Jessy Savage is the owner and founder of Victoria Digital Marketing (VDM), a company that grew out of a challenging moment in her life. When the pandemic hit, Jessy was working her dream job at a digital marketing agency in Kelowna. But like many others, she was laid off. Instead of accepting that setback, she turned it into an opportunity. With determination and drive, Jessy returned to Victoria and began building her own digital marketing business from scratch.
During the quiet period of lockdown, Jessy focused on creating her website, improving her services, and finding clients. For the first two years, she ran VDM as a solopreneur. Then, she expanded it into a collaborative, community-based model. Her decision to say “no” to failure turned into the foundation of a company that not only supports its clients but uplifts its local community as well.
One of Jessy’s proudest achievements is how VDM supports local talent. All her team members are hired from the surrounding region, and this ensures that the money they earn continues to circulate within the local economy. This model may not be the most profitable in the traditional sense, but for Jessy, it’s the most meaningful. While many agencies outsource work offshore for higher profit margins, Jessy is proud to know that her team is well-fed, happy, and taken care of. That peace of mind means more to her than any extra revenue.
“Entrepreneurship is terrifying, but also one of the most rewarding things you can ever do.”
Another proud moment for her came when VDM was able to help a medical specialist create a custom login portal—something that required creative thinking and technical skill. Projects like this remind Jessy why she loves the work she does: every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Jessy’s leadership style is grounded in humility and communication. She never refers to herself as “the boss” and prefers to lead by example rather than authority. Her team isn’t treated like “staff” or subordinates. Instead, each person is encouraged to be independent, make decisions, and grow in confidence. There is no strict hierarchy at VDM—only shared goals and mutual respect. Jessy believes this approach builds a stronger, more capable team.
Her values are clear: people come before profit. She believes in supporting her team not just with fair pay and schedules, but also by investing in their growth. If a team member needs additional training, Jessy ensures that the company covers it. She values strength and development over squeezing out extra revenue. It’s more important to her that her team feels supported, confident, and ready for any challenge. But the journey hasn’t always been easy. Jessy faced many challenges, especially in the early days of starting her business. She admits that putting herself out there was terrifying, and she struggled with self-doubt. Like many entrepreneurs, she experienced imposter syndrome and found it difficult to build confidence. Cold outreach was intimidating, and she often froze when the pressure was on. However, with time and persistence, Jessy pushed through and used the business as a way to overcome her natural shyness.
Learning how to run a business was also a challenge. Jessy figured out many things on the fly, often learning as she went. But she always reminded herself that she had the skills and determination to succeed—and that mindset carried her forward.
Staying innovative is a big part of VDM’s success. Jessy makes sure that her team is always learning, encouraging ongoing development through internal training funds and monthly learning hours. In the digital world, things change quickly, and Jessy knows that what worked last year—or even last month—might not work today. Keeping up with industry changes is essential, and Jessy ensures her team has the tools and resources they need to stay ahead.
“I could grow the business in all the wrong ways, but I choose to grow it the right way—by supporting local.”
Motivating her team is another area Jessy takes seriously. She tries to build a real sense of community within VDM. This includes giving team members tickets to hockey games, music festivals, and other fun events. These experiences help foster relationships and boost morale. Additionally, 10% of each team member’s work hours are dedicated to learning, whether through free or paid courses. VDM also supports nonprofits through promotional giveaways and volunteer work, further strengthening the team’s sense of purpose.
Technology plays a fun and functional role in the company. Jessy and her team love experimenting with new tools and finding ways to improve their workflow. They embrace artificial intelligence and other innovations that make workdays more efficient and enjoyable. For Jessy, staying curious and adaptable is key to thriving in today’s fast-paced world.
Social responsibility and sustainability are deeply woven into VDM’s culture. Without a physical office, the team avoids commuting, reducing their environmental impact. The company also gives back by supporting nonprofits. They’ve developed a program to help these organizations access Google Ads Grant campaigns, securing up to $10,000 in ad spending per month. Each quarter, VDM donates a website project to a community organization. From helping a cat rescue to supporting a new healthcare facility for the Cool Aid Society, Jessy ensures that her company always gives back.
Looking ahead to 2025, Jessy is excited about trends that focus on local support. She believes that in times of global uncertainty, investing in local communities is more important than ever. While she knows she could expand VDM globally and boost profits by outsourcing, Jessy chooses to stay committed to her values. Supporting local businesses, sports teams, and events is what drives her—and she’s excited to keep building community connections in this way.
Balancing work and personal life hasn’t always been easy for Jessy. In the beginning, she worked constantly, taking calls at all hours and checking emails every weekend. This led to burnout. Now, she has clear boundaries. Only her team has access to her personal number in case of emergency, and she protects her personal time. Activities like walking her dog, cooking, playing music, and spending time outdoors help her recharge and stay grounded. She’s learned that entrepreneurs must take care of themselves, or they risk becoming consumed by their work.
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs, Jessy keeps it real. For leaders, she says it’s okay not to have all the answers. The most important thing is to admit when you’re wrong and be open with your team. For entrepreneurs, she offers a reminder that it’s not an easy path. Building a business is hard and requires sacrifices—but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Creating something from nothing, watching it grow, and knowing you did it yourself is a feeling unlike any other.
One exciting new project Jessy is working on is revitalizing VDM’s internal social media accounts. The goal is to use these platforms to promote local businesses completely free of charge. She recently hired a dedicated social media manager whose job is to explore the community, highlight local businesses, and showcase the exciting things happening in Victoria. This initiative gives back to the community while giving her team the chance to connect and have fun.
“I’d rather lead than boss—my team isn’t staff, they’re equals working toward a shared goal.”
When asked how she’d like to be remembered, Jessy answers simply: human and humble. She’s worked under leaders who were cold, unkind, and unsupportive. She never wants to be that kind of boss. Jessy wants to be remembered as someone who treated her team with respect, admitted her mistakes, and always put people first. In a world that often focuses on profit and growth above all else, Jessy Savage stands out as a leader who puts heart, community, and integrity at the center of her work.
