Celebrating Women-Led Brands
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Happy Women’s History Month! Back in 2014, The Atlantic published an article entitled “Why Are There So Many Women In Public Relations?” It touched on many things: from the antiquated notion that women are just naturally better communicators to more modern themes like flexibility and remote working. But the takeaway that has always resonated with me is that since nearly 70 percent of PR jobs (up from about 63 percent from when the article was published) are held by women, we play a HUGE role in shaping the message people consume across all media.
It's not a responsibility we take lightly. In my career, I have been fortunate to work with so many inspiring women, from mentors and colleagues at The Container Store and The Richards Group to clients at Children’s Medical Center Dallas, Michaels Arts and Crafts, Sub-Zero/Wolf, Dallas CASA, Disney Consumer Products, Charlie Banana, O-Venture, Borsheims (for whom we launched a campaign timed to Women’s History Month last year), JH Interior Design Studio and so many others. I am constantly in awe of the passion, commitment, experience, vision, and drive that these women bring to every project. It gives me great hope to be raising two strong and determined young women (and one strong women-supporting young man) in a world where they are shaping the messages.
This issue of ‘In The Spotlight’ is dedicated to my women clients and partners and all the women leaders we admire.
Award-winning interior designer Tara Miller, founder of The Heartland Interior Design, has worked with major developers in multiple markets on mixed-use projects that serve thousands, but she has a special place in her heart — and will always make time for — small business owners. The iconic spaces she has designed for women entrepreneurs include Lulubee Artisanal Chocolates, Of The Earth Floral Design, Roots Collective Hair Salon and Wax Buffalo candle store in Lincoln, Neb., and Hardy Coffee Co., Sweet Magnolia Bakeshop, Julia Mason Art, and Valo Wellness Spa in Omaha. “Tara took my brand and brought it to life as a storefront,” her client, Gaylene Steinbach of Lulubee, said in a story we placed in The Omaha World Herald. “Her intention all along was not only to highlight our brand, but to let our product be the star of the show.”
Through our PR efforts, we had the opportunity to make Tara the star of her own show. Last year, we generated 367M unique visitors per month in media outlet impressions — the equivalent of nearly $150,000 in advertising value — for The Heartland in print and online publications including Better Homes & Gardens, Domino, The Spruce, Hunker, The Everymom and more. Not only did these stories showcase how Tara’s versatility and experience as a designer enhance the spaces where women live, work and gather, but the publicity helped position her in the media as an interior design authority in the Midwest. If you’re interested in how we can help your brand attract a wider audience and media coverage for your expertise in your industry, let’s connect!
O-Venture: O-Venture founders Janie Cooke and Caroline Nix created the Big O® Key Ring “where have you been all my life” must-have piece for busy women everywhere. The company, which employs eight women and sells its chic, useful accessories in women-owned boutiques across the country, has sold more than one million Big O key rings… because women have enough to juggle without worrying about their keys!
The Southern C: The Southern Coterie, lovingly called The Southern C and founded by two media professionals in 2011, has grown into an event and networking organization that is more than 300-women strong. With a focus on affiliation, inspiration, leadership, and merrymaking, they have built a culture of women connecting with and learning from each other and celebrating one another. I was honored to speak at the 2020 Summit among PR industry women.
JH Interior Design Studio and Bouquet: The founder of an award-winning interior design firm, a 3,000 square foot shoppable showroom and a luxury floral design studio, Julie Hockney has built a mini lifestyle empire that employs a large team of creative women who encourage each other to go the extra mile for their clients and themselves. She has launched yet another brand this year - The Winery, with the most delightful wine selection in town!
Of Counsel PR: You might be surprised to see another public relations firm on my list, but I’m a huge admirer of the way my friend Jackie Thomson, founder of Of Counsel PR in Charleston, S.C., empowers her incredible women clients with her thoughtful, in-house approach to their PR strategy. Her team also creates the most elevated chic magical events - truly dreamy.
The Brimm: Sallie Holder, a former employment lawyer and COO for six different Fortune 500 companies, founded The Brimm to create more women millionaires — based on her belief that when women have the right resources, they are capable of changing the world. Last year, I invited Sallie to Omaha to lead an exclusive live revenue accelerator workshop where she shared her nine strategies for female entrepreneurs to take their businesses from six to seven figures.
