My background is in fashion from modeling, doing visual merchandising for top brands and then working corporate. In addition, I have my own jewelry line, Kitten Couture which is my resort inspired lariats. I’m not in a showroom and exist online and within a few boutiques. For many that are indies looking at how they can get exposure when they can’t or choose not to be apart of a showroom, I can help you out, especially within the NY market. Prior to doing jewelry, I had my own clothing line, created my own Fashion Week show etc – it is possible to get out there when you feel the time is right for you.
I believe in exposing great hidden finds and to that end, I am the Editor in Chief of Kitten Lounge, a blog that covers fashion, style, beauty, food and music. I believe that there are so many things out there begging to be discovered that I am open to people emailing me and pitching about themselves. My only requirement is that you exist online so that other people can support you and see why you’re so amazing.
When you talk about being online, once I graduated from college I worked as a digital publicist for independent recording artists and later moved on to creating Sikara Designs Group which teaches people how to use social media while also creating and maintaining your presence. I love showing people how to use resources that enhance their presence while making sure not to create unnecessary noise. Finally, you’ll learn that at heart, I am very much so the Orientation Leader type. I love teaching people and although I am asked to speak at seminars, I also take the opportunity to join organizations to meet others as my medium is one that is ever changing. I am the co-founder and serve as the Community Manager for Girl Geek Dinners NY Chapter. This organization allows women to come together to network, listen to speakers and to have dinner together. Of course this is for those that work with the technology field or have an interest in this. I am also the Luxury Specialist and Social Media Planner for PoshGlam as well which is a great fashion group that looks to share that which is on the cutting edge with its readers!
When I was asked to contribute to PR Couture, I was so excited and also unsure of where to start. In my first post, I wanted to share a little about me and the best way to do so it to introduce you to what I like to call my Elite 8! If we were talking college basketball, we would think of this as the 8 teams that fought their way to the top to go for the national title. As a PR professional and blogger, I think of this as my essential tools for communication to blend my personal and professional lives – which really have such a tiny line between the two that you can barely see the difference! There is no better place than simply introducing myself and then of course introducing you to my end of the world, which brings me back to my Elite 8. The personal and the professional are mixing at such an interesting rate that as opposed to having networks that work independently, why not bring them together to strengthen your base and to present yourself as a well-rounded brand, person or whatever you wish to call it! The following networks are my personal favorites and if you would like to follow me – please do!
Twitter: I am @CocoaBebe (I also have @GGDNY for those interested in Girl Geek Dinners NY) on this network which allows for conversations that are sent back and forth between people that you know, share interests with or feel that you can definitely benefit from one another. I love that people share what they are doing, they find a support and this results in connections whether you’re writing stories, looking for people to provide feedback on what you’re doing or even people to purchase something on your site. I love that it’s conversational and easy to meet people.
StumbleUpon: This is a great way to post your profile with your interests and to also let people know about websites that you enjoy. I love finding out about new sites that I bookmark or place in my Google Reader.
Viddler: When it comes to those that vlog or simply like to do short interviews every now and then, how nice is it to have this YouTube type service that allows you to place your logo within the viewer to extend your brand?
Mogulus: For those who have a lot of video content and also do live feeds, why not have your own channel which helps you maintain your brand and when you’re not live, people can still see your footage and they can chat as you talk live! Check out Pop17 who has a channel.
Facebook: This is my oldie but goodie that keeps me connected with people in my past, present and not so distant future. Whatever project I’m working on gets either a fan or a group page and keeps everyone connected.
LinkedIn: I think of this as a living resume with the ability to reach out to those beyond what you have already done. I love that there are so many people that are doing multiple things and that through your connections you are able to reach out and get that last element you needed to get the big push you needed.
TubeMogul: There are a lot of networks and many of them I don’t check in on them daily; however, Tube Mogul helps you out by transferring your information to other networks when you log into their site. I love it and it saves a lot of time.
Mashable: Knowledge is power and you should always look for it whether you have various people you follow or one source. I love that Mashable lets you know about new technologies and keeps you current. They also know how to throw a great party as well.
These are my Elite 8 and I hope that you either join or rework your profile if you haven’t been on in awhile. Give me some feedback and if you have questions, ask – it could find its way into a future post. My goal is to blend your drive for being in the fashion industry with the added power of using Social Media and just basic PR tactics to get your foot in the door – whether it is with a major or to secure your own place as an independent!
