Okanagan College Bachelor of Business Administration alumna Rosanne Ting-Mak Brown had to completely pivot her event management business when the pandemic hit. Through navigating the new norm, she has remained optimistic about the future of her company, RedScope Media.
Where are you from and where are you now?
I grew up in Edmonton and now live in West Kelowna.
Looking back at your time at OC, what is your best memory?
It was great to learn and grow with so many likeminded people.
Tell us about your current position.
I started my company in 2011. Originally offering social media management and event production. As I developed, my business became more and more event focused. I do all the marketing and social media for my events and I produce the events themselves with the help of contract workers that I hire. My company was growing to the point where I was about to bring on staff fulltime right before Covid-19 hit. As a predominately event-focused business, I had to completely pivot.
In July I started a new side business, Wow the Yard, a custom celebration yard sign business. We install and rent giant personalized yard signs complete with flair décor for any celebration.
What do you think has been the biggest turning point for your career path?
Becoming self employed and having to rely solely on yourself for sales, marketing, accounting and more.
Do you do any volunteer/charity work?
I partner with a lot of charities for my events to raise money and awareness for the charities. Through the Great Closet Cleanout series we have contributed directly about $10,000 and indirectly another $30,000 has been raised for charity. Our Okanagan ChristmasFest has raised over $18,000 for charity. We have supported Kelowna Women’s Shelter, Habitat for Humanity, Mamas for Mamas, Paws it Forward, Central Okanagan Food Bank and more!
How are you involved in the community?
I spent many years as a member of JCI (Junior Chamber International) and was awarded a Senatorship with them!
What advice would you pass on to current/future students?
When looking for work, focus on what you love!
What are you most passionate about in your career?
Bringing people together, making people happy, and supporting their success. I also love being able to work together with my family…even my 10 year old son helps out!
When you’re not working, what are you doing?
I’m self employed, I am always working! But as a family we love travelling internationally, skiing, and all the fun things that go along with raising a young son.
If you could have coffee with anyone who would it be and why?
Anyone in real life this year! I am looking forward to face to face contact again.
If you could go back and tell yourself one thing, would you and what would you say?
Believe in yourself!
Why do you feel it’s important to celebrate the success of Women in Business?
Every year we see more and more women breaking barriers. We need to continue to support and celebrate these achievements!
The Okanagan College Alumni Association (OCAA) is a non-profit organization that celebrates alumni by creating connections and opportunities.
The OCAA was founded in 1988. Since then, the goal of the Association has been to connect alumni with each other and with the College, while supporting the College's mission statement of transforming lives and communities.
The OCAA offers benefits and networking opportunities to OC graduates and celebrates them by sharing their stories and recognizing their achievements through awards such as the Distinguished & Young Alumni Awards.
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