Welcome to Meet the Owner! Shop Local Raleigh is committed to telling the story of Wake County’s locally-owned, independent businesses. We take pride in the character these businesses bring to our community and local economy. When shopping at a locally-owned business, you are more than likely interacting with the owner! We started this blog series to help you get to know the local business owners in our community.
This time we caught up with Anna Sullivan, owner of the Creative Exchange. Anna has lived in the Triangle for the past two years and started The Creative Exchange to mix passion with owning a local business. The Creative Exchange is a social media agency that offers full service social media strategies and implementation. Here is what Anna had to say about starting her own agency, her favorite local businesses to support and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs!
Meet Anna! 
What motivated/inspired you to open a business?
I’ve been an entrepreneur since I was 5. I knew this would be the path for me. However, I found out my path more specifically in college while working for several local shops and doing their marketing. I love supporting local and social media so it all made sense to cater to those businesses. I also worked at several larger marketing agencies and disliked some of their practices with clients. Preferably, the relationship will be transparent and personal.
What is your businesses concept?
I work with small businesses and startups to help them build up their social media presence through strategy, community management, campaigns, influencer programs, etc. My team consists of people who are passionate about small businesses and love being creative and thinking outside of the box. We also work mainly out of coffee shops, client offices, and co-working spaces. We are all about being minimal and saving in overhead costs. That allows us to offer the best value and price to our clients.
What makes owning a business in Wake County special?
I think the “shop local” movement is very much supported here and seems to be growing! I have grown up in this state and plan to stay. The Triangle seemed to fit me and my business the best! The city has also been in transition and ever changing, I wanted to be a part of that.
What are some of your favorite local businesses to support (besides yours)?
I love Port of Raleigh, Zen Succulent, Fiction Kitchen, Poole’s Diner, Boulted Bread and Yellow Dog Bakery. I really enjoy delicious, local restaurants
What advice would you give to a new business owner?
I would say spend your funds wisely. I put so much money back into the business and it truly helped us grow. Also, for my business, networking is key since most of the clients have been referrals.
What are you passionate about outside of your business?
I live and breathe social media. I’m on it for work and on it during my free time. I love to travel, that is what I work toward when I can find time to get away. However, this business can be done virtually anywhere so traveling is easier than having a normal office job.
Learn more about the Creative Exchange at there website!
