A few weeks ago I was invited to meet with Kellie Brown, VP of the fashion division at 5W Public Relations. Some of the messages in my writing had impressed members of 5W’s staff and the meeting was to discuss ways in which I, and my writing, could be used to promote Avenue, a plus size clothing retailer, in a way that is empowering and positive to larger women. I also offered 5W an idea for a viral video in which I could recite sentiments from some of my more popular essays, which they were initially enthusiastic about.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Too Fat for Avenue??
Oh, the horror. I am sad today.
One of the most amazingly brilliant writers I know of (and secretly kind of follow around the internet, and I hope that doesn't make me sound too stalker-ish, because I totally don't mean it in a freaky kind of way, although she is pretty cute and I could probably be talked into a little Madonna-Brittney action if she were so inclined, but honestly I just mean it in a very platonic and admiring kind of way. She is witty and chooses perfect words and is just tops.) is a woman named Kim Brittingham. She writes engaging, ballsy, funny stories about life as a woman of some size, and she has amazing strength of character that can't be squelched. The link is to her blog, seriously, go read her stuff.
Anyway this happened to her recently, and I do hope she doesn't mind that I am doing the c/p thing to bring it over here. I'm just appalled - not surprised, but pissed off - about the whole thing. It shouldn't happen to anyone, anyway, ever. It just shouldn't. Discrimination based on appearance is wrong, end of story. But it should absolutely positively NEVER happen to anyone so talented. Please to read the following:
Monday, October 13, 2008
I'm Too Fat to Represent "Avenue".
When I arrived at 5W, I was awkwardly told by two of Ms. Brown’s underlings that she had been pulled into a meeting at the last minute and wouldn’t be able to see me.
Later, an embarrassed 5W staff member I’ll call “Renee” confided in me that Ms. Brown had, in fact, seen me enter the office and decided on the spot that I wasn’t “worth her time”. Renee said that although Ms. Brown is “more plus” than I am, Ms. Brown felt I was too fat to be a spokeswoman for Avenue. Even though I wear their clothes. Even though I am their target customer. Let me add that I was well-groomed when I arrived at the 5W office, I didn’t reek, and as always, I was gracious and very well-spoken.
Renee was excited about my potential involvement with Avenue. She felt Ms. Brown’s hasty decision to discount me based on my size, for work with a plus size clothing retailer, was completely lacking in vision, discriminatory and just plain unintelligent. I must agree.
What do you think about the way Kellie Brown conducted herself – not just in relation to me, but in relation to her client, Avenue?
Do you think Avenue is being well-represented by Ms. Brown?
Do you think Avenue should seek the assistance of another PR firm – perhaps one with a fashion VP who makes more insightful decisions?
Do you feel comfortable giving your money to Avenue, knowing how I was treated by their hired representative?
Maybe you should share your thoughts with Avenue and/or 5W. These days, Avenue is owned by the Redcats Group. The same people who own OneStopPlus.com, as well as the Roaman’s, Woman Within (formerly Lane Bryant), Jessica London and BryLane Home mail order catalogs.
Maybe these will help:
Eric Faintreny, Chairman and CEO
Redcats Group
463 7th Ave.
New York, NY 10018
Phone: 212-613-9500
5W Public Relations
1120 Avenue of the Americas, 7th Floor
New York, NY, 10036
Phone: 212-999-5585
Oh, and P.S. Avenue, if you’d like to see a proposal for the brilliant viral video campaign that 5W tossed out the window, e-mail me. Any time.
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GOOD LUCK KIM!!!!!!
And as I've said before, you can be my spokeswoman any time. I'm still not exactly sure what we would sell. ("Try new Sonnet! She really doesn't reek too badly!" Hmm, needs work.) But I would love to work with you any day.
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Comments
Yeah for "renee" telling stepping up and letting Kim know Ms. Brown's real reason. If i were Avenue i'd be shopping for a new PR firm or asking for Ms. Brown to be removed from working on their account!
Posted by: Heather | Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Sonn! I didn't know you had a blog! Bookmarking it now!! :-)
Posted by: WeightingGame | Monday, October 20, 2008
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