Deacon Rd.

19/06/2024

Recently for the launch event of the Waikanae Business Association, I put my hand up to give away an hour of my time to a local business to answer questions, unravel digital mysteries, consult on communications activities and anything else in that realm.

Coast Access Radio was the winner of this hour so on Monday I went and spent that hour talking about how they could best reach their intended audiences. And — spoiler alert — they now have an Instagram profile!

If you’re an Instagram user, help me show them some love and give them a follow? https://www.instagram.com/coastaccessradio/

In case you didn’t know, Coast Access Radio is one of 12 independent Access entities across Aotearoa, all of which are dedicated to representing the voice of the communities they’re part of. They produce a huge range of shows covering a variety of subjects and corners of our awesome community.

Incidentally I do a radio show for Coast Access called “It’s good to hear your voice” which is all about showcasing music and musical artists people might not have come across in the mainstream. It’s one of many fantastic music programmes that are produced by local music aficionados!

Check ‘em out. Support local. And if you’re interested in an hour of my time to do the same kind of consult, flick me a DM 💌

13/06/2024

Client love! I don't share it often, but when I do.... 💛🥰

I've been working with Nu Balm for more than a year now and it's been an absolute pleasure. It started as a race to launch their incredible product, and right now they're riding a wave of impressive social media engagement thanks to consistent content creation and three willing and downright fabulous co-founders who have all been brave enough to be the trio of faces behind their brand.

And you should read the reviews they get! This is a product that belongs on your shelf if you're a woman. Full stop. Check it out at https://www.nubalm.co/

I recently put together a little portfolio of the things I've worked on for Nu Balm so if you're interested in what Deacon Rd. has done for these lovelies, click here: https://www.deaconrd.co/work/nu-balm

17/04/2024

Deacon Rd. is not your typical Communications Studio. We delve into the interesting nooks and crannies that make businesses stand out from the crowd, through brand storytelling and unique customer touch points.

We do this with First Impressions and Lasting Impressions.

Our Services list has had a bit of a glow-up (yeah babyyy!!) so if you’re wondering how Deacon Rd. might be able to do the do for you, follow your nose and have a look at all the excellent things we can do 🙌

20/03/2024

Excuse the clickbait headline, but this is important ⚠️

This morning I read an announcement promoting the use of an AI tool to generate written content for website blogs, after punching in a few prompts, and then adding a paywall to your blog so that people can pay to read this blog (which you haven’t written) and thus create a passive income.

In other words… it’s promoting the notion that you should pay me for content that I haven’t thought about or written myself.

I am so not OK with this. So I channelled my disdain into writing an actual blog! I encourage you to read it if you're interested in retaining your beautiful human qualities for years to come.

https://www.deaconrd.co/words/you-should-pay-me-for-content-that-i-havent-thought-about-or-written

07/03/2024

Immensely proud to be part of the team responsible for the — led by Anna of and supported by Sarah-Jayne of and me. We’ve just printed the fourth edition which is another collection of wonderful stories and well worth a read!

Today, being IWD, we celebrate. But every day is a great day to share stories and lift each other up. To read more about the project and all the wonderful stories shared across four chapters so far, visit womanhoodjournal.nz or get your hands on a physical copy 💜

05/03/2024

Heather Hutchings is a woman who exemplifies efficiency and productivity, and she's done this by understanding and utilising her own energy levels. If you're interested in 'going with the flow' but increasing your own productivity, check out her free webinar next week! Register here:

Let me guide you to hit peak efficiency and satisfaction in your business. It’s about making your energy work for you, so every obstacle becomes a stepping stone, not a stumbling block."

07/01/2024

2024, you gorgeous thing 🌞

I’m easing back into work mode with a promise to myself that work is going to look a little different this year. My collection of new notebooks is making me feel extra excited about this!

While school holidays are still doing their thang I’m spending time making plans, working on passion projects like .nz + , and testing my new pool hammock (works a treat!)

