Coffey & Code Podcast Interview with Vilona Michael

12:26AM Dec 30, 2023

Speakers:

Ashley Coffey

Vilona Michael

Keywords:

people

oklahoma city

stories

clients

met

love

influencers

incredible

years

agency

good

districts

started

marketing

pr

hired

day

great

thought

boomtown

Hello, and welcome to another episode of Coffey and Code. I am really excited to have a really dear friend with me today as a special guest, Miss Vilona Michael, owner of V.Marketing. A little bit of a backstory real quick, I got to sit at a table with villone at a conference a couple of years ago. It's called MarCon. And I was just so enamored with this woman. She's doing incredible things for the community. She's bridging bridges, she's helping others. And I'm so excited for you to be on the show today. Welcome.

Thank you so much for having me. I'm a big admirer of yours as well, I think we were following each other on Instagram for quite a while until that conference, and we were seated at the same table and I thought I finally get to meet Ashley Coffey in person. So super excited fan girl,

you are just like all over Oklahoma City. And as someone who is from Oklahoma City, it has been amazing to see the progress and the amount of hospitality and variety that we have, like I get I am proud to say like, oh, we have all these different recommendations for you to go check out in Oklahoma City. And I think we've really established ourselves because of that. But you have been integral into that growth. So can you tell us a little bit more about V marketing and maybe a little bit the origins of the marketing? Oh,

