Kathleen Ruiz Redefines Luxury Marketing with KRW Consulting
In the fast-paced world of luxury retail, Kathleen Ruiz, a former Floridian for more than 15 years, has carved out a reputation as a visionary leader, seamlessly blending her passion for fashion and retail with her expertise in marketing and partnerships. With a career spanning over three decades, Kathleen's trajectory from Neiman Marcus to Saks Fifth Avenue and finally to the founding of her boutique agency, KRW Consulting, is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Capturing Three Decades of Luxury: Kathleen Ruiz, The Industry Maven, Leaves Her Imprint.
As a trailblazer in the fashion industry, Kathleen's journey is not just about climbing the corporate ladder but about challenging conventions and redefining the role of marketing for a new generation. From her early days orchestrating special events at Neiman Marcus to her tenure as the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Saks Fifth Avenue, Kathleen has always been ahead of the curve, pioneering innovative strategies to engage consumers and elevate brand experiences.
At the heart of Kathleen's success lies her ability to forge authentic connections and cultivate lasting relationships. With an extensive network built over decades of collaboration and partnership, Kathleen has become a sought-after advisor and mentor, guiding brands through the ever-evolving landscape of luxury retail.
Established in 2017, KRW Consulting caters to an array of industries, spanning from retail to health and beauty, fashion, technology, and real estate. Offering tailored services such as marketing strategy, brand expansion, media relations, and event design and execution, KRW Consulting has swiftly risen to prominence, challenging agencies ten times its size. Building on this momentum, in 2023, Kathleen Ruiz capitalized on the firm's impressive event production track record to launch KRW Productions. This new venture stands as a comprehensive global event marketing agency, delivering top-tier event production services with industry-leading talent.
Kathleen has brought her unique vision to life, assembling a team of talented professionals who share her passion for creativity and innovation. What sets KRW apart is not just its impressive portfolio of clients but its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. With over 90% of her team comprised of women, many of whom have followed Kathleen from company to company for over a decade, KRW Consulting is not just a business but a community—a place where talent is nurtured, ideas are celebrated, and women are empowered to thrive.
Through her leadership and tenacity, Kathleen Ruiz is shaping the future of fashion marketing and leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Kathleen's story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the belief that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
Miami Living sat down with Kathleen Ruiz to learn more:
Miami Living: What inspired you to establish your own consulting agency?
Kathleen Ruiz: I was driven by a desire for greater autonomy and flexibility in my career, coupled with the opportunity to extend my services to clients spanning various industries. My pivotal role in establishing a lucrative partnership program, which became a significant profit center, inspired me to break off on my own and help other companies do the same. Plus, with decades of experience in the industry, I had the distinct advantage of tapping into my extensive network to deliver unparalleled value to my clients.
ML: With over 30 years of experience in luxury retail, what unique insights do you bring to the table when working with clients in various industries?
KR: I bring a deep understanding of marketing and retail strategy, media relations, event management, and strategic partnership development, allowing us to offer clients unique perspectives and tailored solutions.
ML: Your agency competes with much larger firms. What do you believe sets KRW Consulting apart and enables it to compete effectively in this space?
KR: KRW Consulting thrives on agility, personalized service, and a deep commitment to client success. Our boutique approach allows for nimble decision-making and close client collaboration, distinguishing us in an overly crowded marketplace. What truly sets us apart is our dedication to treating our clients like family. It's not out of the ordinary for our clients to reach out to me via WhatsApp at any time of day, and I've even had the privilege of attending client weddings. Our service extends far beyond what a big box agency can provide.
ML: In 2023, you expanded into event production with the launch of KRW Productions. What motivated this expansion, and what opportunities do you see in this new venture?
KR: Our expansion was driven by the increasing demand for comprehensive marketing experiences we witnessed post-pandemic. We saw an opportunity to provide end-to-end event solutions, leveraging our expertise and vast network to deliver unparalleled results for our clients.
ML: What advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into the competitive field of marketing and consulting?
KR: Focus on building strong relationships, honing your expertise, and staying true to your values. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities, don’t be afraid to fail, and never underestimate the power of perseverance and resilience.
ML: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future of KRW Consulting and KRW Productions, and how do you plan to continue innovating in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing and events?
KR: Continued growth, expansion into new markets, and staying at the forefront of industry trends. We aim to remain agile and innovative, delivering exceptional results for our clients while maintaining our commitment to excellence and integrity.