Today we’d like to introduce you to Margaret Stypa.
Hi Margaret, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Margaret and I am the President for the Charleston American Marketing Association. I graduated from The College of Charleston in 2017 with a degree in Public Health, fully expecting to pursue a career in that field. While preparing for graduate school, I took a part-time job at David Aylor Law Offices, and that’s really where everything changed. What started as a short-term job quickly turned into a full-time role as their Director of Marketing.
Once I got a taste of the marketing world, I was hooked. I was eager to learn more, expand my skill set, and immerse myself in the industry. That’s where I discovered The Charleston American Marketing Association. I attended one of their events and instantly knew I wanted to get involved. I immediately joined their board as the Programming Director, and in 2023, I stepped into the role of president.
Today, I run my own marketing company, working with clients I love.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a straight path- But I think that’s part of what makes it interesting. One of the biggest challenges early on was that I didn’t have a traditional marketing degree. With a degree in Public Health, I didn’t have any formal marketing education stepping into that first job. But what I did have was the curiosity and drive to learn. My introduction to marketing was incredibly hands-on, which I think worked in my favor. I was thrown right into real world projects, and I quickly learned how much I loved the creative and strategic side of it all. Because I didn’t have a traditional marketing background, I felt like I needed to work twice as hard to prove myself- but that made me more resourceful, more observant, and always eager to keep learning. That mindset has been a big part of how I’ve stepped into the role of President for the Charleston American Marketing Association and how I’ve grown and advanced my career.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I went full time with Carolina Creative Marketing in January 2025. Carolina Creative Marketing is a Charleston-based marketing and PR agency with a love for working with restaurants, bars, and small businesses that have a strong story to tell. We focus on strategy-driven content, social media management, public relations, influencer partnerships, and community engagement.
What sets us apart is how hands-on and collaborative we are with our clients. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter marketing — instead, we create custom strategies that feel authentic, creative, and aligned with each brand’s goals. Whether it’s building excitement for a new restaurant opening, coordinating influencer campaigns, or planning quarterly content, we focus on helping brands grow with intention.
I’m especially proud of how much of our work is rooted in community — from partnering with local nonprofits to helping small businesses find their voice and stand out in a crowded market.
Carolina Creative Marketing was built on the belief that great marketing starts with great relationships — and that’s what continues to guide everything we do.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is building meaningful connections and giving back to the community. I’m passionate about helping businesses grow in thoughtful, intentional ways, but equally committed to giving back.
Early in my career, I worked for David Aylor Law Offices, and one of the things that left a lasting impression on me was how involved David was in the Charleston community. He showed up, gave back, and truly believed in using his platform to support others. That experience shaped the way I approach my own business — and ever since, I’ve made it a priority to stay engaged and give back however I can.
Today, I serve as President of the Charleston American Marketing Association, a nonprofit that supports local marketing professionals, and I regularly volunteer with other Charleston-based nonprofits. I also love working with students from the College of Charleston — mentoring them, offering hands-on learning opportunities, and helping them gain experience in the marketing world. Working with students has become one of the most energizing and fulfilling parts of what I do.
Community involvement isn’t a side effort — it’s something I carry with me in everything I do, both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinacreative.mktg?igsh=MWdsbmZqYnNybDdkdw==
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-stypa/
