Veronica Cremen started Vonnimedia two and a half years ago. While the global pandemic was a “make or break” moment for many business owners, for her, it was a “make” moment that saw her digital marketing agency experience rapid growth during an unprecedented time.
Cremen spoke to Mediaweek about the agency’s humble beginnings, her surrounding team and network, as well as the exciting plans for the year ahead.
Cremen, who is 26 years old, launched Vonnimedia from her lounge room in the Sutherland Shire, intending to help people grow their brands and take them to the next level.
“Two years in, we’re managing over five million in annual digital advertising spent per year and growing,” she said.
Cremen noted that the company has also diversified its product range, specialising in digital advertising.
The agency offers TikTok in-house production for brands, promotional videos, Shopify-built custom websites, and a digital advertising stream focused on Facebook, Instagram, Google, Bing, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and Pinterest.
Before launching Vonnimedia, Cremen worked with E-retailer St. Frock, did experiential marketing for XPO Brands, and managed marketing activities for Beautiful Minds, a mental health advocacy group for preteens and teens across Australia.
She then launched her agency in her hometown, with an early focus on local brands. “The Sutherland Shire region is filled with amazing, young, and vibrant entrepreneurs doing amazing things in the retail space, E-commerce and services. It’s been integral in growing Vonnimedia and supporting the local community by giving back,” she said.
Key clients who have been with the agency since its launch include clothing brands SNDYS The Label and LMND, Australian luxury jewellery brand The Littl, Clear Skin House and NRL official merchandiser My Team Shop. While more recently, the agency welcomed Schwarzkopf Professional.
As the managing director, Cremen noted that while she can have quite eventful days, she sees herself primarily as a strategist and HR leader.
She explained: “The central role that I do in the business is ensuring that the team is working to their service delivery, empowering them and supporting their growth and development as a leader.
“The other piece that I work heavily on is introducing new sales development and ensuring that the onboarding process for new business is seamless.
“I am also very across the current clients and ensuring that they feel confident and excited about their brand and that they’ve got some solid steps to know their next steps for growth,” she added.
As a young woman at the helm of a growing and successful business, Cremen credited her support network and the agency – made up of a team of 15 – with helping her achievements.
“I believe in the power of having great support around you. Over the last few years, I’ve had the most wonderful team at Vonnimedia and an incredible support network around me that is backing and believing in me as a leader to make their dreams come true and create this change in the industry.
She added: “I am a huge advocate for entrepreneurship, and I think it’s important that as future leaders and as women that we can back ourselves, especially when we see an opportunity to help others, that we focus on providing that value to everyone around us.”
Vonnimedia grew amid the pandemic, in contrast to many businesses that were forced to stop working. Cremen explained that because they primarily dealt with E-commerce brands, many thrived with a digital marketing presence.
“I believe that in that time, we were able to service a lot of businesses, both service and product, and be that growth partner for them in a seemingly difficult time,” she said.
Looking to the year ahead, Cremen noted that the agency would continue doing once a week YouTube vlogs that give a transparent behind-the-scenes look at Vonnimedia on a day-to-day basis. She also said it’s a great way to show future talent a glimpse of the work and company culture.
She added: “It’s also really been great for our current clients to stay up to date on what we’re doing, and even for potential clients to see how we operate and what it’s like to be around the people that will be servicing their work.”
Cremen also noted that the agency has vacancies they are looking to fill to bolster their business’s advertising arm.
On the IMAA
Cremen had nothing but praise for the IMAA and the possibilities it provided for its members.
“It’s an amazing organisation that enables you to be educated about the industry and provides a lot of depth into your organisation that maybe you hadn’t thought about previously.
“They have strong initiatives regarding diversity and inclusion, which has been important to integrate into our business and supported by IMAA.”
She praised the organisation for giving back to the members and supporting the network connections made.
“I think it’s been the best thing that I’ve ever done for my business, to implement and be a part of IMAA and its events and activities that support the industry,” Cremen added.
