolden Your Brand's expansion into accessible branding resources.

Authenticity and consistency in messaging are crucial for building a strong brand. Natalie Sinisgalli-Kettavong maintains that branding goes beyond a logo; it's about storytelling and showing up with confidence. She advises women to take ownership of their stories by identifying key moments that led them to where they are today and translating those experiences into a brand narrative that resonates with their audience. Social media and digital marketing provide powerful tools for sharing these stories, but many women hesitate due to imposter syndrome. By overcoming self-doubt and aligning their branding efforts with their deeper purpose, they can build confidence and credibility in their industries.

Listen now for tips on branding, confidence, and business growth.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Natalie Sinisgalli-Kettavong is the Founder and Strategic Brand Specialist at Embolden Your Brand, a full-service branding and marketing agency. She merged Embolden with her photography studio, NSP Studio, to help women create visual brand stories. As an international award-winning photographer, Natalie has photographed celebrities such as Michael Douglas, Michael Keaton, Julia Roberts, and Jodie Foster.

Learn more about Natalie:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliesinisgalli/

https://www.emboldenyourbrand.com/

IN THIS EPISODE…

Arts organizations can promote community engagement and impact. Yet the rapid adoption of technology and limited funding options can hinder opportunities for meaningful interactions. How can nonprofit arts associations foster cultural diversity and amplify their reach throughout communities?

In today's episode of Matters of Creative, Bobbie Bailey and Rachel Brown of M Agency interview Dr. Anna Jensen, the Executive Director of the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association, about her efforts to promote community engagement through music. Dr. Jensen discusses her leadership philosophy, how arts associations shape communities' cultural identities, and how she remains relevant in her role amid changing dynamics.

Nonprofit executive and musician Dr. Anna Jensen leads initiatives to provide creative outlets to diverse communities. She collaborates with team members and arts commissions to champion diversity and inclusion. Nonprofit art associations can connect communities by allowing youth and underprivileged individuals to participate in activities that build confidence and bolster leadership skills. Through events and activities that promote collaboration and creativity, these organizations can establish a lasting presence in their communities and beyond.

Listen in for insights on community impact and creative engagement.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Dr. Anna Jensen is the Executive Director of the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association, which provides music education opportunities for students. With 17 years of nonprofit administrative experience, she was the Education Manager for both the Symphony Tacoma and the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association, where she managed the Evergreen Music Festival for 12 years.

Dr. Jensen is also a Lecturer of Double Bass at Pacific Lutheran University and was the Senior Lecturer of Double Bass at Central Washington University. As a conductor, she is a clinician and adjudicator for concerts, festivals, and workshops across the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Jensen has conducted numerous all-state orchestras, regional honor groups, summer music festival orchestras, and city-wide orchestra festivals.

Learn more about Anna:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-jensen-029510163/

https://tysamusic.org/

IN THIS EPISODE…

With the fate of TikTok's 2025 ban in the hands of the US Supreme Court and digital-first generations defining consumerism, the marketing landscape constantly changes. How can brands adapt their strategies in 2025 to meet these evolving demands?

In this special episode of Matters of Creative, Bobbie Bailey, Jenny Ridenour, and Matt Hirsch of M Agency discuss their marketing predictions for 2025. Together, they talk about balancing innovation with brand identity, how to collaborate with sales teams and adapt your marketing pitches to the latest trends, and the pressing challenges facing marketers in 2025.

Marketing strategists Bobbie Bailey, Matt Hirsch, and Jenny Ridenour believe brands should focus on their foundational values to create authentic human experiences and meaningful customer relationships. For instance, rather than using AI to replace manual content creation, marketers should leverage it to accelerate ideas, enhance creativity, and drive consumer engagement. Trust will remain the pillar of marketing strategies in 2025, so prioritizing first-party data collection ensures privacy. Additionally, integrating the latest tools, trends, and social platforms into your digital marketing strategies deepens customer relationships.

