Episode 12, Talking South Carolina Podcast Interview with Kelsay Pattillo of Luxe Marketing Co. in Charleston, SC

Episode transcript:

Angela Barrett – “Hey guys, thanks for joining me today. Today I have a very beautiful lady by the name of Kelsey Pattillo, who is the owner and operator of Lux Marketing Company out of Charleston, South Carolina. So we are down south. Thanks, Kelsey, for coming.”

Kelsay Pattillo – Thanks so much for having me. It’s great to be here.

Angela Barrett – “Absolutely. So, Lux Marketing Company. Well, I’m just go out straight out the park and ask this what makes your marketing company lux or luxurious?”

Kelsay Pattillo – “I would say definitely. What makes us stand out is our bespoke services. So everything is tailored directly to the client. Nothing is, let’s just say every package that is sent to the client is tailored to them. Every proposal that sent is definitely a template of what is an idea of what they could get service wise, but it’s always tailored, taken away, added to, every single package and project we’ve done has been tailored to each client.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “So, we give them Lux experience, Lux services. So, my, deep experience in all of the sectors that we, service is definitely also what gives me that advantage.”

Angela Barrett – “And so, In your, website or on your website, it says an upscale boutique marketing agency, specializing in the services of and tailored to business within the fashion apparel, interior design, beauty, wellness, etc.. So you have a certain clientele that you cater to?”

Kelsay Pattillo – “Yes. So I, grew up surrounded by creative sector. So my mom under salon for over 20 years, my aunt, an interior designer, and our family business is based in flooring design in real estate. So then I was surrounded by that, and then I kind of took on my own creative passion of fashion in the fashion industry.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “So I’ve been in the fashion industry for about a decade now. Ten years. And so being surrounded by all of that hair, beauty, esthetics and design and then taking on fashion, that’s kind of where that collective has come together, working with all of those throughout the years, throughout my career. And then founding, Lux Marketing Co in 2022 was kind of where that collective came together and was birthed to life.”

Angela Barrett – As a you opened your business in 22.

Kelsay Pattillo – “2022? Yes, ma’am.”

Angela Barrett – And what did you do before that?

Kelsay Pattillo – “Before that, I was, marketing director for One Nation Coffee. I was the sales and marketing director, for One Nation Coffee. And also helped with One Nation Foundation. I helped get that started and so loved working with veterans and got them, billboards in Times Square on Fox and Friends. It was a great experience. I’m a coffee snob, not being able to work in a movie and smell it being made every day.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “That was like a second family. That was a really great experience. But it was time to part ways and kind of get back to my passion, you know? So.”

Angela Barrett – “And coffee was a long way from, from, fashion.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “Yes, definitely. I definitely oversaw our apparel lines and everything like that. But it was something that I think was a stepping stone. God needed me as a coach to, like, okay, now I need you to get back to what you were doing. And so now I’m honed back in, and I’m very passionate about what I do.”

Angela Barrett – “Look at all your educational, I read somewhere, was in the fashion marketing, wasn’t it?”

Kelsay Pattillo – “Yes, ma’am. So I had my Bachelor of Arts degree in fashion marketing and merchandizing management from the academy of our university. So I started actually here at the Art Institute of Charleston. But as many locals know, that location, closed when they closed all the branch campuses. So I went online. Finished.”

Angela Barrett – “Oh. Yeah, that’s pretty cool, though. I mean, that whole industry,”

Kelsay Pattillo – “It’s it’s very, interesting and it’s always something new. And I think that’s what I love about it.”

Angela Barrett – “Yeah, well, I’m glad you said something about real estate. I’m glad you didn’t take that path. That’s what I do for real life. And it is quite the roller coaster ride these days. But, yes. So, what I found interesting about some of the services that, That you, provide. So tell me a little bit about this.”

Angela Barrett – Lifestyle and personal branding. Personal branding? Really? What what do you mean by that?

Kelsay Pattillo – “So I focus really on the, the personal and lifestyle branding more. So. So I’m not a graphic designer. I do outsource to logo and anything graphics wise that you need, of course, but because my passion lies in finding the why and helping clients uncover that and dive really deep into their brand, like what is your why?”

Kelsay Pattillo – “Why do you do what you do? And kind of bring them out of their shells both professionally and personally, ensuring their brands, of course, shine as brightly as they deserve to. It’s really getting down to the science of their brand, because there’s both an art in a science to branding and marketing, of course. And it’s really the other side of it.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “So the graphics are pretty, but what’s the other side of it? I guess the logistical science side of it, of why I’m actually doing what I’m doing. People can look at the pretty pictures, but what’s the why behind why you’re doing.”

Angela Barrett – “Yeah, yeah, well, they can be pretty unless you have a male for your marketing graphics guy. You’re like, oh my more male. Yeah. You know, some of the ones that I have, and love him dearly, but if so, mainly look in life, whatever. So there would never be anything pink in it, I can assure you.”

Kelsay Pattillo – Right.

Angela Barrett – That he has nothing against that color. So tell me also about this personal styling.

Kelsay Pattillo – “Yeah. So, that derives from, of course, my experience with the fashion industry. And that’s really the suite of services we offer, kind of derives from that collective experience. So the personal styling also kind of goes with the project management services that we offer, which is, coordinating the photo video shoots, for, all of our clients in creative industry.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “So it really all of the services cater to creatives. So whether it’s personal styling for you personally, for your shoot or for the models, we bring all of that in whatever you need. Or if it’s just a branding project and you need a personal, you just need a refresh for yourselves, not only just for your brand, for yourself.”

Kelsay Pattillo – That’s something that we offer as well.

Angela Barrett – “And into. Let me make sure I’m correct on this. So when you say personal branding, I mean that you are physically talking about clothing and or.”

Kelsay Pattillo – Yes.

Angela Barrett – “Yeah, accessories.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “People kind of like with the personal branding in a sense, will do the mood boards and goes through the whole process of what you’re looking for.”

Angela Barrett – “What are you looking forward? Yes, of course that would be new.”

Kelsay Pattillo – Yes. Everyone. No.

Angela Barrett – “He’s gonna kill me for that. By the way. I love him dearly. Don’t get me wrong. But he’s deadly manly, man. So. Or some of your probably your clients without, I guess, giving away names because some of that could be confidential. But, I mean, you tell me, you know, the who are some of the probably ones.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “So of course, boutiques, retail clients, of course. Online e-commerce. Shopify. Retail stores, interior designers, real estate agents. I actually just got done with a really cute, cutesy, I should say, branding project for a real estate agent. She just got her license. She’s just getting started to a site that, she just getting started, so it was excited to be a part of that journey.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “And kind of have that. Hey, here’s your starter kit to get you started. And then also, I’ve also helped people kind of in the wellness space because when I was working with the, more general marketing agency before, I kind of fell in love with more of the esthetic side as far as, like Botox and skincare.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “And then kind of when I was with the salon and whatnot, I actually helped my mom when she would do bridal and prom and all that kind of makeup. I would come in and help her with that and whatnot. So kind of just, yeah, it’s really a literal collective of everything named on the site. I have people from every single category.”

Angela Barrett – “Nice. Quiet. Yes, quite a Rolodex. There.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “I love it, I love it, I love it.”

Angela Barrett – “So, other also knows the visual merchandizing, which I thought was interesting where you help people, I guess pick out a brand. Did you know and and make it something that you think would sell for their company? Makes sense as well. But I also saw something on there about the, selling on Amazon donation. It was a.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “Crazy. Yes. Amazon sellers control. So I do that. So I was a, visual merchandizing manager for Banana Republic for a couple of years, and that was a really awesome.”

Angela Barrett – Store and.

Kelsay Pattillo – “Experience. I really use my college years to really figure out, do I want to do merchandizing or marketing side? But now it’s kind of all blended together and it really does all time, right? But I say all that to say, I can come in and do local stores and floor sets and do all of your storytelling in person or on the other side of it.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “I can do your Shopify or whatever e-commerce side and do the storytelling and build the collections and what makes sense on the e-commerce side of things. And then, yes, I do, have experience with Amazon. That is a beast in itself.”

Angela Barrett – I can’t even imagine.

Kelsay Pattillo – It was very high volume.

Angela Barrett – “When I was ordering from there, but.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “Me too. It’s sort of that great stuff, but once you get the hang of it, I mean, it’s it’s like they have their own advertising and analytics and portals and all of that, aside from just the selling on the platform. So it’s very robust, but it’s a great opportunity if you’re willing to kind of ride the train.”

Kelsay Pattillo – Because it is a process as well.

Angela Barrett – “So in your business, I’m just going to imagine, like with most networking is pretty, pretty important. But are you when you go out in network, we’re going to just, throw out a meet and greet, not a not a, you know, pay to pay to stay, a meeting, greet. Are you marketing you are you marketing your clients?”

Kelsay Pattillo – My clients? It’s never about.

Angela Barrett – “Well, I know it’s always you, but I mean through through them. But you’re right. So I’m.”

Kelsay Pattillo – All. Go ahead. Sorry.

Angela Barrett – “I was just to say, depending on what event you’re going to is to who it pertains to, because, I mean, you can have more than one client, of course.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “And of course, who comes up in conversation, but it’s always, racking my brain. Who can I promote? Who can I mention? But it’s not always about a transactional deal. What can I get from this? It’s what I can give and who I can inspire. If it’s someone that’s, hey, I have a client that can actually help me with that, or not even just selling my client, just trying to help.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “And, yeah, my clients are me. So it’s never just my services. It’s always me pushing clients. And I’ve always stood firm on that. So even if I have clients that are part of the chamber with me, they know that I’m talking them up and I’m their biggest fangirl. Even if they can’t make it to certain events, they know that I’m their mouthpiece on their behalf.”

