Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Lannon.
Carrie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My career has been a joy because I am one of those lucky people who is always doing something that she loves. In my case, marketing, PR and branding always held a fascination for me. I have a talent for understanding what will be of interest to consumers in the public domain. What will motivate someone to buy a product or service? That is a function of good marketing.
My primary path was through the fashion, beauty and lifestyle industries and I created many of my jobs from the ground up. I ran my own PR agency, Lannon Communications, for 12 years. We catered to luxury clients such as Tiffany & Co., Mercedes-Benz and Salvatore Ferragamo.
From there, I created a sponsorship department for the company that ran The Armory art show in NY and Art Chicago. That position sparked my current love of art.
Most recently, I was the first national director of public relations for ULTA Beauty, where I oversaw all the publicity, events and social media for 700 stores. I currently work as a branding and communications consultant. All along, I have volunteered for groups that are helping others get a new start, like Cara, which helps people affected by homelessness to turn their lives around. I’ve been a trainer there for 2 years.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I use the word “exciting” when I describe my career, I don’t think in terms of hard or easy, stressful or not, because I am usually too busy to indulge in anything but a positive outlook. I have worked as an entrepreneur, a corporate executive and as a solo consultant as I do now.
Each has pluses and minuses. Yes, I work really, really, hard. Two times in my corporate career I never went home at night – I worked right through to the end of the next day! But when I am on a project that is high stakes, that is what it takes, and I really excel under pressure.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lannon Consulting – what should we know?
I work now as a branding and communications consultant. I think what sets me apart is that my clients benefit from my both entrepreneurial and corporate background. I understand most business scenarios and how branding can be used to attract revenue. My work with esteemed fashion and luxury brands demanded a keen understanding of brand and the ability to think outside-the-box. I like to apply that to all kinds of industries.
Among my current clients is a tech services company, an arts organization, a not-for-profit and an interior design firm. They are all poised to gain business and support by an improved and clear brand presence. I get so excited about that aspect of my work – seeing the before/after and the ah-ha moment when a client understands how our collaboration will make them more successful.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The one thing I’ve done right is not over think or over plan. Many people think so much about what could go wrong in building their dream career, that they never gain the momentum to gain liftoff.
I tell them “Just jump in!” I started my own business from my kitchen table and ended up with an award-winning agency that worked with multiple, international luxury brands. I just got going. I am bold and I am a risk-taker, but underscoring it all is that I really want the best for anyone I work with.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carrielannon.com
- Phone: digital me please
- Email: assistant@carrielannon.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/carrielannon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.lannon.3
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrielannon/
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