We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristin Marquet a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kristin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

My journey from ideation to execution was both exhilarating and challenging. It all began with a clear vision and a strong desire to create something impactful.

The first step was the conceptualization phase. I thought of creating a boutique branding and PR firm, Marquet Media, which could help lifestyle, beauty, and fashion brands amplify their presence. The idea was to combine my passion for these industries with my marketing and public relations expertise. Then, the seed for FemFounder, a platform to empower female entrepreneurs, was taking root in my mind. It was driven by my experiences and challenges in the entrepreneurial world.

The next critical step was the planning phase. I spent countless hours researching the market, understanding the needs of potential clients, and identifying gaps that Marquet Media could fill. For FemFounder, it was about creating a supportive community and resource hub for women entrepreneurs. This involved a lot of reading, networking, and learning from other successful entrepreneurs.

Then came the setup phase. This involved the practical aspects of starting a business – registering the company, setting up a website, creating a brand identity, and establishing a digital presence. The challenge was to do this with limited resources, which meant being resourceful and learning new skills on the fly.

The following months were a whirlwind of activity. For Marquet Media, I reached out to potential clients, pitched our services, and slowly built a portfolio. For FemFounder, I focused on content creation, community building, and establishing partnerships. Each day brought new challenges – managing finances and honing our service offerings and marketing strategies.

One of the biggest challenges was navigating the uncertainties of entrepreneurship. There were self-doubt and setbacks, but each obstacle was a learning opportunity that helped refine my approach.

As the businesses grew, so did the need for a team. Hiring the right people and building a team culture aligned with our values was crucial. Hiring and training required a lot of trial and error but eventually led to assembling a talented and dedicated team.

The journey from idea to execution was a blend of strategic planning, relentless hard work, continuous learning, and an unwavering belief in the vision. It was about taking one step at a time, being adaptable, and always staying focused on the ultimate goal – to empower brands and female entrepreneurs to realize their full potential.

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.

I entered the industry with a strong background in marketing and a passion for the lifestyle, fashion, and beauty sectors. My career began in management consulting, but I quickly realized that my true calling was entrepreneurship. This realization led me to establish Marquet Media, a boutique branding and PR firm. Here, we specialize in helping lifestyle, beauty, and fashion brands enhance their presence in a crowded market. We offer various services, including brand strategy, public relations, digital marketing, and creative design. We aim to create impactful, memorable brand identities and narratives that resonate with target audiences.

The idea for FemFounder came from my personal experiences as a female entrepreneur. Navigating the business world presented unique challenges, and I recognized a need for a supportive community for women like myself. FemFounder is an online platform where female entrepreneurs can find resources, guidance, and inspiration. We provide content on various aspects of entrepreneurship, from starting a business to scaling it, alongside stories of successful women entrepreneurs. It’s a space for learning, networking, and empowerment.

Our personalized approach and deep understanding of our niche markets set me and my businesses apart. We don’t just offer services; we strive to build partnerships with our clients, understand their visions, and align our strategies to their unique needs. This bespoke approach has been fundamental to our success.

I’m most proud of our impact – helping brands find their voice and female entrepreneurs find their footing in the business world. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that at the heart of my work is a passion for creativity, innovation, and empowerment.

Whether through Marquet Media’s branding and PR services or FemFounder’s resources and community, my mission is to help others succeed and realize their full potential. My brands are built on the values of integrity, excellence, and collaboration, and we are committed to delivering exceptional results for our clients.

My journey is about blending creativity with strategy, passion with purpose, and ambition with empathy. It’s about making a meaningful difference in business and entrepreneurship, particularly for women embarking on this challenging yet rewarding journey.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

• Growing my clientele in both Marquet Media and FemFounder has been a combination of building solid relationships, leveraging PR and content marketing, and maintaining a robust digital presence. Building Relationships: Networking has been crucial. Attending industry events, participating in panel discussions, and engaging in online forums have allowed me to connect with potential clients and industry peers. Building genuine relationships, rather than just exchanging business cards, has led to referrals and collaborations that have significantly grown my clientele.
• Content Marketing: Providing valuable, informative, and engaging content has been a game changer. For FemFounder, this meant creating articles, guides, and resources that address female entrepreneurs’ pain points and interests. Similarly, for Marquet Media, sharing insights into branding and PR strategies has helped establish my businesses as authorities in their fields. This approach not only attracts clients but also builds trust and credibility.
• Digital Presence: A robust online presence has been essential. This includes maintaining an active and engaging social media profile, PR, a professional and informative website, and a consistent blog. SEO optimization has also played a significant role in increasing visibility and attracting organic traffic. We’ve drawn a broader audience by showcasing our expertise, success stories, and client testimonials online.
• Personal Branding: As the face of my business, developing a solid individual brand has been pivotal. By sharing my journey, insights, and lessons learned, I’ve connected with my audience on a personal level. This authenticity and transparency have been vital in attracting clients who resonate with my values and approach.
• Client Satisfaction and Referrals: Providing exceptional service and delivering measurable results have led to satisfied clients who are happy to refer others. Word-of-mouth referrals have been one of the most powerful tools for growth.
• Building genuine relationships, leveraging content marketing, enhancing digital presence, focusing on personal branding, and ensuring client satisfaction has been integral in growing my clientele. It’s about creating value, establishing trust, and maintaining a reputation for excellence that draws clients to my businesses.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Cultivating solid and lasting client relationships and building brand loyalty are central to Marquet Media’s and FemFounder’s success. Here are some key strategies I use:

• Regular Communication: Keeping in touch with clients through frequent updates and check-ins is vital. This can be through personalized emails, newsletters, or even phone calls. The objective is to stay present in their minds and keep them informed about what’s new with the businesses and how it can benefit them.
• Providing Value Beyond Transactions: Offering value beyond just the services rendered is crucial. This could be in the form of informative content, helpful tips, or insights into industry trends. By continually providing value, clients feel that their relationship with the brand is a partnership rather than a transaction.
• Client Feedback and Engagement: Seeking and responding to client feedback is essential. Whether through surveys, feedback forms, or casual conversations, understanding clients’ needs, preferences, and concerns helps improve services and shows that their opinions are valued.
• Exclusive Offers and Updates: Giving clients exclusive access to certain services, discounts, or content can enhance loyalty. This makes them feel valued and gives them an incentive to continue their relationship with the brand.
• Social Media Engagement: Engagement on social media helps maintain visibility and client interaction. Regular posts, responding to comments, and sharing relevant content keep the brand in the client’s daily social media experience.
• Loyalty Programs: A loyalty program or client appreciation initiatives can reinforce brand loyalty. This could be anything from referral bonuses to anniversary acknowledgments.
• Staying True to the Brand Promise: Consistently delivering on the brand promise is the foundation of brand loyalty. Maintaining high service standards and ensuring every client interaction reflects the brand’s values is essential.
• Building brand loyalty and keeping in touch with clients is about creating meaningful interactions, delivering consistent value, and ensuring a personalized, client-centric approach. It’s about building a relationship that goes beyond business and is rooted in mutual respect, trust, and appreciation.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: facebook.com/femfounder
• Instagram: Instagram.com/Kristin_K_Marquet, Instagram.com/Femfounder
• Other: FemFounder.co, MarquetMagazine.com, Marquet.company, KristinKMarquet.co, and BrandStrategyMedia.com

Image Credits
Kristin Marquet