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Category: Marketing

Copy Cat: Secret Free

Copy Cat: Secret Free

June 1, 2016January 31, 2023 Sarah HattmanBlog, Copy Cat, MarketingBeautycounter, Marketing, PR, Public Relations, raleigh agency, transparency

I was recently introduced to Beautycounter, a line of all-natural skin care products ranging from makeup, cleaners and moisturizers to baby soothing oil and sunscreen for kids. The company is part of a growing movement to keep toxic chemicals out of our bodies.

There is some debate surrounding the topic of health safety and skincare, especially when it comes to certain ingredients: parabens and phthalates. I tend to be a bit of a nervous Nellie and err on the side of caution. In my opinion, there’s no harm in keeping chemicals off my skin and out of my body, right?

So I ordered the Nourishing Day Cream. I was excited to add it to my daily skincare regime, but when I took the cream out the box I found another surprise. Take a look at the fine print at the bottom that lists what it’s missing. (Click on the image for a closer view.)

IMG_1062 #3

Do you see it? It lists ingredients the cream does NOT contain and the final one is “secrets.” Brilliant! I already felt good about the product I was about to put on my face neck and décolleté (More great copy found on the bottle. Doesn’t décolleté sound much more sophisticated than chest?), but the fact that the company calls out its transparency really drove them message home for me.

Beautycounter understands that more and more consumers appreciate knowing exactly what they are putting into their bodies, whether they are ingesting it in a meal or slathering it on their skin.

As PR professionals we love critiquing copy. The good, the bad and the ugly. Check out some of our other favorites here.

 

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Blogger Q&A – Courtney Fashionista

Blogger Q&A – Courtney Fashionista

May 23, 2016January 31, 2023 Jasmin SessomsBlog, Fashion, Marketingblogger, fashion, fashion blogging, influencer, social media marketing, summer clothing, summer fashion, summer trends, trends

Last week, I caught up with a blogger turned friend for lunch to find out more about the summer trends for clothing. Courtney is a Pittsburgh-native who moved to Raleigh, N.C. two years ago during a quarter-life crisis. Her cat, Cleo, holds the key to her heart – despite the fact that Cleo would rather sleep than cuddle. Courtney says that she can’t live without Chapstick or “Sex and the City.” She is also a firm believer that everything happens for a reason in life.

When did you start blogging?

I started blogging in January 2014, so it has been about 2.5 years. I moved here from Pittsburgh and transitioned from working in fashion merchandising to marketing. It was a great way to stay connected to the world of fashion, which I love. Not to mention blogging helps to fuel my creativity.

How do you stay up to date on the latest trends?

I am an avid magazine reader, and I probably have six to eight subscriptions. Harpers Bazzar is my favorite. I get butterflies in my stomach when it arrives in the mail. I love investigating high fashion and seeing how it trickles down into clothing that everyday people can wear. I find myself constantly looking at online e-retailers and boutiques.

What are the hottest fashion summer trends for 2016?

I absolutely love embroidered pieces for summer. I was exploring online to see how they are incorporating it into dresses and jackets and learned the whole Mediterranean feel is trendy this summer. By Mediterranean I mean white and light colors– clean and crisp flowy pieces are always in style. This summer shop for clothes as if you’re headed to the French Rivera. Sometimes denim pieces are even a classic look for summer even though it is a heavier fabric.

Pineapples have been a big deal this spring, what other fruits should we think about for the summer?

I think the pineapple is just fun and feminine, and people are gravitating towards it. Our generation is excited about imagery. I think the pineapple has been the biggest deal, but I have a watermelon clutch. I think it is reminiscent of summer and aesthetically pleasing to wear. The cactus is new this year.

I saw on your blog that the ‘90s are making a comeback, what pieces should every woman have in her closet for this trend?

I think the flannel tied around your waist look is amazing – this is a look that I remember from my childhood. I love when people can wear things differently and use them as accessories. Even if you aren’t going to wear it for a functional purpose, it is a cool trend to layer in a styled way. Also making a comeback: fanny packs and jean skirts.

How do you feel about the mixed-print trend? What are the best prints to mix together?

Stripes are always pretty easy to start with when mixing prints. Stripes and florals or stripes and polka dots are a good mix for me. I love stripes! I could wear them every single day.