Tune in to hear the latest digital marketing trends and strategies for 2025 and beyond.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS:

Bobbie Bailey is the Founder and CEO of M Agency, a brand identity and advertising design agency specializing in interactive, digital, and print media. For the past 15 years, M Agency has helped hundreds of businesses, including Alaska Airlines and Celebrity Cake Studio, catalyze success through meaningful and results-driven marketing. Bobbie has grown M Agency into an award-winning agency by cultivating a creative and intentional environment. To invest back into the community, she co-founded South Sound 100, a community collective that sets the forum for fundraising for local nonprofits.

Learn more about Bobbie:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiebailey/

Jenny Ridenour is the Creative Director of M Agency, a full-service creative agency in Tacoma, Washington. In her role, she develops creative campaign strategies, ensuring alignment between visual storytelling, marketing, and branding. With nearly two decades of design and branding experience, Jenny co-founded and helped grow into a seven-figure business and then sold it to continue her creative journey.

Learn more about Jenny:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-ridenour/

Matt Hirsch is the Director of Digital Marketing at M Agency, where he oversees the company's digital strategy. With experience in digital innovation at the intersection of people, technology, and brands, Matt has helped business leaders in small companies, startups, and Fortune 100s scale and transform.

IN THIS EPISODE… In this episode of Matters of Creative, JR. Nobles, Executive Director of Friends of the Children - Tacoma, joins Bobbie Bailey and Ayanna Pasha to share how the organization is reshaping youth mentorship. JR. talks about the importance of having paid, professional mentors who stay with children for over 12 years, the role of family, and the power of an abundance mindset in nonprofit work. JR.'s journey began in education, but his mission led him to create transformative opportunities for youth in Tacoma, especially those facing systemic barriers. He discusses the importance of partnerships, community involvement, and consistency in changing the trajectory of children's lives, helping them make their own decisions, free from the limits of statistics. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on mentorship, community impact, and JR.'s vision for building an empowered future for every child who needs a Friend. Don't miss this episode on how consistency, compassion, and community can reshape lives! ABOUT OUR GUEST: JR. is a passionate leader in youth development and advocacy with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. To that end, JR. serves as the Executive Director of Friends of The Children – Tacoma, where he has worked since 2019. Prior to joining Friends of the Children, He was the Director of the Tacoma/South Puget Sound MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement) program for seven years where he became a well-known voice in numerous areas, including higher education, K-12 education, diversity, equity and inclusion, policy and advocacy, and STEM. As a Tacoma native, Nobles is a product of Tacoma Public Schools and graduated from Wilson High School. He also received a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Washington and a Master of Business Administration from Pacific Lutheran University. Building a community of support for youth who are facing great obstacles requires dedication, innovation, and a deep understanding of systemic challenges. How can consistent, long-term mentorship empower youth to overcome the barriers society places before them? Learn more about JR.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jr-nobles-8bb930108/

IN THIS EPISODE…

Building and acquiring businesses and assets in the digital age often requires adaptability, innovation, and a willingness to fail fast. How can you balance risk-taking with building scalable, sustainable businesses in a competitive market?

Tune in to the latest episode of Matters of Creative as Matt Hirsch hosts Nick Eubanks, the Vice President of Owned Media at Semrush, about how he builds innovative digital assets. Nick shares how AI impacts digital acquisitions, the practical differences in building agencies and digital assets, and strategies for rapid agency growth.

Having built groundbreaking new digital platforms, Nick Eubanks believes rapid experimentation and adaptability are critical to sustaining growth. He emphasizes the importance of scaling agencies using data-driven strategies and pivoting quickly if your efforts don't produce results within 12 months. You can also develop a portfolio of digital assets by acquiring platforms, websites, or other media to diversify your income and build recurring revenue streams. These assets can be integrated into your existing agency for further growth opportunities.

Don't miss this episode on agency growth and digital asset management!

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Nick Eubanks is the Vice President of Owned Media at Semrush, a SaaS platform for marketing research that acquired the SEO training community Traffic Think Tank, where he was a Co-founder. Nick also founded and exited From the Future, an agency helping companies grow online traffic and revenue, where he drove over $100 billion in revenue for clients. As an entrepreneur and product builder, he helps marketing agencies grow their revenue, profit, and teams through personalized agency coaching.