And when I properly get back into it, 2024 is going to look a little bit like this…
➕ Communications work for The Arts, community organisations and cool s**t
➕ Creative writing, storytelling and more reading
➕ Blurring the lines between my two skillsets: music and communications
➕ Sharing more about me because I need a little nudge out of my comfort zone

May your year ahead be as kick-ass as you want it to be! 💛

19/10/2023

I am a Kāpiti-based business owner so it’s awesome to be at the Electra Business & Innovation Awards albeit behind the scenes with my music hat on. Play On Words is here to get the dance floor moving!

26/07/2023

I bought a house!* This is not the kind of update I would usually share on my business channels, but there's something particularly cool about the way it all came together which I wanted to acknowledge from my Deacon Rd. desk.

My Deacon Rd. desk is in Waikanae, in a co-leased office space which is within walking distance to my new whare, and in close proximity to all the people and businesses that had a hand in getting our house purchase across the line.

⁍ 15 metres to the east is Zebunisso Alimova Mike Pero Mortgages whose tenacity and determination is the reason that a freelance copywriter/communications strategist/independent musician had any hope of getting into her first home
⁍ 250 metres to the south is the office of Moira & Jayne - Harcourts Real Estate, and although I have met a few stand-out real estate agents in my year of house hunting, I am so grateful for the warmth, clarity and hilarity that consistently came from these two awesome wāhine
⁍ 20 metres north-west - just around the corner - is Hobson Mills Law, where Freya Marchant did an exceptional job of guiding my partner and I through the endless list of legal requirements while keeping it succinct and understandable

Apart from the fact that I inadvertently built a team of wonderful women to help seal the deal ( 💪🏼), I found myself thinking about how great it is to have a network of incredible businesses right here on my doorstep. So this is a little post to show some local love for the business community that surrounds me. Proud to be a resident of, and business owner in, little ol' Waikanae.

*I most definitely did not buy a house on my own and have my partner Cam to thank for being by my side!

28/06/2023

Connecting the dots is not about taking Marketing or Comms principles 4, 7 and 9 and applying them to every single client that walks through the door. It’s about listening, patience, a willingness to understand, and the desire to help for the right reasons. And it's what I do.

Its sounds a little like 'painting by numbers', and I can’t decide if that’s a good thing or not, but it’s a helpful way of describing what I do. Jess of all trades, master of none, helping excellent businesses to stand out from the crowd for all the unexpected - but perfect - reasons. I've been working on some great reasons lately, and I explained my interpretation of connecting the dots in a wee blog I wrote: https://www.deaconrd.co/words/connecting-the-dots

22/03/2023

A few things I have updated this year so far:

🌻 my workspace. Damn it feels good to have a dedicated space away from home to immerse myself into the things that make me tick. I look forward to sharing more soon.

🌻 my tolerance for bad behaviour. It’s 2023 and we’re all human. There’s no room for aggressive emails, threatening language and dodgy business practice, thanks.

🌻 my attitude towards robots taking over my job. Nice try robots, there is only one of me, and I write words from the heart. So there.

🌻 my logo. It’s a subtle shift, but it’s a welcome one. Deacon Rd. turns three this year and it’s about time my brand better reflected the things I love to do, the things I’m good at, and the work I’m proud to have done along the way. (That last part is a work in progress… there is so much great work to share and so many clients who deserve a shout-out!) Thanks to Few & Far Design for helping me realise my vision.

Deacon Rd.

21/03/2023

Absolutely loved interviewing Bec and writing her story for the Womanhood Journal NZ. There's so much of her story that couldn't make it into the word count, so I might have to convince her to publish the whole thing somewhere one day. (Whaddya reckon, Bec??!) This chick is no-nonsense, bloody smart, and makes a fine tipple! Thanks for the opportunity, The Bond Store. Love working with you guys! 🍸

“Sexism is rife in the alcohol industry. The number of people who don’t believe me when I say I’m the chief distiller kind of blows me away. Why shouldn’t a woman be capable of doing anything a man is capable of doing? Most of the time gender has absolutely nothing to do with someone’s capability.”

What she said! Bec Kay is indeed the chief distiller of The Bond Store - a family-run operation involving her husband Chris and their daughter Ruby. Their roles were chosen based on their strengths, and with a few helpful strings to their respective bows this hard-working team makes it all look like a whole lot of fun, and very drinkable!

