Embarking on a dynamic career path at the age of 19, Fern Sabo now has over 28 years of experience as an accomplished marketing professional and business management expert. With an educational background in business administration and web technology, she has honed her skills and knowledge to excel in the entrepreneurial world. Her drive to adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape led her to establish Spring Creative Inc. in 2018, providing invaluable support to local businesses and organizations.

Spring Creative is a marketing consultancy with clients across western Canada, specializing in marketing, branding, design, and technical support. Spring Creative serves a variety of clients, but Fern initially focused on working with local businesses. She takes pride in the agency’s collaboration within her community, particularly those making positive contributions.

Fern’s experience with WeBC began a decade ago when she sought resources for her technology-based consultancy. This was the beginning of her special connection with WeBC. For her, WeBC wasn’t just a place for resources; it became a vital support system guiding Fern through the challenges of starting and running her business. Due to her strong ties to her community and her seasoned professional career, WeBC extended an invitation for Fern to serve as a Regional Ambassador in 2023. As she takes on her new role, she is eager to share her experiences and support other women on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Q&A

Q: How does Spring Creative contribute to and give back to its local community?

A: We provide services relating to marketing, design, branding, and technology support primarily to the businesses and organizations that are leaders in our community. A lot of our clients have a positive impact on the world within the non-profit, healthcare, and business sectors, and we’re there to support them through the ever-changing digital landscape. It’s important we focus on supporting our community; it’s a really big piece of it.

Q: What inspired and motivated you to start your own business, and how has this journey evolved?

A: I’ve always been drawn to being an entrepreneur and working for myself. I got my start in 1996, through a youth business development program run by our local college and Community Futures here in Nelson. That’s where I had my first real taste of running a business and using the internet for marketing purposes.

From there, I pursued a career path centered around business development and marketing communications, both in the for-profit and non-profit sectors. I have founded and co-founded over half a dozen businesses, have spearheaded community societies and transformed clients’ budding ideas into successful global charities.

Now with Spring Creative, we’re five years in, and the vision that I had for having everything under one roof has come together.

Q: What made you want to become a Regional Ambassador and what aspects of this role are you most excited about?

A: I was drawn to becoming a Regional Ambassador because of my previous involvement with initiatives like the WeBC Mentorship Celebration for International Women’s Day. After participating in panels and discussions on being a woman entrepreneur in remote communities, I was approached to take on the role. I said yes because I know personally what it’s like to live in a rural community in BC and have experienced the challenges of starting a business with limited resources.

I think women entrepreneurs encounter inequalities that have existed with traditional resources and opportunities for support. With WeBC, they’re part of an ecosystem that supports businesses within our region, ultimately enhancing their overall success.

Q: Can you highlight some notable achievements or milestones that Spring Creative has accomplished?

A: We secured a gold award in the Ava Digital Awards for creativity in website design and claimed gold in the Hermes Creative Awards for an impactful magazine ad. We have also been awarded the Client Success, Local Impact Award from our partners in both 2022 and 2023. It feels like it’s really nice to be recognized, and I want to emphasize how important it is to have such an amazing team to work with.

Where to find Spring Creative

Website: springcreative.ca

Facebook: @Spring.Creative.Marketing

Instagram: @spring.creative.marketing

LinkedIn: Spring Creative Marketing