Humanizing Marketing in the Age of AI

AI can write your captions. It can't build your brand.

That's my job.

In 2019, I landed in Canada with an HR background and zero marketing experience.

Today, I'm an award-winning Fractional CMO and marketing strategist. 100+ clients. 15+ industries. Marketing lead for major conferences. Community recognition for work that actually matters.

I work with scaling businesses across security, med spas, tech startups, nonprofits, and the growing longevity economy. If your business needs real marketing leadership and not just posts and campaigns, you're in the right place.

Beyond client work, I serve on nonprofit boards and leadership teams across Alberta, leading marketing, communications, and social media strategy for organizations building the longevity economy, supporting women in business, and advancing data management across industries.

My Motto is simple: You focus on running your business. I make sure people find it, trust it, and come back.

If you need someone who understands business, speaks human, and delivers results, let's talk

You're Here Because Something Isn't Working

Nobody's liking, commenting, or (most importantly) buying. You're posting consistently, but wondering if anyone even sees it.

Google Ads because "intent-based always works." Facebook, because "that's where your customers are." But you were following myths, not building a strategy. Now your budget's gone with nothing to show for it.

Google Analytics says people are coming. Your phone isn't ringing. Something's broken, but you don't know what.

You're posting because you're "supposed to." Running ads because someone said you should. But none of it connects to actual business growth.

They overpromised. Underdelivered. Ghosted you. Now you're gun-shy about trying again.

Sound familiar? Let's fix it.

Here's What I Actually Do For You

White neon wallpaper

Marketing Strategy & Consulting

Senior-level marketing leadership for solopreneurs, startups, small businesses, and nonprofits who aren't ready for a full-time hire.
You don't need a full-time CMO. You need someone who can see what's broken, tell you the truth, and give you a plan that actually works.

Social Media Logos in 3D. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn. Feel free to contact me through email mariia@shalabaieva.com

Social Media That Actually Works

Stop posting into the void. Build a strategy that connects with customers and turns followers into buyers.
Luxury rental property: Grew social following from 50 to 800+ and made social media the #1 lead source, all while the property was still under construction.

Scrabble letters spelling 'spend', on Canadian money $100 bills

Paid Ads That Make You Money

Strategic campaigns across Google, Facebook, and Instagram. Clear reporting on every dollar spent.
$300/month budget generated consistent leads for healthcare practice, dropped cost per lead by 60% in 3 months.

Young caucasian woman on leather couch working at a laptop while browsing her phone

Email & SMS That Converts

Automated campaigns people actually open, read, and act on. Systems that work while you sleep.
Multi-location business automated follow-up, saved 150 hours/month.

Digital marketing expert speaks on the future of social media and AI at a packed industry conference. This event blends thought leadership with actionable insights.

Event Marketing & Management

From promotion to execution to post-event follow-up. Fill your venue and maximize impact.
Led marketing for DAMA Edmonton's 11th Annual Conference (200+ attendees) and SilverTech Summit (200+ attendees, 24 exhibitors).

Who I Work Best With

You're a good fit if:

  • You're focused on revenue growth, not just more followers

  • You need qualified leads from ads and social media

  • You want honest feedback (I'll tell you if something won't work)

  • You're willing to test and adjust based on data

  • You're ready to invest in strategy (results take 3-6 months)

Not a good fit if:

  • You want instant results or magic bullets

  • You're looking for a cheap "just post for me" service

  • You're not willing to try new approaches

Marketing & Event Projects & Partnerships

Marketing work spanning conferences, festivals, nonprofits, and businesses committed to making a difference.

Let's Have a Real Conversation

Here's what happens:

1. We hop on a 30-minute call (free, no pressure)
Talk about what's not working, what you've tried, and whether I can actually help.

2. I give you straight talk
If I think you need to fix your pricing before your marketing, I'll tell you. If we're not a good fit, I'll say that too and point you somewhere better.

3. If it makes sense, we figure out what working together looks like
It could be a one-time strategy session.
It could be ongoing support.
It could be a specific project like launching your event or fixing your ads.

No pressure. No weird sales pitch. Just an honest conversation.

Tell Me What's Going On