wow. Okay, well, it dates back to 2009 14 years ago, which I'm super proud of. I'm proud every year that it continues to grow. And yeah, I started it in 2009. My kids were seven, five and three at the time, stay at home mom, I'm still a stay at home mom, even though they're 2219. And 17. I still like to say that I'm a stay at home mom, because I am still and that full time stay at home mom. And they were taking art lessons from an upside down artist who I found from the festival the arts. So that's an every April. And yeah, she's upside down artists. And art has just gotten taken out of my kids schools, which was awful. And they need a creative outlet. I feel like kids need a creative outlet. And so I met her and I just said, Hey, do you do classes? And she said, Yes, I do. And just so happened, she lived two miles away from my house. So it was just kind of an omen. And they started these classes where they literally like make a flower upside down and then turn it right side up. And it's a flower. Yeah, cool. Anyway, so they were doing those. And then before I knew it, she wanted to open a gallery in downtown Moore. And I just start giving her advice. And she said, Why don't I hire you? And I thought hiring me for what like, what did I use my brain and eight years at that point? And she said, yeah, just marketing because it just comes natural to me. I have a degree from the University of Tulsa. So I am legit. But it just comes natural. It's just something that's easy for me to talk about and adapt to people. And so yeah, I just I've said, You know what, I'm going to start a consulting agency, I might as well try it. Like why not? It's a great gig for SEO moms. And this is pre COVID way pretty COVID. And so you didn't, you know, now I feel like we talked about our families, we talked about our kids and people if they come in to zoom, it's not too big of a deal. But back in those days you I mean, I just feel like a lot of people don't want to hire moms, even though we're the ones that do 50 things at once our time management skills are excellent. And so, so yeah, started a consulting agency didn't really super hustle at anytime, like really, really hard. Until 2011 hit and on Facebook saw Facebook event of Uptown 23rd district which is now a district but in that time hadn't even they were just forming. And so the logo wasn't even done yet. So the logo that we see wasn't even done yet. So this is pre pre, very beginning. And they were all getting together. And they were just going to talk about becoming a district and I said, Well, I look some of those businesses. I have no idea what they're talking about. I'm just gonna go Plaza District had just started getting big. And so people were starting to understand what a district kind of was. So I went and it was electric. Actually, I cannot even it was so amazing. I love just all the people, like it was just, I love people. And so it was all people, business owners, residents, city officials, like volunteers, just people that wanted to help. And so I walked away from there. And they needed me to volunteer for a couple months, because that's how districts are they have no money. None of these districts have many when they started there's a CRP program that I feel like doesn't get enough clout. That is honestly what's helped all these districts become districts, that incredible program that can people hurt with the city, and probably a team of people created for a very small budget. And they reimburse the districts basically they give them a little bit and then they reimburse them. And so they can kind of get their marketing off the off the ground and try to become this district bylaws and board members and the whole thing, so and so then after a few months, I'm in a market, they have committees and so I'm in a Marketing Committee Meeting, and Chris Lauer with big tech tacos. I will be plugging clients every now and then and people because that's just that's how I grew. Yeah. And so they were all talking about how you know, we need someone to handle our social media and we really need to keep it consistent and Crystal ours like well, let's just hire Valona she knows we have no money. And I was like, well, is that a compliment? I don't it okay, but I had no clients, which they don't they didn't know. They know now. Yeah. I, I know clients. And so I thought I thought sure. And I mean literally 300 bucks a month, they had no money 300 ollars a month and I took over all their social, created Instagram pages for them, and really started connecting to members, I took over membership got them from 30 members to 80 members in nine months, and started programs for members to I'm all about connection. Yeah, I'm all about connecting people and business owners and communities. And I didn't realize that so much until, like, in that moment, I didn't like I was so much that person, and it just comes natural. And I'm like, Well, shouldn't we have socials for our business members? And shouldn't we do these things and started the fundraising event and uptown on court, first year was in the gold dome? Yes. And which, who knows if anything will ever be in the gold dome again. But first of all, first event 400 people sold out 100 400 people a sold out made like $18,000 for them. Second year, we sold that at 600 People in the History Center. And we made like $40,000 So I was there for a couple years took over everything left them with, you know, 15 to 20,000 followers and $80,000. And, and left because I was trying to get them off the CRP program so that that money can be used for another area, you know, yeah, pass it forward. So. So then I was on my way, but while I was there, I also was then people started thinking, Oh, well, I need you at Clemson curve, you know, keep Paul from good dining who has Republic restaurant, they're in class and curve was like, Hey, I think we might need you there. So then I had class on curve as a client that nipple tells came as a client, and then the little businesses come in. And then before I knew it, I'm a full fledged marketing agency that I didn't even mean to be, I just I social media, I learned PR, I started meeting all these newscasters and they kept giving me their cell phones, we became friends, I could just to this day, I could just text newscasters and tell them stories and pitch them stories. And they trust me, we have relationships, I don't talk to them all the time. They know when I reach out that it's an important story, I think needs to be heard. And if they can make it great if they can't I get it, like I'm just gonna tell them about it. Um, so yeah, I just kind of started building this whole agency, and then they needed graphics, you know, the small businesses can't afford HMDs Yeah, and all the different ones to do every little different thing. So I just kind of package everything except for create websites. But it's super strategic. Everything is a strategic focus. And its relationship. You know, I, I, my agency really did get built in in grew because of connection and relationships. I again, didn't know that not everyone's like that until years later, when someone had called me a connector, actually Morgan Chesky, who was now with the Today Show. So cool. Morgan Chesky when he was with KFR Yeah, he was he was one of my MCs for Tom uncork the second one. Oh, let him go. Ogle and Paul Folger, and I'm sorry to drop names, but I just get so excited for you. So I'm, yeah, like it was a new world for me to get into. Yeah, right. And so yeah, they were all MCs. And he was telling me that night he goes, have you ever Is there a book maybe that's called connector? I think something or something? He's like, have you read that? And I said, No, I don't have I don't read. Like, I just don't imagination can't i can't quiet my mind enough. And he said, he said, You're a connector. And that's when I started thinking about it. And I thought does not everyone do this? I just kind of thought everyone was like this, I didn't really realize I had any kind of quality. Like it was some quality that I possessed. I really just thought everyone was like this, because my mother's like this. So I just really didn't see anything different. I was like, oh, no, I talked to people. It's not a big deal. And I can act and you know, you meet me for two minutes. You're invited to Thanksgiving dinner? Like it's not. There's, you know, there's no big walls. There's not, there's no fakeness I can't even be someone else if I'd like to. It doesn't even have a name. Right. And that's a great thing. I think so I don't know.

I think the approachability that you have is What is your secret sauce of building that community. I see you at the events, answering questions, making sure people know how to make the most out of their experience. And you're really highlighting certain key pieces of information that may not be available if you're not physically there. And that can make a huge difference. Especially when we're all about experiential marketing. And on site activations. It's really about quality over quantity now, and everything boils down to relationships, and you've cultivated those authentic relationships here in Oklahoma City. And that word of mouth just keeps happening. And it's interesting that you say that, like you didn't realize that other people weren't offering that. But I love that you say that, because that just shows that your mindset is already in that space. So no, I don't realize that unless you're out of it.

