Q. Can you describe your clients?
A. My clients always bring something different to the table. For example, Carmina Suzanne, who is the true definition of "Renaissance woman". She is an internationally published agency plus supermodel who is also a Harvard graduate and professional opera singer. Carmina was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and has turned this devastating news into an opportunity for advocacy to show women that they can be successful and beautiful even with a debilitating illness. My other clients include Curvy Chic Closet, the largest plus size consignment event in North America, Club Bodice, the nation's only body positive Goth/alternative club night, Babydoll Beauty Couture, the country's first plus size beauty salon, and Pynkie Brown Designs, which brings 70s couture fashion to the plus size woman.
Q. Why do your clients select you over your competitors?
A. Because I know what the public wants, I only send stories to the press that are relevant and newsworthy, giving my clients a better chance of exposure. While there is never any guarantee in PR, knowing what makes them so special and being able to pitch that to the press will
Q. Are there any ethical concerns that your type of business must deal with?
A. Yes, I have to make sure not to represent clients that have too much in common. For example, I could represent another plus size club night as long as it's not a Goth/alternative one. Tip the scales in their favor
.Q. Are there any ethical concerns that your type of business must deal with?
Yes, I have to make sure not to represent clients that have too much in common. For example, I could represent another plus size club night as long as it's not a Goth/alternative one.
Q. What is your management style?
A.When I do have employees, I definitely plan to have a consultative management style because it takes into account the best interests of the employees as well as the business. That's what I learned at Sephora and I always felt that my participation was valued and essential which gave me more incentive to help the business grow. Again, the Golden Rule!
Q. What are the biggest issues for running this business?
A. It's always a challenge to not be seen to be "promoting obesity". I try to make it very clear that, while I recognize that obesity is very unhealthy, people have the right to feel beautiful and sexy at any size because feeling that way will actually make them want to take better care of themselves.
Another challenge I run into is that some clients have a hard time understanding public relations versus advertising and they want guarantees that we cannot give them, such as a certain number of articles per month.
Interview Conducted by: Queenz
Business 119