

Marketing Happy Hour
Marketing Happy Hour
Keeping up with marketing trends and leveling up your career doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Don’t go at it alone. Marketing Happy Hour was created to help you navigate the corporate marketing world, launch your own business, and stay sane while advancing in your career. Join host Cassie Tucker each week as she dives into real conversations with industry guests, covering everything from marketing strategies to career growth and leadership insights—all served with a mix of inspiration and support to keep you thriving.
Learn more: https://www.marketinghappyhr.com/
Learn more: https://www.marketinghappyhr.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 15, 2024 • 42min
Inside the Launch of a New Beauty Brand | Quani Burnett of Soft Rows
This week, Cassie and Erica sit down with Quani Burnett, Founder and CEO of Soft Rows, a new texture-first hair care brand reimagining cultural beauty staples, currently in its pre-launch stage as part of the Sephora Accelerate 2024 program. In this episode, Quani explains how her passion for inclusivity in the beauty space led to her consulting for and working with many incredible brands like Youth to the People, and making a real impact in the industry. She then walks us through her journey taking the leap to build her own beauty brand, Soft Rows, and shares how her team is thinking about their authentic marketing strategy both pre- and post-launch, working to become a true community-led brand.
Here's a peek at what we cover in this episode:
[00:04:44] - Quani walks us through her experience from physical therapy to content creation and writing, eventually transforming her passion for inclusivity in the beauty space into a role consulting for and working with incredible brands like Youth to the People. She also shares the brand story behind her new beauty brand, Soft Rows.
[00:20:30] - Quani shares how her team at Soft Rows is thinking about their messaging and authentic marketing strategy pre- and post-launch, and how they're infusing community into the core of the brand.
[00:31:58] - Quani explains how building her brand in public and being present in every stage is allowing Soft Rows to truly thrive ahead of their launch.
Grab a drink and listen in to this week's Marketing Happy Hour conversation!
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Other episodes you'll enjoy if you enjoyed Quani's episode:
Online to Offline: Translating Brand Messaging Across All Channels | Kewanna Donaldson of Glossier
A "Friends-First" Approach to Building Brand Community | Payge Taylor of amika
UGC is The New "Word-of-Mouth" (+ Excellent Early Career Advice) | Andrea Linhares of Sephora
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Say hi! DM us on Instagram and let us know which episodes you're loving - we can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
Join our FREE MHH Insiders online community to connect with Millennial and Gen Z marketing professionals around the world!
Get the latest from MHH, straight to your inbox: Join our email list!
Connect with Quani: LinkedIn | Instagram | Founder's Newsletter
Follow along with Soft Rows: Instagram | TikTok | softrows.com
Follow MHH on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Threads | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook
New to Marketing Happy Hour (or just want more)? Download our Marketing Happy Hour Starter Kit
Connect with Co-Host Erica: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with Co-Host Cassie: LinkedIn | Instagram
This podcast is an MHH Media production. Learn more about MHH Media!
Interested in starting your own podcast? Grab our Podcast Launch Strategy Guide here.

Aug 13, 2024 • 33min
Restaurant Marketing 101: Infusing Hospitality Into Your Brand | Esther McIlvain of Hawkers Asian Street Food
We're excited to introduce you to Esther McIlvain, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Hawkers Asian Street Food, a favorite local restaurant (that has now expanded to 7 states!). In this episode, Esther and Cassie chat through the essentials for restaurant marketing on a local and national level (including Esther's tried and true "hourglass strategy"), and how infusing hospitality into your brand can make a huge impact with your ideal consumer.
About Esther + Hawkers Asian Street Food: Esther McIlvain is the Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Hawkers Asian Street Food, a restaurant concept serving authentic Asian street food in an experience-driven environment, with a focus on small, shared plates. Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., Esther oversees all aspects of marketing, brand, social media, and public relations for 15 restaurant locations spanning seven states.
After graduating from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Public Relations, Esther continued her career in publicity working with top brands and personalities like Andrew Zimmern, Guy Fieri, Thomas Keller, Cholula, Del Frisco’s, and more. Her passion for storytelling led her to represent clients spanning several industries including restaurants, CPG, destinations, and personalities, before beginning her journey at Hawkers in 2018.
Hawkers Asian Street Food has been named an eight-time Inc. 5000 winner, one of Central Florida’s fastest-growing businesses, and is among Central Florida’s top 100 privately held companies. Hawkers also received its first Michelin Guide Recommendation in 2022 and has maintained the esteemed honor ever since. In addition to leading brand at Hawkers, Esther is also an active board member for the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
Connect with Esther on LinkedIn
Follow along with Hawkers Asian Street Food: Instagram | Facebook
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Say hi! DM us on Instagram and let us know which bonus episodes you're excited for - we can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
Join our FREE MHH Insiders online community to connect with Millennial and Gen Z marketing professionals around the world!
Get the latest from MHH, straight to your inbox: Join our email list!
Follow MHH on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Threads | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook

