Melissa Sanasie: Mastering Digital Marketing with Strategy and Storytelling

Melissa Sanasie has spent over a decade mastering digital marketing. She blends data-driven strategies with creative storytelling to help brands grow. From startups to Fortune 500 companies, she has worked with some of Canada’s biggest names. Today, she is a Marketing Manager at Shopify, where she focuses on customer acquisition, engagement, and retention.

“I’ve always been fascinated by how marketing connects people with brands,” Melissa says. “Good marketing isn’t about selling—it’s about solving problems and creating experiences.”

The Journey Begins 

Melissa grew up in Toronto, where she discovered her passion for marketing early on. She pursued a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University). While studying, she interned at local marketing agencies, gaining hands-on experience in content strategy, social media, and analytics.

“Those early internships taught me a lot,” she recalls. “I saw how fast digital marketing was evolving and knew I had to keep learning.”

To stay ahead, Melissa earned certifications in Google Analytics, Google Ads, and digital marketing strategy. These skills would prove valuable as she moved through her career.

Breaking Into the Industry 

Melissa’s first big opportunity came at Hudson’s Bay Company, a major Canadian retailer. She worked as a Marketing Coordinator, managing social media accounts, launching campaigns, and conducting market research.

“One of my favorite projects was our first influencer collaboration,” she says. “It was new territory, but it really helped build brand awareness.”

After three years, she moved to RBC as a Senior Digital Marketing Specialist. There, she managed paid advertising campaigns and developed content marketing strategies. She also helped automate customer acquisition processes.

“RBC gave me a deeper understanding of performance marketing,” Melissa explains. “I learned how to measure success in real-time and adjust strategies based on data.”

A New Challenge at Shopify 

In 2021, Melissa joined Shopify as a Marketing Manager. Her role focuses on multi-channel digital strategies, SEO, content marketing, and social media engagement. She also works with influencers and manages paid advertising campaigns.

“One of the biggest challenges in digital marketing is keeping up with change,” she says. “Trends shift, algorithms update, and consumer behavior evolves. You have to be adaptable.”

Her adaptability paid off. She led a content-driven campaign that boosted organic traffic by 60% in one year. She also developed a social media strategy that increased engagement and improved brand sentiment.

“We’re not just marketing a product—we’re helping entrepreneurs build their businesses,” Melissa explains. “That’s what makes the work so rewarding.”

A Data-Driven Storyteller 

Melissa believes in the power of storytelling, but she also relies on data to guide her decisions. She combines creativity with analytics to create marketing strategies that work.

“Marketing is part art, part science,” she says. “The best campaigns come from understanding both the numbers and the emotions behind them.”

She is skilled in SEO, content marketing, performance marketing, and social media management. She also has experience with marketing automation and data analytics tools like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Marketo.

Giving Back to the Industry 

Melissa is not just focused on her own career. She is an active member of Toronto’s marketing community. She speaks at industry events like Social Media Week Toronto and the Canadian Digital Marketing Conference. She also mentors young professionals, helping them navigate the industry.

“I had great mentors when I was starting out,” she says. “Now, I want to do the same for others.”

Her insights on digital trends, content marketing, and customer engagement have been featured in blogs and business publications. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and helping others grow.

Life Beyond Marketing 

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys traveling, fitness, and exploring Toronto’s food scene. She also takes part in local mentorship programs for young women interested in marketing and business.

“Marketing is a huge part of my life, but it’s not the only thing,” she says. “Traveling helps me see new perspectives, and staying active keeps me balanced.”

Looking Ahead 

As digital marketing continues to evolve, Melissa is always learning. She stays on top of trends and embraces new technologies. Her goal is to keep making an impact—helping brands connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.

“The best marketers never stop learning,” she says. “That’s what keeps this industry so exciting.”

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