Sloan Symington
Brand Builder / Storyteller / Growth Strategist
Los Angeles, CA
olivestreetco.com
instagram @sloansymington
linkedin
Q What do you do?
“I’m a brand builder and storyteller at heart.”
I've spent the last 10+ years working in fashion, health, wellness and beauty - all roles required me to roll up my sleeves and figure out how to think outside of the box to drive those businesses forward.
My work can look like building brand books, creating robust marketing roadmaps to meet business goals, building go-to-market plans for new launches, building out content strategy across channels and community building.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Throughout my career, I’ve almost exclusively worked at startups, so I have lots of experience in trying new things, wearing multiple hats and being a “doer”.
Becoming a mother has rocked my world in the best ways possible, but it's also challenged my thinking on what it means to be a driven and passionate builder/ marketer/ storyteller. I’ve now entered into my own building and growing era.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I’m not one of those consultants that will just hand you over a high-level document and wish you the best of luck on executing it. I want to get in the weeds and be there to bring it all to life.
In practice, my approach to marketing and brand building can mean creating a clear brand story and connecting with consumers on a more human level. It can also mean lifting the hood and getting into the data- conversion rates, traffic by channel, CAC, click through rates, etc. I think as a builder, it’s essential to be able to speak both creative and analytical languages and not live in silos.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’ve been living in the beauty space for the past 4 years where texture, ingredients and anything related to the science skin is where it’s at. Since starting consulting, I’ve been expanding into other industries from B2B to CPG.
I’ve also got my passion project of designing clothes on the backburner.
Q What’s your style?
UTILITARIAN. VERSATILE. COMFORTABLE.
I believe in creating things and telling stories that have a real purpose and add value. I threw comfortable in, because who wants to be uncomfortable?
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I love working with founder-led companies because there’s a level of authenticity and belief in what’s being built that can’t be replicated elsewhere. I would prefer to work with mission driven companies - they can be across industries.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I’m constantly wondering if I’m doing enough and putting myself “out there” enough to actually get traction with potential clients. I know patience and doing the right things will yield positive results. Internal voice that says just keep swimming really resonates.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Field potential clients!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
When I was really early in my career, I used to think that my experience working at startups wasn’t as valued as those who had worked at massive companies. Now, I look at it as a strength – I have this experience that has allowed me to work in multiple industries, different size companies and most importantly, really seeing how to truly make an impact on a business. I’ve never been a cog in the wheel type.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How to build better reporting and growth projections for businesses.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I'm looking to use my hands-on experience to work with brands in the following capacity:
- Robust Marketing Plans (go to market strategy, product launches, campaigns, etc)
- Brand Storytelling (positioning, copywriting, content dev/ strategy)
- Digital Marketing (organic content and community building, paid strategy, email/ SMS marketing strategy and execution)
- Brand Audit and Competitive Analysis- a qualitative approach on how and where to show up as a brand in a crowded world.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I'd really love to work with businesses that may have some early traction, but that I can help elevate and take to the next level. I’m more of a builder and less of a tinker type. The ideal client may not quite have the budget for a full time senior level marketer, but wants to make an investment to grow their business.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email - sloan@sloansymington.com
I’d love info about the services they are interested in and if they have a general budget.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Kennedy Ann Roberts – I think she is already a part of the I Love Creatives community.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I love reading and podcasts. I’m constantly inspired by those who share their process and are vulnerable enough to share their ups and downs.
This member profile was originally published in December 2022.