Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Downen.
Hi Amy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
ADME || Amy Downen Marketing + Events was born from a moment of clarity that only comes after navigating uncertainty, burnout, and a deep desire to do work differently — and better.
After years of building brands, leading marketing operations, and supporting organizations that mattered, I found myself at a crossroads. I loved the work, but the pace, pressure, and lack of alignment left little room for the people behind it. Through personal challenges, hard lessons, and a renewed focus on mental health and purpose, I recognized a gap: small businesses and communities needed strategic marketing and events support that felt human, accessible, and genuinely invested — not templated, rushed, or agency-heavy.
That gap became the opportunity.
ADME emerged as an “anti-agency” approach — rooted in relationships, clarity, and care. Built on my experience, creativity, and belief that great marketing should feel collaborative (not overwhelming), ADME helps small businesses tell their stories, show up confidently, and grow with intention. From brand strategy to community-driven events, every project reflects a people-first mindset and a commitment to making a positive, lasting impact.
What started as a leap of faith quickly turned into momentum — fueled by community trust, shared values, and the excitement of building something meaningful from the ground up. Today, ADME stands as both a business and a promise: to lead with heart, create with purpose, and help others thrive while doing the same.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I encountered burnout, self-doubt, and the challenges that arise in environments lacking strong, supportive leadership and clear direction. Without the guidance and trust that effective leadership provides, progress often felt reactive instead of purposeful, creating unnecessary strain and misalignment. Navigating these conditions required resilience, reflection, and difficult decisions — and ultimately clarified what wasn’t working, laying the groundwork for a different, more intentional way forward.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are people-first, plain and simple. We operate a marketing and events consultancy built to support small businesses, entrepreneurs, and community-driven organizations with clarity, creativity, and care. We specialize in brand strategy, marketing planning, content development, event design, and community engagement — helping clients tell their stories in ways that feel authentic, approachable, and impactful. We work hands-on and collaboratively, meeting clients where they are and creating solutions that are tailored, realistic, and sustainable rather than one-size-fits-all.
What sets ADME apart is its deep understanding of both strategy and heart. With a background in marketing operations, leadership, and community development, Amy brings structure and process alongside creativity and empathy. ADME is especially proud of building brands that reflect the people behind them — prioritizing healthy work environments, strong relationships, and long-term growth over quick wins. At its core, ADME exists to help businesses show up confidently, connect meaningfully with their communities, and grow in a way that feels aligned, human, and purpose-driven.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Libba Evans — my mother’s first cousin
Libba took a chance on hiring me when I was fresh out of college, and let me learn the inner workings of her start up business. The opportunity she presented, and colleagues I worked with opened my mind to the business world and led me to pursue an MBA.
Lee Grubb — Favorite professor in the MBA program
Dr. Grubb showed me that regardless of position, everyone is human. He challenged the way I learned and thought about myself and what matters overall.
Krystle Simms — Coworker and friend
Krystle is one of the most loyal people I’ve ever met, and is truly, authentically herself at all times. She has always shown me how to remain strong when needed, and to seize opportunity when it is presented.
Bethany Greene — Coworker and friend
Bethany has a heart of gold. She is someone who possesses quiet power, and would prefer to work hard behind the scenes for the team she is supporting. She’s brilliant, capable of learning anything, determined, and so much fun.
Pricing:
- $75/hr
- Custom Plans Available
- Contracts Available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amydownenmarketing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adme.nc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyDownenMarketing
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/admemarketing
