Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Dubow
Hi Katie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After college. I moved to New York City, my dream. There I was hoping to make it big as a sports broadcaster, my major at Northeastern University. The city’s vibrant energy and endless opportunities for creativity had other ideas for me, however. After working at CBS Television for many years and gaining valuable experience, I realized it was time to come home to roost. I returned to Garden Media Group, a business my mom started in 1988, where I stuffed envelopes as a kid, and grew up watching. I eventually took over the business from my mom in 2020—a moment that felt both momentous and deeply personal.
Growing up, I watched my mom lead meetings, captivate audiences with her speaking engagements, and connect with people to share her passion for horticulture. She often was the only woman in the room. After I came back to Garden Media, I started by joining her on stage, learning by example, and soon found myself speaking at events around the world. Today, as the president of Garden Media, I continue to build on the legacy my mom created, leading our company to the forefront of garden and lifestyle PR.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting in New York City at 21 was both exhilarating and challenging. The fast-paced environment taught me so much, but one thing was for sure, I did not want to step on people to get ahead. When I returned to Garden Media, I quickly discovered that working in a family-run business came with its own unique set of challenges.
Taking over the business from my mom in 2020 was a proud moment, but the journey wasn’t without its struggles. When I began working alongside my mom, I often thought I knew more than I did, and was eager to bring fresh ideas and assert my own vision. I was trying to carve my own path. As I look back, I realized there’s a delicate balance in blending tradition with innovation, especially in a family business where personal and professional lines can blur.
For example, I couldn’t believe she started her business without a business plan and admonished her as such. So, we worked together to create one, outlined our mission, and after countless nights working on it, it was finished. Many years later I realized it is not a business plan that makes a good business, it’s the business and the people who work in it.
It took time and humility to recognize that while I brought new perspectives, my mom’s decades of experience were invaluable. We had to learn how to respect each other’s strengths and find ways to collaborate effectively, which wasn’t always easy.
There were moments of self-doubt and frustration, especially when things didn’t go as planned. I had to learn that leadership isn’t just about having the right ideas—it’s about listening, learning, and sometimes admitting that you don’t have all the answers. Over time, I am growing into my role, learning from both my successes and my mistakes. These experiences have shaped me into a more thoughtful leader, one who values the wisdom of others and understands the importance of patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn.
Taking over Garden Media Group has been a rewarding journey, but it’s also been a humbling one. I’ve learned that the road to success is rarely straightforward, but with resilience and a passion for what you do, the challenges become opportunities for growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Garden Media Group is a dynamic public relations and marketing firm that was established in 1988. We specialize in the garden, horticulture, and outdoor living industries. We’re passionate about connecting people with nature, and our mission is to help brands grow by telling their unique stories in ways that resonate with their target audiences.
What We Do:
At Garden Media Group, we offer a full suite of public relations and marketing services designed to elevate our clients’ brands. This includes strategic PR campaigns, social media management, content creation, influencer partnerships, brand strategy, and event management. We’re experts in crafting compelling narratives that not only highlight the products and services of our clients but also inspire people to engage with the natural world around them.
Our Specialties and What We’re Known For:
We are known for our deep industry knowledge and our ability to stay ahead of trends. Our team is comprised of garden enthusiasts, plant lovers, and PR professionals who understand the nuances of the horticulture market. We specialize in creating connections between brands and consumers by tapping into the latest consumer trends, sustainability practices, and lifestyle movements. Our annual Garden Trends Report is a hallmark of our thought leadership, providing valuable insights that help shape the future of the industry.
What Sets Us Apart:
What truly sets Garden Media Group apart is our personalized approach. We don’t just work with our clients; we partner with them to understand their brand, their goals, and their challenges. This collaborative spirit allows us to create customized strategies that deliver results. We’re a boutique agency with a global reach, meaning we offer the intimate service of a small firm combined with the power and influence of a larger agency. Our strong relationships with media, influencers, and industry leaders give our clients an edge in the competitive marketplace.
Our Proudest Achievements:
What we’re most proud of isn’t just the success of our clients’ brands, but the incredible team behind that success. We have a diverse group of professionals, some who have been with us for over 25 years and others who are just beginning their time. This mix of experience and fresh perspective creates a dynamic environment where we mentor each other, push each other to excel, and encourage one another to grow both personally and professionally.
This culture of mentorship and support is what makes Garden Media Group special, and it’s a key factor in the success we achieve for our clients.
What We Want You to Know:
Garden Media is more than just a PR agency; we’re a team of passionate storytellers dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and plants. Our offerings are designed to meet the unique needs of each client, whether that’s through comprehensive PR campaigns, digital marketing strategies, or event planning. We’re here to help brands grow and thrive in a competitive market by creating powerful, authentic connections with their audiences.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I’m excited about continuing to grow and evolve Garden Media. One of my key focuses is fostering the next generation of leaders on our team. Mentorship has always been a cornerstone of our company culture, and I plan to continue investing in the professional development of our team members, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to succeed. I believe that by nurturing our internal talent, we can keep pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together.
Ultimately, I’m looking forward to continuing to build on the legacy of Garden Media, leading with innovation, passion, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gardenmediagroup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gardenmedia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gardenmediagroup
Image Credits
Mark Tassoni