We recently connected with Caitlin Gardner and have shared our conversation below.

Caitlin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

It looks like I created my business in 3 months – the reality is it took 20 years. I needed to go through tough lessons in business – like getting laid off – and life to be able to find my grit, resilience and take a bet on myself.

I own Blooming Communications, and I’m the “Chief Gardner” helping companies grow using the power of Public Relations, Strategic Communications and Compelling Storytelling.

Everyday, I use integrated communications, compelling writing and video storytelling to support a brand’s message and elevate executive teams. I rely on 20 years of experience, between corporate America and fast-paced PR agencies, to help clients build up their reputation. Whether coaching an executive before a major national broadcast media segment, supporting them on stage ahead of an internal announcement or cascading a message internally, I know the difference between good, great and master-level is being intentional about every detail and my clients trust my feedback and input. I dig in to help them all shine.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My love for journalism, communications and storytelling was sparked in the early 90s.

At just 8 years old, I became comfortable in front of the camera on the televised broadcast of the morning announcements on TV. My broadcast journalism “career” was budding the in form or weather reports and cafeteria lunch menus. While in middle school, I landed on a show called “By Kids For Kids,” a TV show on ABC in Miami. This was a big deal – I just didn’t quite understand the magnitude of what being in a work environment like that would do for my perspective, my career and my ability to coach people to become comfortable in front of the camera.

30 years later, I was the Vice President of Brand & Communications with National Geographic – Lindblad Expeditions – a brand centered around amazing visual storytelling. There were many steps in between, including graduating from the top of my class at a top Public Relations program, and working at Fortune 500 and small start-up companies and PR agencies. Each step was so important to me finding my own path.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I launched Blooming Communications, I focused on PR. I knew I had a gift of helping others tell their story through the media and on stage, and after doing that for amazing clients and helping them refine and put their best foot forward, I had learned a lot as a Public Relations professional. However, it was after I took the stage and enjoyed a creative writing class that I discovered my own story was also worthy of being told, so I pivoted to add professional speaking services to my playbook. Now, I facilitate workshops and speak on effective communication, storytelling and the power of public relations.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Consistency, kindness and offering support. I do not identify as a sales person, so I just needed to continue to show up, tell my story, be curious about others and offer them help to make an impact. My reputation is one of my biggest strengths, so saying yes to helping others and trying new things have always led to more opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bloomingcomm.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomingcomms/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlingardnerpr/

Image Credits

Caitlin Gardner, Founder of Blooming Communications