How would you advise women to feel comfortable mixing prints?

First I would say make sure that you absolutely love what you are wearing. People can tell when women are uncomfortable with what they are wearing, so make sure that it is something you feel confident wearing. The most important thing to consider when you are mixing prints is to keep the colors consistent so that they complement each other.

What store never fails you?

Honestly, nothing makes me happier than the Macy’s shoe department.

What are three words to describe your style?

Creative, feminine and edgy.

Want to learn more about the pineapple trend this summer? Read our post about pineapples here.

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Ramp Up Your Restaurant

Ramp Up Your Restaurant

May 11, 2016January 31, 2023 Cherith AndesBlog, Marketing, Restaurant PR + Hospitality PRfood marketing, ramps, restaurant marketing, Restaurant PR, the secret ingredient

It’s like a secret club. Foodies scour menus for this en vogue ingredient every spring. Popular restaurants — from fine dining to hipster joints — use ramps to garnish soups, zest salads, stuff pastas and even muddle into cocktails. Il Palio, a Clairemont client, underscores its menu with these foraged, onion-like greens that seem to be the leprechaun of spring ingredients. Catch them while you can!

So what gives ramps the edge?

It’s the secret ingredient factor. Ramps provide a sense of culinary elitism, a phenomenon that extends back to basic supply and demand economics. Ramps are rare not only because they’re seasonal but also because they’re foraged; suppliers must discover them, not cultivate them.

Jed Portman, an editor of Garden and Gun, shows off his own recently foraged ramps on Instagram.
Jed Portman, an editor of Garden and Gun, shows off his own ramps on Instagram.

Ramps pack a punch, too. Bon Appetit warns home cooks to prepare their palates. The intense, garlicky aroma can linger around the house for days. Memorable and distinct, ramps also offer a plethora of versatile applications. Venture beyond slicing and dicing for salads. Try deep frying it, Epicurious suggests.

These factors create a sense of urgency that launches ramps to the top of every foodie’s bucket list. Regardless if ramps are actually on your menu, chefs, restauranteurs and culinary marketers can glean a tidbit from this ingredient’s unexpected stardom.

What is your restaurant’s “secret ingredient?” Perhaps you feature a rare item, or perhaps your chef offers an intriguing twist on standard fare. And while culinary specialties are certainly a defining highlight, your hallmark may not be a specific ingredient or even a style of cooking. Explore your atmosphere, your service and your staff’s personality. Anyone remember Ed Debevic’s? Its infamy lives through its service — or lack thereof — rather than its cuisine. And that works well for its marketing persona!

Now that you’ve defined your hallmark, find out tips to name your restaurant or new menu item!

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Fashion Q&A with Fabellis

Fashion Q&A with Fabellis

May 9, 2016January 31, 2023 Jasmin SessomsBlog, Fashion, MarketingBlog, blogger, Fabellis, Lucette Grace, Meredith College, Pinterest, Smart shopper, style trends

Last week I had the chance to steal a bit of a great blogger’s time – Ashley of FabEllis. I was super excited to grab a coffee with her at Lucette Grace and pick her brain about all things fashion and her experience as a blogger. Her personal passion is encouraging women. Ashley explained that she is dedicated to showing women how to embrace their God-given beauty!

What sparked your blogging journey?

I attended Meredith College and majored in communication with a minor in professional writing. My dream was to work for a magazine, and jobs were scarce in 2008. A friend of mine suggested I begin a blog. After doing some research I started my own blog in 2010. The blog has expanded over the years, even during a wedding and a move. My original vision was a beauty blog, but I decided to add fashion and lifestyle.

How did you come up with the blog name FabEllis?

God gave me the name. The name is a play on the word fabulous. My maiden name is Ellis, so that’s how FabEllis was created.

What inspires your style?

I have to admit, I love vintage style and old shows. Pinterest is my go-to site to find out how to wear different pieces, and I even research ways to style my clothes. The older I get the more comfortable I am with my style.

What is one piece of clothing that every woman should have in her closet?

I think it is a toss up between a white button up and a midi skirt. Midi skirts are work appropriate and church appropriate. I even wear them with chucks on the weekend.

How do you save money when shopping?

