Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Marquet

Hi Kristin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

Thank you so much for having me, My venture into entrepreneurship and public relations was serendipitous. Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a passion for communication and design. Yet, when faced with the formidable challenges and immense rewards of building a business from scratch, I discovered my calling.

Marquet Media’s genesis directly resulted from losing my consulting job—a significant career setback that unexpectedly steered me toward fulfilling a long-held dream. I had always envisioned a career where I could seamlessly integrate my creative prowess with my strategic communication skills. This unforeseen shift in my career trajectory allowed me to actualize this vision and infused me with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Launching my own business was both daunting and exhilarating. I was thrust into a rapid learning curve where each day was packed with invaluable lessons—from grasping intricate client needs to hone my negotiation skills.

As Marquet Media flourished, I identified a unique opportunity to diversify into niche areas. This realization led to the establishment of Marquet Creative, a venture dedicated to assisting brands in amplifying their market presence through innovative design and effective branding strategies. During this period, I also noticed a significant gap in support resources for female entrepreneurs. This observation inspired the creation of FemFounder, which initially started as a blog but swiftly grew into a comprehensive platform with guidance, resources, and inspiration for women embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to garner recognition for my efforts, including various awards and prominent features in top publications. Each accolade serves as a poignant reminder of the journey my team and I have undertaken and our relentless effort to cultivate these brands.

My role spans various responsibilities, from managing and supervising projects across my companies to mentoring emerging professionals and entrepreneurs. Every day is distinct, presenting new challenges and opportunities for growth—not only for my businesses but also personally.

Reflecting on my path to where I am today, it is evident that resilience, an ongoing commitment to learning, and an adaptability to change have been the cornerstones of my success. I take immense pride in what we’ve achieved, yet I am even more thrilled about the future as I navigate new paths for creative expression and leadership in the dynamic landscape of media and entrepreneurship. While already rich in achievements, this journey is just the beginning of further exploration and innovation.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Starting this journey of entrepreneurship has been anything but smooth. Like any path worth traveling, it has had its fair share of obstacles and learning curves. Some of the struggles I’ve faced along the way have been both challenging and formative.
Financial Uncertainty: Initially, income needed to be more certain, which required meticulous budgeting and financial planning. Learning to manage cash flow effectively, especially during periods when business was slow, was crucial.
Market Competition and Differentiation: Standing out in the crowded space of PR and media was another significant hurdle. The industry is saturated with talented professionals and firms, each offering similar services. Developing a unique value proposition, continuously innovating our offerings, and staying ahead of market trends required constant attention and creativity.
Scaling the Business: As the businesses expanded, so did the complexity of managing multiple aspects of each company. Scaling the business wasn’t just about growth in numbers but also about enhancing operational efficiencies, managing larger teams, and maintaining quality across all services and products. There were times when the pace of growth brought about operational challenges that needed quick and effective resolutions.
Personal Sacrifices: The sacrifices involved in building and running multiple businesses cannot be understated. The long hours, the missed social and family events, and the constant juggling between personal and professional life have been significant. Finding a balance, learning to delegate, and taking time to recharge have been essential lessons on my journey.

Despite these challenges, the journey has been enriching. Each obstacle allowed me to learn, grow, and refine my approach. Overcoming these hurdles has strengthened the businesses and provided me with invaluable insights into my leadership capabilities and resilience.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?

Marquet Media is where my entrepreneurial journey began, and it serves as the cornerstone of my business ventures. At its core, Marquet Media is a boutique PR and branding firm specializing in crafting our clients’ distinctive brand identities and comprehensive communication strategies. We are known for our personalized approach to each project, ensuring that every client’s story is told in a way that resonates with their target audiences.

Specializations and Strengths:
Creative Branding: We excel in developing unique elements that speak directly to consumer emotions, making brands memorable and impactful.
Strategic Communication: Our approach to PR is not just about getting the word out; it’s about crafting messages that build lasting relationships between brands and their audiences.
Digital Media Strategy: We navigate the complex digital landscape to position brands effectively across various online platforms, enhancing visibility and engagement.
What Sets Us Apart: We don’t just apply a one-size-fits-all strategy but tailor each campaign to reflect our client’s unique values and aspirations. This approach ensures that each client project is innovative and authentic to the client’s vision.
Brand Pride: I am most proud of our ability to stay ahead of trends. This agility has allowed us to offer cutting-edge solutions to our clients, keeping them relevant and engaged with their audiences. Brand-wise, I take pride in our reputation for excellence and integrity. We’ve built a brand that our clients trust, and that is reflected in the long-standing relationships we maintain with many of them.

What Readers Should Know: At Marquet Media, our offerings extend beyond traditional PR and branding. We also provide:
Website Design and Strategy: Create dynamic websites that are genuinely unique.
Content Creation: Producing high-quality content that enhances brand presence and speaks directly to consumer interests.
Additionally, I founded Marquet Creative, FemFounder, and FemFounder Magazine, each addressing different needs within the marketplace:
Marquet Creative focuses on delivering exceptional design and creative templates for small businesses.
FemFounder is an online platform that supports female entrepreneurs through resources, mentorship, and community.
Marquet Magazine explores and shares trends and insights in the entrepreneurial and lifestyle sectors.

I want readers to take away that my businesses are focused on innovation and thoughtful design. Whether you’re a startup looking to carve out your niche, a company needing a brand refresh, or an entrepreneur seeking guidance, our businesses offer the expertise and support necessary to achieve your goals.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?

Below is a list of resources that have contributed to my personal and professional growth, as well as my commitment to continued learning and inspiration, as follows:
Apps
Asana: This project management app helps keep my teams and projects organized. It’s excellent for tracking deadlines, assigning tasks, and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Evernote: I use Evernote for all my note-taking needs. It’s perfect for organizing my thoughts, meeting notes, and personal reminders.
Books
“Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg has been helpful and influential in shaping my views on leadership and overcoming the challenges that women face in the workplace.
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey: This classic has taught me a lot about personal effectiveness and efficiency, which are crucial in managing multiple businesses.
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek: Sinek’s insights on the importance of finding your ‘why’ have helped refine my approach to business and leadership.
Podcasts
How I Built This with Guy Raz: Hearing the stories of other entrepreneurs—who have built significant companies from the ground up—is inspiring and offers practical lessons and insights.
The Tim Ferriss Show: Tim’s deep dives with world-class performers across industries help uncover routines and tactics that can be applied to any endeavor.
WorkLife with Adam Grant: This podcast provides innovative ways to think about work and the dynamics within a workplace, which has been incredibly valuable for building my teams.
Blogs
Seth Godin’s Blog: Daily insights from Seth are always thought-provoking and prompt me to think outside the box in terms of marketing and entrepreneurship.
Harvard Business Review: For profound tactical advice on management and leadership, HBR has been a go-to resource.
Other Resources
TED Talks: Whenever I need inspiration, TED Talks are a great resource. They provide access to leading thinkers and doers across various fields.
Meditation Apps like Headspace have been crucial for maintaining my mental health amid the hustle of entrepreneurship. Headspace has guided meditations that help manage stress and improve focus.
Each resource contributes to my effectiveness, helping me stay organized, inspired, and mentally sharp. I recommend them to anyone looking to enhance their productivity and leadership skills.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.marquet.company
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristin_k_marquet
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/femfounder
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/kristinmarquet
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/femfounder

Image Credits

Kristin Marquet