You don't really I didn't realize it until you know, probably just a few years ago even and sometimes I'm still shocked by it because I'll see other campaigns my other agencies and we have credible agencies here, and I'll say their campaigns and then I'll hear feedback from other people and I'll just be I'm just kind of shocked. I just didn't realize just it comes natural to me. It's the same thing with being a PR rep. You know, I do social media. I do PR and influencer marketing pretty much is what people know me by In the PR side, the news media side, I literally attend all the interviews if I can and make sure I attend every Yes, I attend every interview my clients have with every news station. I take their pictures live video while they're there. Um, and I just didn't know that that was anything unique. I thought that's what a PR rep did. Again, I didn't go to school for it. I don't know that they teach you those things anyway. Yeah, good question. I don't know that they do that. So I just sort of was like, Well, shouldn't I be there? What if something happens? Are you prepped? Like you want to prep them? You want to make sure they're okay. And yeah, I just kind of want to make sure they don't know where to go. Like, that's my thing, I think. And so, yeah, I know that that like, I've gotten many compliments from newscasters, local ones are like, we don't see the PR reps that often. No. And I said, yeah, no, I'll be there. And which makes it easier for them. If they're going to come to the to the site for the story, they'll know that I'm there. And they're like, oh, Vaughn has probably got it. Like, she's got everything all covered. It makes it it makes their life easier. But I kind of feel like what am I getting paid for? What I don't understand what I'm getting paid for. That's not what I'm supposed to do. So I'm not going to just write a press release and send it out. Like I need to be there. I need to follow through. And so yeah, so like, I guess I just didn't realize I didn't realize that was a unique feature. And the same thing with my influencer events that you attend. Yeah, you're an influencer? My List. My list is. Well, you amazing. Like, yeah, my list is anything from mini to all the way all the way the big ones, you know, in the state the influencers but, and yeah, I didn't realize like I email you all, I tell you what to expect, I do as much as I can give you images and graphics, but then I'm there to greet you at every event, and I am standing there and some of my events can be hours long. And I just stand there the whole time, you know, and I make sure that everyone has been you know, comes in and they feel welcome. And you know where to go and get a drink or food, always drinks or food I try really hard to feed and dirt and give my influencers drinks. And then make sure that they understand the product and why you're there, you know, and if like Boomtown when influencers would come in, and we did the first Boomtown, you know, the Uptown 23rd location of hers, which is amazing. And we had, you know, 6070 different influencers coming in that evening. She met the entire city in one night, which was really cool to watch, because she's not from here. And I would tell him, I'm like, do you need like a triple scoop? Like, should we do something crazy? But do you want like, yeah, because everyone's kind of taking the same pictures. So I'm happy to get you whatever you'd like to, you know, we're twisted tree Baking Company, downtown Edmond and it's an amazing bakery. I mean, incredible.

I learned something recently about the building where Boomtown Creamery is not on 23rd. Yeah. Fascinating. It was the original Citizens Bank location before they moved to the gold dome. Yeah. In the 60s. Yes. And all those panels are manufactured in Phoenix, Arizona.

Isn't that crazy? All of the history on that on 23rd Street Incredibles, same thing with pizzeria usto. And you see how they how they took away the facade. I have you if you ever want to see that interview? You Lachlan Meyer interviewed Chris and Chris and Catherine. And when they were removing the outside facade, they saw that underneath and they kept it. Because it's amazing. Cool. Yes. Yeah. It's amazing. That's what's so cool about these districts like it's been around for years and years and years and decades. Yeah. Now, we're uncovering it. And it's so cool. The series are so cool. People stories are amazing. Don't you think that because you You meet a lot of people to actually like, yeah, my jaw drops. Every time I meet somebody, it doesn't matter who they are, how big they are, how little they are. It could be anybody people have like incredible stories. I don't get attached to the stories I get super excited.

Same. And I think Oklahoma City has a big story to tell. And there's a little intersection there because I remember driving to Austin one year, and I was listening to this great audio book called booth talent by Sam Anderson. Yes. And I was like, wow, being from Oklahoma City. I didn't know some of this history. And his narration was brilliant, because he intertwined the background of the history of the city as well with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and this intersection of like culture, identities, sports history, right, all in a melting pot. And I love that because you saw an opportunity to bring that collaboration to one of your clients, which was like an instant, yes. Like, I immediately understood it. So can you share that with the audience on like, a strategic strategy that you brought to a client that incorporated a place where maybe you don't expect to see your customers? Or find your customers?

Like whose customer like find whose customers like that

people that are going to come into that ice cream shop? Yeah, so you get a scoop of ice cream right in the united stand like the the value of the storytelling, the value of kind of integrating that into unity as you've done? Yeah,

yeah. The stories I would say connection people and stories is the heart of my agency. The storytelling is crucial. And so anytime I meet a client or you know, someone that just wants to meet with me, and if we work together, great if we don't, we don't I'm not a super sales pitchy type of person. And so when I met Angela, I met her at that same conference. Yeah, same tables. Same day well, yeah, not Yeah. But yes, net Yes. And, and, and, and we met the next week. And I mean, she hired me without even being a whole major proposal. Because you had your little one cheater. I had my little I keep that because Ashley loves I love this. You guys, many people love it. So many of you guys have seen it super simple.