Read Bec’s story in the 2023 chapter of Womanhood Journal. http://womanhoodjournal.nz

07/03/2023

The theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is ‘Embrace Equity’, but it’s fair to say this is a theme that deserves a bit more time airtime.

I didn’t really understand the difference between equity and equality until I worked for two large NFPs whose day to day mahi is about undoing the judgement of others. It feels like a big mountain to climb, and I take my hat off to the strong people leading the way in that space. I’m not an mountain climber, but I’m definitely part of the support crew at the bottom, looking up in hope.

In other words, what can we, as individuals, do on a day to day basis to truly embrace equity?

Until you know someone’s story, it’s impossible to understand the reasons behind the things they’ve chosen - or been forced - to do.

There’s no room for assumption or judgement or ostracism. We’re all humans bumbling around on this planet trying to find our way. Let’s start by listening to each other, and being brave enough to share our stories.

I love listening to and reading people’s stories. There’s so much to be gained by hearing about others’ journeys and how they’ve navigated their own inevitable challenges.

So this is Chapter 3! I have absolutely loved reading the stories of the women in the 2023 Womanhood Journal NZ. Together with Anna at ACS Marketing Consultancy and Sarah-Jayne of Lemonface Creative we have collated, reviewed, written, edited, designed and printed this beautiful thing - showcasing the stories of real women in the Kāpiti and Horowhenua communities.

To date we have heard from 92 women in our communities and we have raised $9k for our local charities - Kāpiti Women’s Centre and Horowhenua Women’s Refuge: the mountain climbers.

Feeling proud and grateful. Happy International Women’s Day 💜

24/02/2023

Sometimes I write limericks! Had so much fun creating a very cool suite of point of sale material for The Bond Store with my clever design pal, Kristen. Collage & brand design by Pip Crisp 💖

There once was a lad named Finn ... 😀

Buy your gin here. But not any old gin! It's the fine stuff without the stuffiness ~
https://thebondstore.co.nz/collections/the-bond-store/products/the-bond-store-kawakawa-gin-700ml

18/10/2022

The dictionary and I go way back. The first dictionary I owned was adorned with a large sticker of Leonardo diCaprio which I probably scored from the middle of a Cleo magazine - remember those?! It's very telling that I chose to use that sticker on the cover of a dictionary: I was hopelessly in love with both Leo, and words. Strangely Leo and I never became a thing. But words and I will be together forever 💛

Oh, but this post is supposed to be about my dad and the dictionary! But it went on a bit. So I put it here: https://www.deaconrd.co/words/my-dad-and-the-dictionary

05/10/2022

--> I am looking to take on some more work this side of Christmas so if you know of anyone looking for writing, communications strategy, social media content, or - just added to the services list - a bespoke Spotify playlist for your business (!!), then you know where to find me.
--
According to the dictionary, “UHOH” is technically “uh-oh”, but sometimes the occasion calls for writing things in caps and pushing words together to mimic the way they come out of your mouth. You see, I am a creative. And I am in the enviable, yet mildly frightening position of having space and time in front of me. UHOH is the appropriate term, I can assure you! Read my ramblings if you dare.
https://www.deaconrd.co/words/uhoh

04/05/2022

I’ve been quietly working away on TEDx-related things recently, gearing up for the first-ever TEDx Kapiti event on June 25 at Te Raukura ki Kāpiti - the countdown is well and truly on!

Leading the way is Lorraine Hamilton (TEDxKāpiti Licensee), and am pretty chuffed to be working alongside some of my faves (here’s looking at you Lemonface Creative, ACS Marketing Consultancy, PomPom Events & Marketing, The Nomad Creative 🥰) to deliver what is going to be an epic event for our region.

I’ve lent my hand to:
❌ website content
❌ comms strategy & planning
❌ newsletter content
❌ speaker comms
❌ social media planning & posts

… what can I say? I like words ❤️

The whole team is working hard to ensure this is an event our whole region - Kāpiti & Horowhenua - can be proud of. And proud we shall be! The speaker lineup rocks, the word is spreading, the paper’s had the press release, and tickets go on sale next week!

