Month 1 : June 2014
Off To A Great Start (Satisfaction 4.5 / out of 5)

Only one month into my PR and marketing internship at Coffee, Cake and Kink and I've already had so many fun and interesting experiences. Although I knew this internship would be hands on, the amazing opportunities and responsibilities I've already been given have exceeded my expectations - I'm not quite sure where to start!

I have been very impressed by the induction I was given at CCK, and the support I have been given so far to ensure I settle in well and understand all tasks which are set. This included not only step by step inductions of systems and software used, but also looking at my own goals and personal objectives with Sonia to help me to get the most out of this experience. I appreciate the time that has been taken so far to look at the skills I want to develop and the types of experiences I would like to have during this internship.

On a personal level, the best part of this internship so far has to be meeting new interesting, open-minded, progressive, lovely people. I have also probably drunk more coffee in the past month than I have in the last year (I used to be a self confessed tea devotee) and savored my first delicious Monmouth coffee in Covent Garden last week.

I was also able to go to the Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibition, From Sidewalk to Catwalk, at the Barbican to write a review for the Coffee, Cake and Kink online magazine. The exhibition was absolutely beautiful, inspiring and thought provoking, I really enjoyed Gaultier's boundary breaking explorations of gender and sexuality through fashion. Being able to visit events and exhibitions for free is definitely a huge perk of Coffee, Cake & Kink internships, and it's cool to be on the Guest/Press List!

I have also been researching and scheduling events into the marketing calendar and then tweeting about them. I am beginning to learn to use the Hootsuite software tool and the ways of using social media for business PR and marketing. I've enjoyed working the tweets because it made me think about making my writing more short and snappy, which is something I've wanted to work on.

Researching events for the marketing calendar has been fun because I've learnt about all these amazing workshops, festivals and events going on in London which I was previously unaware of - I've added a few of these to my own calendar too!

 

Since the launch of CCK2 is not far off there is lots to do and prepare for - I've joined CCK at a very exciting and busy time meaning there are a variety of tasks for me to do - which are keeping me on my toes!

So far some of these include putting together pledge packages for CCK2 kickstarter backers. I learnt about how important liasion with kickstarter supporters was and how communication with them can encourage positive feedback and good PR. For example, personalising the hampers for kickstarter backers and delivering them in person when possible, reiterates unique and special customer service.

I've also been taking short videos of people talking about their favorite coffee, cake and kiss for the CCK2 YouTube channel which I've really enjoyed - I took one of a lady selling cakes at a street food market who kindly gave me a free cupcake after we had chatted for a while about the new CCK2 project (yummy!). Not only is it fun to film these short clips, but I've really enjoyed the responses from people when I tell them more about CCK2, so far they have all been so positive and excited about it and all want to come visit when it opens! I did one of these short videos with Rogerio, the designer for Libidex Latex at the workshop where the garments are made. This was fantastic as he showed me some of the amazing new outfits and styles for this season.

I can't pick out many lowlights during my first month at CCK - so far I have felt very supported and encouraged and am looking forward to what the next month will bring, I'm getting prepared to get stuck in and work hard to help ensure the CCK2 launch goes as smoothly as possible.

The Kitten Club