Suppa Media Inc.

12/25/2023

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Cherish the moments, because they become memories and stories to tell for years to come.

04/22/2023

This week, we lost a special person.

David Blackwell was a trailblazer in community television; he was an event producer extraordinaire, a passionate advocate for local organizations and charities, and someone who truly cared about people.

Devoted to his family, David had an impressive network of friends and colleagues. He was my boss, my mentor, and my friend.

When I was a young producer, still very green in the industry, David generously took me under his wing, allowing me to assist him on larger-scale and live event productions. He loved making things grand — huge screens, lighting cues, staging synchronization. His attention to detail was unmatched; he literally thought of everything.

David had charisma. Unmistakable with his long, flowing silver hair and big wide smile, he had the respect of high-profile leaders, Police Chiefs, production crews, and his colleagues.

He appreciated the finer things in life — a quality glass of wine, snazzy watches, and the most colourful fashion. He’s still one of the only people I know who can rock purple suede shoes.

He was hard-working and confident, but kind.

We had a mutual respect that went beyond work. He would always make a point of asking about my family, and would proudly share photos of his adventures with Pat to Switzerland, stories of his children Graham and Kerry, and when he became an Opa, he glowed with pride.

Like any of us, he had his quirks — he was often at the office before I was even awake, and I’d find dozens of emails from him with reminders and “deliverables”. I’ve come to learn and appreciate that his mind just didn’t stop.

Since leaving Rogers, we still connected a few times each year, and when we worked together, it was just like old times. David had a profound impact on my career, how I work, and who I am.

I am heartbroken his life was cut short; he will be sorely missed by many and I will be forever grateful for his wisdom, friendship, and love. My condolences to his family and all who knew him.

To leave a message in the online Guestbook: https://lnkd.in/ggKYj2es

03/30/2023

Suppa Media was proud to be a Media Partner for .

With hundreds in attendance, Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca delivered a keynote address, outlining his call to action, namely traffic-related concerns that will be exasperated with Vaughan’s rapidly growing population.
 
A recent forecast by York Region suggests that by 2051, Vaughan’s population will increase by more than 66 per cent to be nearly 570,000.

To that end, Mayor Del Duca detailed a 10-year Action Plan to Fight Traffic Gridlock in Vaughan, featuring several Council-approved city-building projects currently planned or underway that will enhance residents’ quality of life and strengthen the City’s economic competitiveness to retain and attract investment.

Bring it on. It won’t be cheap, easy or fast, warns the Mayor, but it’s definitely well overdue.

As with all Vaughan Chamber events, a great opportunity to meet new people and network — visit the Chamber’s website to learn about upcoming events.

02/23/2023

As Black History Month comes to a close, I want to share my blog and my channel and amplify the voices and stories of three brilliant Black women who I not only have had the opportunity and privilege to work with, but I'm honoured to call them my friends.

These three unique individuals are entrepreneurial powerhouses and have created brands and businesses that further highlight their cultures, skin tone and notable POC, respectively.

Visit the link in my bio to read about them.

02/10/2023

“Celebrate each other … and don’t let the hard days define you.”

Those were some of the messages we heard from at the launch of this week.

When Filomena Lofranco and Angela Marotta, founders of La Dolce Vita Luxury Escapes, came to me late last year asking for some advice and assistance, I was happy to do so.

They became clients, I became a sponsor and we became new friends.

It wasn’t so long ago that I was a brand new entrepreneur, full of ideas and passion, with my mind spinning on which direction to go and who could help me. I am very grateful for the support I received, and will never forget it.

As women entrepreneurs, we need to support one another, because it can be scary starting a new venture. They each have incredible life stories and I’m certain La Dolce Vita will add even more exciting adventures to their resume.

LDV Luxury Escapes is excited to launch their first curated trip to Italy called La Donna in Viaggio, taking place this May in Rome and Tuscany.

I wish them nothing but the best, and hope that I can join them one day on a luxury vacation!

For more info,

02/03/2023

Full circle moment.

I am absolutely elated to share that Suppa Media has been featured in the Small Business Spotlight this month on the Rogers Business Blog.

As I approach my 5th year in business, my purpose, my why, and my passion have all remained consistent: to curate and share stories that inspire.

I am excited about the future growth and evolution of Suppa Media in the years to come.

To read the feature, visit https://suppamedia.com/blog/f/the-story-behind-the-storyteller

01/23/2023

If there’s one thing I love most about my work, it’s being out in the community, going to events and soaking up the energy from the people around me.

I am privileged to learn a great deal about other cultures and communities through my work as a reporter, event host, producer, and content creator.

This past weekend, I was honoured to capture the Lunar New Year celebrations at Vaughan Mills, featuring local artists and performers. Lunar New Year traditions are steeped in folklore and storytelling, and it was beautiful to capture some of these traditions.

As we welcome 2023 The Year of the Rabbit, may we all have a prosperous and hopeful year ahead, and, as symbolized by the rabbit, focused on longevity, health, and peace.

Xīn Nián Kuài Lè (Mandarin for Happy New Year!)

12/23/2022

It has been a year of growth and gratitude, and I'd like to take an opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me, and Suppa Media, in 2022.

I look forward to a 2023 filled with new opportunities and exciting memories to be made.

Wishing you, your families and teams a very Merry Christmas, a happy and safe holiday season and nothing but the best in the new year.

Cheers!

Julia

12/15/2022

My first couple of years as a solopreneur were hard.

But not in the way you may expect a new from a new business owner.

Not only was I starting something new, with very little (no) business experience, but I was doing it alone.

I went from a very social, office environment with team members and colleagues to a desk in my house where I worked, alone. For hours on end. In silence.

There was no one to bounce ideas off of, no one to chat with, no one to share the news of the day. Despite having a very supportive family and partner, I felt alone often, and I physically was.

From the surface, from what you saw online, I was strong, resilient, fierce, and busy. The truth is: I was all those things, but I also had self-doubt, fear, and the feeling that something was missing.

And that’s when I turned to some business friends — women in business who I assumed knew what I was going through. And they did. Each one of them offered an ear, an open door, a lunch date, a place to work where there was company. Suddenly, I wasn’t so alone.

I joined associations and networked, booked coffee dates, and became a valued member of various teams.

Many of us deal with challenges outside the screen, and I’m not posting this to make it seem easy. Some days are harder than others, and now I recognize when I need a break, a hand, a trusted friend or advisor.

If you are a solopreneur and feeling alone, need someone to bounce ideas off, or to grab a coffee, I am a DM away.

11/09/2022

Fulfilled and grateful.

Earlier this year, I was honoured to join the Women’s Leadership Committee, and little did I know how much I was missing this type of network and connection.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have met the brilliant women in the group and look forward to continuing to plan, work and learn with them.

Today, after months of preparation, we were elated to be back in person for the annual Symposium.

Suppa Media was a proud Media Partner, and I had the privilege of moderating the morning panel — hosting, presenting, moderating remains one of my most favourite things to do and brings me so much joy— which only tells me I need to do more of it!

09/14/2022

Suppa Media is proud to be a community partner of the Agility Reimagined Summit, producing videos and content for the event.

08/21/2022

This is a photo from my first shoot as an Entrepreneur.

Officially, that is.

If I think back, I most definitely had entrepreneurial traits years before I started my own business — and even as a child. (I once decorated rocks and sold them to my neighbours. Bless whoever bought them!)

Today is World Entrepreneurs Day, a day to celebrate innovation and leadership, especially for those who have taken the leap to start their own business.

I’d like to recognize the talented, brave and problem-solving entrepreneurs I consider my peers and encourage all those who have “ideas” to pursue them — you never know where they will lead!

07/07/2022

I’m thankful to Merk Photography for recognizing me as a 2022 Portraits of Giving Honouree.

Thanks to the award sponsors.

If you’d like to see the showcase of photography, it’s on display at Novotel Vaughan.

Hello City of Vaughan! Portraits of Giving has arrived at the Novotel Toronto Vaughan Centre 200 Bass Pro Mills Drive until July 20th, 2022.

Stay tuned as we begin to highlight the inspiring stories of our Vaughan Honouree Julia Suppa Suppa Media Inc. and Sports Honouree Mitch Marner, his family & the Marner Assist Foundation.

06/07/2022

When I incorporated Suppa Media 4 years ago in March 2018, days after my 36th Birthday, I was excited. But I was also scared. 

I didn't know anything about business, let alone running my own business. 

Throw in a pandemic 2 years along the way, and you can definitely say I've learned a lot as a young entrepreneur.

And that's one of the reasons why I'm truly honoured to be nominated and a FINALIST for the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards in the category of Entrepreneur Under 40.

For me, this recognition means a great deal and I'm in exceptional company with all of the finalists in their respective categories, as well as the two in mine. 

See, when I took the leap to Entrepreneurship, there was sometimes an inkling of self-doubt: "What happens if I can't do it?" 

Today, the questions are more like: "What can I do next?" or "Where do I want to take this?" or "What do you want your legacy to be?"  

I CAN do it, and I am. 

I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of my community, my clients, my family and Advisory Board. 

I am thankful beyond words. 

A friend and business advisor once said to me, "Don't be humbled. Be proud."

Whether I win or not, I am so, so proud. 

01/14/2022

I have been a media partner with Portraits of Giving for a few years ago — happy to produce this video from the wrap up event in December.

01/03/2022

It’s the start of a new year, and a great time to take a look at your (or your business’) social media accounts.

Did you set or reach any goals you set for yourself last year? What sort of wins did you achieve (stronger following, more engagement, brand recognition or new clients?)

What are you looking to achieve this year?

https://suppamedia.com/blog/f/what-are-your-social-media-goals-for-2022

12/24/2021

This holiday season, capture the joy and the different, the untraditional and the unusual. Create memories you'll cherish in years to come.

May your holiday be filled with sparkle and stories, good health and peace.

Julia

11/12/2021

Always a pleasure working with the William Ashley team.

10/05/2021

Were you affected by the Facebook/IG outages today?

Maybe it's time for a blog: https://lnkd.in/ggrP7upQ

02/14/2021

Today is filled with stories.

Stories of love, stories of love lost, family and friendship, kindness, gratitude and hope.

These messages may sit prominently on screen or in a card today, but they exist everyday.

Share them. Tell your stories.

And however you receive them — a gesture, a text, a tag or a call — remember, you are also a part of someone else’s story.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

02/09/2021

Social media has become an integral part of our day-to-day lives: as individuals, for business, to get news, to socialize, to network.

For many, navigating social media and how to use it for business can be challenging; while there are many guidelines out there, there is also an abundance of conflicting information.

So, I want you to think about social media like exercise:
https://suppamedia.com/blog/f/social-media-is-like-exercise-and-heres-why

01/26/2021

I talk to myself all day. Truth.

If I’m thinking up new content, I talk through it.

When I take notes, I speak as I write.

And everything I write gets recited aloud. Over and over again.

Why?

When you hear yourself think and recite, you immediately gauge how understandable it is. Communication, especially via social media, needs to be conversational, so if you stumble over a word or phrase, chances are it’s cumbersome to read, too.

So if you’re crafting up some blogs or social posts, read them aloud.

Like these tips? Let me know what you need help with and I’ll be happy to give you my suggestions!