Learn more about Nick:

https://nickeubanks.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickeubanks/

IN THIS EPISODE…

Legacy brands that have operated for centuries have developed a reputation for consistency and reliability among consumers. However, as consumer behavior evolves with technology, these brands must adapt to remain relevant. How can established brands maintain their legacies while embracing innovation?

Tune in to the latest episode of Matters of Creative as Jenny Ridenour chats with Peter Olson, the Senior Marketing Manager at Smith Brothers Farms, about how legacy brands can expand service offerings. Peter shares emerging trends in the online grocery space, how to leverage Google Analytics 4 for creative strategies, and the essential skills and requirements of marketing leaders.

Marketing maven Peter Olson led a legacy farm brand through service expansions and rebranding to accommodate growing consumer demands for online delivery services. He discovered a robust creative process is essential for generating new leads and retaining existing customers during rebranding and expansion. These creative processes promote consumer engagement by targeting behavioral trends using data analytics. Researching customers to determine their needs and behaviors toward service expansions allows you to make informed decisions and craft relevant messaging.

For more on adopting digital services, tune in to this episode now.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Peter Olson is the Senior Marketing Manager at Smith Brothers Farms, a privately held food delivery company. In his role, he has launched over 500 products and insourced advertising operations, leading to 33% year-over-year growth. Before Smith Brothers, Peter was the Marketing Director at DiagnosTechs, where he built integrated marketing strategies for diverse markets, and the Marketing Manager at Interstate Distributor Company, where he optimized advertising approaches to boost SEO performance.

Learn more about Peter:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdolson/

https://www.smithbrothersfarms.com/

IN THIS EPISODE…

High-achieving entrepreneurs and leaders often struggle to develop a healthy work-life balance and become so immersed in elevating their performance that they feel burned out or unfulfilled. How can you balance your personal and professional endeavors to achieve your career goals?

In today's episode of Matters of Creative, Bobbie Bailey hosts Tutti Taygerly to talk about how high-performers can achieve career balance and fulfillment. Tutti shares her approaches to creating leadership spaces, how to redefine personal achievement, and her mental health and wellness tips for leaders.

High-performance leadership coach Tutti Taygerly says rather than striving to elevate your performance, you should build relationships that propel you to the next level in your career. However, you can't achieve your goals unless you've identified your core values and an innate purpose in your work. This enables you to focus your energy on relevant and productive tasks that move you closer toward your goal. Additionally, embracing and learning from failure throughout the process establishes resilience and prevents burnout from over-achieving.

Tune in now to hear more productive leadership insights for high-achievers.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Tutti Taygerly is an executive leadership coach advising high-performing entrepreneurs, CEOs, and leaders to amplify their professional impact and define their unique leadership styles. As a design leader, she has 22 years of experience building products and design cultures in the world's largest organizations. Tutti has led teams at startups, design agencies, and large tech companies, including Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Sony, and Samsung. Currently, she serves as a Leadership and Product Mentor at First Round Capital and 500 Startups and as a Product Advisor at Positive Intelligence, Inc.

Learn more about Tutti:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuttitaygerly/

https://www.tuttitaygerly.com/

IN THIS EPISODE…

Even the most experienced marketers have made mistakes that have jeopardized campaigns — or even their careers. What lessons can you learn from marketing, PR, and other creative professionals who have navigated threats, miscommunication, or reputational breaches?

In this Matters of Creative exclusive Halloween episode, Bobbie Bailey, Jenny Ridenour, and Matt Hirsch hear the most stressful marketing horror stories from past guests Blake Denman, Cassandra Le, Kelsey Chance, Natalie Bowman, Kate Ramsey, Leah Knight, and Troy Alstead. They share the aftermath of answering an Instagram message from a beauty guru, why you should vet every professional before working with them, and the importance of structured marketing strategies.

