Today we’d like to introduce you to Aundrea Cika Heschmeyer.
Hi Aundrea Cika, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling — whether it’s a brand’s, a nonprofit’s, or a city’s. I began my career as a journalist, working in television, newspapers, and magazines across South Dakota and Washington, D.C. But it wasn’t until I returned home to raise my family and care for my mother that I realized my greatest impact would come from helping others tell their stories.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building a boutique agency in a mid-sized, economically challenged city like Youngstown has never been an easy task. There’s no roadmap for a business like MARQUEE — one that blends creativity, community, and strategy under one roof. We’re not a traditional ad agency. We’re not just event planners. And we’re not interested in chasing “likes” without meaning. That makes us hard to categorize — and sometimes, harder to fund or fit into systems designed for more conventional businesses.
As a woman entrepreneur, I’ve also faced the classic hurdles — being underestimated in C-Suites, asked to justify pricing in ways my male peers aren’t, or juggling family responsibilities that never stop calling, even when deadlines are met.
But one of the biggest challenges recently has been navigating unpredictable economic cycles. Even when we’re producing incredible work, a slow quarter without new clients can feel crushing. It’s a test of faith, leadership, and tenacity. I’ve learned to reframe slow periods as opportunities to reconnect with financial advisors, peers, and past clients. Sometimes, just picking up the phone and saying, “I’d love to work together again,” has reopened doors.
The good news? Every challenge has strengthened our mission. We’ve become more scrappy, strategic, and selective about the clients we take on — because we know our worth and understand the kind of work that makes an impact and changes lives.
Most of all, these challenges have deepened my commitment to lifting others up. When you’ve fought to build something from scratch — and kept going through the quiet seasons — you develop a deeper sense of empathy, which I bring to every client, collaborator, and community we serve.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Marquee Creatives was founded in 2005 and incorporated in 2019. It is an experiential marketing agency focusing on strategic marketing and inspired events for passionate clients. With a specialty in public and media relations, brand development, nonprofit fundraising, corporate events, and digital marketing, we are proud to engage 13 affiliated staffers who, on average, bring more than 20 years of experience to help clients grow and stand out from the competition.
What started as freelance consulting evolved into a full-service agency serving mission-driven organizations, female founders, cultural festivals, and community revitalization projects across Ohio and beyond.
As a woman-owned, women-powered business, we intentionally operate differently. MARQUEE partners with nonprofits and small businesses who are ready to grow but need help navigating limited budgets, complex audiences, and a noisy world. We also offer strategic marketing services for major initiatives, such as autism advocacy, childhood food justice, and regional economic development.
Some of our proudest moments include rebuilding the regional Autism Society, creating a regional heritage event in Simply Slavic, and mentoring the next generation of creatives right here in Youngstown.
This work isn’t easy — especially during uncertain economic times — but it’s meaningful. And it’s personal. Because I believe when you love a place, you invest in it. And when you empower others to shine, your light gets a little brighter too.
We devote the time our clients need. We listen to their needs and respond with practical solutions developed specifically for their business and budget. We are deeply invested in your long-term success. We want to consistently exceed their expectations and achieve their unique goals. This is the MARQUEE way.
Any big plans?
At MARQUEE, the future is about scaling impact — not just size.
We’re focused on deepening our work with mission-driven organizations, women-owned businesses, and regional initiatives that align with our values. That means growing our portfolio of strategic marketing campaigns, branded experiences, and nonprofit fundraising events that make a measurable difference in the communities we serve.
We’re also formalizing a startup branding package for entrepreneurs in the Mahoning Valley — providing new business owners with the foundational tools they need to launch with confidence: logo design, messaging, digital presence, and storytelling that reflect who they are and where they’re going.
Internally, we’re building more infrastructure to support our team of 13+ independent contractors with clearer workflows, mentorship, and cross-collaboration. We want MARQUEE to remain a launchpad for creative professionals who want to grow their craft and lead fulfilling lives.
Personally, I want to spend more time teaching others what I’ve learned — through mentoring, speaking engagements, and maybe even a book or two. I’ve built this business through equal parts hustle, heart, and heritage, and I’d love to help the next generation do the same, but faster.
We don’t want to be the biggest agency — just the one clients trust to tell their story with clarity, strategy, and soul.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marqueeecreatives.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marqueecreatives
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marqueecreatives
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marquee-creatives/
- Twitter: https://x.com/followmarquee
