Monday:
Christina: We were so excited for Gracie to start today. When a client shoot was canceled at the last minute, Gracie jumped right in to help with a brainstorming session.
Gracie: Today was my first day and I was so impressed with everything Christina does. She was able to make so many connections for Tom Farrell’s salmon event at the Jefferson and also was very fast to come up with ideas to help Emilie Kiristis. I learned a lot about views and followers on Instagram and Facebook like what impressions are, engagements, etc. I thought today was so much fun because in the morning Christina was meeting with a fitness client and then a couple hours later she was planning an event at the Jefferson for Scottish salmon. I was able to learn different tools and marketing techniques and also learn more about salmon, working out, and nutrition. A few questions I have is if you do a great amount of research before you meet with a new client, and if so; how do you find it? I am very interested in learning how Christina has made all of these connections with her clients and what all she has to do in the planning of help marketing for them or event planning (like reaching out to the food bloggers or restaurant people for the Jefferson event).
Tuesday:
Gracie: Today we went to a human trafficking meeting that women from Bon Secours put on. I found it very interesting because I have done a lot of volunteer work with human trafficking and the women seemed to care so much about it. They raise a lot of money to put on an event called Wine, Women, and Shoes, and all the proceeds go to human trafficking victims or those who have been sexually assaulted. I was able to talk with one of the women and at St. Catherine’s I will talk to our lead teacher for community service and make bags (inside will include: clothes, $10 gift card, a drink, toothbrush/toothpaste) for the victims which I think will be great. We also went to two of the ECPI locations to take pictures and they provided a raffle for a chance for the students to win google home items and more. After that, we went to my Uncle’s distillery and met with Mr. Farrell who is CEO of Scottish Salmon and they both were very interested in partnering up with each other.
I thought it was really fascinating to see the two brought together that would have otherwise been strangers, and bond well together and create a partnership. I would like to see what happens with the two of them and how the Jefferson event turns out. We have been working for a dermatology company, and I have been looking through other dermatology accounts and saving the pictures that look put together or get the most responses to help the dermatology company with their Instagram. I want to know where that will go and how Christina will help create a look for them.
Christina: Community involvement is something that’s always been important to me. For the past three years, I’ve served on a committee that raises money to benefit Bon Secours Forensic Nursing Unit. We have an annual fundraiser in October (Wine, Women & Shoes) that we plan in monthly committee meetings. It was important for me to bring Emily and Gracie to see how giving back is part of being in business. Later in the day, we stopped by our McDonald’s client’s event at ECPI and met with Reservoir Distillery to talk about being a part of our Scottish Salmon launch event.
Wednesday:
Gracie: Today I went to the office and worked with Emily on the Dermatology presentation and lookbook. We went to get our nails done in Greengate, Short Pump with Christina, they used a special dip for them, and they look great. Once we were finished we headed back to the office and worked more on the Dermatology presentation.
I learned more today about how Christina and Emily create presentations for the clients and what applications they use for them, along with research on the company. I am curious on how the meeting will go tomorrow.
Christina: I’d read about a special at a new, woman-owned nail place, Buffed and Polished, in the Boss Babes RVA Facebook group. So, I decided to treat the girls to manicures. Back at the office, Gracie was a HUGE help with the social audit we were working on for Richmond Dermatology. 
The first step in our client process includes a complete audit of our client’s communications and an analysis of their industry and competitors. Gracie searched Instagram for other dermatologists, skincare brands and plastic surgeons for inspiration and ideas to share with our clients. She worked with Emily to incorporate them into the presentation.
Thursday:
Gracie: We started today at a meeting in Carytown for Clementine’s pop-up shop. It was very interesting. After the meeting, we went to the Daily and ate lunch and worked more on the Dermatology account. We went to the meeting for them at 1 and they were very pleased with everything! I would really like to see by using all the advice and tips if their social accounts will get more action and draw in more clients. Christina: Gracie sat in on her third client meeting Thursday afternoon and got to see her research presented to the client.Friday:
Gracie: Today we had a meeting at the Jefferson with Mr. Farrell from the Scottish Salmon Company. The event seems like its going to be and I hope the outcome is great. After the meeting, I went back to Christina’s office and she and Emily wrote me really sweet notes and gave me a drawing of her office, and this is because I was talking about how stunning it was before.
