Kristin Marquet: The Rise of an It Girl, Celebrity Entrepreneur, and PR Maven
It's rare to find someone who effortlessly combines the allure of a celebrity entrepreneur with the tactical knowledge of a top-tier PR strategist—yet Kristin Marquet does just that. As the founder of Marquet Media, an award-winning PR and branding firm, Kristin has been shaking up the industry since 2009. She's cultivated a reputation for blending razor-sharp business acumen with an unmistakable "it girl" mystique, setting her apart in a field where authenticity can be elusive.
In this feature, we dive into Kristin's journey from her early days as a model to her evolution into a high-profile entrepreneur. We also explore how her passion for branding and public relations shaped her into a maven that brands worldwide seek out.
The Early Spark: From Modeling to Producing Runway Shows
Kristin's story began long before she became a PR powerhouse. In her early twenties, she took her first steps into the public eye through modeling, immersing herself in a world where image was everything. Walking runways and posing for photoshoots taught her that branding is more than just aesthetics—crafting a story that resonates with an audience on a deeper level. The glitz of the fashion world not only captivated her but also sharpened her eye for detail, a quality that would later become invaluable in public relations.
As her modeling career grew, Kristin didn't limit herself to being in front of the camera; she worked behind the scenes. She began producing runway shows during New York Fashion Week, bringing together designers, models, photographers, and influencers to create a cohesive spectacle that would turn heads. This hands-on experience introduced her to the intricacies of event planning and brand positioning in high-stakes, fast-paced environments. The combination of these experiences gave her a dual perspective that set the stage for her future as a savvy PR entrepreneur.
Attending Red Carpets and Redefining Glamour
Kristin also frequented red-carpet events that ignited her love for branding and presentation. Rubbing shoulders with celebrities and industry leaders, she observed the art of visibility up close. It wasn't just about a glamorous dress or a striking pose—success on the red carpet hinged on storytelling, personal connection, and the ability to spark conversations. Kristin watched how top personalities used their brands to advance causes, build buzz for projects, or reinvent their public personas. She realized a strong brand narrative could transform a moment of fame into a sustained platform.
Her time at these red-carpet events illuminated how brands could align with influencers, entertainment icons, and philanthropists to expand their reach. While some attendees were mere bystanders, Kristin noted who was networking effectively, who was building strategic partnerships, and which brands were maximizing their appearances for long-term credibility. This early, in-person education on celebrity branding laid the groundwork for the high-profile clientele she would attract later in her career.
The Birth of Marquet Media
By the late 2000s, after leaving modeling, earning her degree, entering the workforce, being laid off from corporate consulting, and pursuing a master's at NYU, Kristin saw a gap in the market. Traditional PR firms resisted digital trends, while social media reshaped branding. Combining her modeling and event production background with a sharp marketing approach, she launched Marquet Media in 2009. From the start, she insisted on a culture of integrity and innovation. Kristin hired a team that not only shared her passion for creativity but also believed in the power of data. The firm quickly earned a reputation for producing campaigns as strategic as they were imaginative. Much of this success was attributable to Kristin's proprietary frameworks that merged deep market research, story-driven narratives, and agile execution. While other agencies might have offered cookie-cutter solutions, Marquet Media specialized in crafting campaigns that felt authentic.
Becoming an "It Girl" in the PR World
Calling Kristin an "it girl" might conjure images of star-studded soirees and front-row seats at Fashion Week. Indeed, she attended countless runway shows and made the rounds at red-carpet galas. But what sets her apart is the substance behind the style. Every high-profile event she attends is backed by curiosity and an intent to forge meaningful connections.
Her track record of spotting emerging trends and cultural shifts has helped her gain a following among clients who see her as a trendsetter. Whether leveraging Instagram or predicting the next tech wave, Kristin's knack for early adoption consistently positions her clients at the forefront of public attention. This approach has led some to label her an "it girl" of the entrepreneurial scene. Still, her discipline, forward-thinking mindset, and ability to build relationships anchor her status in the industry.
