We sat down and had a heart-to-heart with Cathy Provencher, who runs her own digital marketing agency called Peridot and Poppy Digital. Since launching her business with the plan to tailor it to small and medium-sized businesses, Cathy has helped several businesses thrive during difficult economic times. Her passion for storytelling and personalized service has set Peridot and Poppy Digital apart, making them a trusted partner for businesses looking to boost their sales and connect authentically with their audience.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Peridot and Poppy Digital, a digital marketing agency, has supported small to medium-sized businesses in Calgary, Alberta and across Canada since 2020. Our services include social media management, business marketing plans, photography, e-newsletters, graphic design, and public relations. We also offer personal photography for individuals and families.
What made you want to do this work?
I launched P&P in the thick of covid with one sole purpose: to support small and medium-sized businesses in our province! At the start of the pandemic, businesses were closing their doors left and right, and it didn’t sit well in my heart to see that happen – it was heartbreaking. With my extensive background in marketing and media, I wanted to launch an affordable marketing agency that provided quality for this demographic of business owners. It has been so fulfilling supporting businesses across this incredible province (and Canada-wide, for that matter) and seeing their businesses flourish with the right amount of nudging and support from a marketing lens.
A bit about my background: I started in broadcasting at the ripe age of 18 and worked in media for many years, before transitioning into the marketing and communications world. I have worked at 660 News, X929 FM, CJAY 92, 98-5 Virgin Radio and Classic Country AM 1060, working as an on-air announcer and promotions coordinator. From there, I flew high in the skies as a helicopter reporter for Global news and QR77 (Newstalk 770) – while also flying the skies as a Westjet Flight attendant. From there, I transitioned into marketing and communications realm, working at children’s charities (Kids Cancer Care Foundation, for example), Jamesons Pubs as their Marketing Director – and lastly as a Marketing Specialist across Canada for Good Earth Coffeehouse – where I supported 50+ cafes across Canada with their social media and marketing – before I launched Peridot and Poppy Digital.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Support small—and medium-sized business owners who really needed help and guidance to boost their sales in the troubled economy created by COVID-19 and since then, an economy that is heavily impacted by inflation and the cost of living.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
From a B2B perspective: business owners from all walks of life! Some of my clientele includes restaurants, pet shops, health and wellness clinic owners, health and wellness provincial associations, baking companies, post-secondary institutions, a national coffeehouse franchise, a national painting franchise, a window installation company, auctioneers, sports clients, psychologists, spas, children’s charities, and realtors, to name a few! I am open to working with business owners from all walks of life and service offerings.
From a B2C perspective: offering family and personal photography
How does your business make money? How does it work?
From all of the services I listed above 🙂
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Calgary, Alberta. However, I support clients provincially and nationally.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
What sets your business apart from other businesses?
At Peridot and Poppy Digital, we offer a personalized experience. For businesses, we like to share the story of the HUMANS behind a brand and showcase their story. People will authentically connect (and purchase from) a business if they can get to know and connect with the humans behind a brand. A big part of branding is focusing on how your brand makes customers feel. With Cathy’s journalism background in television and radio, she loves storytelling and capturing the people behind businesses! In addition, we like to make a photography experience fun and personalized for individuals and families. We take the extra time to ensure we capture all the desired images and make them personal and fun. The images we capture will stand the test of time; a gift families can keep and reflect on for a lifetime.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part of my job is getting to know so many different kinds of people through my line of work—so many beautiful and different backgrounds, personalities, and passions. I also love seeing businesses transform and boost their sales after my support; it makes me genuinely feel like I am making an impact in this world.
The worst part of my job is finding a good balance between work and life – something that I think many business owners struggle. Being an entrepreneur means you are always on the clock; lots of crazy hours (think late evenings, weekends, early mornings)…it isn’t a typical 9-5 job. I recently welcomed my first child into the world this January 2024, so managing my time between work and personal life has been my most significant focus. I want to balance my two babies—my daughter and my business! I also care about showing my daughter that women can be thriving business owners and wonderful and present mothers – you don’t have to choose between one or the other – time management is key!
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
What’s a marketer’s favourite drink of choice?
Brand-y
What sound does a digital marketer’s watch make?
Tiktok
Where can we follow you?
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Recently, I have been loving HelloAmino, a protein baking company that I always purchase from! I did their marketing business plan for them, and they have since 8xed their yearly sales goals in under two years! I am so proud of them and their success, and they have sung my praises of how my support and guidance helped them to flourish.
