Katherine R. Hutt...
I studied journalism in college, but graduated into a
recession. I had loved (and aced!) the public relations
class I took in college, so I looked into PR jobs and landed
one writing a newsletter for a trade association. Eventually
I was named Director of Public Affairs, a position I held
for nearly three years.
I then joined a new highway safety advocacy organization
just launching. It was fun to help start a new group and put
it "on the map" with the media and other key
audiences. We did a lot of lobbying and regulatory work, so
things could get very fast-paced at times. One of the most
difficult challenges was also the most rewarding - working
with victim spokespersons who had either been injured
themselves in a crash or who had lost a loved one. They were
incredibly passionate on our issues, and speaking out helped
them cope with their own grief.
But after six years, I needed a change. I had a
difficult, high-risk pregnancy with my second child,
followed closely by the death of my mother, and these helped
me to realize how short life really is. I decided to pursue
my dream of starting my own public relations business.
My company is named Nautilus Communications because I
have collected sea shells since sixth grade, and the
chambered nautilus (my logo) is my favorite. It has some
unique qualities such as the perfect spiral and its ability
to control its movement. On my Web site I compare the
nautilus to excellent communications strategies that help an
organization survive and thrive. (http://www.NautilusCommunications.com) What life events
have had the most impact on your professional life?
My eight grade English teacher told me I should be a
writer, and I am eternally grateful for that early
encouragement! My mother was always incredibly supportive
and told me that I achieve whatever I set my mind to. Being
elected to serve as President of the National Capital
Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America was a
tremendous honor, especially because it was one of my
mentors who nominated me. And being named "Washington
PR Woman of the Year" by Washington Women in Public
Relations was an absolute career highlight!
What do you think other women would find interesting
or helpful from your experiences?
I am a huge believer in networking! Every job I've ever
gotten and just about every client has been through
networking. I get almost all my business from people who
know me or who have been referred by someone who does. I
write notes, send out a newsletter, organize interesting
lunches, send tons of holiday cards, and in general stay in
touch with people.
What have you learned that you think will help someone
else?
There is a great old expression, "When Mama ain't
happy, ain't nobody happy." For a long time after I
became a mom, I put myself last and did not take very good
care of myself. Now I make time every day for some quiet
"me time" (OK, it's at six in the morning, but
it's my time!). I also try to exercise regularly and eat
well, go to church every week, see friends on a regular
basis, and plan for regular "grown up time" with
my husband. I also indulge myself with a massage
periodically. I now know that taking care of myself is good
for my family and my business.
EDUCATION:
George Washington University (1981)
Major: broadcast journalism
HOW DO YOU BLEND CAREER &
FAMILY:
I quit a wonderful but very demanding job to start
my own business. It's a challenge to juggle it all,
but being my own boss allows me flexibility that I
otherwise would not have.
FAVORITE PARENTING TIP:
Keep it simple! Focus on doing instead of getting.
Break the cycle of "affluenza." For
instance, we focus our Christmas celebrations on doing
things together and spending time with family and
friends, rather than a huge pile of gifts. I've done
all my kids' birthday parties at home and my
children's friends always say we have the best
parties!
FAVORITE
BOOK:
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee |
CURRENT BOOK:
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver (just
finished)
A New Song by Jan Caron (just started - 4th
book in the Mitford series)FAVORITE RESTAURANT:
Any restaurant without crayons on the table!
Seriously, we are lucky in that we have a whole slew
of great little ethnic restaurants in Vienna: Nizam's,
Tara Thai, Tequila Grande, Café Renaissance, Anita's,
That's Amore, La Provence, Panshir, Aarathi. I could
never choose just one!
FAVORITE FUN ACTIVITY:
Family fun, especially living history parks like
Williamsburg and, closer to home, the Claude Moore
Colonial Farm. Also traveling, biking, camping and
hanging out at the pool in summer. In addition, I am a
Brownie leader and I love doing things with "my
girls."
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