07/03/2022

Happy International Women's Day 💛

It’s a Tuesday. It’s another sunny day in Kāpiti. It’s a chance for every one of us to pause and consider the lens through which we view the world. This year, the theme for IWD is which feels more timely and poignant than ever, does it not? In that sense, bias is not just about women. All humans could benefit from reflecting on the bias that informs the judgements we make.

But today, Tuesday 8th March, is about women. It’s about acknowledging the roads we’ve walked and the paths we’ve carved despite the bias we’ve individually and collectively experienced.

It’s also the day to celebrate the second edition of the Womanhood Journal, a publication that had its debut last year acknowledging this same day. Across these two editions I have collaborated as editor and wordsmith with my two friends and colleagues Anna Colville-Smith (connecter and project lead - ACS Marketing Consultancy) and Sarah-Jayne Shine (designer - Lemonface Creative) to profile women in business from our Kāpiti and Horowhenua communities. The momentum this project is gaining has blown us away, and as much as we’re so proud to have created a platform that resonates, it’s the women whose bravery and moxie - draped articulately and artfully across every page - that truly makes this project what it is.

Thanks to these women, we’ve donated $5k to Kapiti Womens Centre and Horowhenua Women's Refuge New Zealand to support the important work they do to help women to rise. Thanks to these women we have been invited into their worlds through words; to share their trials and tribulations. Thanks to these women we are reminded that we are not alone in our pursuits, and that every woman’s journey is as valid as the next.

Visit www.womanhoodjournal.nz to read the digital version or get in touch for a copy. Here’s to sharing stories, now and forever.

13/02/2022

Let’s talk about standing out from the crowd. I am a Leo, I have performance blood running through my veins, and I live to be different. In other words I quite like standing out from the crowd. But what happens when you’re not all that comfortable putting yourself - or your business - out there in a “look at me” kind of way?

I challenged myself to shift the perspective on what “standing out from the crowd” means so that it can apply to anyone, or any business. And I’ve decided it’s quite simple. It’s not about being overly eccentric, or brash, or even disruptive. It’s about doing things differently.

Read the blog here: https://www.deaconrd.co/words/standing-out-from-the-crowd

26/10/2021

I've been doing a lot of work around the inner workings of brands recently. Some writing, some strategy, some conceptual development. It encouraged me to really uncover what makes a brand great. Standing out from the crowd is a great start... (just the way I like it!) And so my latest blog delves deep into what this malarkey is all about. https://www.deaconrd.co/words/whats-in-a-brand

Along the way I give mention to Arete Retreat (because writing the website content was a most enjoyable process) and Terps & Co (because I saw them on the 'gram and thought they'd done a wonderful job of bringing their brand to life) as two brands that reek of intrigue - in the best way possible. Enjoy! ✨

18/08/2021

Look on the bright side. We've been here before, we know how to do this, and Koakoa can deliver their delicious tipples right to your door. Today I'm giving a little shout out to these guys because I think they're awesome, I love working with them, and - I'll be honest - I'm eyeing up the limoncello in my freezer.

Chris Barber and Bec Kay are the husband and wife duo behind the award-winning brand Koakoa - distilling handmade spirits and creating gorgeous limoncello in Kāpiti. They're the kind of people who make you feel energised after a chitchat, and their long list of successes is testament to their approach to business.

This approach has also led them to work with a network of people who each do great work in their field of expertise. Deacon Rd. is just one part of this network which covers brand, comms, PR and digital (among many others I'm sure!). This is what I call smart working. Bring in the people who know their stuff, leave out the people who take up space around the meeting room table. Bottoms up, Koakoa! 🍋

Read more about the work I have done for these wonderful humans, and some amazing feedback they sent, here: https://www.deaconrd.co/client-koakoa

04/08/2021

Earlier this week I sat down to write a blog about collaborative creativity - one of my favourite things to do while walking the path that is Deacon Rd.

I sat and I thought, and I recalled the recent blog on collaboration that my friend and collab. colleague Sarah-Jayne Shine of Lemonface Design wrote last month. (Read it here: https://lemonfacedesign.com/blogs/news/cultivating-a-design-collaboration-mindset)

Essentially SJ has conveniently written the gist of what I’ve been thinking about, and what I believe in. So I just thought I would go ahead and share her writing, because why do it twice?! Also I happen to be mentioned in her blog, and there’s a photo of me to prove just how collaborative we in fact are.

