Hi, I'm Heather
You know the saying—“It’s not personal, it’s business”? I believe the opposite. Business is personal. People want to do business with someone they know and like. That’s why this page exists—to help you get to know me and decide if I’m the right person to help your business grow.
We won’t truly know until we have a conversation, but until then, here’s a glimpse into who I am, what I value, and what I've done—so far.
When you’re ready, let’s connect—I’d love to hear your story and see how I can support your goals.
The Heart Behind Sandbox Communications
When Heather McElrath founded Sandbox Communications, she didn’t just create a marketing agency—she built a reflection of her personal mission and life experiences. Heather’s journey hasn’t been linear, but it’s been rich with lessons, growth, and a commitment to bringing more joy and laughter into the world.
From Rock Bottom to Following Her Heart
A decade ago, Heather found herself at her lowest. It was during that challenging time that she realized the importance of following her heart and embracing her true self. Today, her mission is clear: to bring joy and laughter into the world. That philosophy is at the core of Sandbox Communications, where she helps businesses connect with their audiences through authentic and engaging marketing strategies.
Her motto? Stop doing things just because “that’s the way they are.” Life and work should be meaningful, and Heather believes wholeheartedly that we all have the power to choose how we live and who we want to be—even if it’s not what others expect.
Fun Isn’t a Four-Letter Word
Heather champions the idea that work doesn’t have to be boring, hard, or stressful. “Fun isn’t a four-letter word,” she says. She believes we can approach life and work with playfulness, creativity, and a sense of wonder. It’s why she named her company Sandbox Communications—a nod to the joy and curiosity of children playing in a sandbox, building castles, solving problems, and creating without fear.
The name has a tech twist, too. In the IT world, a sandbox is where you test new ideas and play with technology before rolling it out to the real world. For Heather, it’s a perfect metaphor for her approach to digital marketing—experimenting, innovating, and finding what works best for each client.
From Pony Rides to Big Cities
Heather’s childhood in Ophir, Calif., a small, former gold-mining town, shaped her sense of independence and resourcefulness. It’s where she rode her pony to school on weekends to meet friends—an image that starkly contrasts her later experiences working at a global bank in Manhattan. These vastly different chapters in her life have given Heather a rare perspective, blending the grit of small-town living with the fast-paced energy of big cities.
A Life of Moving, Learning, and Perspective
Heather’s love of technology started early, growing up with parents deeply entrenched in the IT industry of the 1970s. That tech-centered upbringing also meant she moved—a lot. By her 14th birthday, Heather had already lived in 14 different homes. Since then, she’s moved more than 40 times, living in seven states and experiencing life in places as diverse as California (her roots), New York City (her heart), and Virginia (her current address).
These frequent moves weren’t just geographic—they also opened doors to a wide range of professional experiences. Heather has worked in industries as varied as agriculture, nonprofits, financial services, fintech, government, education, environmental initiatives, and technology. Each role offered unique challenges and insights, giving her a deep understanding of diverse business needs. This breadth of experience helps her connect with clients across sectors, tailoring strategies to meet their specific goals.
A Career Built on Communication
Heather decided in high school to pursue a career in advertising—a decision that led to a degree in journalism and a professional journey that’s spanned the full spectrum of communications and marketing. From storytelling to strategy, she’s honed her expertise across every facet of the field.
Today, she focuses on supporting small businesses with their SEO, Google Business Profile optimization, and broader communications needs. Whether it’s crafting a strategic plan, boosting a client’s visibility, or creating messaging that resonates, Heather is passionate about helping businesses succeed.
Your Success is Her Mission
At the heart of everything Heather does is her clients’ success. She’s not just a service provider—she’s a partner, a cheerleader, and a strategic ally. Her unique perspective, shaped by decades of varied experiences, gives her the ability to see opportunities others might miss.
Through Sandbox Communications, Heather brings creativity, authenticity, and a touch of fun to the world of marketing. Whether she’s optimizing a Google Business Profile or crafting a content strategy, her goal is simple: to help businesses thrive while bringing a little more joy into the world.
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Interested in learning how I and Sandbox Communications can help your business grow? Contact me today to get started.