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Meet Karie
Karie Reynolds, Communications Strategist + Connector
Karie Reynolds is a dynamic communications strategist and connector, driven by her passion for bringing people together and creating a positive impact. Her career has spanned national accounts and franchisee management, nonprofit fundraising, and integrated marketing for start-ups and small businesses. The common thread is Karie’s natural ability to understand the big picture and translate that vision into an on-target, strategic approach.
Known for her professionalism, kind and calm demeanor, and confidence, Karie approaches challenges with an unwavering determination to succeed. Her empathy, listening skills, and ability to read nonverbal cues have made her an outstanding communicator and a trusted advisor. Colleagues and clients appreciate Karie’s ability to create win-win partnerships, engage in meaningful discussions, and develop relationships with stakeholders across an organization.
Her professional background offers an example of her ability to seize opportunities. Karie transitioned into public relations after working in nonprofit fundraising for social service agencies. She launched her PR career at the California Market Center, representing the apparel and textile trade center and the business of fashion in Los Angeles. Laid off at six months pregnant, Karie took advantage of an opportunity to join a boutique PR firm. She launched her consulting practice with projects for MGM Consumer Products, Burke Williams, Burbank Town Center, and Paseo Colorado retail complexes.
In 2001, Karie recognized an opportunity in the burgeoning “Mom & Baby” space. Leveraging her experience as a mother and a marketer, she achieved remarkable success on behalf of various children’s apparel and juvenile products. Her trademarked, highly individualized media campaigns and successes on behalf of many children’s designers and manufacturers led to the formation of Grand Avenue Baby in 2005. Offering an integrated, strategic point-of-view on celebrity outreach and media relations, Grand Avenue Baby quickly became the go-to resource for top-tier manufacturers of products for children and families, and tastemakers across the country. This success led to the formation of Grand Avenue PR in 2006.
In 2011, Karie sold Grand Avenue PR and returned to the direct client collaboration she thrives on. Immensely curious and committed to helping businesses and entrepreneurs capitalize on opportunities to reach their target audience, Karie continually expanded her skill set throughout her consulting career. Her diverse background and commitment to professional development have enabled Karie to play an integral role in projects ranging from spearheading a month-long, multi-channel educational campaign for expecting mothers to producing a 2-day conference for entrepreneurial women to helping dozens of entrepreneurs articulate and align their stories across marketing channels to drive connection and revenue.
A native Californian, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). She lives in South Pasadena and is navigating life as an empty nester with more free time to enjoy the activities and support the causes she loves.
KARIE’S GUIDING BELIEFS
My approach to brand storytelling is based on 20 years of helping small businesses and start-ups grow and my ability to see potential in everything and everyone. I start with the big picture, hone in to get to the heart of a business’ story, then create compelling stories and strategies to share them consistently to attract and connect with your target audience.