Marketing campaign creator Blake Denman once managed a chaotic Google Ads campaign when a client mismanaged his account with broad audience targeting and generic keywords, leading to a threatening encounter and a peace offering of a Vitamix Blender. Brand builder Cassandra Le's Hispanic client took disastrous advice from a marketing guru and mimicked American sales tactics for her Spanish audience, resulting in confused buyers and lost sales. After receiving an Instagram request for a photo shoot from a hair extension brand owner, Kelsey Chance discovered that the shoot was poorly managed and under-communicated. Natalie Bowman and Troy Alstead experienced PR nightmares when partnering with notorious figures in the industry, and Kate Ramsey and Leah Knight overestimated their time and resources during crucial events. These stories underscore the importance of clear communication, understanding cultural nuances, and conducting thorough due diligence.

Listen to this episode now for some spooky (and savvy) marketing don'ts!

ABOUT OUR GUESTS:

Blake Denman is the Founder and President of RicketyRoo, an internet marketing agency for small- to medium-sized businesses. With over 17 years of SEO experience, he specializes in inbound marketing, PPC advertising, and website design and development. Blake and his team speak at popular digital marketing conferences, including MozCon and LocalU, and contribute to recognized SEO publishing sites like Semrush and Search Engine Journal.

Cassandra Le is the Founder and Brand Strategist at The Quirky Pineapple Studio, a creative marketing and media agency. As a brand and marketing consultant, she has worked with mission-driven brands and thought leaders to help them share their stories, connect with their communities, and drive brand awareness through culturally competent marketing. In 2019, Rising Tide Society and Honeybook named Cassandra as a top marketer driving community and innovation.

Kelsey Chance is the Founder of Good Chance Creative, and her journey began with her dog's Instagram account going viral, sparking her passion for social media and photography. What started as a side hustle evolved into managing social media for Kroger and now has led to Good Chance Creative.

Good Chance Creative specializes in creating scroll-stopping, human-centric brand content for clients like Domaine Serene, Rustic Bakery, and Sinegal Estate. From photoshoots to influencer campaigns, Kelsey and her talented team excel at crafting compelling narratives that resonate in today's digital landscape.

Natalie Bowman is the Managing Director of Product and Digital Experiences at Alaska Airlines, where she also served as the Managing Director of Marketing and Advertising. As a recognized brand, digital, and social marketing leader, she has experience leading major brand launches in fashion, tech, media, luxury retail, automotive, and travel. Natalie recently acquired the Oh Happy Day Party Shop, launching the DTC brand into Kohl's, Nordstrom, and hundreds of global boutiques. She has been named an Ad Age Digital Trailblazer, a Rising Brand Star by BrandWeek, a MAKERS Women Awardee, and one of Brand Innovators' top 100 Women to Watch.

Kate Ramsey is the Senior Principal of UX Design and Experience Strategy at Nordstrom, where she aligns teams to create cohesive and meaningful customer experiences across multiple channels. She has been with the company since 2011, holding roles including UX Design Manager and Principal UX Designer. Having studied fine art and graphic design, Kate transitioned into new media by teaching herself how to design digital interfaces for a CD company.

Leah Knight is the Owner and President of LK Consulting, a professional consulting firm utilizing Gallup Strength strategies to achieve peak performance in individuals, teams, and organizations. As a 20-year business owner, she has led, managed, and implemented strengths-based practices to create positive organizational cultures. Leah has worked with Fortune 500 companies, agencies, law firms, small businesses, teams, managers, and individuals.

Troy Alstead is the Founder of Ocean5, a LEED Silver certified entertainment and event venue. He is also the Founder of Table 47, a farm-to-table restaurant, and The Cup Coffee Lounge. Troy serves on the board of directors for several companies, including Levi Strauss & Co. and Harley Davidson. In 2016, he retired from Starbucks after 24 years with the company, having most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer responsible for leading the business' global operations.

Learn more about Blake, Cassandra, Kelsey, Natalie, Kate, Leah, and Troy:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakedenman/

https://ricketyroo.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-le/

https://thequirkypineapple.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-chance/

https://www.instagram.com/kelseychance/

https://www.goodchancecreative.com/

https://www.instagram.com/goodchancecreative

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliebowman/

https://www.alaskaair.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-ramsey-she-her-016766/

https://www.nordstrom.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-keogh-248b72a9/

https://lkstrengths.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/troyalstead/

https://o5social.com/

http://t47.com/