Well, here's what happens. Like, what if your phone's dead doesn't matter? You got this and

have 14 years of clients on this piece of paper and show us the other side? Oh, yeah. The other side is like just something I show people to and say this is everything that I do. And every single business needs this. Your slices are just different sizes. Everybody needs this. Yes, yeah, your slices are just different sizes, depending on who you are, and what you've done and your goals.

And I love what you've done here. Because you've made it easy for people to do business with you. They know exactly what you're providing to them. And it's like an easy Avenue, which is why I think, you know, you have a lot of advice to offer for entrepreneurs. I'm just like, doing things inherently because they feel right, because you're trying to serve your clients and make sure they have the best experience possible. You're just already looking out for the best option for them. Yes, I love

Oh, You're sweet. You're sweet. Yeah. Well, when I met Angela, we were talking and she told me the story. So she came up with the name boomtown. You know, she's the one she came from Kansas City for her husband's a dentist. And which I make my friend little joke, like you make the cavities. I just think it's funny. I'm like, going on here. And you guys have figured it out. So but they're the sweetest family and she moved here during COVID. Yeah, so didn't know a lot of people. And all of us felt isolated. And she read that book because she wanted to understand Oklahoma City. And she read that book. And she said, that's what I'm going to name my ice cream shop. And I admire that so much. She didn't even know how to make ice cream yet. Her story you guys is amazing. Like yeah, she went and just learned she is a go getter. Oh, she's incredible. And when she hired me, I thought oh, yeah, great. She has great branding that's done and, and she has all the all the pieces. And so yep, she hired me. And we, we just didn't we had a cool PR event. And everybody came in. And I think at the end of the almost towards the end of it. She's looking at her phone. She goes, I have 100 Instagram messages, Belinda. And I said, Isn't that what you want it? There you go. And that's how I collaborations and everything happened because it it gave her validity. You know, she's completely new to this market. And it gave her validity. And so I think that even in collaborations that I'm not a part of for her like tonight she is she's launching the collaboration with the mayor. That's so exciting tonight, and so love the images. Yeah, I know, right. And so I wasn't a part of any of those meetings or any of those things. Yeah, but I have to, I have to know that I did help give her a pathway at least. And the mayor and I know each other very well as well. But you know, there's just validity there, there was that the entire community posted about her. We have people in neighborhoods that only have 2000 followers that posted about her, but that's their friends. Those are your influencers that are your friends, those are your neighbors, like you're gonna look and see where they're eating and where they're enjoying and spending their time in the city. And so you have the 2000 follower influencers all the way up to Yes, the 90,050 1000 and all the things you know, but if when you have everyone posting at the same time, it's a big bang. It really is. It's huge. And I'm so thankful that people come out but all you guys come out influencers come out, just like I can't tell you how many times I've told me that it's honestly just because it's me. You may like why I'm just making it as easy as I can for them. I tried to get you as much free stuff as I can do all goes over

I'm surprised I didn't do that because

which is why you should always just have a drink in it. That's always gonna be drink, you will see will enter with a coffee or a drink of her hand most of the time. Yes. Yeah. Yeah, I don't know. I hope I answered your question. I didn't really know. I mean, there's a lot about community and stories when I did market at East Point on the east side. Yes. Incredible story and desert.

I want to like hone in on that too. Because too, for two reasons. One, women have incredible purchasing power. We know this. And I think like a lot of your clients are female business owners and I think people should see the the depth and breadth of industry in the city and you work with a lot of the people that maybe have these incredible stories to tell, but haven't because they're in the business. So you've like served everyone east side, west side, you name it. What has been like the client story that stood out to you the most? Oh, that