Christina: We loved having Gracie this week!
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Local restaurateurs, chefs, and foodies helped us welcome our newest client, The Scottish Salmon Company.
Thank you to Candy Valley Cake Co. for coming through on these themed cake pops. (and thank you to eBay for coming through on this Tartan dress.)
launched instagram – Lochlander Virginia.
Here’s Jacqui, the company’s local account manager.
Nels welcomed guests into the party with traditional Scottish music. (He’s hanging out with Jeff Wilson, our friend from PRSA.)
In late May, I went to the 2018 Photoshop World Conference in Orlando Florida. This conference is hosted by KelbyOne and is all about photography and design. I attended the conference with my dad since I want to learn more about design, and because he has always loved photography. He has his own photography business and takes courses online at KelbyOne.com, which is where he heard about this in-person conference.
The conference was mainly for photographers, but there were a lot of designers there as well. At the conference, we learned all about different programs that revolve around photography and design, as well as many tips and tricks from some of the best photographers and designers from all over the world.
The theme of this year’s Photoshop World Conference was The Beatles, and this picture is from the opening ceremony that was held on the first day of the conference.
I went to the design classes and learned about techniques that you can use with InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Lightroom. My dad went to the photography classes that focused on retouching and lighting, and he also went to classes that taught you how to capture the best headshot and landscape photos.
Some of my favorite classes at the conference were “Selections and Masks Demystified,” “How to Make the Most Out of Your Camera,” “Intro to Illustrator,” “Intro to InDesign” and “How to Create the Hottest Design Trends of 2018.” During these classes, I learned how to select objects in Photoshop, how to set up and create a brochure in InDesign, how to use typography in Photoshop, how to fully take advantage of my Canon camera, and how to do really cool design techniques that are popular this year. The “How to Create the Hottest Design Trends of 2018” was probably my favorite class, since we learned how to integrate text with images, make vintage looking posters, and how to create a “glitch” effect. This class was also taught by Scott Kelby, so I learned a lot.
At the end of the conference, I was awarded the 2018 Photoshop Guru Award for the “Student Work” category. Before attending Photoshop World, every attendee had the option to submit work in categories such as photography, illustration, design, student work, etc. I submitted two pieces from two of the advertising classes that I have taken in school, and one of my print pieces for a campaign that I did for Birkenstock won for the category. The campaign actually has my brother’s feet in it, and the concept behind the piece was that “everyone who wears Birkenstocks has a story to tell.” My brother is in the Marine Corps, and I thought that an image of him with his military gear, boots and Birkenstocks could emphasize that concept. I wanted each campaign to have a three-word story attached to it as well, so I thought that “Hell and Back” fit this image pretty well. Winning the student Guru award was such an awesome experience, and it topped off our time at the conference pretty well. My dad was very proud of me and was so happy that we got to experience something like this together.
The price of the conference varies, but right now there is an Early Bird discount for $699.00 (includes the entire 3-day pass). Students can attend the conference at a discounted price, and the earlier that you sign up the better the pricing is! My 3-day pass for this past Photoshop World was $250 and was definitely worth it in my opinion. I think that any creative student (especially if you’re studying Advertising, Photography or Graphic Design) would benefit from this, just because it teaches you really beneficial techniques that you can actually use in everyday life and school. I learned a lot of things that I haven’t yet learned in school and was able to have more of the basic design skills explained to me. I got familiar with design programs that I always find myself too scared to open, just because I never felt like I knew what I was doing. I think that Photoshop World gave me the confidence that I need to learn more about design and photography.
Since it’s been about a month since Photoshop World ended, I have made it my goal to practice all of the design and photography skills that I learned. I am still playing around with the techniques that I learned in the “How to Create the Hottest Design Trends of 2018” class, and am aiming to put these newly learned skills into practice in my school work and portfolio. I have really enjoyed practicing the “glitch” technique, as well as playing around with integrating text and images. I am hoping to get better as I practice more, and obviously, these are just rough starting points. Here are some examples of my attempts:
Thank you Photoshop World and KelbyOne for the experience of a lifetime! My dad and I are already looking into going to the 2019 Photoshop World Conference (this time it will be held in Orlando AND Las Vegas), and we think that it is something that any designer, photographer or creative should look into. My biggest takeaway from this conference is that you should always practice being creative and that there is always learning to do. I took away so many new skills and information just from this three-day conference, and I am so happy that I was able to experience something like this.
The online KelbyOne classes are extremely helpful and are a more extensive way to receive the information that we got at Photoshop World. Since the conference is only three days, a lot of the information and techniques taught on KelbyOne.com will go more in-depth about each technique that is taught at the conference. The same instructors that come to the in-person conference are also instructors for the online courses, so you can really get the full Photoshop World-feel online too. Online, you can get a membership at KelbyOne.com for $149 a year. This will give you access to all of the online courses, tutorials, webcasts and it will even get you access to the Photoshop User magazine that comes out every month. My dad really enjoys using the site to learn more about photography and thinks that it is worth it for anyone who prefers listening and learning online in a faster and less expensive way. My dad recommends taking any class taught by Scott Kelby – he is a hilarious guy with a lot of knowledge about photography and design.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or if you’re planning to go to the conference or take a course online!
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- VCU | VCU launches apprenticeship program, providing opportunities and valuable skills to future tradespeople.
- CNN: A 6th-grade teacher wrote ‘Invite me to your Harvard graduation!’ — 21 years later, the student did just that
- RED TABLE TALK | Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith and Adrienne Banfield Norris get real about body insecurities and explain why every single body is beautiful in its own way.
- REFINERY 29 | The World Needs Death Doulas
- CREATIVE PEP TALK | How To Relight Your Fire
- INC | Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google Have Mastered Employee Onboarding, and You Can, Too. Here’s How
- HULU: Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie
- CNBC | Hasbro has trademarked the smell of Play-Doh, and your childhood
- BUSINESS INSIDER | The World’s Foremost Emoji Historian Shares How Emoji Get Made + New Emoji
The TFB Team had a wonderful time at the Virginia PR Awards last night. We celebrated two of our clients: Overcoming Bias Book and The VCU Brandcenter. Their campaigns won in the word-of-mouth and social media categories, respectively. 
Both client teams joined us, along with our clients/friends at James River air and Patient First.
I arrived at JFK around 9/10 and went straight to VICE’s Williamsburg, Brooklyn office to visit my friend Alyse. VICE had an iPad check-in that took my photo when I signed in.
After she showed me around, we headed to an early lunch at Sunday In Brooklyn. I ordered the burger and then changed to Whipped Ricotta Toast with Citrus Marmalade and Marigold when I heard her order avocado toast. Alyse taught me about HeyDey for quick facial and the Via app to carpool and save money on taxis/Ubers. I walked around some shops in Brooklyn then took a Via to the hotel.
WestHouse New York was amazing and the staff was SO friendly. They upgraded my room and I was on one of the top floors with a gorgeous view of the city.
I went to Heydey for a mini facial (I love to get facials at new places and learn about different skincare brands) and then headed back to meet my friend Kendree at the hotel to go to the event.
We went to R/GA for the cocktail hour and to hear speeches from recipients of the Hall of Fame award and I got to meet Seth :)!
Kendree took me to Haru after the event. The sushi was great, but my favorite part was the shishito peppers we had as an appetizer.
On Friday I met up with my friend Gray at Pandora Radio’s office near Grand Central Station. Here’s what it looked like inside:
Next up was Facebook. My sweet friend Matt took me on a tour, and it was just as cool as I This digital word cloud showed conversation themes on Facebook in real-time. Facebook has free ROSE-INFUSED water. Can you believe it?
After Facebook I was on the hunt for all the beauty stores I could find. I went to Au Bon Pain and used heir free WiFi to research and found a bunch of places I wanted to visit in SOHO.
My first stop was Space NK. They saw the camera around my neck, asked if I was a blogger and were SUPER friendly.
Reps from several lines were working in the store that day. Then
I came across a little spa called Daphne that was beautiful. They carried a French line called Biologique that I’ve seen all over beauty reviews but have found impossible to find in the US.
I bought their famous Lotion P50.
After checking out every beauty store I could find. I met my cousins Rosalind & Travis & their son Phoenix for dinner in Little Italy at Aunt Jake’s. I got penne vodka and it was perfect. 
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On Cinco De Mayo, I hopped on the Devils Backbone bus with local social media influencers and bloggers including 17 Apart and Let’s Share a Dish and headed to Wintergreen, VA.
When we got to the brewery, we were given a tour and learned the intricate process that goes behind making each beer.
We also got to see the greenhouse on site that houses all of the plants and flowers used for the beer as well as the food that is served in the brewery restaurant.
We got to sample some Devils Backbone favorites including their Vienna Lager, Trail Angel Weiss, and Cran-Gose.
Photo cred: @kevinmcleanphoto
Photo cred: @atlantalovelist
This brewery was absolutely beautiful, and everyone who worked there was so nice and had such a passion for Devils Backbone and the beer industry. If you are looking for a new adventure or just somewhere cool to go for a little day trip, I highly recommend checking out DB!
Read MoreLast month was a big one. TFB turned two! Check out the timeline we made to show you what we’ve been up to since we launched in April 2016.
Earlier in the month, I spoke at the Her Campus Mid-Atlantic Conference. Cell phone use was encouraged during the talk – I had the students tweet their thoughts throughout. Here’s what they had to say:
Most recently, we celebrated the 2018 graduates of VCU’s Robertson School, where I teach a course called “Content.”
We also brought on a new intern, Christina Hoang (pictured below on the left):
Hehe. This is what she looks like usually:
TFB Intern Emily Mattice tells about her experience and advice for other students in this two-part series.
I partnered with ATHLETA on their #PowerOfShe Campaign.
The Clementine Group sponsored the Richmond International Film Festival, and we got to meet Kate Bosworth.
We loved helping Liz of I HEART VEGETABLES with the launch party her first cookbook.
…and we’re super excited about GO FOR 20’s new workout format!
We welcomed Morris Tile to the client roster.
…and Nutzy helped us celebrate the opening of McDonald’s in Hancock Village (and even got to try the new, fresh beef).
Straight Fire on Ice | A site created by Mark Rodriguez, an Art Director studying at the VCU Brandcenter. “Ice skating videos sync perfectly with Hip-Hop. We knew we had to show this to the world, so we registered as an internet radio station to bring you cool moves set to hot tracks.”
RACHEL SCHALL THOMAS | Why an online group may be just what you need. “A few months ago, I spoke at an event about the connections people are making in our online groups — how they are supporting each other and forming meaningful relationships. Afterward, a woman made her way to me and exclaimed, “What does it say about modern life that people have to go online to find that kind of support? That’s so depressing.” In fact, it’s not depressing at all. What’s happening in our groups is compassionate, generous, raw and real. It’s encouraging that we can now find support online that we can’t find anywhere else. It speaks to the power of online communities when they tap into the best of us.”
LINKEDIN |Going All-In on B2B Video
INSIDER | This is what the Mcdonald’s Menu Looked Like The Year You Were Born
TIME | Christian Siriano: The World’s 100 Most Influential People “I’m so sick of people saying ‘I can’t wear this, it’s for models.’ It made me insane. So I was like, ‘Ok, well then I’m going to make my models look more like you.’
POYNTER | Alumnae of Poynter’s Leadership Academy for Women in Digital Media and ONA’s Women’s Leadership Accelerator are offering free one-on-one mentoring sessions. Whether you’re a woman looking for job advice, feedback on your work, or tips on how to be a better boss, this resource is for you. Sign up for a 30-minute call with the coach of your choice here.
Shoutout to Marissa Moomaw for sharing this on LinkedIn.
This month we’re especially excited about the Virginia PR Awards. Make sure you also mark your calendar for the Rassawek Jubilee. Check out all of the events on our calendar here.
These are some jobs that I’ve either heard about from friends or come across online. I don’t have a personal connection to all of them, but feel free to contact me if you’re interested and I’ll do anything I can to help. If you’re hiring, feel free to send that info along for me to include too.
SNAG (formerly SNAGAJOB)| Marketing Manager, Demand Generation – Richmond
MCKESSON | Marketing Manager
THE GRADUATE HOTEL | Marketing Manager
ANTHEM, INC. | Marketing Communications Manager (Part-Time)
VCU | Outreach and Social Media Manager
REMX STAFFING | Communications Manager
Capital One | Social Media Strategist
FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF RICHMOND | Digital Strategist
COUNTY OF HENRICO | Director of Public Relations and Media Services
PERFORMANCE FOOD GROUP | Manager of Communications and Engagement
Marketing & Communications Manager | Make A Wish Foundation (Caroline Browell). This is an ongoing opportunity. Apply online.
Marketing Intern | Manifest In You Consulting (Danielle Gilbert): Danielle is looking for someone Customer-focused with attention to details that’s innovative and reliable. Applications are due by May 1, 2018 to Info@daniellemgilbert.com
*PAID* Communications/Marketing/PR Intern | Virginia Physicians For Women (Molly Wright). Molly’s looking for a self-starter with the ability to work independently. The ideal candidate is innovative and interested in taking ownership of his or her work. She’s looking to hire ASAP. Contact Molly at molly.wright@vpfw.com.
Marketing/Graphics/Events Intern | B Side Collective (Ja’Nai Frederick): B Side Collective is an indie, multiple-channel publication that spotlights, inspires, and provides curated resources for local women in business. They’re looking for interns that are passionate about design and meaningful disruption. Contact hello@bsidecollective.com to apply.
*PAID* Graphic Design Intern | Freelance (Jamin Hoyle): Jamin is a freelance art and creative director with a lot on his plate for the next couple of months. I was kind of thinking about looking for an intern or a junior designer/AD for some help. It would be real work, he’d pay real dough. But he needs a pretty solid designer (someone fast and good in Illustrator especially), as well as someone serious and ambitious and interested in learning a little bit while getting paid. Contact jaminhoyle@gmail.com ASAP if you’re interested.
*PAID* Marketing Intern | Legacy Navigator (Annie Miller): Legacy Navigator is a people first company with a mission to make a positive impact on the clients and communities we serve. They are looking for two individuals – one with Digital Marketing exposure and one with journalism/ editing, to bring what working experience and knowledge they have to our team. They are asking for at least 12+hours / week for each person – and hope they want to be there more! This is an ongoing opportunity and they are looking to hire ASAP. Contact annie@legacynavigator.com.
*PAID* PR Intern | Alliance Group (Sarah Huang): Alliance Group is looking for candidates that match these criteria:
-Excellent writing, communication and research skills
-Strong time management skills and ability to multitask and prioritize projects
-Ability to be self-motivated yet able to work in a team environment
-Ability to meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced environment
-Graphic design skills are a plus
-Social media savvy is a must
This is an ongoing opportunity. Contact sarah@alliancegroupltd.com to apply.
*PAID* Marketing & Events Intern | ChamberRVA (Sarah Skrocki): Creativity, organization, maturity and ability to follow through are musts for this opportunity. Email your resume, cover letter and portfolio samples to sarah.skrocki@chamberrva.com to apply.
PS: we’re always happy to share internships and job opportunities in our industry community with our network. Feel free to fill out the Internship form and we’ll get your posting added. For general questions, contact us here.
It’s fragrance week at Saks Fifth Avenue! I stopped by Stony Point to help them promote their Mother’s Day fragrance event. Go see my fave, Millie, and get fresh flowers and chocolates while you shop. I recommend Coco Mademoiselle – especially the shower gel!
Thanks to Athleta for including us in their Power Of She campaign. 🤸🏻♀️
This is their FWS Cami. I Love it. It looks like the camis I wear under blazers for work and going out but it’s made out of workout material. (I got navy and white with the gift card they sent me.)
FWS Cami | $59 | Athleta.com (Also comes in black, navy, and blush and a perforated red, white, and black)
This is their FWS Cami. I Love it. It looks like the camis I wear under blazers for work and going out but it’s made out of workout material. (I got navy and white with the gift card they sent me.)
