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. That belief led me to launch MARQUEE, a boutique marketing and events consultancy based in Youngstown, Ohio. I started my career as a journalist, working in television, newspapers, and magazines from South Dakota to 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.
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. We specialize in branding, PR, digital marketing, and events — but really, we’re in the business of amplifying voices and sparking movements.
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 hertiage 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.
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-owned firm, 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 the deadlines hit.
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 gotten scrappier, more strategic, and more selective about the clients we take on — because we know our worth, and we know 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 LLC is an Ohio-based LLC located in Youngstown, Ohio. It was founded by Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer in 2005 and incorporated in 2019. Marquee is an experiential marketing agency focusing on strategic marketing and inspired events for a select group of passionate clients. With a specialty in public and media relations, brand development, nonprofit fundraising, corporate events, and digital marketing, Marquee is 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.
Marquee is a boutique marketing company focusing on a select group of visionary business leaders and organizations who are passionate about their mission and goals. Marquee looks for clients who want more than selling its services. Marquee wants clients who want to build their brand through captivating experiences, creative marketing, and relationship building. It’s a unique way of doing business, but Marquee is a unique company. This is MARQUEE.
Focusing on a limited client base, Marquee’s talented team inspires with new ideas and fresh perspectives, high energy and passion, creative concepts, and hard work. The kind of personal service and passion not found in the cookie-cutter marketing company with too many clients to name. Marquee develops personalized, bold, creative solutions for your marketing needs, tailored to the unique goals of its limited base of unique clients. This is the MARQUEE difference.
Marquee devotes the time clients need. Its staff listens to client needs and responds with practical solutions developed specifically for their business and budget. Marquee is deeply invested in the long-term success of any project with which it is engaged. The plan is to exceed expectations and achieve unique goals consistently. This is the MARQUEE way.
Marquee looks for clients who want personalized services on their schedule. These business owners and executives understand that boutique services are worth the extra cost because they work at the speed of business and want to take advantage of the creative events, unique branding, social media that doesn’t look like everyone else’s and want to set themselves apart from the crowd. This is the MARQUEE client.
Marketing is about more than selling. It connects people and builds relationships. It creates captivating experiences and ensures people are invested in your brand. It breaks through the noise, engages your customers, and ensures you are heard. This is what MARQUEE believes.
Marquee’s talented team inspires you with new ideas and fresh perspectives. We’re ignited by an infectious energy and passion you won’t find anywhere else. This is what MARQUEE does.
Advertising + Media Buying
Content Creation
Community Engagement
Event Creation + Management
Database Development + Management
Development + Non-Profit Services
Fundraising + Campaign Development
Graphic Design + Branding
Social Media + Digital Marketing
Public + Media Relations
Web Design + SEO Management
We devote the time our clients need. We listen to your needs and respond with practical solutions developed specifically for your business and budget. We are deeply invested in your long-term success. We want to consistently exceed your expectations and achieve your unique goals. This is the MARQUEE way.
We focus on a select group of visionary leaders and organizations who, like us, are passionate about their mission and goals. You know that success doesn’t come easy. You understand that it takes strategy, dedication, and patience. This is a MARQUEE client.
Our experienced team knows your business is unique and works closely with you to develop personalized solutions for your marketing needs. We use courageous creativity to create bold solutions and memorable experiences that give you the competitive edge needed to achieve your business goals. This is the MARQUEE difference.
This is a MARQUEE
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 — giving new business owners the foundational tools they need to launch with confidence: logo design, messaging, digital presence, and storytelling that reflects 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 have a life.
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
