Life and Work with Stephanie Blake

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Blake.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I moved to Denver in 1997, I was a college graduate with an English major and no idea what I wanted to do with my degree. My professional story began when I started as a temp at Colorado Student Obligation Bond Authority, the organization that launched what is now College Invest. I credit much of where I am today to my mentor there who thought I might have the skill set and interests to work in public relations. She introduced me to the field, providing me with opportunities to work with Kostka Gleason Communications, which is believed to be the first PR firm in Denver. In 1999, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in PR from the University of Denver to learn more about public relations. While at DU, I caught the graduate school bug and decided to continue on with a Ph.D. in mass communications at the University of Minnesota after about a year of working at Junior Achievement, Rocky Mountain, Inc. planning special events. Following five years of blood, sweat and many many tears, I left the Twin Cities with my degree in hand and returned to my heart’s home in Denver. During my graduate work, I fell in love with teaching. I began a tenure-track position at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs with the long-term plan of consulting after receiving tenure. For me, academia was like trying to put a square peg in a round hole, and I craved the practical application of the work I was teaching. So, I left university life in 2011 to start Blake Communications. I continued to teach as an adjunct until my daughter was born and hope to return to education someday soon, likely in a different capacity.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I believe an important part of the journey is experiencing struggles along the way. While no one likes to encounter adversity or difficulty, I think it’s been my best teacher, both professionally and personally.

When I look back at most of the bumps in the road, they were related to situations where I didn’t follow my intuition… when I took a client on who I knew wasn’t exactly the right fit or took a turn despite what my intuition was telling me. That said, I wouldn’t change any of it because it resulted in wisdom and experiences that make up who I am and how I arrive at decisions.

In terms of advice for young women: Follow your gut. It’s a tool that gets sharper the more you use it. Also, struggles are inevitable in life – being your own worst critic will only magnify a challenging situation. Carefully choose the people in your life. When people show you who they are, believe them the first time. Good energy breeds good energy and the same goes for bad or toxic energy. Lastly, your voice matters. Question the way things are done, listen and lift up the people around you.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Blake Communications – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My company is Blake Communications, a public relations firm focused on building community and achieving impact through a strategic and creative approach to communications. We work with clients – ranging from creative industry clients to nonprofits to organizations focused on city building – who are focused on creating unique experiences that enhance communities. Our job is to help them get the word out – using the most effective messaging to reach target audiences in ways that move people to action and reinforce an organization’s mission. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do; I believe they are the secret sauce to a successful professional life and a happy personal one. I am most proud of the relationships we have with long-term clients who trust us and value us as extended team members.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Absolutely! Probably the most impactful experience was being the oldest of five girls, now women. Growing up in a big family requires negotiation skills, navigating different personalities with equally important needs, knowing when to speak and when to be quiet, and understanding the importance of collaboration in getting something done. It also has given me a foundation of support from four strong women who always have my back – not to mention a steady stream of inspiration from what they each accomplish every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blakecommunications.com
• Instagram: @blakecommden
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlakeCommunications/
• Twitter: @BlakeComm

Image Credit:
Stephanie Blake, Personal photo: Adam Larkey Photography

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