Our member, Liana Spiegel of Marmalade Hills was featured on her local fox news station in Detroit, Michigan, earlier this week! Check it out here … for some views, there's a short commercial first.
Liana's company operates out of a 2,000 square foot studio in Bloomfield Hills where they make 13 types of cosmetics and over 100 individual items. In the video, Liana shares how she started Marmalade Hills, what her favorite products are, and how she has partnered with The Pink Fund, a Michigan based organization that provides short term financial aid to breast cancer patients in active treatment. Liana took a few minutes to tell me a bit about how she landed this media appearance and what it means to her.
1. Does cancer awareness have special meaning for you?
Cancer is a personal issue for my family. My dad passed away 8 years ago from cancer, so I always knew that I would like to help cancer patients and their families in one way or another. I found The Pink Fund, a local, active, successful organization that helps breast cancer patients and I reached out to them. I created our Pink Grapefruit line, and we launched it during breast cancer awareness month of October.
2. How did you attract the attention of the local news station?
I worked with a writer to create a press release, which we sent to the local media after the Pink Grapefruit launch. After a few weeks, we landed some articles in local newspapers. Then, I received a call from the health producer of our local FOX2 channel, inviting me to appear live on the show.
3. Were you nervous?
Yes! I was excited and terrified, but I saw the opportunity and jumped in with both feet. As you know, English is not my first language. I don't enjoy public speaking generally, and being on live TV, representing my company and The Pink Fund, and having to speak in a foreign language, was a huge responsibility.
The night before, I was overwhelmed with emotions. I was afraid I would make a complete fool out of myself and jeopardize the Marmalade Hills' image that I worked so hard to build.
I woke up the next morning, gathered my things and briefly talked to my husband about what I planned to say. I reminded myself that I know my story better then anybody else!
When I arrived on the set, my thoughts were completely mixed up and I rumbled and stumbled during five minutes of practice. When the host finally arrived, she was nice and friendly and helped set me at ease with a little chat. I finally relaxed. From that moment on, everything went really fast. The segment was over in a few minutes, and the rest is history.
4. What does the show appearance mean to you and Marmalade Hills?
Being featured was a great milestone for Marmalade Hills and me personally. It gives us more credibility as a company, and the reassurance that we are on the right track. As a passionate entrepreneur, moments like these push me forward, lift my spirits and fuel my desire to succeed no matter what!
If I can do this, after only 13 years in this country, anyone can do this! Hard work always pays off!!
5. What are your best selling products?
Our handmade olive oil soaps, in severalvarieties including Goji Berry Plum, Lemongrass, and Dark Ale. You can see them here.
Congratulations Liana! Thank you for sharing some of your story. You didn't look nervous on the show at all, and you did a fabulous job representing yourself and your brand. Here's to many more media appearances for you! Meet Liana at her FaceBook Page.
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