one for sure. Marguerite lakepoint. For sure. I mean, I have kind of my top five and clients in Uptown 23rd is a big one because I would never have gotten the chance to create a district with 1000 different people. I mean, I'm not to be on the foundation of that. And anyone who's helped with all of our districts from the foundation knows what I'm talking about. Because I know there's a small group of us. That was the most amazing thing to do. We change I didn't even realize what we're doing. We were having such a good time. Yeah. 35 new businesses. We change the entire economy of that area and of the city because we brought 35 new businesses beautification of the street. It's, it's incredible what districts do. I mean, it's really, really quite fascinating. So that's a big story. I think it was a really cool one to tell, as it was unfolding, and I was in it, that one's a little bit different. The east side is is another really top five for me. I don't ever, you know, I tend to just say yes to projects, because I'm like, You know what, after now I say yes, because I know, I'm gonna learn something more than what I'm giving, like, I just, it's gonna give to me so much more than what I give to it. Yeah, this one was a was a really how it got into my lap is really interesting. And I don't know how much time you have it. I'm going to be super, super fast. But like, I don't know how much editing you want to do that. But no, like, it's kind of is speaks to how my agency was built and kind of how, how clients came into my family. Yeah. So like, I had met JB, we all know, JB, and incredible activist and local rapper, he met him back in right before COVID. So he'd been doing things before that. But our paths have just never crossed. And we were going to do one of his brunch events for a client and it fell through because COVID happened, so we couldn't do it. But in the meantime, we still became friends. And so during COVID It was October I remember it was October 2020. And he was starting with love OKC. So with love OKC he he was starting he did six murals on this building on the east side. And he had six artists that that were going to create beautiful, individual murals. Yeah. So I think it's about seven or eight days before and he calls me and he goes, Hey, will you take over the Instagram for with Ludlow, Casey just for this, like, for this project? And I was like, you want me just

just just casually take it away.

I said 110 people following them at the time, and I thought I don't even know what you're talking about, you know, the project. I don't know. I think it starts in like eight days. And so I said, Sure. I go stick my logo on some stuff. It's fine. So I was like, I'm fine. We'll just it's a trade. It's no big deal. So in the meantime, I'm like, where's this? And he's telling me he goes, Have you never been there? And I go, No, I don't go to the east side. JB like, what? Uh, there's no reason for me to go. There's no events, food or drink and food and drink is how you get blended and things. Yeah, totally. But beyond that, it just wasn't an area I went to. Yeah, there was no need to go there. Used to I just didn't go there. So he was like, Okay, well, here's where it's at. The muralists are gonna start this week. And so I'm like, okay, so I started driving there every day. Wow. Because I was like, I wanted to watch the progress and put it all over social media and meet the artists and such an incredible experience the coolest artists ever. Um, you guys all need to go. It's 23rd. And oh, my gosh, what is that street that? Well, it's the market at this point. So just Google it. Okay, but I didn't know yet. But that was the market at this one. I just see a building with six murals getting designed and grass in front of it. And I didn't really realize the story behind. It's why he chose this building. And so. So we do that, you know, we have the big festival on a Saturday where everybody gets to see it and take pictures, and you meet all the artists and it's really, really cool. And one of the artists, you guys have to go over there and see because you should take a selfie and tag me in it. If you find it. One of the artists who does a lot of words, put a V in it. No way, which I didn't think he was I was just kind of jealous. And it was a little bigger than what I wanted. Really. I just was like just a little Yeah, it was really sweet. Okay, I'm gonna go find that. Yeah, now you gotta find it in selfie. And, um, anyway, so. So we do all that, or whatever. Well, while in there one day, there are some people visiting from Tulsa, and restore OKC, who's an incredible nonprofit, and helps communities with just everything, you get jobs, housing, you can just imagine I can't even go on it. I mean, I could go on and on. And they were giving them the tour of I guess what, this was going to be a grocery store, which I didn't realize yet. And so I'm seeing them talking. And I go to them, and I'm like, Oh, hi, you know, I introduced myself and I was like, you know, what is this building in me? And they're like, oh, it's the market. It's going to be a small market. You know, this is a food desert. We don't have grocery stores here. And I just kind of stopped and I thought, What do you mean, you don't have grocery stores here? And they're like, Oh, they're miles miles away. Like we just need buses. Like, there are some people don't have cars. Exactly. It's like, it's a really, there's a major need, you know, and I did have any little grocery stores. They weren't. They weren't well, stop shop. Yeah. And they just Yeah. And so I thought, Okay, well, that's interesting. And I thought, well, that's really kind of cool. I wonder if I can help them somehow with my services. So I kept on restorative Casey, and met with Kaylee Dotson, who's incredible, and, and kind of stayed with her and met her and talk to her about what I do and, and she said, hey, you know what, let's, let's work on why don't you help us with our Giving Tuesday campaign? Like she was trying to test me first. She's like, let's just try on this little project first. And I was like, Sure, not thinking about what this day is. I just said, oh, yeah, sure about, you know, we're talking about email marketing and all these things for this campaign. And then about two weeks before this campaign was gonna have to go live. I thought, wait a minute. I'm competing with every nonprofit in the entire world to try to get money For this one nonprofit in 24 hours GivingTuesday you know, is what everybody should give to to nonprofits. Yes. coming in. Yeah. And so, um, and so I thought well, and they were getting a $20,000 match by simple modern. Well, I was like, $20,000 was my goal to make for this here to help them. And I thought, What have I done this? I'm competing with other friends of mine. I'm like, Oh my gosh, what am I doing? And I thought, well, you just go, yes. Do you just kick ass every day? Which is like my second guideline? Yeah, just compounds every day and do the I know it's alright. Your stick up your koozie that says that. Oh, yeah. Like, it's just you just kick guys every day and hope for the best. Exactly. And so I don't really know. And so yada. Ya got them on every station. They didn't email marketing did all the things. Three o'clock that afternoon I call Kaylee and I'm like, Oh my gosh, like, How bad is it? Like, did you raise like $5,000? Like, I don't know, she's like, Oh, we've already met it. And I said, What? And said, you guys can see this on my Instagram, because it's a post on mine, because I just love it so much. And we did a fun post where the interns and now it's they rolled out the the number of how much they had raised. The interns have restored Casey are really just the dream of it all. And they're the ones that created the idea of the market and kind of just had been fed out their kids. And they were like, Why don't we have a grocery store? I've lived experience they have lived experience. And they Yeah, and they're like, why can't we have a grocery store? You know, they question the system, which is what they should have done. And so they roll this thing out. And it's so cute. 60 I think it was 68,200 All's That is incredible. 24 and 20,000 of that was simple was simple water, and some so long wave community. They needed it for the market. It was all going to the market. And and so then she said, Okay, you're hired. And so then I got to do all the AR and social media for the market at these points. Oh, it's amazing. That was the most incredible story to watch a market get built in a community that didn't have anything into why people buy people buy so many people, it's all listed there. It's an amazing, it's in such an incredible cooperation. Yeah, um, and you just, you know, we did tours that influencers come in, and what in all the different people but we also the community come in, before we open the doors. And when you hear people say there's fresh fruit, it's clean, there's no bugs on it. Yeah, when they see Oh, my ice cream is right here. You know, when they say things like that, it things that I take for granted that all of us take for granted. There's a ghost on every corner where I live, and you just take it for granted. And I'm like, Oh my gosh, and if we don't tell these stories, you know, my job is to tell those stories on social media, through the news. And through influencers, you are telling those stories to you know, like, if we don't tell these stories no one's ever gonna know about them isn't it's

