We had the good fortune of connecting with Olivia Castaldy and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Olivia, why did you pursue a creative career?
I went into marketing because I never wanted to do the same thing every day, and I saw marketing campaigns as a way to achieve that. Growing up, I didn’t enjoy art or see myself as an artistic person due to limiting beliefs, which steered me away from majoring in graphic design, even though I enjoyed it. I always had a love for general business because my dad worked in business, and when I was about 8 years old he had a “bring your kid to work” day at the AARP data center he managed that changed my way of thinking. I still remember how cool the break room was! In high school, I participated in DECA, an organization for marketing students, where I competed in and won marketing and business competitions. This experience solidified my path—I knew I was good at and passionate about marketing. Discovering the blend of business and creativity allowed me to be my true self and take genuine pride in my work
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets OCM Digital Marketing apart from other full-service marketing agencies is our unique focus on bridging traditional marketing tactics with modern strategies to create results-driven campaigns across multiple channels. We pride ourselves on our communication and transparency with clients. I started this company to offer business owners high-quality digital marketing services at an affordable yet fair price point. Additionally, I wanted to provide freelancers—copywriters, photographers, web designers, etc.—the chance to partner with a transparent and ethical agency that handles sales, account management, and project management for them, while they continue working independently.
At OCM Digital, our clients benefit from a dedicated project manager and account manager all in one, giving them access to a collective of 3-5 highly talented individuals working together on each project as needed. This collaborative approach ensures that every aspect of a campaign is expertly managed, resulting in effective and efficient outcomes.
I reached this point in my business journey by taking the leap to start my business, even without initial clientele, and by persevering through the tough times. Running a business is challenging and exhausting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding when you receive five-star client reviews, complete a project, or land a dream client. I worked a full-time job while building my business, reinvesting profits back into OCM Digital to foster growth. It hasn’t been easy, but I believe it will be worth it. Owning something that is mine means a lot, especially considering that women couldn’t even have their own bank accounts until the 1970s, let alone own businesses.
I want the world to know that through my work at OCM Digital, I aim to help others—whether small businesses, solo entrepreneurs, or cannabis brands. I want to be part of your business journey and ensure your marketing efforts bring a return on investment. As a mental health advocate and a proponent of plants over pills, I proudly serve the cannabis industry, integrating my personal values into my professional mission.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, this is a great question! I’m a big foodie and love trail walks, so here’s my perfect weekend in Fort Collins. I’d start off on Friday with dinner at the Colorado Room, followed by a Peanut Butter Coffee Bomb from Lucky Joe’s (if you’re a CSU alum, you know the hype! Go Rams!). Then, I’d enjoy a sunset drive up to Horsetooth Reservoir or the Poudre Canyon.
On Saturday, I’d hit the farmer’s market in Old Town Fort Collins, followed by a nice trail walk with my dogs at Spring Canyon or a kayaking adventure on Horsetooth. To finish off the weekend, on Sunday, I’d hit a yoga session (too many great places in foco to count) and then head up to Estes Park, stroll around Elkhorn Avenue, drive by the Stanley Hotel, and take a scenic drive into Allenspark.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents are my #1 supporters and have instilled a strong work ethic in me for as long as I can remember. They encouraged me to try—and sometimes fail—at many different sports and hobbies, which I firmly believe gave me the confidence to dive fully into marketing and take the risk of starting my own business.
Beyond my parents’ support, I was fortunate to have some incredible mentors in high school, particularly my marketing teachers and DECA chapter advisors, Mrs. DiVello and Mrs. Hermes. They truly believed in my passion for business and marketing, introducing me to marketing strategy, which led me to pursue it as my career.
Another huge role model to me is, Renee Younes, my very first internship supervisor, who taught me more than any boss or mentor about work and life. She taught me crucial interpersonal skills and took me to Chamber of Commerce luncheons as a 17-year-old, where I had to build confidence and learn how to execute an elevator pitch. Thanks to Renee for pushing me out of my comfort zone while offering immense support and guidance, I developed a knack for networking and stepping out of my comfort zone, skills that have served me immensely.
I am thankful to have many supporters, family & friends, who have cheered me on over the years. The ongoing support and love from my fiancé and our 3 dogs is what keeps me going on my toughest days as I venture further into my career.
Website: http://ocmdigitalmarketing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocm_digitalmarketing/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ocmdigitalmarketing
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ocmdigitalmarketing/
Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ocmdigitalmarketing/_created/
Image Credits
lcphotostyle