What is Making Moxie?

Making Moxie is a marketing consultancy. I act as a contract marketing director or CMO for up and coming brands looking to scale and grow.

"Small businesses, startups, and founders have products and services to worry about. While top-notch marketing is essential for brand growth, it’s not usually their strength or passion—and that’s ok. Shauna Armitage is the marketer for innovative brands who are ready to build communities and increase revenue. Your own virtual CMO."

What led you to build your own business?

I had been working as a project manager for years, but didn't love the way my firm only concerned itself with the digital aspects of a brand's strategy. There's so much more than blogs and Facebook ads that go into really building a brand. Going out on my own gave me the opportunity to choose a holistic approach for my clients and really make an impact for their business.

Making Moxie is currently offering a $99 Mini Audit of your website, social media & 3 actionable next steps for brand growth!

When did you become interested in marketing?

I've always been interested in it, before I even knew it myself. After getting my degree in professional writing, I worked on blogs, social media, lead magnets, ad copy..... you know, marketing! After a few years of writing the copy, I started lending my ideas and insights to clients; a marketer was born!

How do you stay up-to-date with all the changes and evolutions in digital/social media marketing and advancing technology?

I'm constantly reading, listening, and learning. The best way to stay up-to-date in the marketing industry, however, is to innovate. (And that's kind of what I love about it!) Creative strategies and campaigns aren't something that can be taught. It's something you just do.

What do you like to do outside of work that directly impacts your career?

I'm naturally curious, and I'd describe myself as an explorer by nature. I travel with my family every chance that I get, and I think that love for new experiences makes me good at what I do.

What has been the biggest challenge and lesson you've faced so far?

Every business is different. It's a lot of fun (but certainly a challenge!) to discover the right way to market each unique brand. The biggest challenge I've had is working with brands to determine their WOW factor. Truth be told, every market is saturated. Every single one. If you can't help a brand stand out, you can't help them increase their revenue.

What are your top 2 most rewarding client experiences?

Working with Urban Southern has been an amazing experience for me. It was a big challenge because they were already doing a lot of things right when it comes to marketing their brand. However, I took some time to really get to know the ladies behind the brand, their products, their customers and made some strategy adjustments accordingly. The growth they saw within the first few months after implementing these changes has been explosive.

My #2 most rewarding experience has been working with Gather Ministries. We had done work together through another company and they decided to work with me when I ventured out on my own. It was rewarding to have such good people put their faith in me, and we've done some great work together that's changing their growth patterns for the better.

If you could work with any brand in the world, what would it be and why?

I'd say my strength is in working with lifestyle brands, but I'm not sure I could pick just one! I love discovering new and upcoming brands and helping them grow, so a well-known brand wouldn't be the best fit for me.

Can you give 1 invaluable piece of advice for startups and brands hoping to make an impact on the world?

Believe in yourself, your ideas, and your team. Don't wait for things to be perfect. Start taking chances. Make mistakes. That's the only way you'll find your success.