Today, I emailed a dog.

Behind the Seams

Kerry Atterbury

So cute!!

No, Seriously. I actually emailed a dog.

I took time out of my day and crafted a carefully worded email, in the name of PR, and addressed it to a dog.

This is what happens when you’re a small business owner desperately trying to navigate the world of PR with a budget that consists of, well, zero. Let me explain…

Since starting Lilly & Jude, I’ve been on a vertical learning curve in everything. From learning what SEO means and figuring out how to build a website from scratch, to trying to drag my social media following and engagement into the dizzying heights of double figures - frankly, it hasn’t just been challenging, it’s been bloody exhausting!

The thing about starting a business is that other people have made a business out of “helping” people like me. They dangle the dream of success in front of your face, asking for a few hundred (or a few thousand) pounds for the privilege. They promise untold returns on investment, but here’s the truth: I’ve got a PR budget of exactly £0 and a stubborn streak as wide as the M61 (17 lanes in places - yes, I googled it - don’t judge me!).

Will It Work?

Realistically, I know that my 10 carefully written emails to various publications are probably sitting in spam folders across the UK. But you know what? You’ve got to try. After all, I’ve poured my heart and soul into this business, and with no funding, minimal tech knowledge, and the support of a few close friends, I’m determined to make it work.

Maybe, just maybe, someone will see the value in what I do. Perhaps they’ll appreciate this little scrappy little indie business, with ideas above its station and the temerity of its owner. Maybe there’ll be a Meryl Streep to my Anne Hathaway (10 house points to you if you get the reference) and she’ll deign to glance at my offerings and think ‘hmm, this might actually be worth looking at’. And hey, who knows—maybe my bags will make it into one of those fancy Christmas gift guides. Stranger things have happened!

Anyway, I’ll keep you posted if anyone responds (especially the dog). Keep your fingers crossed for me, won’t you?