Aug 8, 2024 • 41min
It's ALL About Relationships | Jennie Toutoulis (PR, Celebrity, Partnerships & Advocacy)
This week, Cassie and Erica chat with Jennie Toutoulis, Senior Manager of PR, Celebrity, Partnerships & Advocacy at a major beauty brand (one that we're SUCH fans of!). In this episode, Jennie shares a peek into her career journey, her best advice for those looking to enter the beauty and/or PR space, a look at what she values in working relationships and in partnerships for the brand, and her predictions for the future of PR as we inch closer to 2025.
Here's a peek at what we cover in this episode:
[00:02:59] - Jennie walks us through her career journey thus far, starting at Bravo as a publicity intern, working her way into influencer marketing with Tarte, and landing ultimately at her current company, a major beauty brand. She also shares her best tips for gaining a mentor, and how to navigate that mentor-mentee relationship long term.
[00:12:32] - Jennie shares a peek into the role she currently holds and her day to day tasks, like taking press requests about the brand's products and managing talent relations. She also explains how her team identifies the right celebrities and partners to work with the brand, and why brands should be investing in people-first marketing and building relationships that extend beyond the office.
[00:25:48] - Jennie gives her best advice for people looking to enter the beauty and PR space in today's digital landscape.
[00:32:12] - Jennie shares her predictions for the future of PR and the beauty industry as a whole as we inch closer to 2025!
Grab a drink and listen in to this week's Marketing Happy Hour conversation!
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Other episodes you'll enjoy if you enjoyed Jennie's episode:
Online to Offline: Translating Brand Messaging Across All Channels | Kewanna Donaldson of Glossier
Brand Communications 101 | Kate Haldy of Anthropologie
Product Marketing 101: Your Go-To-Market Toolkit | Jaylen Adams of Rare Beauty
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Say hi! DM us on Instagram and let us know which episodes you're loving - we can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
Join our FREE MHH Insiders online community to connect with Millennial and Gen Z marketing professionals around the world!
Get the latest from MHH, straight to your inbox: Join our email list!
Connect with Jennie on LinkedIn
Follow MHH on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Threads | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook
New to Marketing Happy Hour (or just want more)? Download our Marketing Happy Hour Starter Kit
Connect with Co-Host Erica: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with Co-Host Cassie: LinkedIn | Instagram
This podcast is an MHH Media production. Learn more about MHH Media!
Interested in starting your own podcast? Grab our Podcast Launch Strategy Guide here.

