Make Marketing Make Sense

Ashley Dela Cruz is an Operations Manager at W Hotels with years of experience in the hospitality industry. We sat down with Ashley to dive into what it takes to manage both luxury and standard hotel operations, the importance of communication, and how personalized service creates unforgettable guest experiences. From hosting high-profile clients like the Yankees to crafting bespoke cocktail menus...

Caegan Moore is an Entertainment & Lifestyle Talk Show Producer, Field Producer, and Creator at WWL-TV. As the Senior Producer of  Great Day Louisiana , Caegan brings years of experience in helping brands and entrepreneurs shine on television. We dive into strategies for connecting with audiences through TV, from crafting compelling stories to creating visually engaging segments that resonate...

Melissa Burbank is the founder of Sober Health Club and a marketing powerhouse. We sit down with Melissa to discuss how to build and maintain an engaged audience on social media, even before launching a product. She shares her insights on leveraging the “know, like, trust” cycle, the importance of organic engagement, and her proven strategy for waking up a cold audience. If you're looking to grow...

Ayesha Shanel is the creator of the House of Shanel, a private online space dedicated to empowering women to embrace their highest divine feminine energy. She joins us to share her insights on building a brand, monetizing authentically, and creating a lasting impact through aligned strategies. Ayesha's journey from growing her personal practice to developing an evergreen system for her brand is bo...

Steve Tortorella is the Principal Architect at Studio Latofiume and brings a wealth of knowledge about the world of architecture and entrepreneurship. We dive into the role of an architect in guiding construction projects, ensuring public safety, and overseeing everything from project planning to collaboration with contractors. Steve sheds light on the unique challenges architects face, from manag...

Greer Stewart, Marketing Manager at Renaissance Publishing, joins us to explore the unique advantages of print advertising in today’s digital landscape. We dive into why print ads have a higher recall rate than digital and how publications like  New Orleans Magazine ,  Acadiana Profile , and  Louisiana Life  continue to thrive. Greer breaks down how tangible, lifestyle-focused magazines provide a...

Casey Boshae is the founder of The Gentle Pit, an animal rescue-inspired brand dedicated to creating products that give back. We dive into her journey from corporate life to full-time entrepreneurship, learning how she turned a personal passion for animal rescue into a thriving business. Casey shares insights on overcoming self-doubt, finding purpose, and embracing the challenges of entrepreneursh...

Kristen Dufauchard, CEO and Founder of aKrewe NOLA Consulting, joins us to break down the power of networking. As the leader of an impact-driven marketing agency, Kristen shares practical strategies to overcome networking fears, build genuine connections, and leverage the "ask and offer" approach for mutually beneficial relationships. From icebreaker tips to mindset shifts, Kristen offers advice o...

Laila Bondi is the Executive Director of Global New Orleans, and she joins us to share her unique journey from public health to leading a nonprofit. We dive into her experience transitioning into leadership, the challenges of running a small nonprofit, and the importance of building strong community connections. Laila explains how collaboration and support from other leaders in the nonprofit space...

Josh Densen is the CEO of Next Chapter and an expert in leadership development. We dive into the importance of leadership as a skill, how it can be cultivated, and why every member of a team can and should step into leadership roles. Josh also shares insights on the challenges organizations face when promoting employees into leadership positions and how to navigate these transitions effectively. W...

Alexander Bigbie is the Executive Director of Flyte, an organization dedicated to helping startups and small businesses get off the ground. We dive into essential business topics with Alexander, including financial preparation, managing personal finances, and building a solid foundation before starting a business. He shares practical advice on navigating criticism, overcoming obstacles, and creati...

Lisa LaCour is the Founder and CEO of The Vault Collective, a business strategy and growth firm. We dive into the common mistakes businesses make when marketing their products, like focusing too much on themselves instead of their customers. Lisa shares insights on how to understand customer needs, define your target audience, and position your brand to stand out in crowded, commoditized markets....

David T. Baker is a writer and content manager at 504ward, an organization dedicated to supporting young professionals in New Orleans. We sit down with David to discuss the key strategies behind building engaging newsletters and promoting community events that drive real impact. From how 504ward taps into audience feedback to shape content, to the importance of consistency in event marketing, Davi...

Chase Mattison is the co-founder of Feels, a corporate gifting platform that lets businesses give back through charitable donations instead of traditional material gifts. We sit down with Chase to talk about how Feels is revolutionizing corporate gifting by offering over 1.5 million charities for recipients to choose from. Chase shares how this zero-waste model helps companies create meaningful co...

Melissa Hodgson is the Vice President of Gambel Communications and a strategic communication expert. We dive into the core elements of PR, marketing, and branding, exploring how businesses can use these tools together to achieve their goals. Melissa breaks down the importance of understanding your audience, crafting consistent messaging, and layering communication strategies for maximum impact. We...

Garick Giroir is a Creative Marketing Manager at OnPath, and he's here to dive into content marketing strategies that truly make a difference. We explore how businesses can develop and implement creative content that engages audiences, solves problems, and stands out in the market. Garick shares his expertise on building content that resonates, from understanding your audience to testing diffe...

Sean Mulligan is the Program Manager at The Idea Village, and he joins us to dive into the Metronome program, which helps music industry entrepreneurs accelerate their business ideas. We explore how The Idea Village supports early-stage startups by providing mentorship, workshops, and even funding opportunities to drive economic growth in the region. Sean shares what makes the Metronome program un...

Becky Angle is the founder of Angled Marketing, and she joins us to break down how businesses can use social media to build awareness, drive engagement, and convert followers into customers. We dive into her insights on creating a consistent, high-quality content mix that includes educational posts, brand fun, and sales promotions—highlighting why 3-4 posts a week hit the sweet spot for engagement...

Reyna Rivera is a marketing manager at Mullin, and she’s here to share insights on building a strong brand identity through core values and strategic content creation. We dive into how Reyna uses storytelling and transformation videos to connect with clients, maintaining consistency by following her company's "brand Bible," which includes their mission, vision, and brand colors. We a...

Charique Richardson, founder of Digital Innovation Media Group, joins host Josh Owen to dive deep into how AI is transforming social media marketing. We explore the latest advancements in AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude, discussing how they can simplify content creation, streamline analytics, and enhance social media strategy. Charique shares practical tips on personalizing content while avoiding...

Lauren Evans is an Account Director at FSC Interactive and a seasoned expert in small business marketing. Together, we dive into the essentials of marketing for small businesses, covering everything from the importance of having a website and Google Business profile to the evolving landscape of social media. Lauren shares her insights on how to create value-driven content, test strategies, and bui...

Jim Guenther is the Chapter Director of Startup Grind in New Orleans. We dive into his unique journey from traditional academia to becoming a pivotal figure in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Jim shares his experiences in developing a biotech program, receiving a National Science Foundation Award, and his transition into business development, emphasizing the importance of hypothesis testing and the...

Matt Preuett is a marketing consultant and the founder of 90 by 3. In this episode, we dive deep into the crucial topic of marketing misalignment. Matt shares insights from his extensive experience, highlighting the importance of creating clear marketing plans and strategies that align with overall business objectives. We explore common pitfalls businesses face, the significance of communication b...

Brandon Armant is a marketing expert and the owner of BAMM Communications. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of building a personal brand, focusing on authenticity and storytelling. Brandon shares insights on how entrepreneurs can articulate their personal stories, highlight their values, and effectively communicate their mission. We discuss practical steps to identify your unique tra...

Brandon Armant is a dynamic CEO at BAMM Communications, known for his exceptional expertise in branding and marketing. In this episode of Make Marketing Make Sense, hosted by Josh Owen, we dive deep into the importance of building a personal brand. Brandon shares valuable insights on how personal branding can significantly influence business success, especially in today’s crowded market. We discus...