important to share it especially area 21st century that we still deal with problems like food insecurity, food deserts, and that but I think you're honing in on something really important because I think, right now, some people might feel helpless, that they can't do anything to support what do anything good is for the community. But I think what you've just described is a good example of people coming together for a shared common good, it's incredible. And those little pieces of momentum really build towards that greater goal. So I think they're, you know, that's kind of like the light right there. What Yeah, you're highlighting is that there is good,

there is a lot of good and people Yes, a lot of good. And that was an incredible experience. I was honored to be even part of like a pinky like barrel nut, like barely anything. But I urge you to go in there you're going to go in if you're ever in the area, look at those murals. Look at the market of these points, see that area and how they're growing and building. And that led to Homeland becoming a client of mine for PR, which then led to the thunder. So which led the lender and so yeah,

I love conversations of like, what happened to this to get to this to get to that castle.

That's the part that people don't see you work hard. I worked super hard. They see me eating and drinking on my stories and they just think you're just eating and drinking kind of what we're drinking now. But I play hard. Yeah. But like that eating and drinking is because I'm meeting someone that in some ways, clients maybe not even clients and friends or influence just turns into relationship. You're

also working at like two o'clock in the morning. I am working till two in the morning. Yeah, the joy in life of a business owner. You know it it's not all glam. It is not

glam now, but it's but I love it so much. It's I love like, I have no problem week staying up till two in the morning.

But I love it. You've shown a lot that it can be possible that you can do it, you can decide to start something that you're passionate about, if you're in it for the right reasons. Like I love that you went out with the journey, not the destination in mind.

Yeah, probably yes. Because, you know, I have to say my husband had the income to where the bills were getting paid. So I could start and work with whoever I wanted to work with, you know, until our kids became teenagers and got very expensive all of a sudden, and they're teenagers in high school kids and driving and braces and all these things happen. And by that point, my agency was finally making some I'm sort of profit, which was great, you know, we could go on vacations and we could do all those things. And so I do say, you know, it was a major juggle, you know, I'm talking about the work side of it. And it was incredible. But to hustle like that, and have three kids that you're still taking to all, you know, baseball, basketball, palms, all the different classes, all the things and physical work, very invisible this Yeah. And I was working moms any bit like they just are working their butts off. And it's a lot to do. And it's a lot to manage. And that story is a story for another time. But it's, I can't believe I made it through it. I can't believe I did it. I can't believe this agency is even here.

What's amazing, it You said earlier that it just come so naturally to you. I think there's a true testament to that, because it comes naturally to your children as well as entrepreneurs as well. So that's really well, yeah, it just runs in the family. Somewhat.

You're right. It does. Yeah. Yeah. One more than the other two. But yes, they're all very, they can speak to people, which is great and great leadership skills or soft skills, you know, yeah, yeah. So they're good kids. They are the that's the proudest thing, that agency is not it. They are the proudest, you know, out of those three kids and raising those kids. And so, you know, I messed up a million times, believe me, they will be on the therapy couch. But that's okay. We all are on the therapy couch for self say true, but they're really good kids. And they're good people. And hopefully they just continue to live. I told them just go for your dreams. Yes, I said, I don't care how much money it makes, that does not matter. Because I didn't make a lot of money for many, many years. I didn't make a lot of money. And even probably to this point, there are probably I have agency friends that think you should charge more you should you should do these things. And so I charge a net for myself, this is enough for me to feel happy. It's for me to do the work and for the business that they can afford. And that's okay, I go I you know, my my price is raised, obviously, but it's enough. I don't need to charge too much. Like, I just don't need to do that. I'm okay. Um, all right. So, um, so yeah, I tell the kids on like, just enjoy work, enjoy it. You know, if it's five bucks an hour, it's five bucks an hour, but it won't feel like work because you love so much good experience.

And that's one thing I wanted to highlight too, is like you do all these things. But you also give back to the community. And a lot of ways by making yourself available for questions. You're involved in the Oklahoma City Mayor, American Marketing Association. And yes, it's so much fun. And like, I think that's a perfect intersection for you. So I just love all these different plates are spinning because they overlap and they intertwine and in meaningful ways. And it's fun whenever you can, can can build that around you. And it just makes things a lot more fun. Yeah, if you're gonna be working, you want to be having fun bringing the best to your clients. Yes. When that happens, they're successful. You're successful. Yeah, everyone wins. Yeah,

it's very true.

So where do you see vi marketing? And like 510 years? People ask

me that question. And I can't even look past a year, like, I got some 14 years. And I've said to many of my friends, I say, I don't know how long it'll last. They're like, I think you're okay. It's gonna make it and I don't, I don't really know. Like, you're gonna be the statistic of five years. Okay. Well, that's good. Is there a 10 year statistic? Probably? Yeah. No, I don't know where I see it. I think I just want to continue growing, continue giving, continue hearing people's stories and helping people in businesses all over, you know, I mean, I think I might start outside of Oklahoma City would be nice. Yes. Even outside Oklahoma would be nice to kind of get in some different markets might be challenging for me, you know, to get in the PR. circles in those other markets would be I think, really, really cool. It's I've not met a stranger, so I'm not really worried about it. But it'd be a fun challenge. Yeah. So I'd love to get outside of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. But anyone can do it. It's you. Oh, I don't know. We'll see. We'll see. I don't know. We'll just gonna have to pay attention to my Instagram and see how long it goes. Yeah, I figure if the whole thing falls apart, I'll just go work for one of my agency friends, and it's fine. I've already talked to them about it. I'm like, Listen, if something happens, I'm coming to you coming to work. I'm coming to you. Let's say I'm doing you've got a lot of backup plans.

Yeah, backup, on backup plan. But I'm curious. So we touched on this a little bit. But what about a website, you don't have a website, you've built this business for 14 years without a website, which actually speaks volumes to word of mouth and social impact. So tell us more about your upcoming announcement of something.

That might be I don't want to Oh, if I have to say it has to happen. Yeah. You don't date to it. Like ubiquitously. Yeah. So this was I actually thought I was going to have a website go live this year. Yeah. Didn't happen because life gets busy. And the tongue is ringing and I'm working. Yeah. And so literally have copy to look at. Yeah, Nuevo studio is creating my website. Naomi has a very dear friend I love. Yes, horsing has had, yes, women supporting women, for sure. But poor thing has had to deal with me as a client that like just, it's like, oh, that's friend. She's like, you know what we'll just worry about in January 2024. I'm like, thank you. Yeah, so I told her I Is it okay, so I have a goal of next year because I do want I do love the idea of saying celebrating 15 years. And her first one. I kind of think it's a fun one that is a really good little like milestone. I figure I have 12 more months. Yes, I'm hoping sometime in 2024. So I have to have a website and only really to tell my story. Yeah, it's really just there for people that do Google me and say, I don't see anything. And it validates the agency a bit. I understand that, you know, but I think yeah, I mean, I shouldn't have a website, a lot of

credibility with all those brands that you've yet with my goodness, and all the spots that you've done, and just Oh, I could see that'd be and

