Portraits of Promise was created as a way to combat negative stereotypes associated with the City of Camden. It is a way for the Camden Promise Zone to highlight the good that is going on in the city particularly through those who choose to live and work in Camden. These people not only make Camden a colorful place to live, work, and visit, but they work hard to continuously make the City better through their commitment and determination to revitalize the city
This month in our Portraits of Promise Series, we interviewed a local businesswoman, Vania Abdul-Badee, President of 360 Marketing & PR. They are a full-service marketing and PR agency with expertise in digital advertising, email marketing and social media management. 360 Marketing & PR moved to their current location,229 Market St Suite C, after seeing the growth Camden was having. Although not a current resident of the City Vania grew up across the river in Philadelphia and her upbringing has allowed her to understand how important it is for residents to have businesses to patronize.
A unique aspect of their business is that they are located in a coworking space called Co-work Street that was previously highlighted in our series. The utilization of this space allows them to educate small businesses and host events. A significant aspect of 360 Marketing and PR’s business model is their focus on giving back to the community they work and play in. They have donated time and work to organizations such as Rising Leaders, Urban Promise, and NAACP Camden County East. It is a key philosophy in their business model to give back to organizations serving the city.
They also focus on hiring Camden residents and are in need of interns. Currently, they are in need of a marketing Intern as well as an accounting intern. Resumes can be sent to [email protected]. If any of the readers are thinking about opening a business or have a small business in the city, stop in for a free consultation. They can be contacted at [email protected] or 856.295.1204.
Make sure to follow 360 Marketing & PR on social media @360mpr
Read the full interview below:
Q: Can you explain what your business does or is?
A: We are a full-service marketing and PR agency with expertise in digital advertising, email marketing, and social media management. We also do graphic design.
Q: What motivated you to open your business in Camden?
A: When we first started our business, we were located in Mt. Laurel. We were motivated to move to the City of Camden by the growth and change happening in the city. We wanted to be a part of it. Another important factor for us opening up in Camden was because we saw an influx in larger businesses moving to Camden and we wanted to help assist small businesses with marketing themselves to employees, new residents, and businesses coming into the city.
Q: What are your hopes for the space/business? Ex. hope to be a unique space where the community can meet and share ideas...etc.
A: We hope to work with big reputable companies in the area such as American Water, Holman Auto, NFI, Subaru, and Campbell's Soup. We hope that in the next year or two that we are considered one of the leading agencies in the area that companies can trust to execute excellent work We hope that we can use the space we are located in, Co-work ST, as a hub for small businesses to educate them and advise them through workshops, and for networking events.
Q: Are you involved in the community in other ways? If so, what are you involved in and why?
A: We love giving back to the community. Our company thinks it is important to give back to the community that we work and play in. We have donated time and work to organizations such as Rising Leaders, Urban Promise, NAACP Camden County East. It is a key philosophy in our business model to give back to organizations serving the city. Not only do we give back to Camden communities, but we’ve hired Camden residents..
Q: Do you have any advice for other businesses looking to move into the city or get involved?
A: Absolutely, join a Chamber of Commerce. CCSNJ( Chamber of Commerce, Southern NEW Jersey). You can also connect with Rutgers University as they can be a great resource. Get involved with a nonprofit by donating time and resources. The people of Camden are unique, and you have to be involved with the community to understand the heart of Camden.
Q: Anything else that you would like to mention about your business, story or the city of Camden?
A: I grew up in the city of Philadelphia in neighborhoods like the city of Camden. So I understand how important it is for residents to have businesses to patronize. Businesses moving to and opening up in Camden are important for the growth of the city. Also, as a business, you have to market your product or service so that people know you are here. With all the new people coming into the city, it is imperative for the longevity of your business.
