Hello, Gorgeous! Today’s post is part of my mini series called #BlushBoss. I love to get to know the readers of Blush & Camo and through talking to many of you I quickly found out all of you are a total #BlushBosses! You are driven, follow your goals, and know how to #sidehustle like no ones business. You have dreams and aren’t afraid to work hard towards them. Each of you inspire me everyday and so this series is a celebration of  strong women who dared to follow their dream and make it a reality. I hope this mini series gives you a little inspiration to continue to go after your goals and never give up!

In this #BlushBoss series I’ve teamed up with CEO’s of their own companies, asked them to share insight on their business, and give Blush & Camo readers insight as to what it takes to be your own boss.

Today’s #BlushBoss is Sydney who started her own PR From called Gossip and Glamour. I met Sydney at a blogging event  I attended back in March and I am SO glad we met! Sydney is one of the most creative people I have ever met and the events that she puts together never fail to blow me away. The passion she has for her job is infectious:).  She is so stunning, driven, and the definition of a #GirlBoss. I can’t wait for you to read her about how she started her business!

#BlushBoss: Sydney From Gossip & Glamour

Name: Sydney Mintle

Age: 33

Current Title/Company: Founder, Gossip & Glamour

Past Education: AAA Fashion Merchandising. Bachelor’s of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising/Business management.

What was your first job out of college? 

I actually worked full-time straight through both of my college degrees, but that’s part of what helped me move so quickly up the corporate latter. Financially I had to work, but in hindsight, it was the best thing I did for my career because I was able to continue to gain experience and build momentum while I was still in school. By the time I graduated, I was managing sourcing for the menswear private label lines at Zumiez.

What inspired you to start your own company? 

There are so many aspects of the fashion industry that I absolutely love. Starting my own company was an opportunity for me to blend them all together.

What advice would you give to Blush Babe readers thinking about starting their own business?

Find your niche. There were many PR firms in Seattle when I started my own business but none of them focused specifically on fashion PR. It was a major gap in the market and it was much needed in the city.

What was your biggest fear in starting your own business?

I love being part of a team. It was hard for me to take a leap of faith and branch out on my own, but the risks have been worthwhile.

How did you ensure your company was a success?

I spent almost a decade working in fashion and building my network before I launched Gossip & Glamour. The experience and relationships I gained along the way proved to be invaluable to my business growth and development. I highly recommend working in various segments of the marketplace to understand the needs of the business before you launch your own business. In my field, the business of fashion is constantly changing, so being able to keep my finger on the pulse of what is happening has made me a major asset to the clients that I work with.  

What does a typical day look like for you? 

There isn’t a typical day in the life of a fashion publicist. The pace is chaotic, but I love what I do, so it doesn’t really matter. My day consists of everything from sorting through hundreds of emails to meeting editors and hosting events. Fortunately I’m a Virgo and I’m super organized. I do my best to stay on top of things and prioritize accordingly.

What is the best moment of your career to date? 

I’ve had so many fun moments in my fashion career. Highlights include connecting with fellow fashion enthusiast Sydney Azria (the nephew of Max Azria of BCBG), going to New York Fashion Week, and producing the Stylish in Seattle blogger summit earlier this spring. I also helped Zumiez develop and launch their Social Compliance Program. Other highlights including working with SEE Eyewear and Uniqlo for their entrance into the Seattle market.

What advice would you give your 22-year-old self? 

At 22, I was young and hungry. I was already a retail store manager and I knew that the world was my oyster if I had the disciple to work for it. The best advice I would have given myself at 22 is: Go out and find your tribe. A decade later I have a solid group of strong, savvy, like-minded women to surround myself with, and together, we take on the world!

Sydney is a total #BlushBoss…

What’s your favorite piece in your collection, why?

I just did a DIY House of Style Event for Goodwill and now I can’t stop distressing things. There isn’t a single pair of jeans in my closet that is safe. I love making jeans into shorts and distressing them with holes. It’s so much fun!

You wish you knew how to…

Use Snapchat.

What is your favorite way to unwind?

I love watching the sunset with my husband and a glass of rosé. Does it get any better than that?

If you could pick one Sex and The City character, who would you be?

Samantha. Obviously. She’s my fellow publicist and #BlushBoss.

If you could have brunch with three women who would they be?

Oprah. She is so incredibly beautiful inside and out. She has so much depth and everything she writes resonates with me. Her books are magic. I’m also a major fan of her Super Soul Sunday series on OWN.

Marie Forleo is my hero. Whenever I need business insight or inspiration I watch her YouTube Videos. She keeps it real and I love that about her.

Elizabeth Gilbert is such an incredible soul. I’ve read all of her books and love her thoughts on creativity and living beyond fear. I deeply appreciate her honesty about the creative process.

Thank you SO much for stopping by Blush & Camo!

xx Julianna