Angela Barrett – “Yeah, yeah, I had sort of, I have a podcast for all things Lexington, which is a hyper local podcast, and I have, self named myself. I think I would say that any other way. Lexington’s biggest cheerleader. So. I know what you mean. I, I love.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “That cats. Some of them definitely. The the Lux cheerleader. Yeah. My client, you know that. So I love that. Yes.”

Angela Barrett – “Now, what are you. How do you advise your your clients? Because you’re helping them try to build their brand in, in from every aspect. What do you advise them on the networking and how to build professional relationships? I mean, do you help on that end as well?”

Kelsay Pattillo – “Yes. I am always giving them ideas like for example, what are the local chamber? Here in Somerville? And getting a client connected just to start doing all kinds of back to school events and how to get intertwined and not it goes far beyond just going and showing up for the happy hours, and not necessarily having to be the one that goes to every single thing.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “But being in the rooms with the right people and making the right connections so that you can get the fruits of your labor and it does pay off, and you are able to reach the right people through doing those events. But it’s still through community outreach and their community, giving and events of that makes sense. It’s all for a greater good.”

Angela Barrett – “Right? Because I think, and you know this as well as I do, that you’re going to refer who you know. Yes. And stay on top. Got to. Yeah. You got to get out. You got to meet people. And so, you know, that’s, you know, probably one of the first things you tell people you can refer, you know, so.”

Angela Barrett – “Networking is important. I agree, from coming from your perspective is a little bit different, though. And, probably a little complicated. I don’t, but I know using you, you own your website, you do some digital marketing. And I think, is there anything about your digital marketing that you do differently than most?”

Kelsay Pattillo – “So I am definitely transparent about it. I don’t say that I’m a full suite, so the only thing that I don’t offer is SEO. So anything that we don’t.”

Angela Barrett – Have that is a beast in itself. Thank you.

Kelsay Pattillo – “I yes. So we don’t try to say, hey, we do everything and just to charge the client. Sure thing. We’ll outsource and do it the right way and make sure that you’re great. Rightly taking care of, or with other agencies. I actually partner with a really great agency out in California. I started I started with them when I started my business.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “They found me on LinkedIn and we swapped services for what we don’t do and you do and swap clients. So it’s been a great and fruitful, fruitful relationship. So and I think that’s also why I love being a creative is being able to bounce off of each other and you scratch my back, I scratch yours. So not necessarily.”

Kelsay Pattillo – We work for each other. We work with each other. And I love the structure.

Angela Barrett – “Yeah. So tell me just a little bit about, You know, where do you get your creativity from? And, and because it takes a lot of creativity to do everything that you do.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “Well, I feel like my my passion is what drives me the most. But my faith is also what drives me the most. And I know that that’s a calling that’s been given to me. So I feel like that is what drives me, knowing that I’ve been given this gift. So I’m going to steward it. Well, and I get reminded of that every day.”

Angela Barrett – “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I get it. So what can you, tell everybody? Again, makes you stand out from all the other marketing companies out there. Give me, give it give me that in. You know.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “I’m not I am not. I’m just going to be straight up. I’m not just here for the money. I’m here to do what I’m passionate about and help others do what they’re passionate about. And that’s really why my biggest passionate passion is, helping clients dig deep about what is your why and digging deep. I think what made me realize the most is how I was able to bring clients out of their shells, even personally and even in their family life and things.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “And I’m like, well, that caused a ripple effect. And it wasn’t just me helping them with their brand that I affected. And it it’s a lot. And with imposter syndrome and all of that, it’s you are you. And that is your power. No one is you. You have your gifts and that is your power. No one can touch them.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “And so helping people realize that, I think that is the most I love it.”

Angela Barrett – “Yeah. Sounds cool. What? I certainly, appreciate you being with me today. And, you want to come clean my closet out and start it over for me? And I don’t? You would have your work cut out for you any.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “Oh, I have my work cut out for me, too. I’m a closet hoarder. I don’t. I attach memories, so I don’t get rid of anything.”

Angela Barrett – “That I’m like. Yeah, sometimes I purge a little too much, but, I just, you know, I want to dress this way. And then I got to put it on what? Not where in the house and back to the same.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “Like where that’s like, oh, this looks dumb. I can’t go out now. I wait so that in your head, that’s like.”

Angela Barrett – “Well, thanks so much. I enjoyed talking with you. And, best of luck on all your endeavors. And you’re I’m have to keep up with all your pretty, pink in your website design. I love it, I love it.”

Kelsay Pattillo – “Thank you so much. I appreciate, you having me on the show today. Thanks so much.”

Angela Barrett – Thanks.