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Client: Kitchen Studio: Kansas City
Program: Business launch, public relations, advertising, website design, and event management

Challenge
In late 2008, designers Sue Shinneman, CKD, and Katie Ott, AKBD, opened their own design firm, Kitchen Studio: Kansas City, in the Crossroads Arts District. The entrepreneurs needed visibility and a sustainable business model in a market saturated with design professionals. They turned to Sturges Word Communications to launch their business, differentiate their firm from competitors, and generate new business opportunities.

Solution
SWC took Kitchen Studio through its strategic planning process to identify and prioritize target audiences, and craft messages that would resonate with their potential client base. Armed with that information, SWC developed and executed a number of strategies to build relationships and drive business to Kitchen Studio, including:

  • A grand opening event
  • Follow-up events focusing on sustainability, industry networking, and vendor spotlights
  • Media relations and advertising targeting lifestyle, home and garden, and design media
  • A new website that showcases the firm’s most recent projects and news

    • Results
    By the end of 2010, Kitchen Studio’s revenue soared 62 percent – an increase the owners directly attributed to the visibility earned and relationships developed through the marketing campaign. Kitchen Studio now manages a steady flow of retainer business despite competition and market challenges.

    • Kitchen Studio: Kansas City