When Renae Bluitt started her weblog, In Her Shoes, she envisioned it to be a place where entrepreneurs would have a place to shine, whether they were new or established. The blog is the online destination for “fly female entrepreneurs” and for those who are aspiring to be. Women who are committed to being the captains of their own ships visit the blog to be inspired, enlightened and uplifted.
“My goal is for the site to expand into an offline property through a series of interactive events and mentoring programs. In Her Shoes shines light on women who are facing their fears, finding their purpose and following their dreams,” Bluitt offers.
The New York resident, by way of Champaign, Ill., is the founder of the PR consulting company, Crush Media, which conducts lifestyle marketing and social media strategy development for beauty brands. She brings to life Willow Smith’s single “Whip My Hair” because she has a head of hair that is a conversation starter. It smacks of creativity and self-confidence.
“I’ve been a hair fanatic and beauty product junkie for as long as I can remember. Marrying my passion for beauty with my love for the PR industry has made my career an extremely gratifying one,” she reveals.
Bluitt stays abreast of news in her industry by visiting websites such as PR Week, Advertising Age, Black Web 2.0 and Beauty Store Business, but says that social media is great for breaking news. So, she follows the media outlets on Twitter.
“Social media has totally changed how brands communicate with consumers. Thanks to social media, we have more information than we’ve ever had access to right at our fingertips. Social media removes artificial barriers. So now, bloggers, tweeters, celebs, authors, experts and brand representatives are just a tweet away. Brands now have the opportunity to build authentic relationships with their target and truly create connections that extend beyond traditional advertising and marketing tactics. Social media allows brands to be a part of a consumer’s everyday experience by adding value and, in some way, making their lives a little easier,” she says.
Bluitt left the Windy City so she could spread her marketing wings and, as she puts it, “take a bite of the Big Apple.” She moved to New York just a few months after the 9/11 tragedy, leading friends and family to believe she was taking a chance moving to the city.
But she was determined to realize her dream.
So, what is Bluitt’s favorite pair of shoes? “My favorite pair of shoes (right now) would have to be a pair of bright yellow Charles David pumps,” she shared. “I’ve yet to wear them, but they’re extremely comfy and a great reminder that my favorite time of the year, summer, is just around the corner.” –yvette caslin
