Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Richards.
Hi Samantha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a knack for questioning the world around me – yes, I was that kid who asked “why” over and over again. Teachers had to gently tell me to quiet down and that I had asked enough questions for the day. It’s safe to say I’ve always enjoyed disrupting my surroundings and challenging the status quo. Fast forward to my most recent venture, Spirited Media Inc., we are doing just that.
A previous social media client turned friend and (now) business partner reached out to me with an idea that left me speechless. She was in the hospitality & beverage industry for a little over a decade and noticed opportunities to create a more inclusive environment for brands. Together, we’ve created a marketing and communications collective giving smaller beverage brands personalized attention to create campaigns that move the needle rather than a one-size-fits-all plan. During this new venture, I’ve tapped into the passion and knowledge I’ve built up over the years to create successful and thought-provoking ideas for our clients.
I’ve worked in the restaurant industry, from host to server, to bartender (which was my favorite) since I was a teenager. When studying advertising at the University of Oregon, I spent countless hours in the computer lab working on the social media components of campaigns, even when they weren’t the primary focus. All of a sudden I became the go-to friend for editing photos and writing quick Instagram captions. I grew up in a sweet spot as I watched social media transform over the years. I had the right mix of a childhood of imagination and playing outside mixed with the angsty teen years of populating my top 8 on Myspace.
Through incredible mentors, peers, and clients, I quickly learned marketing and social media was my niche. Today, we’ve seen brands rely on social media to withstand the pandemic and stay afloat. This was a pivotal moment in my career and changed how we as a society use and rely on social media. At Spirited Media, we are actively working on disrupting how consuming and toxic social media can be by creating a deeper purpose and reminding brands of all the positive effects the social channels can have when done well.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would be worried if it was all smooth sailing! We officially launched during the pandemic and have had our share of challenges along the way. Luckily for us, we made a goal when we started this company to be solution-oriented, both when it comes to how we operate and how we help our clients. One of the challenges we face as a company is shattering the stigma around the stereotypical agency. Many of the brands we work with have struggled to find the right partner who can give them the time and effort they deserve. We are actively rebuilding the client and third-party relationship through custom and hands-on projects rather than the one-size-fits-all plan I referred to earlier.
A challenge I’ve noticed many entrepreneurs face is avoiding burnout. I’ve worked in social media for over six years now and have seen all the positive aspects, as well as the negative. A personal struggle of mine has always been knowing when to unplug and how to implement boundaries to protect my peace. Social media can be consuming for people in the industry as well as the everyday consumer. I’ve had my own struggles in the past with burnout and have been lucky enough to work for companies that encouraged balance and breaks when necessary. Alisa Langer, Founder of Spirited, and I knew this was a must for our company. We don’t adhere to the “always-on mentality” and that our team should be a jack of all trades. We prioritize mental health, celebrate experts in their craft, and respect boundaries. Encouraging balance for our team has only increased creativity and innovation!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Spirited Media Inc. is a creative communications collective built to help brands by building marketing campaigns and becoming an integral part of their team. We are working directly with the brands to tell their stories authentically and creatively through an assortment of marketing practices, including content creation (videos, i.e., Tik Toks and Reels are a must for brands right now!), brand management, social media management, digital marketing, and public relations.
We are here to make sure everyone has a chance to sit at the bar (figuratively and literally!). We want to amplify all voices to create an inclusive environment while shattering preconceived notions on how to market your product, whether that’s through social media, content creation, brand management, public relations, or digital marketing. We help build brand awareness, drive sales, and get your brand buzzed both online and off.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I came across @misako_envela on TikTok and she shared something that I’ll carry with me forever. When Imposter Syndrom hits, walk down the water aisle. You’d be surprised with how many different brands of water are on those shelves and even more surprised with how many additional water brands exist outside of those shelves. The same product, slightly modified in thousands of ways yet they are all still successful in their own way. How? Because each brand brought their unique perspective and made the product their own. “No one can do what you can do like you. There is enough space for you.”
Contact Info:
- Email: sam@spiritedmediainc.com
- Website: https://spiritedmediainc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritedmediainc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpiritedMediaInc
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/snerrsocial/