It is an art! My husband makes fun of me because I have joined every rewards program possible. My advice sign up for emails and text alerts. I use retailmenot.com and ebates.com. Always make sure to shop the clearance racks!

What is the best way to find amazing pieces in the thrift store?

Try to have something in mind when shopping in thrift stores. Sometimes thrift stores can be overwhelming and all items can run together. Make sure to enter the store with a strategy, try things on and never skip the blazer section. I have found my best coats and blazers in the thrift store.

What was your ultimate thrift store find?

Definitely my J. Crew blazer for $20.00. The jacket was worth more than $200.00!

In your opinion, what is one trend that we shouldn’t pass up this summer?

Add a little drama to your wardrobe with a few off the shoulder dresses and tops.

If you could sum up your style in three words, what would they be?

I would describe my style as classic, sophisticated and lady-like.

Do you have any words of advice for women taking a leap of faith and monetizing their blog?

Live your dreams. Our society has made us scared to take risks these days. You deserve to be happy and you can make money from your talents!

Want to read more of our fashion favorites? Check out our fashion posts here.

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Go On. Be Cheesy.

Go On. Be Cheesy.

April 28, 2016January 31, 2023 Cherith AndesBlog, Marketing, Restaurant PR + Hospitality PRbranding, cheese, food pr, Food Trends, restaurant marketing, Restaurant PR1 Comment on Go On. Be Cheesy.

I’ve been astounded by the recent surge of articles and posts highlighting one of my favorite indulgences: cheese. Raclette NYC’s “melted wheel of cheese” video has circulated through my Instagram feed more than once, matched in popularity perhaps only by the video of pasta made in a cheese wheel. The New York Times, Food and Wine, Cooking Light and Tasting Table have all featured this superstar ingredient within the last 24 hours.

Courtesy of Foodiggity.com
Courtesy of Foodiggity.com

And what’s up with the rainbow grilled cheese? I’m not sure if I’m about to eat a sandwich or a patty of melted skittles.

And yet fans worldwide profess a lifelong loyalty to this ingredient, evident from the grocery cart to the Instagram account. Cheese has mastered some secret to success that if emulated could transform us into famous marketers, writers, chefs, accountants, friends and general human beings. Here are two traits that struck me.

  • Versatility. Compare the casual warmth of an after-school grilled cheese to the complex sophistication of a French fromage board. Cheese has served as a melted dip, a salad topping and a main course; it has been shaped into balls, fried into crispy straws, whipped into waffles and concocted into cosmetic face masks.
  • Individuality. Despite more than 1,800 listed types on Cheese.com, no two are alike. Each boasts a distinct flavor profile, from the nutty grassiness of Roquefort to Taleggio, which SeriousEats describes as “rich, buttery, meaty, feet.” Feet. Quite specific and infinitely memorable!

Ah, the lessons we can learn from food. Versatility and specificity, applied to any field, can strengthen market messaging, build brand affinity and even develop new customer demographics. Bottom line?

It’s ok to be a little cheesy now and then.

Feeling snackish? Check out Clairemont’s favorite healthy recipes.

Thanks to Felicia Perry for our cheesy cover image.

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Have you heard about Meta’s newest social media pl Have you heard about Meta’s newest social media platform? It’s called Threads, and it’s being referred to as “the new Twitter.” Read everything you need to know about Threads in our latest blog post - link in bio!
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We are proud to represent Raleigh as a member of P We are proud to represent Raleigh as a member of Public Relations Consultants Group, allowing us to offer clients expertise and support across the country! Clairemont founder, Dana Phelps aka @blah2voila, recently attended the PRCG conference in Oklahoma City.
2022 has been a fantastic year for Clairemont Comm 2022 has been a fantastic year for Clairemont Communications! Visit our blog for the full 2022 year in review!
As communications professionals, we wear a variety As communications professionals, we wear a variety of hats to meet our clients’ needs.
 
We’re writers, social media managers, photographers, marketers, editors, content creators- the list goes on and on.
 