it's a lot to organize. That's why it's a lot to organize. And it's unlike that's why it's daunting, a little bit makes sense. It's organized the data, organized, the testimonials, organize those things. And that's when I just sort of stop and think we're gonna pick it over here on the side. But now I'm going to 2024 is going to be it. I'm excited for you. I can't wait. You will be here at the launch. Yes, yeah, I have a big party. It'll be big, so

stoked. And something that's interesting that you mentioned, it's like, you know, sometimes it's hard when you're in the business to work on your business. That's a good example of this, is sometimes we think that take very little time actually take a lot of time and you want to make a good it's an investment. And it's like it, it sleeps while it works while you're asleep. So you want it to be good. I know. So it can be daunting, but I'm sure it'll be well worth the weight when it goes live. Oh,

I hope so. I don't know. I'm trying I think it being in marketing to you want your website to look a little different 100% The pressures a little bit, I put that pressure on myself a little bit. So So yeah, that and then, you know, maybe I'm kind of thinking, getting into workshops, yes, maybe doing some teaching some present, presenting. So I feel like I have different stories to tell. And I think that there's different audiences that can that I can really relate to and connect to. So maybe some you know, presenting would be fun. Workshops might be kind of fun. I don't know. Mostly

for fun. There's a whole nice gamut out there. Yeah. waiting to happen. Yeah, yeah. Well, I'm curious. I always ask people like a random question about this, man. That's okay. I think I think you'll, you'll really like this one. It's not too wild. But if you had to choose a specific ocean to like, go snorkel diving. What would you choose? Which ocean? Yeah, it could be any of any ocean. Do you want to do it clear? Do you want cold? Do you want like, tropical areas? You're

so funny. You're so funny. I'm an ocean that I want to snorkel. And so this is funny because anyone that knows me that's gonna listen to this is gonna laugh their butt off because I'm so not like a snorkel like, I'm not not an animal person. Okay, gonna admit it, just not one of those people. Um, so let me okay, what we've got like the

Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, we've got the Bering Strait.

The Bering Sea, jumped into an ocean to see baby sharks that come once a year by Islam. Islam or Harris and Mexico. What oceans

Gulf of Mexico?

Is it the Gulf of Mexico? Let's

take a look at

that. What's the scariest thing I've ever done in my life was jumped out of a moving boat. I can't swim. It's like, I can't swim. Why did you jump out of a boat and you can't swim? Because I'm with friends that were on this trip. And that's what we do. And I'm like, I don't know. wasn't thinking and I had my lifejacket on, obviously, but you jumped into a into the ocean for to see these baby sharks that are coming out, you know, that are only there in that area once a year. Is that the Gulf of Mexico? Yeah. I wouldn't say I'm right. I'm sorry for anybody that that is like it, but it's okay. I got something I actually did. That's awesome. Um, you know, um, so yeah, I don't it was. That was I don't even know that I got near the shark. I was so kind of freaking out. I'm gonna be honest. Yeah, a lot for somebody to fertilize. It's a lot for just any sane person to jump into the ocean. I just think it's crazy. Just to jump in the ocean. Like, I just think it's crazy. We don't know what he just said. I don't know anything. It was really scary. So, so yeah, so I'm not gonna tell you I mean, you know, get me to a beach and let me lay around and get a cabana person. Yes to come bring me drinks all day, then I'm in for it. So yeah, I don't know that. That's really.

That's perfect. That's perfect. Okay, I love that. That's, that's a good one. Yeah. Yeah. Nice. Well, Valona if people want to follow along on your journey, and maybe sign up for your newsletter, or whatever, where can they find you? And I'll be sure to put this

in the show notes as well. Okay, at V marketing V marketing on Instagram, or V. V marketing, or you can email me Valina Atlona marketing.com. That's about it. Because the website I mean, it's there. It's below no marketing.com. But I mean, it's not active. So it's there and you can get a hold of me. But yeah, that's it. Wonderful.

Well, I'll be sure to link that in the show notes. That way you can follow Miss Valona here, follow V marketing, check out all the really cool stuff that she's doing if you're ever in Oklahoma City, and you need to figure Got a place to go like, go check out the loan isn't just gonna give me I'll tell you I don't answer you all the coolest places in Oklahoma City, you name it. We've got it. She knows it.

So thank you. Thank you for having me.

Thank you so much for taking your time to come on the show. I'm really glad we made it happen. Yeah, huge fan. Huge fan. Thank you have a good rest of your week. Your day or season. I'm excited for this to go live. Cheers.

Cheers. Cheers.

Cheers to this show. Hey, happy holidays. Happy holidays.