The Celebrity Entrepreneur Angle
Kristin's rise to celebrity entrepreneur status wasn't overnight; it happened organically over years of producing successful campaigns and earning media accolades. As her client roster expanded to include major lifestyle and entertainment brands, so did her visibility. Invitations for keynote speeches, panel discussions, and television appearances followed, allowing her to showcase her perspective shaped by modeling, event production, and leadership.
Her brand soared with gracing over 30 magazine covers, creating a halo effect that benefited her clients. By aligning herself with Hollywood stars, fashion icons, and top-tier influencers, she brought star power to everyday brands that quickly elevated them in the public eye. Yet, despite her celebrity persona, Kristin remains committed to building authentic connections. She notes that the most rewarding part of her job is helping clients tell their stories in ways that move audiences—an aim that transcends glitz and glamour, focusing instead on the heart of what makes a brand resonate.
PR Maven: The Proprietary Frameworks
At the core of Kristin's success are the proprietary frameworks she's developed over the years. These methodologies define how Marquet Media approaches each client project, blending traditional PR principles with cutting-edge branding tactics. They hinge on three central pillars:
Research & Discovery
Kristin contends that every impactful PR campaign begins with a comprehensive investigation. To grasp the landscape, her team dives into audience demographics, competitor analysis, and cultural context. This data is then used to ground any subsequent strategy, ensuring campaigns are rooted in real insights rather than mere intuition.
Narrative Crafting
Here, Kristin's background comes into play. She understands the power of a consistent, memorable image—and that applies whether you're launching a fashion line or unveiling a tech product. Every brand story her team crafts seeks to evoke emotion while maintaining factual integrity, ensuring that it resonates with target audiences meaningfully.
Agile Execution
Once the narrative is set, Marquet Media excels at execution. Kristin's frameworks prioritize flexibility, a trait honed from her days managing unexpected snafus on the runway. If breaking news aligns with a client's story, they pivot quickly. If social algorithms shift, they adapt accordingly. This agility keeps clients at the forefront of their industries, consistently generating buzz that leads to tangible results.
Life Beyond the Spotlight
Although Kristin is often in the public eye, she's also mindful of the need for balance. She starts her mornings with her infant son, which keeps her grounded. The frenetic energy of PR can be all-consuming, so she prioritizes self-care to maintain the clarity she needs to lead her agency.
Never one to rest on her laurels, Kristin is leveling up her craft by furthering her education in marketing and leadership at Harvard University. It's a natural extension of her relentless drive, adding even more firepower to her strategic thinking and the high-gloss brand experiences she creates for her clients. This bold move also supports her belief that true glamour isn't just about appearances—it's about evolving, innovating, and leading confidently on every red carpet and boardroom.
A Love Affair with Branding
If there's one thread that runs through Kristin's journey, it's her passionate love for branding. She's often quoted saying that branding is the "soul" of any successful endeavor. This belief stems from her time in the modeling world, where she saw how the right narrative could turn a moment of fame into a lasting reputation. She extends that principle to her work at Marquet Media, ensuring each campaign is anchored by a clear identity.
Charting the Future
Over 17 years into running Marquet Media, Kristin has her sights set on even bigger horizons. She envisions expanding internationally, tapping into global markets where storytelling traditions might differ yet share a common thread of human connection. The firm is also exploring novel media formats, always balancing these new tools with the personal touch that has become the company's hallmark.
Kristin's readiness to adapt is rooted in her history of orchestrating runway shows and managing brand presence at major events. She knows how quickly a scene can shift when the lights go up and understands that success often hinges on responsiveness. By staying curious and open to new channels, she aims to ensure that Marquet Media remains a leader in PR innovation for years to come.
A Lasting Legacy
Ask Kristin about her legacy; she'll tell you she wants it to be about impact. From her initial foray into modeling to building a top-tier PR firm, she's proven that you can marry glamour with purpose. She hopes to continue mentoring the next wave of female entrepreneurs and to push the boundaries of how brands interact with their audiences.
Ultimately, her path shows the synergy between resilience, creativity, and opportunity. She's taken the best lessons from the runway—poise under pressure, the art of reinvention, and the power of visual storytelling—and woven them into a career that thrives on authenticity and strategic thinking. She proves that true success doesn't just arrive with headlines or social media followers for the many brands and budding professionals she's guided. It comes from a place of passion, integrity, and a commitment to elevating others.