Bryanne DeGoede

BLND Public Relations is a boutique communications agency for lifestyle, beauty and wellness brands. Managing partner Bryanne DeGoede and her team offer customizable service packages that blend media relations, social media management and influencer marketing. Bryanne has worked as an expert in public relations, marketing, branding and events for 15 years, and she started BLND in 2014. She focuses on helping businesses and entrepreneurs expand and promote their brands and social media strategy.

What inspired you to pursue a career in your field? 

It came naturally to me. I love working with people—helping them create engaging and exciting stories around their brand or business. I love seeing my clients grow and thrive while creating businesses they are passionate about. I live by the saying: “You are good at what you love, and you love what you’re good at.”

Why are you considered a go-to person in the community? 

I know and care about so many people in this community, and I believe in never burning bridges. Being born and raised in the South Bay, I have built tons of bridges and have developed meaningful connections here. There is something truly special about the people who live here, and I feel like everyone is connected to everyone through someone, somehow.

What are some key qualities for women in leadership roles? 

I think having real, firsthand experience in what you are leading is very important, as well as general confidence in yourself and your capabilities. As women we’re often taught to sit back and not be “bossy,” but as a leader it’s essential to speak your mind and guide your team with confident, clear communication. Believing in yourself and knowing that you have earned your seat at the table is crucial.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in business? 

Women are expected to juggle a million different roles—from work to home, marriage to friendships, or being a mother and a daughter. We’re also taught to feel that no matter what we do, it’s not enough. Balancing my company and having a family is a challenge, and sometimes I still struggle with feeling that I’m not doing enough or that I’m making mistakes everywhere I turn. Unfortunately, this kind of self-doubt and pressure to be perfect at everything affects every woman I know. However, I’ve learned to slow down and be grateful for the thousands of things I do every day. I recognize that I can only do the best that I can—and that’s more than enough.

What is your favorite business advice?

A business mentor once told me that I needed to learn how to live in the “uncomfortable.” To this day, it has been the best advice I’ve ever received. When you’re a business owner, there are bound to be unexpected twists and turns that could derail your plans or completely throw you off. Being able to stay calm and adapt in even the most trying situations is essential. Once you’ve mastered that, you won’t just survive in the uncomfortable—you’ll start to thrive in it.

What does success mean to you? 

Success is time. Being able to manage my own schedule—going into the office two days one week and five days the next—is success to me. I’ve worked hard to build a business that allows me to spend time with my family when I want to and check into work when I want to.

How do you rally your team to take on a big goal? 

Inspiring my team is my specialty. I am my team’s biggest cheerleader, and I believe in recognizing and rewarding good work. Whether that’s with a raise, a gift card to a nice spa or a destination company retreat, I believe that thanking my employees for their hard work pays off and inspires them to take on bigger challenges and higher goals.

How do you foster a positive work environment? 

We’re big believers in work-life balance. We work Monday through Thursday in the office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Fridays we work from home. That extra hour between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. is huge and gives my team some extra time to relax, unwind and come back refreshed the next day.

Where do you see yourself in the future—personally and professionally? 

My business and I have grown and changed so much in the past 10 years; it’s hard to say exactly where we’ll be in the next 10. I simply hope to keep expanding my company while continuing to be able to spend quality time with my family. I love where I’m at right now, and I’m excited about what the future holds.

What local hot spots do you love? 

Our favorite spots right now are Esperanza, JOEY and Sushi Roku. Maybe even Shellback on a good Saturday.

Photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro