Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Marchman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m a strong believer in the power of the internship. It absolutely changed my career. While a senior at University of Colorado, I was a political science major with a minor in journalism. I had no doubt my career would be in politics as my grandfather was a former governor of New Mexico.
I was placed the Mayor of Denver’s press office, and it changed my world. I loved working with journalists, writing, being on top of the news cycle and press secretary really championed my development.
That experience spring boarded my jump to Los Angeles, where I worked with a top PR firm specializing in hospitality. The pace was fast, clients exciting and upper management were seriously smart. Several are still my mentors today.
I moved to Miami in 2001, and founded Get Ink in 2005. Miami is a fantastic city to be an entrepreneur, with many organizations championing start-ups. I opened the Denver office in 2011, and still work with those initial culinary clients.
I’ve been able to tap my journalism through writing press materials and branding for clients, and still moonlight as a journalist with published articles from personal essays to wellness / travel stories. Travel writing is such a thrill.
Currently, I’m working on a concept to bridge consumers with sustainable practices. Create to Sustain brings smart purchasing power to the masses with one click. If you could save money, save energy and help the planet – wouldn’t you? We’ve developed a series of tools and solutions for home, office and hospitality that are easy, inexpensive, save money and drive guest loyalty.
It’s important for me to pursue passion projects that make a difference.
Has it been a smooth road?
There are many highs and lows of owning a business, especially in the PR / Marketing field. Clients come and go, journalists jump from outlet to outlet, and finding staff who have the experience and a sense of savvy is always challenging.
My motto is “the tide always comes in”. I’ve learned to appreciate the slower pace of summer, as I know from experience we need all our energy when season rolls around.
Keeping a professional attitude and staying positive is a magnet for attracting great clients and people. Your perception is your reality.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Get Ink PR and Marketing and Create to Sustain story. Tell us more about the business.
Public Relations has evolved immensely over the past decade. At Get Ink, we implement “360-degree marketing,” intertwining media relations, creative writing, social media, and digital strategies.
Our clients are leaders in the hospitality world, including restaurants, hotels, and wellness brands. We’re know for our deep understanding of Miami and tapping our vast network to launch a new brand in the market. Favorite clients include Soho Beach House, Kimpton Hotels, Chotto Matte, Exhale Spa, The Palms Hotel & Spa, Modo Yoga, WTMLN WTR and Vita Coco.
Plus, it’s a perk that I write professionally. Many don’t understand when pitching a client, you write for the journalist. We like to make their life easy.
Create to Sustain evolved from the sustainable solutions we’ve offered to clients over the years. As it’s such a vast industry, many feel it’s too expensive or too difficult.
Through our research and experience, solutions can be simple, fast and really make an impact to save the planet.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
PR experts need to be strategists and have experience in crisis management. Our industry is evolving at a record pace, and clients need much more than traditional media relations. Miami is an exciting place to be right now and having global experiences and national expertise is important for my clientele.
Sustainability is definitely “trending” which is great for broad awareness. I’m encouraged to see the City of Miami Beach extend the plastic ban to include plastic bags for takeout, straws and stirrers and hopefully styrofoam containers to go along with the ban on styrofoam coolers.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.getinkpr.com/
- Email: info@getinkpr.com
Image Credit:
Chotto Matte opening | World Red Eye
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