by Haris Yar Khan - Jalya Writer
Caitlin is the owner and creator of Cloud Base Inc., an amazing digital marketing agency. Prior to creating her own agency, Caitlin worked for the University of Alberta and managed one of the largest research groups in Canada. Caitlin loves creativity and helping others and believes self-development is a key factor in a successful life.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m the owner and creator of Cloud Base Inc., a Digital Marketing Agency located here in Edmonton. I launched this business in 2022 and haven’t looked back. My only regret is not starting sooner, but Allah knows best.
I’ve been working since the age of 12, so I started young and, I have worked in many different industries and in return, I have gained a lot of experience. When I first started working, I started in restaurants washing dishes and then working my way up from there eventually into management. It’s been a major asset starting young because I think when you own and run your own business, you can empathize and understand all the different positions it takes to run a successful business.
When I finished high school, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, which is completely normal. I mean, we’re 18 and expected to know what we’d like to do for the rest of our life. I loved the hospitality industry so that’s the direction I took, which lead me into marketing. I excelled in marketing, it almost came naturally to me so I decided to specialize in that area. I have a bachelor’s degree and a graduate certificate in marketing management which has allowed me many opportunities. But I would say it's my life/work experience that has brought me the most success.
What made you interested in marketing?
The reality is, it’s the one subject in my courses that I naturally excelled at. It wasn’t hard for me, so obviously, when something comes easy and natural, it’s the area someone would gravitate towards the most. But can I say I’ve always wanted to do it? Nope, not at all; it would have never crossed my mind until I began that course. I truly believe we have to try and experience things to really understand what we want to do. Otherwise, how do we know?
I also like people, I like to be creative, and I love to see other people win. I think that’s why I love marketing, I enjoy working with businesses and helping them succeed. I love bringing their vision to life and building experiences for their clients. Marketing is extremely important and an area in business that can’t be neglected. I want to be a part of that.
How & why did you create Cloud Base Inc.?
That’s a big question, I believe it was many different stepping stones that brought me to where I am today. This idea came to me years ago, but I clearly wasn’t ready, and Allah is the best of planners.
I was juggling between the idea of starting something or looking for a more permanent position professionally. In 2019 I was offered a position at the University of Alberta, which I accepted. I worked in the Engineering department and helped manage one of the largest research groups in Canada. I loved it, I stayed there for 3 years, and during that time Covid happened, and we shifted to remote work for a very long time. This was when I saw the world take a major shift to online. As much as I loved my position, I have a creative side of me that needed attention. So I took that opportunity and launched Cloud Base. I juggled the two for nearly a year until I was ready to go all in. So I put my notice in at the University, and here I am a full-time entrepreneur :).
What’s the most difficult part of managing your digital marketing agency?
I really can’t complain it's been very positive so far, but I would say allowing people into the process has been an adjustment realizing I can’t do it all on my own. So building a solid team is extremely important to me but not easy because I am a “do it myself” kind of person.
Who or what has been your biggest inspiration?
Probably family and those who may not be family, but I consider them family. Positive, uplifting people who always strive to be better. Self-development plays a huge role in the success of one’s life. I like to be around people who teach me things and who inspire me to do better or be better, not just in business but in life in general, because I believe the two are so closely connected.
Then, of course, my kids, I have three beautiful souls who call me mom, and they constantly teach me things and make me question how I can do better and be better. Because at the end of the day, those eyes are watching me, and what I do will shape them. I want them to go after anything and everything they want. I don’t want them to question their ability or value, and if you want that, you need to be that. So they keep me on my toes, and for that, I am grateful.
Where can people learn more about Cloud Base Inc.?
Anyone who wants to know more about what we do can go to our website, www.cloudbaseinc.ca, or they can go to our Instagram Page @cloud.base.inc
