One of the biggest lessons I have learned from the pandemic is the power of slowing down. Because we are all forced to really shift and change our habits, I feel like in some ways this period is a blessing. It has given me the precious opportunity to really pause and reflect on what is really important. I have taught myself to shift and adjust bad habits and really to be more in the moment. I have let go of so many different kinds of clutter and am really thanking my lucky stars for what I have. I have the luxury of more time to make prettier things for you, to give back to the community in big ways and really honor all the people along the way. I know that was kind of wordy but we started a couple weeks back honoring really amazing and valuable people from my 27 years in business. We started with Larry Button from the Benson Hotel and then the wonderful Joan Shipley last week. Today we are featuring my former publicist and dear friend Samantha Martin from Media Maison. I know, I had two publicists and it is rare for businesses to have one let alone a florist from Portland, Oregon.
I first started with local media PR maven Bette Sinclair who really opened me up to local publicity and I will tell her story soon too. Bette really changed the way I thought about publicity and even having someone on your side. Then, 2008 happened and we had to part ways.
Several years later local writer and man about town Byron Beck introduced me to Samantha Martin. The thing about Sam is she is a FORCE and after one simple phone call I knew I wanted her by my side. She is tough, fiercely loyal and man oh man did she change the landscape for us!
We were immediately getting national exposure, sending flowers to celebrities, getting features in national bridal magazines, blogs and even was the florist for the coolest wedding reception hosted by SAS airlines featuring same sex weddings in the sky. Yep three international same sex couples got married in a SAS jet without the seats on a flight from Stockholm to JFK. That was fun!
But then shortly after that Sam started attracting higher profile clients because HEY she is the absolute best. I also think she invented the word tenacious. She worked securing press for Robert DeNiro and his lovely wife Grace Hightower and because hey she is Sam I was by her side.
Next up, I was on the TODAY show!!!! Yes that is correct she used her magic powers, skills and contacts to secure me a coveted spot on the flippin' TODAY show. I had a weeks notice to figure it out, write content and present 7 different ideas for florals for viewers to make at home for Valentine's Day for 7 parts of the county. She coached me (told me say the word amazing only 3 times and not 98 times), helped me be camera ready and talked me off the ledge. But, WE DID IT!
The best part is Sam pushed and challenged me to think big. She believes in me like nobody can and to this day is a dear friend! Need a push hire a publicist or better yet hire Sam!
The best thing about the Publicist-Client relationship is that is really all goes both ways! This is what Samantha has to say about our many adventures together, "I met Kim in Portland over 10 years ago when she became a client and then my dearest friend. Her talents and creativity are beyond words and so when I moved my firm to New York city - I still only used Kim for any event I designed. My clients would all ask - why not a NY based florist and I would reply - "Without Kim - it won't work....". Through every event we have worked on Kim never panics, is always in control and gets it done - ALWAYS. As a publicist who creates and manages very high profile events for celebrity clients, it is imperative that I have someone who can work under pressure and can take the "decor" piece from me. I know it will be not only beautiful and work with my "theme" but that I can manage the PR part of my job. The knowledge that I can walk into a room 5 minutes before start time and know Kim has managed to pull it all off without any input from me and it is perfect. THAT ease is invaluable and why I continue to use a Portland, Oregon florist and friend for any event I do around the country".
