Meet Ellie Schwartz ’20. Ellie is the founder and creative director of OF THE NORTH, a digital marketing and social media agency based on the North Shore of O鈥榓hu but serving clients nationwide.
What keeps you busy these days? What are you doing for work and for play?
Becoming a business owner definitely keeps me busy鈥擨 like to joke that I traded in my 9-to-5 for a 24/7. I live full-time in Hawai鈥榠, and in 2024 I founded听听(OTN),听a digital marketing and social media agency based on the North Shore of O鈥榓hu but serving clients nationwide. My work blends deep brand research with creative execution鈥攖aking the time to truly understand a brand, then bringing that strategy to life across websites, social media, and digital campaigns. We work with an incredible range of clients in industries like hospitality, beauty, wellness, fitness, food and beverage, and CPG. Outside of work (though I consider much of what I do to be a form of play), you can usually find me surfing, free diving, hiking, or staying active at my local workout studios.
What is a piece of advice that you would give to a current听Auggie听or young alumni?
Make the most of every opportunity Augsburg offers鈥攖here are countless resources, grants, and people eager to support you. During my sophomore year, I received Augsburg鈥檚 environmental stewardship grant, which allowed me to travel to Hawai鈥榠 for the first time to live and work on an organic coffee and fruit farm. I was able to turn that experience into an independent study, gaining hands-on knowledge and building connections that shaped my post-college career. Opportunities don鈥檛 always look like their final form at the start鈥攕ometimes they plant seeds that will grow into something you can鈥檛 yet imagine. Stay curious, stay open, and take advantage of the people and programs around you.
Who is an听Auggie听(alumni, faculty/staff, friend, etc.) that inspires you or that has impacted you and why?
My dad. He coached Augsburg’s Men鈥檚 Hockey team and has been one
of my greatest influences, both personally and professionally. His lessons went far beyond the ice鈥攁bout preparation, resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Now, as a business owner, I find myself drawing on those same principles daily. There are so many parallels between sports and entrepreneurship, and I鈥檓 grateful to have had a lifelong mentor who modeled what relationship-building, dedication and integrity look like in action.
What is a fun or favorite memory of your time at Augsburg?
My Augsburg memories start long before college. Growing up, my siblings and I basically lived on campus鈥擲i Melby was our playground. One minute we鈥檇 be shooting hoops in the gym, the next we鈥檇 be playing racquetball, tumbling on the mats in the wrestling room, or running laps under the dome. Augsburg always felt like a second home, so attending as a student was a full-circle moment for me.
Thank you, Ellie!
