We were lucky to catch up with Ahna Abuvala recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ahna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Is your team able to work remotely? If so, how have you made it work? What, if any, have been the pitfalls? What have been the non-obvious benefits?

The marketing industry is often on the go, so it was an easy transition to work fully remote for myself and my team and it’s one of the aspects of my business that I’m most proud of. One of the main reasons I started my own business was to break free from the traditional 9-to-5 desk job and create a work environment that values flexibility and creativity. I’ve never been very productive being tied to a desk in a cubicle with plain gray walls. Instead, I find my creativity flourishes when I’m traveling, experiencing beautiful spaces, and immersing myself in vibrant coffee shops filled with plants, delicious lattes, and innovative people. I wanted the same for my employees—to have the freedom to work from anywhere in the world and find their own sources of inspiration.

Of course, remote work isn’t without its challenges. It can sometimes feel isolating without the daily in-person interaction of a larger team, so we make a point of scheduling regular virtual check-ins and streamline communication to maintain our connection. Coordinating across different schedules can also be tricky, requiring mindful planning and respect for each other’s time. Additionally, the lack of physical separation between work and home can blur boundaries, making it essential to emphasize setting personal boundaries and taking breaks.

Despite these challenges, there have been several unexpected benefits. Being able to work from different locations brings diverse perspectives and ideas, leading to more innovative solutions. We save money on commuting and office expenses, allowing us to invest more in tools and resources that enhance our work. We have reported increased productivity and job satisfaction, as the flexibility allows us to work when we feel most creative and focused. Additionally, we recognize the importance of face-to-face interactions with clients, so we make it a priority to schedule in-person meetings and travel for shoots to build stronger connections.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At Olive & Bee Creative, we’re passionate about crafting unique marketing experiences for luxury brands in the digital space. What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and meaningful connections. Drawing from my background in event production, hospitality, and digital marketing, I founded Olive & Bee with a vision to create a welcoming environment where collaboration thrives. Our approach to marketing goes beyond promotion; we believe in forging genuine relationships between brands and their audiences.

The journey to where we are today hasn’t been without its challenges. Starting a business without financial investors or partners posed initial hurdles, but with determination and the unwavering support of my family and friends, I overcame those obstacles. The lessons learned along the way have been invaluable— from understanding the importance of knowing your worth and setting boundaries to the power of building a supportive network. These experiences have shaped our ethos and approach to business.

My mission is to curate a digital haven, a space where ideas thrive, connections flourish, and dreams are nurtured. Olive & Bee develops unique marketing experiences, brand strategy, and website design for a variety of clients. Our current clients include restaurants, interior designers, florists, caterers, wedding & event planners, retailers, health and wellness brands, and champagne importers.

You’ll find that Olive & Bee often partners with brands we are passionate about. I could never see myself working with a brand that I didn’t align with because I would never want to showcase something I wasn’t obsessed with. I genuinely adore the clients I work with, fully support their businesses, and truly love watching their brands evolve.

Something I pride myself on is how quickly I can dissect a brand and learn its brand voice. My favorite experiences with clients are ones where they originally hired me for branding and website design and then chose to continue the partnership with digital marketing since they love the work we’ve built together.

For those who may not know, Olive & Bee Creative provides comprehensive marketing solutions tailored to luxury brands. We offer services in brand strategy, website design, and digital marketing, with a focus on creating immersive and authentic experiences. We solve problems by helping our clients reveal their unique personality to the world, establishing genuine connections with their audiences, and driving growth through strategic, creative solutions.

What I’m most proud of is our dedication to authenticity and the meaningful relationships we build with our clients. I want potential clients and followers to know that at Olive & Bee, we’re not just about delivering services; we’re about nurturing dreams and creating spaces where brands can truly shine.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has definitely been focusing on community and building strong relationships. I believe in the power of genuine connections. By meeting clients in person, socializing, and really getting to know them, I’ve been able to create a network of trust and mutual respect. This personal approach often leads to new opportunities, as happy clients are more likely to refer us and continue working with us on new projects.

I make it a point to attend industry events, host supper clubs, and participate in local community activities. These efforts help keep us visible and allow us to foster meaningful relationships. This community-focused approach not only strengthens our existing client bonds but also opens doors to new partnerships. Clients appreciate the authenticity and dedication we bring to each interaction, and that’s been a key driver in expanding our client base. By focusing on building a supportive and engaged community, we’ve created a loyal clientele that values our commitment to their success and the personal touch we bring to every project.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Coming from the hospitality industry, I’ve learned firsthand how crucial it is to maintain high morale within a team. In hospitality, the customer is always right, and the staff often gets overlooked. This experience shaped my approach to managing my own business, where I prioritize making sure my employee feels valued, understood, and seen.

My advice for managing a team and maintaining high morale revolves around fostering an environment of transparency and mutual respect. I want my employee to know she can always be open about anything—no matter how big or small. It’s important to cultivate a culture where both of us can work hard and play hard. We emphasize the importance of balance, ensuring that we don’t get burned out. After all, we’re not saving lives; it’s just marketing. If either of us needs a break to rest and recharge, we take it.

Encouraging a flexible and supportive work environment is key. I remind both myself and my employee that taking a moment to rest and come back with fresh, creative energy is not just okay—it’s necessary. By doing so, we maintain a high level of creativity and productivity, while also ensuring that we enjoy the work we do. Valuing each other and maintaining open communication has been instrumental in keeping morale high and making Olive & Bee Creative a great place to work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://oliveandbeecreative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliveandbeecreative/

Image Credits

Jessica Amerson Photography