Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Stafford.
Abby, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up an Army brat, moving almost every year. My dad is from Baltimore, my mom is from Oklahoma, and they met when he was stationed at Ft. Sill. Constant change taught me to adapt quickly, listen closely, and find my footing fast—skills I didn’t know would become my superpower in marketing.
I’ve always loved words. I studied English in college, then achieved my Master’s degree from Villanova as a Research & Marketing Scholar. That led to a position at large, regional theatre company, where I worked my way from Marketing Assistant to Associate Marketing Director. I cut my teeth on public relations, print ads, and radio/TV spots, while riding the first waves of social media—an exciting time to learn how audiences connect.
After my daughter was born, my husband and I moved to Maryland to be near my parents. One day, while walking down Main Street in Bel Air, I spotted an awning that read “Stratosphere Studio.” On a whim, I stepped inside, asked if I could help, and soon began freelancing—writing content, doing SEO, and supporting a small roster of clients.
Life took a sharp turn during my second pregnancy when I was diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum. I stepped away to focus on staying healthy and, later, chose to stay home with my kids until they reached school age—timing that happened to coincide with COVID.
In January 2021, the then-CEO of Stratosphere called to ask if I was ready to come back. I was.
In a small agency, you do everything: geofencing and Google Ads, Meta campaigns, PR, websites—the whole stack. I loved the pace and the problem-solving. Over time, I grew into my current role as Senior Director of Digital Services, where I lead an exceptional team that truly cares about our clients.
From constant moves to constant momentum, my throughline has been the same: listen first, learn fast, and build work that genuinely serves people.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There’s definitely been plenty of struggles along the way.
It was scary making the decision to become a full-time mom, although I’m grateful that I had the choice. Then, returning to the workforce after many years away was also scary–I worried that I’d been away for too long and that no one would want to give me a chance again.
Thankfully, Stratosphere welcomed me back with open arms.
Re-entering the workforce during COVID meant learning new tools at speed and rebuilding confidence while everything about marketing—and life—was shifting. That season taught me patience, humility, and how to learn fast (and often).
At Stratosphere, agency life brought its own challenges: wearing a dozen hats, guiding clients through platform policy changes and attribution swings, and navigating growth with a lean team. More recently, we’ve gone through leadership transitions and org changes—rewarding but demanding—requiring clear communication, trust-building, and a lot of listening.
What’s helped: staying flexible, being transparent with clients and teammates, and treating every change as data, not drama. I’ve learned to say, “Here’s what moved, here’s what it means, and here’s what we’re trying next.” Progress over perfection, always.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth. It’s been real—messy at times, meaningful most of the time—and it’s made me a steadier leader who embraces change, learning, and positivity.
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?
Stratosphere Studio is a marketing, brand, and data partner for companies nationwide. We help businesses turn clarity into momentum—aligning story, strategy, and systems so growth feels intentional, not accidental.
What sets us apart: a listen-first ethic and a data-driven discipline. We combine brand (why you exist), demand (how you grow), and data (how you decide) into one north star to guide our client partnerships. And we believe kindness and candor are a competitive advantage.
What we’re proud of: long client relationships, resilient results through market shifts, and a team that leads with curiosity and integrity. Brand-wise, we’re proud that our work feels elevated yet practical—smart strategy made usable.
What readers should know: if you want a partner that will listen closely, build thoughtfully, measure honestly, and keep improving with you—this is our lane. We’ll meet you where you are, design for where you’re going, and make sure the numbers and the narrative agree.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most: I will always have a special place in my heart for Maryland and for Baltimore, in particular. Generations of my family have grown up in and around this city. It’s in my blood: the architecture, the history, the artistry, the food–everything. It’s beautiful, it’s messy, and it’s real. After moving all over the world, this is where I chose to stay once my children were born. I’m proud to call this my home.
Also: Old Bay on everything. No notes.
What I like least: It’s disheartening that the magic of this city is often overshadowed by the narrative of what people think Baltimore is.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stratospherestudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stratosphere_studio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stratosphere.Studio/
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosphere-studio/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StratosphereStudio
