OKANAGAN MEDIA GROUP | Samantha Milligan

 

Neighbors in Business is a series of interviews with Kelowna business owners, entrepreneurs and community leaders. Each article is an opportunity for us to get to know the people behind the local businesses: their story, their vision, and their challenges. It is our way to recognize their hard work and their daily contribution to the economic well-being of our beautiful city.

What did you do before Starting Okanagan Media Group? 

While on maternity leave I wrote a business plan for a magazine company called the Kelowna Shopping Guide.  I ran this business for three years and then franchised it and sold the business.

 

How did you get the idea?

I saw the growth in the Digital area; Website development/marketing and I wanted to explore it further.

 

When did you start this business – How was your first year? 

I started this business in June 2014. My first year was educational, I explored different areas to find out where I wanted to focus and what my target market would be.  I tried a number of things including tv, digital display networks, and website development.

 

If you look back, did you imagine it would be like this? 

No, I didn’t really know exactly what the business would look like.   There was a lot of trial and error to find out what worked for me and my customers and what I enjoyed doing.

 

What do you enjoy most about this business? 

I enjoy the creative development, the Graphic Design, and Branding.

 

What makes your business unique?

The fusion of our team expertise.  Each of us has very specific strengths and experience that differ and complement each other. This creates an optimal balance of our strengths.

 

What is your biggest challenge? 

Keeping up with changes and education.  It can be difficult to find time to keep up with customer demands and operating a business while also continuing to learn new technologies ect.

 

Did you grow up in Kelowna?  How do you find living here? 

I moved here at age nine from Calgary.  I enjoy the balance between entrepreneurial and lifestyle opportunities available in this community.

 

What advice would you give to someone starting this business? 

Make sure you are very passionate about what you are doing in order to stay interested and committed for the long term. I also suggest joining a barter organization. I’m a member of Trade Exchange Canada and this is a great organization to work with as a business owner.

What are you looking for in and Accountant?

An Accountant that is on Trade Exchange and is locally owned and operated.  It is also important that my Accountant is accessible.