Lou Draper is the wonderful woman who has keep us in Linden Leaves and Delicious product trials through her publicity business Rockstar PR. We talked to her about who she is, what she’s doing, and how come we keep getting nice stuff from her to review.

1. How/why did you get into doing publicity for brands? What was your career path that led you to starting Rockstar PR?
I have grown up around business, my whole family is very business-centric so it was a natural move for me to do the same. I had also done a reasonable amount of PR work in my corporate career as well as working for some top marketing legends so have learned a thing or two about PR. My first business was actually a beauty salon but given I am not a therapist, I got bored after setting the business up so took on a publicity contract for a bodycare brand on the side. Because I am a big talker that contract led to another and so on until I formalised my contracting business with an identity – rockstar PR. The lease ended on the beauty salon so I sold out to focus more on rockstar PR at a help level. Basically, our aim is to help out start up and small business in NZ. These are the guys with the awesome ideas but not necessarily the marketing skill to make their ideas a success. It’s such a buzz to see the little guy on the big global stage!

2. You’ve got a lot of hats to wear with Rockstar, High Voltage and Party-Spa: how do you manage your time and keep them all in balance?
A bloody big diary! Seriously! I’d be lost without mine. I had an AMI moment a couple of weeks back where I put my diary on the car and drove away… luckily I got it back but my life was in chaos for the 24 hours before its return. I think because they are my business’ I want to put more energy and time into them, so it’s slightly more than a 40 hour working week. Plus I don’t have set working hours, I do the work when I am in the zone for it, therefore getting through it quicker. Writers block for me means I need to stop and do something else. Having two other businesses to work on means I can change the “office” environment instantly, and I make time for my family and friends. Today I spent the day with my niece at the zoo which was a fabulous break. I might be working till very late tonight but I am looking forward to seeing my friends new baby tomorrow so having the life injection just keeps things in balance! And it’s a wonderful life really.

3. How about some free advice: what’s one thing Pretty Pretty Pretty could do better to increase our audience?
I found the fabulously fun ppp site from someone else who is a fan.. word of mouth really is the best tool ever. And given there is so much interactivity on ppp, once people know about you they will visit and stay forever. In other words talk it up to complete strangers.. ask them to visit the site, dangle the carrot. Bring your business into everyday conversation – “Hi Joanna, how are you” “I’m fine thanks Mr Postman, my website ppp is keeping me so busy…. oh, you haven’t heard of us.. check it out after work – www.prettyprettypretty.com”

4. What do you wear/do to make yourself feel good?
I’m a typical aquarian. I love fashion – especially the slightly quirky stuff. I can almost never pull it off but when I do find a particular dress or fashion creation that suits me, aside from wearing it to death, I only associate good feelings with it. I have a dress right now that is totally black and very floaty and lovely and I wear it over my oldest jeans. And because it’s comfortable I am automatically relaxed and that’s what makes me feel great. I’m also a huge fan of crazy make up and napping. Both of these things can cheer me up instantly!

5. How would you define pretty?
Probably a cliche but Pretty for me is an attitude. If you are positive as often as you can be, are kind to others at every opportunity and love life, the pretty-ness shines on through. But if that doesn’t work a good contour, colourful cheeks and fabulous mascara will do it instantly!