From the Founder, April 2016
There’s always a lot of talk about gratitude. We’ve learned that even during the most challenging and exhausting times, finding gratitude in difficult moments creates space, peace and a genuine sense of appreciation.
There are countless things I’m grateful for, both personally and professionally.
At the top of the list of my professional gratitude list is my business itself… the fact that I get to wake up every day, working with and for amazing and inspiring people and brands. We spend most of the day thinking and talking about health and wellness, sports, nutrition, female empowerment and various other things I’m passionate about. I have a spectacular team. Our dogs come to the office. We have beautiful offices that remind me of a New York City loft (in a good way). We’re in Marina del Rey, just a several-minute drive from the beach. I could go on and on.
It’s a people business. It’s the people I’m most grateful for. My employees and my clients. This business wouldn’t exist without them. Our relationships make it all possible. We create magic together.
I am most proud of, and grateful for, our long-standing relationships… people and companies. Together, we’ve worked for years and built important, trusting and fruitful relationships. To highlight a few (in order of arrival!)…
Gretchen Bleiler was my first representation client. I had never seen snowboarding when Gretchen and I first met in her aunt’s living room. Gretchen and I connected immediately and she took a chance on me. I guess she thought that if I could be the CMO of Martha Stewart, I could help her build the Gretchen Bleiler brand. We have worked together for almost 10 years and not a day has gone by that I haven’t been in awe of Gretchen’s power, grace and heart.
Denege Prudhomme was my first full-time employee. This month, we celebrated her 7-year anniversary. I have more hilarious stories about Denege and the two of us together than probably anyone else in my life. She has been an unbelievable force for Stanton & Company and in my life. Our clients are fortunate to experience Denege’s love and care and her tireless dedication and passion. It has been an amazing pleasure to watch her grow and develop over the last seven years and I look forward to many more with Denege by my side.
Pure Bar was Stanton & Company’s first marketing and PR client. Veronica Bosgraaf and the private equity firm that had acquired Veronica’s baby, Pure Bar, came to us looking for marketing and PR expertise and support as this emerging brand was finding its way. Veronica has remained committed to exacting standards (in the best way possible) and strong values and principles that have guided Pure from the formative days in her kitchen in Michigan to a leading snack bar with nationwide distribution and recognition. Seven years after we began our work together, our relationship is stronger than ever and big things are ahead for Pure… this is just the beginning. I’m in awe of Veronica’s passion, dedication and patience.
Shel Pink founded SpaRitual as the first vegan beauty brand, 10 years ago. She was and continues to be a true pioneer. Shel’s inspiring Slow Beauty philosophy is a game-changer and we’ve been fortunate to help her promote SpaRitual products and introduce people to the magical world of Slow Beauty for the past six plus years. Shel walks her walk and teaches us all to slow down, live in the moment and take care of ourselves so we can be our best for everyone around us.
I remember the first time I took Kathryn Budig‘s yoga class several years ago… I had heard that she was a rockstar, but seeing her in action and experiencing her powerful teaching ability, I knew that Kathryn was capable of anything. And this month, Kathryn’s beautiful new book, Aim True, has arrived! So proud of Kathryn and all of her accomplishments, but most importantly, that she continues to push to be her best, stay true to herself and inspires all of us to do the same along the way.
Laura Gentile had the vision to build a women’s platform inside ESPN…espnW. Seven years ago, Laura had the foresight and vision to create an event to help market and launch espnW before it even existed, and together, we created the espnW Retreat. We’re now going on the seventh year of the espnW: Women + Sports Summit and are launching a new event in Chicago this month. Laura is a true pioneer in the sports world and continues to pave an unchartered path… so proud to be a part of her team from the early days!
I could go on and on. As I think about each of these amazing women and what they’ve accomplished and continue to do to inspire us all, GRATITUDE is at the forefront of my mind. I’m grateful to know them, grateful to work with them and grateful to learn from them.
We hope you enjoy some of our latest news and if you’re looking for some additional reading, here are a few things I checked out this month:
10 Books You Can Read In One Night That Will Boost Your Motivation for Work, Fast Company
10 Big Natural Trends From Inside Last Week’s Expo West, The Chalkboard
9 Affirmations the Most Successful People Repeat Each and Every Day, Inc.com
xx Amy