Check out our recent blog post to learn what @olivia.noles , account coordinator here at Clairemont, does on a weekly and monthly basis.
#communicationsagency #communicationsmajor #pragencylife #pragency #raleighpr
This Friday, Clairemont’s Dana Phelps, @blah2voila This Friday, Clairemont’s Dana Phelps, @blah2voila , will be speaking at the 2022 @nc_prsa Strategic Communication & MarCom Conference! Phelps is a repeat presenter at this annual conference, and this year she is leading a session called Growing from Communication Technician to Strategic Counselor during which she will share three of her coined concepts: knowcasting, morecasting and collabolighthing. Visit our blog for the link to register for the conference!
@clairemontcommunications and @yellowdogcreative g @clairemontcommunications and @yellowdogcreative go together like the bacon and eggs! And speaking of bacon and eggs, have you been to @therainbowluncheonette yet? YUM!
Later this year, Clairemont client @wendellfallsnc Later this year, Clairemont client @wendellfallsnc, a master-planned community just 15 miles from downtown Raleigh, will welcome @parksideraleigh, a Raleigh-favorite restaurant known for its fresh, made-from-scratch dishes, to the community!
 
Visit our blog to see the @trianglebizjrnl coverage and read the full feature in the TBJ to learn more about Parkside.
“What exactly does a PR Agency do?” Because we get “What exactly does a PR Agency do?” Because we get this question often, we have a series on our blog where we dive into our recent projects to give you a look at what a PR Agency really does.
 
For example, a statewide resource for small businesses recently hired Clairemont to devise an executive visibility campaign to help position the organization and its director as the leading small business resource in North Carolina.
 
Head to our blog to read what exactly an executive visibility campaign entails and to learn more about our services!
So you say it’s National Coffee Day? We say let us So you say it’s National Coffee Day? We say let us tell you about our new favorite @drink321coffee ! If you are in Raleigh, go see Paul, the other Paul, Emma  or whichever smiling faces are working today. We LOVE this place and the coffee! ❤️❤️❤️
Our client @wendellfallsnc, one of the largest mas Our client @wendellfallsnc, one of the largest master-planned communities in the Triangle, closed on its first age-eligible rental community plan, Arden at Wendell Falls, that will offer 140 open-concept units and exclusive onsite amenities!
 
Visit our blog to see the @trianglebizjrnl coverage and read the full feature in the TBJ to learn more about Arden at Wendell Falls.
Staying in Raleigh this Labor Day weekend? Stop by Staying in Raleigh this Labor Day weekend? Stop by client @vitaviteraleigh for good snacks and great wine!🍷 Both locations are open normal hours Friday-Sunday and closed on Monday.
You never know who might be hanging out at The Cla You never know who might be hanging out at The Clairemont House. Thanks to @yellowdogcreative for helping save this buddy. Notice that we speak lizard. Or skink. Or gecko or whatever he is. Or maybe it’s the extra caffeine before our client presentation.
Yep, our town is pretty cool. #raleigh Yep, our town is pretty cool. #raleigh
Who wants to have a Friday afternoon porch meeting Who wants to have a Friday afternoon porch meeting?
Congrats to our new neighbor on Bloodworth Street Congrats to our new neighbor on Bloodworth Street South @raleighwineshop ! @blah2voila was there today representing Clairemont at the grand opening festivities and enjoying the @grandchamphospitality sandwich pop up. Yum! 🍷🥪
It’s National Volunteer Month, and volunteers are It’s National Volunteer Month, and volunteers are needed more than ever! Many organizations with scarce resources rely on volunteers and would not exist without them. Visit our recent blog post to read about the organizations Clairemont has supported and how you can make a difference in your community!
Authenticity is trending, and research shows that Authenticity is trending, and research shows that consumers are 2.4 times more likely to view user-generated content as authentic. Read our recent blog post to learn about UGC, how it can benefit your brand and how to use it in your marketing strategy.
From social values to behavior patterns, COVID-19 From social values to behavior patterns, COVID-19 has left an impact on every sector of life, including marketing. Read our blog on marketing in a post-COVID world to learn how things have changed and how that should impact your business strategy.
We are so excited to share that Clairemont earned We are so excited to share that Clairemont earned eight awards, five gold🥇and three silver🥈, at this year's Sir Walter Raleigh Awards hosted by the Raleigh Public Relations Society!🎉 We are beyond grateful to work with so many amazing partners, clients and industry friends!
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