Business is booming in Astoria according to Sonja Mylonas who runs her own marketing agency, Cats Eye Marketing and Communications, out of the Queens neighborhood. It was initially the diversity of the neighborhood’s business landscape that attracted Mylonas to the area in 2000, and since then, she says her mission, in part, has been to help her fellow entrepreneurs market and build their brands. Seeing as how Queens County is the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world, it makes sense that the types of industries and business owners it attracts would be equally as varied in their industries of interest. One thing they all have in common though, is wanting to see their company succeed, an area where Mylonas is happy to lend her expertise. Below she talks about what it’s like running her own business, the support system that initially attracted her to Astoria and how she hopes to help ensure the businesses there stay booming.
Daily News: From a business perspective, what makes Astoria a great place to set up shop?
Sonja Mylonas: The diversity in businesses. We are a melting pot of everything from law, insurance, restaurants, construction and everything in between. Having a marketing agency in Astoria also gives us the advantage of cross promoting business, people and generating more business amongst one another.
DN: What should potential customers know about your company?
SM: We are an all-inclusive, in-house boutique of services, from marketing, branding, social media and development to vehicle wraps, embroidery and screen printing. The best part is we are located in the heart of Astoria, so our clients can come in and discuss any project/requirement they have.
DN: How has Astoria changed since you opened your business?
SM: We have been in Astoria since early 2000. Many things have changed, more businesses have opened, Astoria has become a hot spot for many local businesses and also a destination location.
DN: What made you choose Astoria as the place to open your business?
SM: The diversity in businesses.
DN: What do you hope to contribute to Astoria’s cultural landscape?
SM: Helping businesses market and brand their own businesses, no matter their size, industry or budget.
DN: When you’re not at your shop, what else do you like doing in Astoria?
SM: Supporting the local community, whether it be dining, supporting local events and or nonprofit organizations.
DN: What makes Astoria an ideal place to start a business?
SM: Community support. We all help each other and support our local businesses.
DN: What’s the best thing about running a business in Astoria?
SM: When you have so many clients in Astoria it’s wonderful to be able to cross promote each other, to help build a better neighborhood.
DN: What type of services are you hoping to offer your customers?
SM: We offer a number of services — web development, graphic design, SEO, social media, branding, screen printing, embroidery etc. — all in house.
DN: Do you specialize in anything specific? If so, can you explain what it is and how it stands to benefit your customers?
SM: We offer a number of services, however not every business would need to utilize each service. We would customize client’s requirements based on their needs and budget with the goal to show a ROI and watch them grow.