Business Echo - Rosanne Ting-Mak Brown

Business Echo is an interview series celebrating the incredible individuals shaping the business landscape of the Okanagan. Through candid conversations, we’ll dive into their journeys, challenges, and triumphs—offering inspiration and insights along the way.

For over 15 years, Rosanne Ting-Mak Brown has been the creative force behind some of Kelowna’s most beloved community events. As an experienced event producer, she’s passionate about bringing people together through memorable experiences across a variety of industries.

When the pandemic put events on pause, she found a new way to spark joy and connection. In 2020, she launched WOW the Yard, a custom celebration yard sign rental business, turning a challenging time into an opportunity to help people celebrate life’s special moments.

In this interview, Rosanne shares her journey, her passion for event production, and how she continues to bring people together in meaningful ways.

OE: Hello! thank you for granting this interview, could you please tell us a little about yourself

RTMB: My name is Rosanne Ting-Mak Brown and I grew up in Edmonton, but have spent the last 35 years in the Kelowna area. My husband and I have a 14 year old son and they can both be seen helping out at events throughout the year! We also have a beautiful yellow lab-Ellie, who we all adore! My greatest passion is travelling and fortunately my husband and son are willing participants to follow my passion, as well. My travel motto is, if I haven’t been there it’s a great place to go and can boast having visited over 45 countries.

OE: What is your business all about and what inspired you to start your business?

RTMB: I am an event producer and have created community events throughout the Kelowna area for the past 15 years with my business RedScope Media. We produce events in a variety of industries. With some of our more notable events being The Glow+Flow Show, Okanagan Pet Expo, BC Interior Sportsman Show, Great Closet Cleanout, Home Décor Closet Cleanout, Luxe Fashion Market and the Okanagan Spirits Mixoff.

I also have another business that we started in 2020 as a response to our events being shut down by covid. The thing I loved most about events, was bringing people together. I had to think how I could pivot my business, and so we started WOW the Yard, a custom celebration yard sign rental business, this business could not only help bring people together to celebrate but be a great add-on to my existing event business.

OE: What’s the weirdest/funniest or most interesting job you had before starting your business?

RTMB: It’s so silly, but I finished my Business Admin degree in my 30s and have loved all the jobs I have had since then...although none of them required my University Degree. I was a Business Management Consultant with Sysco Food Services, a Territory Sales Manager with Hewlett Packard, and a regional manager with the BC Food and Restaurant Association. But the one that fills my soul the most are my events. My weirdest-or coolest “job” was housesitting for a Canadian Billionaire for 5 weeks.

OE: Have you faced any unique challenges as a woman in your space? How have you navigated them?

RTMB: There are some unique challenges, but I have always been drawn to the male dominated industries...hunting & fishing, computers and food service. I have learned to deal with other males in a very pragmatic way and this has served me well.

OE: Can you share a moment in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

RTMB: I am proud of how I managed the Covid pandemic. It was a true test of my business skills, from being one of the first industries shut down and then being able to pivot to a profitable new business during these tumultuous times. Within the event industry, we tried to restart events several times and had to modify to meet with restrictions. With WOW the Yard, it was coming up with the idea and learning how to import inventory during a time when there were border restrictions, and so much uncertainty. It ended up being so rewarding being part of people’s celebrations with WOW the Yard!

OE: What are your favourite kind of events to put together?

RTMB: I love community events, ones that bring people together and highlight the expertise in a given industry. I also love learning about new industries, which is why I do events in so many different industries. Our next event is going to be fun! The Glow + Flow Show...this exciting event showcases businesses from across the beauty industry, showcasing everything from makeup, hair, skincare, laser and more, providing a unique opportunity to learn from the Okanagan’s best in beauty

OE: How do you balance running a business with other aspects of your life?

RTMB: It’s hard, but I try...I’m still learning the balance. While I have flexibility during the week, the challenge is not taking on too much, as an entrepreneur it is ingrained in us to take on more clients...but you have to be prepared to scale up if you want to succeed at doing this.

OE: What’s a piece of advice you’d give to women looking to start their own business?

RTMB: Look at the government programs offered and take advantage of all the mentorship programs that help women start their small businesses.

OE: If you had unlimited funds for one day, what’s the first thing you’d do for your business?

RTMB: Rebrand, and put together an automated system to help reduce paperwork.

OE: What’s your favorite Okanagan spot to relax or find inspiration?

RTMB: I do love Gellatly Bay and the walk around there or a coffee at one of our local coffee shops.

OE: What’s one thing about you that people might not know?

RTMB: I have a Senatorship with Junior Chamber International, a worldwide leadership organization. So much of my experience and relationships came through JCI.

OE: How can we reach you?

RTMB: You can email me at redscopemedia@gmail.com or through one of my event websites.

All my events carry their own websites: