There’s a lot Clairemont has to be thankful for this year—our creative, hardworking team, beautiful home office space in the heart of downtown Raleigh, award recognition from both the Public Relations Society of America and the Raleigh Public Relations Society, and most importantly, our amazing clients.
While all of us here at Clairemont are thankful for many similar things, we each have a few aspects special to us that deserve recognition.
Anna
“I’m thankful for this amazing internship opportunity at Clairemont. Over the past few months, I have learned a great deal about the PR and communications industries through various projects and by working directly with clients. I have had the privilege to work with and learn from an incredible group of energetic and fun women who are extremely talented at what they do. I am also thankful for the Clairemont porch that has doubled as my creative thinking hub on beautiful fall days and for the Clairemont candy jar (and a team who never judges me for eating way too many Jolly Ranchers).
On a more personal note, I am thankful for my friends and family who always support me. I am grateful to be spending this Thanksgiving with my loved ones, even though they somehow convinced me to run a turkey trot race.”
Kaitlyn
“This year I’m thankful for new opportunities. At Clairemont, I’m actually getting to write and create for clients. I really feel like I’m a part of the team and getting to leave my mark. I also like being the first one in the office twice a week. It feels like a fresh start and a new opportunity to help clients and Clairemont as I unlock the door, get all the lights on and put on a pot of coffee. It seems small, but it’s refreshing. I’m grateful to start each day with optimism and enthusiasm.
I’m also grateful for my many nieces and nephews who make me laugh, build my patience and enjoy sweets as much as me.”
Cherith
“What am I thankful for this year at Clairemont? That chalkboard wall in a little room we call “The Pitch Parlor.” Truthfully, it owes its name to our love of alliteration at Clairemont, and we imagined we’d retreat into its cozy ambience — complete with heart-shaped chairs — to make media calls. It since has taken on a rather jack-of-all trades function, but it still sports its hallmark chalkboard wall. I’m thankful for what this wall represents. It almost begs to be covered in drawings — ideas, musings, brainstorms. There’s a sense of exciting possibilities and an encouragement for exploration. This quality mirrors the atmosphere at Clairemont — a team eager to spin new ideas, explore new paths, encourage bright ideas and make great things happen together. For that, I am thankful.
Personally, I’m thankful for Oreo Truffles. I’ve had some good ones. And I’m eternally grateful for a family that never quits.”
Tracy
“First and foremost, I am thankful for my family. I have a loving husband who is truly a best friend and partner, two amazing children and an extended family that I love dearly. I also thank God every day for a profession that continues to inspire me, a job that I love and that I have the pleasure of working with the most outstanding women. Friends that are family are also at the top of my list. It takes a village to raise a family with our busy schedules, and we are blessed to be raising ours alongside our oldest and dearest friends. And last but not least, I am thankful for Amazon Prime. Quite simply it just makes life easier. Especially at Christmas time 
Rather than running all over town, anything I need can be delivered to my doorstep. Sometimes it’s all about the little things that make our life a little less hectic.”
Kelli
“There’s so much to be thankful for! This year, we bought our first home, moved back to our home state, started new jobs and celebrated our second kid’s first birthday. We couldn’t have done any of these things without the full support of our amazing family and friends. They helped oversee home inspections and renovations when we lived 1,000 miles away. They helped us find daycare for our kids. They helped us pack up in Massachusetts and unpack in North Carolina. They housed us, fed us, watched the kids, watched our cat and even got/gave us jobs. When we called upon them (and even when we didn’t) they stepped up and asked: ‘What do you need? What can I do?’ As I come up on Thanksgiving this year, a year that held just as many challenges as it did joys, I’m overwhelmed with the love that so many people showered over us this year and I can honestly say, I’ve never been more grateful for anything.”
Dana
“I am thankful for my son and his fearless creativity! He is a prolific artist, skilled videographer and overall talented creator. I’m always amused by how quickly he executes an idea, and I love hearing about what’s next. For example, the other night he recorded several songs that he ‘wrote’ as he was recording them. I’m so grateful that he is never afraid to explore and express his creative passions.
I am thankful for all the Clairemont team members. I’ve always heard that the key to success for a business owner is to hire people smarter than you. I have done just that! I love working with the smart, experienced, dedicated and kind people who bring their best to our clients each day.
I am thankful for having a beautiful place to work in our lovely City of Oaks. The Clairemont House, located in downtown Raleigh, has been home to Clairemont for about five years. Whether we are cranking out ideas in our ‘crank room’ or gathered around the kitchen island brainstorming ideas for a client, we find the character of this historic home to encourage positive energy and productivity.”
We certainly have a lot to be thankful for at Clairemont this year. We are looking forward to spending the holiday season with our loved ones at home and at work. Here at Clairemont, we begin each day with smiles on our faces and an optimistic outlook knowing that we will inevitably find one more thing for which to be thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving from our team to you and yours!
Written by Clairemont Intern Anna Ostrowski, a senior at UNC.