Aug 1, 2024 • 46min
An Exciting Peek Into Field Marketing + Brand Expansion | Elle Hvozdovic of CAVA
This week, Erica sits down with Elle Hvozdovic, Senior Marketing Manager of Brand Growth & Expansion at CAVA. In this episode, Elle shares invaluable lessons she's learned throughout her career journey hopping industries, dives deep into field marketing, and gives us an inside look at how CAVA thinks through strategic brand partnerships and brand expansion across the country.
Here's a peek at what we cover in this episode:
[00:03:09] - Elle walks us through her background in professional sports marketing (working in marketing for both Major League Baseball and the PGA Tour), moving over to brand marketing for [solidcore], and eventually landing her role at CAVA. She also shares what sparked her decision to go to grad school and gives advice for listeners considering their next career moves (educational and beyond).
[00:14:03] - Elle dives deep into Field Marketing and explains how to utilize local creators and marketing team members to generate buzz around your brand and bring consumers in store.
[00:20:07] - Elle gives us a peek into the brand partnership strategy at CAVA, revealing how the brand strategically chooses their partners (hint: value alignment is so important!). She also shares a real life example of the full, lengthy process behind executing a great partnership from her days at [solidcore].
[00:31:14] - Elle explains the marketing strategy CAVA employs when entering a net new market and gives us a behind the scenes look at their recent launch in Chicago.
Grab a drink and listen in to this week's Marketing Happy Hour conversation!
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Other episodes you'll enjoy if you enjoyed Elle's episode:
Online to Offline: Translating Brand Messaging Across All Channels | Kewanna Donaldson of Glossier
How Strong Branding + Community Influences Retail Demand | Lauren Murphy of Fishwife
The "Staying Power" of Strategic Brand Partnerships | Namita Gupta of SoulCycle
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Say hi! DM us on Instagram and let us know which episodes you're loving - we can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
Join our FREE MHH Insiders online community to connect with Millennial and Gen Z marketing professionals around the world!
Get the latest from MHH, straight to your inbox: Join our email list!
Connect with Elle on LinkedIn
Check out what CAVA's up to: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter (X) | TikTok
Follow MHH on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Threads | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook
New to Marketing Happy Hour (or just want more)? Download our Marketing Happy Hour Starter Kit
Connect with Co-Host Erica: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with Co-Host Cassie: LinkedIn | Instagram
This podcast is an MHH Media production. Learn more about MHH Media!
Interested in starting your own podcast? Grab our Podcast Launch Strategy Guide here.

Jul 30, 2024 • 37min
Tools to Improve Your Brand's SEO Strategy | SEO Expert Nathaniel Miller
We're excited to introduce you to SEO Expert Nathaniel Miller. In this episode, Nathaniel walks us through his unique transition from large format printer technician to digital marketer, his unique approach to building digital campaigns, and how marketing professionals can step up their brand's SEO game across channels.
About Nathaniel, in his own words: With over 9 years of passion-fueled experience in digital marketing and event management, I've honed my craft to deliver tangible results. From boosting lead-gen to orchestrating demand-gen activities, I've been the driving force behind SEM campaigns that have propelled customer growth by a staggering 250%. My journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, consistently exceeding expectations and setting new benchmarks in the digital landscape.
Currently, I proudly serve as the Director of Marketing for HarvestIQ, a SaaS powerhouse revolutionizing revenue tracking and insurance solutions for farmers and farm advisors. In this role, I've spearheaded innovative marketing initiatives, leveraging cutting-edge strategies to drive user engagement and accelerate business growth. My commitment to innovation and adaptability has enabled me to navigate diverse industries, from the tech-forward realms of Agtech and Fintech to the dynamic landscape of Insuretech.
Connect with Nathaniel on LinkedIn
Learn more about 3rds: 3rds.co
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Say hi! DM us on Instagram and let us know which bonus episodes you're excited for - we can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
Join our FREE MHH Insiders online community to connect with Millennial and Gen Z marketing professionals around the world!
Get the latest from MHH, straight to your inbox: Join our email list!
Follow MHH on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Threads | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook

Jul 25, 2024 • 27min
Online to Offline: Translating Brand Messaging Across All Channels | Kewanna Donaldson of Glossier
This week, Cassie and Erica chat with Kewanna (Kiki) Donaldson, Senior Manager of Brand and Product Marketing at cult-favorite beauty brand Glossier. In this episode, Kiki shares how the brand is positioning itself in the beauty space 10 years after their launch, how they consistently incorporate a spirit of play into their marketing strategy, their product launch process from ideation to execution, and how Glossier translates its messaging across all channels.
Here's a peek at what we cover in this episode:
[00:02:20] - Kiki walks us through her nonlinear career journey starting in the hospitality space at Marriott, Crunch Fitness, and Loews Hotels, then pivoting into the beauty space at Glossier, and gives her best career advice for someone looking to grow into brand marketing. She then shares how Glossier is positioning their brand in the beauty space 10 years after their launch, how the team at Glossier incorporates a spirit of play into their marketing strategy, and why community is the "magic" of the brand.
[00:09:06] - Kiki shares a behind the scenes look at some of her favorite brand moments like the re-launch of balm dot com, retail store openings, Glossier's You Look Good tour, and their inspiring grant program (currently on year 4!). She also explains how the brand stays consistent across digital, retail, and other IRL touch points.
[00:13:28] - Kiki gives us a peek into Glossier's product marketing strategy, including the product launch process, and shares what's coming up for Glossier (hello, Australia!).
Grab a drink and listen in to this week's Marketing Happy Hour conversation!
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Other episodes you'll enjoy if you enjoyed Kewanna's episode:
A "Friends-First" Approach to Building Brand Community | Payge Taylor of amika
Brand Communications 101 | Kate Haldy of Anthropologie
Product Marketing 101: Your Go-To-Market Toolkit | Jaylen Adams of Rare Beauty
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Say hi! DM us on Instagram and let us know which episodes you're loving - we can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
Join our FREE MHH Insiders online community to connect with Millennial and Gen Z marketing professionals around the world!
Get the latest from MHH, straight to your inbox: Join our email list!
Connect with Kewanna: LinkedIn | Instagram
Learn more about Glossier: Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | LinkedIn
Follow MHH on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Threads | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook
New to Marketing Happy Hour (or just want more)? Download our Marketing Happy Hour Starter Kit
Connect with Co-Host Erica: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with Co-Host Cassie: LinkedIn | Instagram
This podcast is an MHH Media production. Learn more about MHH Media!
Interested in starting your own podcast? Grab our Podcast Launch Strategy Guide here.

Jul 18, 2024 • 44min
A "Friends-First" Approach to Building Brand Community | Payge Taylor of amika
This week, Cassie and Erica sit down with Payge Taylor, Director of Content Strategy and Community Engagement at haircare brand amika. In this episode, Payge explains how the brand taps into the meaning of their name (amika = "friend") to create and maintain a strong, engaged brand community, and how they're consistently showing up for that community across all channels (including IRL!).
Here's a peek at what we cover in this episode:
[00:02:20] - Payge walks us through her background in PR and the shift she made into social media, her time working at BUXOM Cosmetics and eventually moving over to the amika team. She then shares a look at her current responsibilities in helping to translate amika's brand story and messaging across all channels and foster community engagement among fans of the brand, and explains her current team structure (see how you can join here!).
[00:10:20] - Payge shares a few standout examples of brilliant storytelling through recent brand moments and gives marketers the advice to "stop thinking like brands and start thinking like humans" in order to nurture an emotional connection with their consumers. She then explains how clear messaging that extends beyond the product(s) a brand offers can build loyalty and longevity.
[00:30:10] - Payge shares her best tips for content creation, dives into the importance of educational content that builds brand equity, and explains how leaning on cross functional team members to tell the brand's unique story in an easily digestible way has been key in their social media strategy success.
Grab a drink and listen in to this week's Marketing Happy Hour conversation!
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Other episodes you'll enjoy if you enjoyed Payge's episode:
How Strong Branding + Community Influences Retail Demand | Lauren Murphy of Fishwife
Evolving Your Brand Over Time | Matt Prince of Taco Bell
The Art of Showing Up in Unexpected Places | Izzy Yellin of OLIPOP
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Say hi! DM us on Instagram and let us know which episodes you're loving - we can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
Join our FREE MHH Insiders online community to connect with Millennial and Gen Z marketing professionals around the world!
Get the latest from MHH, straight to your inbox: Join our email list!
Connect with Payge: Instagram | LinkedIn
Learn more about amika: Instagram | TikTok
Follow MHH on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Threads | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook
New to Marketing Happy Hour (or just want more)? Download our Marketing Happy Hour Starter Kit
Connect with Co-Host Erica: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with Co-Host Cassie: LinkedIn | Instagram
This podcast is an MHH Media production. Learn more about MHH Media!
Interested in starting your own podcast? Grab our Podcast Launch Strategy Guide here.

