Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Blain.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
PR people – have you ever pitched CNN for a story while potting training your three-year-old? Well, that is my story:
My husband and I were living in Cleveland where I was a publicist at a children’s video company. I’ve always been in publicity starting in the music business and gong on to video, DVD, digital, toys & games, baby gear, books, apps, etc. The company I was with – Smarty Pants Audio & Video – licensed the rights to some great programming from the highly-esteemed National Film Board of Canada. They didn’t quite realize what they had – immediately I disseminated a press release and our first article was in the New York Times and got syndicated! The president of the company was thrilled!
A year later my husband got a job offer from a firm in Chicago. I loved Chicago having gone to Northwestern University and lived in Evanston years ago. So off we went and first lived in the city when almost immediately after moving we discovered we were pregnant.
We bought a house, moved to Skokie and I decided to form my own company to handle publicity for children’s products. Being an older mom I just couldn’t see myself getting a job downtown and schlepping on the train to work every day.
So I was I in the right location for me – our family room – and at the right time.
In the early 1990’s video exploded–especially children’s videos. From Barney to Sesame Street to Baby Einstein, every mom or dad who had a video camera was churning out children’s videos. “Construction Ahead” paved the way for a huge amount of special interest programming for kids – learning ABCs, counting, colors, how things work, introducing music, art and so much more – and Andrea Blain Public Relations handled PR for most of them.
However, I was also raising a son at the same time as launching my business. I remember trying to get him off the potty because I had a call with CNN coming up.Thankfully I was pitching other moms so they knew exactly what I was going through. What a bonding experience! I remember pitching a story to a writer at the LA Times and she accepted the pitch and then we went on to talk about our kids’ first days at preschool.
Building on the success at Smarty Pants and the New York Times article I was able to sign a multitude of independent video producers and then on to the big time – eventually handling such high-profile brands as Thomas, Barney, Strawberry Shortcake, Goosebumps, Wallace & Gromit. “Angelina Ballerina, Curious George, Maggie & The Ferocious Beast, and so many more. I worked with the major studios – Universal, Sony, Lionsgate, Hit Entertainment – and a host of independents who was flourishing like Baby’s First Impression, Brainy Baby, I Love Toy Trains and so many more.
Andrea Blain PR then branched out into other children’s products working with toys & gear for Mommy & Me and Baby Einstein –then books, digital, toys & games and now apps.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Potty training a three-year-old while pitching writers on the phone!! Most of the media accept our calls and answer our emails, but it’s always a struggle to find the right balance between being a nudge and a pest.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Andrea Blain Public Relations – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We specialize in children’s products – apps, digital, books, toys & gear, toys *& games, TV shows, etc.
When I had my son I was an older mom and really didn’t know much about the kids’ market especially since most of my friends didn’t have kids. What’s special about Baby Gap, what is a Diaper Genie, and what kinds of entertainment should I expose my son to?
Checking out TV years ago and children’s entertainment was limited to Sesame Street and cartoons. I decided to seek out quality children’s programs and specialize in PR for the children’s market.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I love working with the new media – apps are great! Just find the right ones and they can educate and empower kids to learn about the world around them.
I still handle publicity for toys & games, baby gear, television, books and activity kits. Very discerning in what I take on. It has to be a quality product, and unique in its concept.
Contact Info:
- Address: 9750 Crawford Ave. Skokie, IL 60076
- Website: www.andreablainpr.com
- Phone: 847-933-9884
- Email: andrea@andreablainpr.com
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
