Em here. It’s been a while since I have made an appearance on the Ellie blog, but I have some fabulous news.

I am thrilled to announce that we are The 2019 Stevie Awards Women-Run Workplace of the Year – 10 or Less Employees. As I reflect on this accomplishment, my team and my agency all I can feel is honored.

People choose East of Ellie not just because they know what quality of work they are going to get, but because they know who they are working with. This team is structured with smart women who love what they do and do what they love. Because of that mentality, our clients know us by name.

When they announced East of Ellie as a Gold Stevie Award Winner, I screamed out loud. Getting on stage and accepting that award was a lifelong dream of mine. When I first started this agency I wasn’t only female, I was also young. My clients’ trust and respect was something I had to earn. I spent many years proving myself to them as well as many years where Emily was Ellie and Ellie was Emily. Nowadays, East of Ellie as a whole is recognized not just for Emily – but for Cindy, Karen and Michelene too.

10 years ago, I created a job that allows me to find all the things I want in life and have been lucky enough to have had talented women gravitate towards me, look at at this agency and say, this is the place for me. East of Ellie’s principles have attracted the right people at the right times, and I, as the leader, know I am fortunate to have them.

So who is #ThisIsTeamEllie?

We are dreamers, visual designers, and people pleasers to the core of our beings.

We are the behind the scenes magic of our events. Our strong communication and tight knit dynamic allows for a seamless almost choreographed performance on-site.  We know how to be real people. At the end of the day what matters is that we are nothing short of dedicated– to your vision, your event, and to your team.

In our award application one of the judges made a comment that validated my feelings about my agency and my team. “When passion and creativity are combined, the journey of entrepreneurship becomes a walk in the park.” It’s an entrepreneurs dream to know that when others look at East of Ellie, that is the impression they walk away with. 

Being a women-run business isn’t my only superpower. I myself am a mom, a wife, a sister, a daughter and an avid coffee drinker. I am a person who in quote, “can do it all.” But that only works because I am supported by strong, like minded individuals, who also happen to be my biggest cheerleaders.

So here is my cheers to you, Cindy Kapp, Karen Marin and Michelene Scarchilli. This post is dedicated to #ThisIsTeamEllie.