Brand Interview – Thea Zagata, Pesce PR
Brand Interview – Thea Zagata, Pesce PR
How long has your company been in business? Please tell us a bit about your company, its mission, goals…
I’ve been working on my small business, a public relations business, Pesce PR, since 2010. Pesce PR empowers small business owners to execute their own affordable PR programs. Through my DIY PR Pack, I provide entrepreneurs with customized PR strategy and the tools (press release, media lists, pitch notes, and consultation) they need to secure their own press.
I fully understand the financial and emotional impact of owning a business. I worked in PR for ten years before leaving and launching an online cookie store called Gumdrop Cookie Shop. After joining the small business community, I met a lot of small business owners who were looking for an affordable way to secure publicity for their business. After three years, I sold my cookie company and launched Pesce PR’s DIY PR Pack.
Do you donate to charities? Tell us about that also and why.
Yes, this year I donated my time to generate publicity for an organization called Anne’s Quest. Every October they host a run/walk that raises funds for cancer research and financial support of those touched by the disease. The organization was started in memory my husband’s aunt, Anne S. Rosenthal, who lost a courageous battle with colon cancer in the fall of 2007.
How did you know what typeface (font) would be right for your company wordmark or logo? If your logo has an illustration, describe why that art was the right thing, animal, place, object, etc…
The idea behind my business is rooted in the famous quote by Lao Tzu – “Give a man a fish and he can eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he can eat for life.” Fish PR doesn’t exactly have a nice ring to it, but “Pesce” (which means fish in Italian) has a nice sound and is reflective of my heritage. My logo is of a fish and the words “Pesce PR.” The font is playful yet professional – my business approach is very professional, but I have fun and upbeat style while I’m working and meeting with clients.
How did you decide on the right color palette to fit your company look and feel?
I wanted my color palette to be exciting and not too corporate-looking. At the time I created the web site I was seeing a lot of the design blogs write about turquoise with pops of red. I think it’s a playful and on-trend color combination without being too silly. Plus, Pesce PR has to have some type of blue in its logo!
How did you decide which type of designer to work with, or did you design your own identity and web presence?
I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted my logo to look like but I just needed a professional to make my idea into an image.
Cookies & Corks on the Today Show
In what order did you present your company to the world? Did you start with marketing and products, or website, blog and social media?
I started with a web site and blog at the same time. Next I created a Facebook fan page and Twitter account. I’ve been busy doing PR for other people, but I’m finally working on my own PR plan now!
How long after the launch of your company did you start pitching in social media?
I started with Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Videos on YouTube are next on my list!
Feature on the James Corbett Salon in Time Out NY
Did you do research or study any software, take webinars, teleclasses, before approaching any area of your marketing or web presence?
I’ve got the PR end covered, but I’m always looking to learn more about marketing, search engine optimization, and social media. I’ve taken classes through my networking groups here in NYC, which have been incredibly helpful.
Do you advertise locally in newspapers and/or nationally in magazines? Are they effective?
Aside from PR, I also do a small advertising campaign with Google Adwords. Comparing my experience with my cookie company vs. my PR company, Google Adwords works best with products vs. service-based businesses, however, it’s worth the small amount I spend each month.
Do you advertise online using Google, Facebook or on other company sites? Are they effective?
Yes, see above!
When you printed your products, packaging, business cards and other print marketing did you choose an online printer or visit a local vendor?
I used an online printer. Oops, I guess I should have used someone local? They were in the U.S. Does that count?
Did you know anything about different types of papers, when you wanted to print your marketing materials?
Since I’m a service-based business, the only thing I have printed are business cards. I have no idea what type of stock they are on, but I’m happy with the quality.
Sugar Couture featured in NY Magazine
Have you ever used “green” technology in printing, using FSC certified papers or recycled paper and if not, how likely are you at trying this on a next project?
I’m a bit of an environmentalist so I could be into it. I compost my shredded paper when I’m ready to toss old documents.
If you sell products, are they produced in the USA or abroad?
I don’t sell any products.
Is there anything you haven’t yet tackled, but will want to do soon?
I’ve been thinking about writing a DIY PR ebook.
To learn more about Thea Zagata and Pesce PR, visit the links below:
Website: Pesce PR
Twitter: @diypublicity
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PescePublicRelations
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/thea-zagata/1/181/bb
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