From First Client to Now: 9 Moments That Made Us Who We Are

It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached another November, especially since this November 1st means Rosewood is celebrating its 9th birthday. I could never have predicted the journey this company has taken from Rosewood Virtual Administrative Services (party of 1) to Rosewood Marketing and Rosewood Fundraising (party of many). Nearly a decade packed with incredible clients and team members. It would have been even harder nine years ago to predict the exciting years ahead for Rosewood and its team. While we take a quick break from that future, I wanted to reflect on this 9-year journey and some of the major moments and milestones that have shaped us.

1. November 1, 2015: The Beginning

Starting my own business after swearing I would NEVER become an entrepreneur was … a lot to digest. After seeing the trials and tribulations my parents went through with their business, Simone Performance, the rollercoaster of high-highs and low-lows was something I never wanted for myself.

But here we are.

Starting wasn’t easy. I had a lot to learn, and I need to thank Joanne, who was an invaluable mentor for me with this new business. I also have to thank Maureen, past-owner of The Montana Group, for being customer number one. She was the first updraft that let Rosewood rise to what it is today.

2. November 2015: Vince’s Market

The other major springboard in Rosewood’s first month was solidifying Vince’s Market as one of our original clients. This was a defining moment for Rosewood. Not only was it the ultimate encouragement that owner, Giancarlo, decided to take a chance on a 24 year-old newbie, but it really was the name-dropping of their reputable brand that helped us gain traction and be taken seriously in this space.

3. 2018: Choosing Collaboration Over Competition

Over the next three years I became more comfortable with the trials of running a business and Rosewood’s clientele grew in suit. With an expanding network, I met Hollie Hoadley of Creative Solutions. This was one of the best things to ever happen to Rosewood. Not only did we combine forces to create a powerhouse collaboration team, but we also became incredible friends. We have always had each other to lean on and bounce ideas back and forth. By embracing collaboration, we’ve found much more success and enjoyment in our businesses than through competition.

4. 2019: Catch the Ace AGCO

In 2019 a new avenue appeared for Rosewood when we were approached by the Newmarket Lions Club. They wanted to build a website as a pilot project for Catch the Ace online sales. We built it and, soon after, were licensed by the AGCO for charitable gaming. This became one of Rosewood’s unique offerings for local nonprofits across the province.

5. 2020: The Digital Marketing Boom

2020 is going to stay that year in people’s memories for a long time. However, there were some positives too! During this time, Rosewood grew exponentially due to a shift in the need for digital marketing. There was a surge in projects and requests that year. I remember many holiday dinners I spent sneakily hunched over my laptop during desert.

I realized I simply couldn’t sustain this and provide the level of service our clients had come to expect. It was time to make a change and add skilled experts to the Rosewood team! While I wish I had chosen to grow the team earlier, I know that everything happens for a reason and we wouldn’t have met these incredible people.

6. 2020-2022: Team Members Make All the Difference

Since that choice to grow the team, we both welcomed and said farewell to a few key members:

Georgie (2019-2022): My sister from the other side of the world! We bonded over our love of business and the Simpsons (but only the good seasons).
Victoria (2021-2022): Victoria was a wonderful addition to Rosewood, filling the Virtual Admin role. Easy-going and down to learn anything!
Dasha (2020- ): Rosewood just wouldn’t be the same without Dasha behind a computer designing and developing websites. She’s our lovable nerd who tells it like it is!
Alex (2021- ): We’re so grateful for Alex and the incredible way his brain works. Forget thinking outside of the box, Alex has left the building to create full-blown abstract sculptures – and they’re incredible!
Paige (2022- ): When a company grows, it needs structure. Paige brought that law and order to Rosewood as Rosewood Marketing’s Account & Project Manager. Even though we push back against her processes and tools, she’s tenacious because she knows it’s for our own good.
Rya (2024-): Rya first entered the chat back in 2023, but we just didn’t have the right opportunity for her at that time. But with her assertiveness, combined with her background in tech and general kick-ass-ness, we knew we needed to lock her in as the Operations Manager for Rosewood Fundraising!

7. 2022: Rebrand

After 7 years of growth and changes, we embarked on a rebrand not only to refresh our logo, but also to solidify our target audience, define our offerings, and determine what makes Rosewood distinct and compelling for our clients. The rebrand also came with a newly designed website. Don’t laugh, but we’re still waiting to launch it!!

8. 2022: Rosewood Day

After two years of seeing each other through a screen, Rosewood’s core team finally got together from across Ontario and Canada for a full day of fun! For a virtual team, this day was really special for us. We did a team photoshoot, enjoyed some delicious sushi, savoured ice cream, and then escaped an escape room. It was amazing. I wish we could have Rosewood day every month!

9. 2024: The Big Change

The end of our 8th year came with a big change and on October 1, 2024, Rosewood Fundraising became its own corporation. This allows it to continue to grow independent of Rosewood Marketing. It still has the same values and standards at its core, but now its team and offerings can be more dedicated to the specific needs of nonprofits. It was very fitting to start our new fiscal off on this foot and we’re so excited for where this will end up!

The Future

A lot has happened with Rosewood these past 9 years, and I can’t wait to see what the next 9, 18, and 27 years have to offer. There will surely to be plenty of exciting changes, new challenges, and unforgettable victories. I’m excited for the future growth of both Rosewood Marketing and Rosewood Fundraising! For now, the Rosewood team and I will be hard at work at crafting that future and looking forward to celebrating a full decade of Rosewood next year!