Jul 16, 2024 • 25min
Level Up Your Pinterest Game | Pinterest Expert + Creator Jessica Morrobel
We're excited to introduce you to Jessica Morrobel, content creator and Pinterest expert known for her work with Traveling with Jessica. In this episode, Jessica shares a deep dive into Pinterest strategy for both brands and individuals and explains how consumers are uniquely utilizing Pinterest as an engaged audience of consumers positioned to buy. She shares how to optimize your profile on Pinterest, perfect keyword rich descriptions, create content that will perform best on the platform, and provides a real-life example of her work with Sephora at Kohl's on Pinterest.
Resources mentioned: Pinterest Academy | Pinterest Creators
About Jessica: Jessica is a dynamic NYC-based travel and beauty creator known for her work with Traveling with Jessica, where she combines her professional editorial and marketing experience to develop captivating content for brands like Pinterest, Zola, Disney, Destination Toronto, Sephora, and more. She aims to spark curiosity, creativity, and self-expression — inviting audiences on Pinterest, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram to join her at the crossroads of travel, beauty, and storytelling.
Connect with Jessica: Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn | travelingwithjessica.com
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Try Magic Mind: https://magicmind.com/HAPPYHOUR20
Say hi! DM us on Instagram and let us know which bonus episodes you're excited for - we can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
Join our FREE MHH Insiders online community to connect with Millennial and Gen Z marketing professionals around the world!
Get the latest from MHH, straight to your inbox: Join our email list!
Follow MHH on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Threads | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook

Jul 11, 2024 • 34min
6 Key Career Insights from Our NYC Event (+ Celebrating 3 Years of MHH) | Cassie + Erica
This week, Cassie and Erica briefly recap our recent NYC networking event in partnership with Creative People and share the 6 standout career insights shared by our incredible panelists: Les Alfred of Balanced Black Girl, Jack Appleby of Future Social, Michael Kaye of OkCupid and ARCHER, and Kelly Gordon of Creative People. We also celebrate 3 YEARS of the Marketing Happy Hour podcast with a fun game of "this or that."
Thank you again to our NYC event sponsors: Creative People, 99designs by Vista, ILIA Beauty, The New Bar, Lemon Perfect, and MyMuse.
Grab a drink and listen in to this week's Marketing Happy Hour conversation!
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Other episodes you'll enjoy if you enjoyed this episode:
Navigating the Interview Process (for Job Seekers AND Hiring Managers) | Marketing Happy Hour Co-Hosts Cassie Tucker + Erica Spitzley
A Marketing Recruiter's Advice for Today's Job Seekers | Matthew Kantner of Creative People
How to Find a Mentor | Matthew Miller of Orlando Informer
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Say hi! DM us on Instagram and let us know which episodes you're loving - we can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
Join our FREE MHH Insiders online community to connect with Millennial and Gen Z marketing professionals around the world!
Get the latest from MHH, straight to your inbox: Join our email list!
Follow MHH on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Threads | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook
New to Marketing Happy Hour (or just want more)? Download our Marketing Happy Hour Starter Kit
Connect with Co-Host Erica: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with Co-Host Cassie: LinkedIn | Instagram
This podcast is an MHH Media production. Learn more about MHH Media!
Interested in starting your own podcast? Grab our Podcast Launch Strategy Guide here.

Jul 2, 2024 • 34min
Fans-First Advertising and Marketing | Alex Psaros of Clerendon Road Productions (prev. Bravo)
We're excited to introduce you to Alex Psaros, a versatile marketing professional specializing in digital strategy and brand development, and currently the Director of Film Development at leading film production company Clerendon Road Productions. In this episode, Alex walks us through her experience in media buying and digital strategy, gives us an inside look at her time furthering brand development at Bravo, and shares her best strategies for building fan engagement, activating audiences on social through storytelling, progressing in your career, and more!
About Alex, in her own words: I'm Alexandra Psaros, a versatile marketing professional specializing in digital strategy and brand development. With a proven track record in managing integrated campaigns and enhancing online presence for diverse industries, I thrive on blending creativity with analytical insights to drive impactful results. Join me on the podcast as we explore innovative approaches to navigating today's dynamic marketing landscape.
Connect with Alex: Instagram | LinkedIn
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Say hi! DM us on Instagram and let us know which bonus episodes you're excited for - we can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
Join our FREE MHH Insiders online community to connect with Millennial and Gen Z marketing professionals around the world!
Get the latest from MHH, straight to your inbox: Join our email list!
Follow MHH on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Threads | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook


