It's only been a short while since Maz Coote mysteriously disappeared from her role as general manager at Sweaty Betty PR - but answers to all industry murmurings were put to rest when news leaked she had opened her own PR agency.
After working her way up the rungs at Sweaty Betty since 2008, Coote made the brave decision this year to step out on her own to launch Coote Connex - a full-service boutique communications agency and consultancy firm.
Already in high-demand from lifestyle and beauty brands wishing to work with her, we sat down with the PR guru to find out everything about launching an agency and what people can expect from Coote Connex.
What made you want to set up your own agency?
There is nothing more rewarding than working with brands and working alongside them like you are part of their business and family – and seeing the results and contributing to those brands’ success. The rush I get from securing a great piece of coverage for a client – whether print, online or beyond – I am out of my chair jumping up and down. Because I have seen the power of great PR (and that is also beyond what is traditionally thought of as PR!) and what it can deliver for brands – I wanted to build a business that could deliver that.
I was fortunate enough to spend eight years at a top agency and had the opportunity to work across some incredible brands where I ultimately developed a real love for working on beauty and lifestyle brands. For those that know me – when it comes to all things beauty, it is more than a mild obsession. Based on this, I wanted to build an agency that could service brands of all shapes and sizes in the beauty/lifestyle space.
What type of brands and clients will you be focusing on?
Beauty and lifestyle brands. At the moment I have an app on the books, so the tech space also - which beauty and lifestyle brands are tapping into.
Do you already have some brands on your books?
The support from day one has been incredible, so I am fortunate I do, with additions to the stable early in the New Year also.
What has you most excited about launching your own agency?
There is such an entrepreneurial spirit internationally and also right here at home - you only have to look around you. There is without question a gap to be able to service these kind of clients – I believe in the power of great, well executed PR. I have seen it in action, and working with a brand to build their business from the ground up is exciting and rewarding. In starting the agency, I definitely wanted to have the flexibility to be able to tap into that market and also work with some brands in that space. Brands that might not need or have the budgets to commit to long-term strategies – but want to generate talk and buzz around their brand and up the ante!
Where do you see Coote Connex in five years time?
In five years – hopefully still jumping out of my chair celebrating great wins for our clients!
To find out more and to contact Coote, visit the Coote Connex PR directory listing here.