SJ is rightly coming from a place of design collaboration, owing to the fact that she is a graphic designer. But LemonFace is a strategic design agency, much like Deacon Rd. is a strategic communications agency. In my mind we are both ideas people who happen to have different strengths - and … ah hah! This is where collaboration happens, people.

This is one of my favourite excerpts...
"Competition… can hold us back from achieving our greatest potential... Collaboration... is all about progressing as a whole. There is no winner unless the entire group crosses the finish line together. In that light, collaboration is bigger than one person. It’s a culture."

Well put, SJ. Well put. 🍋

I’d like to add that we’re currently working on a collab. with several other very talented people for a very wonderful woman (here's looking at you Sally Duxfield!) and I’m very much looking forward to sharing that with the world when the time is right.

Go forth and collaborate, creatively. That is all. 💛

22/07/2021

It's been a year since Deacon Rd. went live and I still struggle to define what I do, and show how I do it. (Should I be admitting that?!) So I thought I would try and explain it. Writing to unravel my thoughts has always been a favourite pastime anyway. This blog is all about how I walk the walk.
https://www.deaconrd.co/words/walk-the-walk

15/06/2021

The last few weeks have been a bit crazy in my lane. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time working on a personal passion project which has taken up a good chunk of brain space. But I’ve also been working on Deacon Rd. related things, and it’s been a bit of an eye opener as to just how important having a strategy is when there are multiple balls in the air.

So this is my take on strategy. Why it’s important, when it’s important, and what happens when there’s no game plan.

https://www.deaconrd.co/words/sagacious-strategy

23/03/2021

Taking a moment today to acknowledge one of my wonderful clients, Tim Steel Stone.

Tim Steel is an internationally-recognised, award-winning stone artist based in Waipawa, Aotearoa New Zealand. His work most definitely stands out from the crowd, and even though the photos of his mahi carry all kinds of WOW, seeing his art in person is even more special.

I worked with Tim to get his e-Commerce website up and running, bring clarity to his key messaging and just generally bridge the gap between his avid social media following and his ability to connect with customers.

Have a look at his collection - you will be blown away! www.timsteelstone.com

05/03/2021

International Women's Day has always been a reason for me to fist pump and revel in the fact that I am a woman (hear me roar!), but this year marks the first time that I’ve felt so passionate about this movement. And here’s why...

I’m feeling incredibly proud to share the very first Womanhood Journal - a collection of authentic stories from local women in the Kāpiti and Horowhenua communities. It has been an absolute privilege to work as editor, writer and wordsmith alongside the amazing Anna Colville-Smith of ACS Marketing Consultancy, who expertly connected all the moving parts, and with masterful designer Sarah-Jayne Shine of Lemonface Design.

And oh my goodness it’s a beautiful thing.

Each woman has bravely written their own story in their own words (my own included), sharing their own truth in the hope of encouraging others. A secondary goal was to raise funds for local charities Kapiti Womens Centre and Palmerston North Women's Refuge. With $2000 donated, these funds are destined to support the important work these organisations do in helping women rise.

There is power and purpose in sharing people’s stories. It’s uplifting, it’s motivating, and it’s how we should seek to learn from each other. Because everyone has a story, and every story deserves to be told. It’s very rewarding to know that there are so many inspiring women living life with such intent and vigour within my own community alone. And as for the rest of you wonderful wāhine? This first issue is only scratching the surface, so... Watch. This. Space.

Special thanks to the fabulous Lorraine Hamilton who instigated the networking group that brought the right people together at the right time. And a shout out to the creative queen that is Helen of The Nomad Creative for the sensational photos.

Check out the full journal here: https://www.womanhoodjournal.nz/

01/02/2021

Words are just... wonderful, aren't they? Think about all the ways we use them: commands, descriptions, love letters. And the rest! They're powerful, influential and evocative. And they're so often overlooked. I aim to write words that are a pleasure to read. Here is a piece I wrote about why I think that's hugely important: https://www.deaconrd.co/words/wondrous-words