Our “Blogger-Publicist” Marriage series continues this week with an interview from Jenna Muller, Director of Communications for Phyto Haircare, Lierac Skincare and Caron Fragrances. Thank you Jenna, for these invaluable tips!
1. What made you want to get into beauty publicity?
JM: I’ve always loved magazines, especially reading the beauty and fashion pages. So when I graduated college, I started my career in fashion and accessories PR. Fashion PR is a bit more fast paced, so when I was given the opportunity to work in beauty 6½ years ago, I jumped at the chance, and have been here ever since! The more I learned about the industry, the more I loved it. Investing in your beauty routine is the perfect complement to an outfit. Whether you get a new haircut, buy a new lipstick, or just get a massage, with just a minimal investment you can feel beautiful inside and out.

2. What is one of your most favorite blogger anecdotes?
JM: Here’s a great social media story. The scenario: I just joined Twitter. While I was commuting to work one morning, I decided to check out all of the tweets on my BlackBerry. I noticed one of my favorite bloggers was heading to a new salon we just opened in DC that same morning. I tweeted her back to say hi and mentioned that I was happy to set her up with a Phyto treatment during her visit (which wasn’t even why she was going in the first place!) But it turns out, she was able to experience the treatment and even gave us a wonderful review that same week! It’s amazing what can happen within a few minutes. The quick turnaround is the beauty of a blog.

3. Did you expect blogs to be such a big force as they are now?
No, not at all! Blogs and social media are taking the world by storm! I grew up learning “traditional” PR tactics and pitching which didn’t include bloggers. It’s quite impressive how far the blogosphere has come. It’s also exciting to watch and be a part of as well. I learn something new every day.
4. Name one big blogger DON’T.
Spelling errors are a big don’t (and a pet peeve!) Especially when it comes to product names and descriptions. However, the good thing about a blog is that it can be updated quickly.
5. Name one big blogger DO.
Do embrace your originality and your voice! I love reading blogs that take the time to really test a product, (even ask me questions and fact check information) or look for experts, etc. The great thing about a blog is that you can really make it your own and offer your readers a truly unique experience.
- Charu Suri
From Paula:
I love the fact that Jenna embraces the writers voice in blogs. Its one of the things that I try to do and look for in the blogs that I read. If it is cold and copy/paste there is nothing compelling me to come back. I can read static info any number of other places.
Again, Charu, thanks for this series.
From SilhouetteScreams:
Ugh I am SO GLAD that she mentioned spelling mistakes. It bugs me to no end when a blogger is trying to sound professional but then there’s like 20 spelling errors
1 is fine, but I have to spell check my shit a billion times before I post yet – yes I am quite OCD about it LOL
From SilhouetteScreams:
LOL how ironic that I have a typo in that comment
*post it