Quick fire questions with Siena Clarke, founder of The Brand Whisperer

If you could describe The Brand Whisperer in an elevator pitch, what would it be?

We work to publicise independent and small brands, in the Beauty and Wellness space; to bring them to the forefront of people's minds when they shop. We love planet-loving brands who have an environmental focus, so really we're looking out for the little guys to help them grow their audience and following.

What makes The Brand Whisperer as a PR agency unique?

What really makes us unique is the personal nature of our team, and how we work so closely with our clients. Some have actually said that it's like having an extended team within their brand, which we take as a huge compliment. We also work towards a really tailored range of coverage with clients who span B2B, haircare, beauty, wellbeing and other industries that run alongside that, so we can guarantee we'll find your brand an interested party!

Are there any brands that you’re working with that we should know about?

YES! All of them! We're launching a really wonderful solid bar brand at the moment called Object (www.the-object.com), who have created shampoo to RAISE THE BAR! These bars come in different scents and reflect different properties (rebalancing, moisturising etc.) and are all made to be zero-waste with no compromise on quality. The packaging is made with a blend of recycled cotton and bamboo, to give it a more cardboard feel, and they're certain to liven up your haircare routine.

We're also working with Retail Expert and Consultant, Wizz Selvey. As ex-buyer for Selfridges, Wizz's expertise is unrivalled, and her new online indie-brand programme has kept her busy for the last few months; leading brand founders through how to scale their business with minimal effort and maximum results. You'll have to check out our Instagram for news on all our clients, and regular updates from the team @the.brand.whisperer

Accessible PR for small businesses has arguably become even more important post-Covid-19 with so many small businesses opening up from home as well as a drive by consumers to shop local. For those reading with their own small businesses, what’s the best piece of advice you can give when founders start trying to get PR for their business? (Long question, sorry!)

So true. We've Zoomed with countless brands who are growing from their living rooms lately. The common theme, a lot of the time, seems to be that brands want exposure, but don't have the time to achieve this themselves (yes, that's why PR agencies exist! To help you!).

My advice would be to recognise those elements of the business that take up too much of your time, like perhaps publicity, and outsource those. Investing in a service or agency that is specialised and targeted to achieve those things for you will certainly free up your time to focus on what really matters - running your business. So not that long of an answer, but often a piece of advice that brand founders find difficult, as investing in publicity is the first big step to committing to the growth of your brand - but if that's something you're aiming for, I'd certainly recommend it!

How has lifestyle and beauty PR changed since COVID-19?

It's changed for the better, I'd say. Lifestyle product buying, and the way people shop for everyday items has shifted to focus slightly more on a self-care and wellbeing angle, and is less about convenience and speed. As we all had weeks on end in our homes undisturbed, we've learned the power of TLC, and I for one am really enjoying it! I'm sure it's a behaviour that will stick going forward, as will gifting to faraway friends and family, when the occasion calls.

What other women inspire you?

I'm so lucky to work with a team of brilliant young women, and all the women we work with as clients are incredible too - all these are a real inspiration to me. As a team we listen to podcasts, lectures and webinars regularly, to keep the team cohesive and thinking about reaching forward to the next trends etc. and often we'll focus on a woman achieving great things in the news, so those sessions are really inspirational to me.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

I love to read last thing at night and first thing in the morning - at the moment I'm finishing Leonard Lauder's [of the Estee Lauder companies] book, and it's brilliant.

Do you have any upcoming client campaigns our readers should look out for?

Keep your eyes peeled for the Object launch! We're so excited about the bars, and really hope you are too! We'd also be so happy if you could give us a follow on Insta, as we post all our big news there, and love getting social with new people and brands.

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Rest assured, we’re VERY excited about the bars. And the Object launch, obviously!