Q & A with Kate Makinson

This month, we caught up with our very own publicist, Kate Makinson. Kate walks us through her career journey, talks about why she prioritizes partnering with female-founded brands and shares how she taps into the softer side of life after a long, busy day (hint: it involves This Is J jammers, sleepytime tea and her French Bulldog, Blondie).

We’re so excited to bring you our Q & A with Kate Makinson!

First things first, how did you discover This Is J?

A long-time wearer of This Is J jammers, I sought out founder, Jaimie Harris shortly after opening my own PR shop. I was on the hunt for local, female-founded brands to partner with and This Is J was exactly the type of brand I was looking to support. Plus, I am a huge fan which only makes my work easier! Interestingly, this has actually informed a lot of the work I take on - I’m genuinely a fan of the brands and products I partner with and I think that really matters. There’s an authenticity to the work when you’re supporting a founder and a brand that you genuinely love and that’s certainly the case with Jaimie and This Is J. What began as a working relationship years ago has blossomed into a real friendship. I’m very inspired by what she has built and what she continues to pour into her business. Plus, she sends me and my family ALL the jammers :)

Can you share a bit about your journey in the field of PR and how you founded Kate Makinson Communications?

I’ve always had a passion for storytelling and connecting people - I like to talk! In my twenties, a short stint on the event side of things led to an in-house position as part of the PR team at Joe Fresh. It was an exciting time for the brand as it was expanding into the US market and I was lucky enough to be part of the team that oversaw store openings not only across Canada but all the way to Madison Avenue in NYC, and beyond!  My experience there led to a decade of work on the agency side that was busy and bustling and exciting. After the birth of my son in late 2018 and the world turning upside down in 2020, I founded Kate Makinson Communications to focus on empowering small and medium-sized businesses, particularly those founded by women, through strategic communication.

We know how big of a fan you are of our jammers. What is it about our pajamas that makes you want to share them with your loved ones?

There are truly no pajamas that are softer or more comfortable than This Is J! Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you I have told them the same. My son won’t wear anything else at this point, and nor will I! The quality, the fit, the cozy factor is just 10/10. I run hot at night and I never sweat in these Bamboo Jammers, plus they don’t bunch or move while you sleep - bonus! And, perhaps most importantly, putting them on at the end of the day (usually hours before actual bedtime, lets be honest) evokes that taking-off-your-bra feeling. It’s just heavenly.

This Is J is known for its commitment to comfort and quality. How does your agency align with these values and how do you communicate them to the public?

Oh, comfort and quality? That's our jam! At KM Comms, we're all about giving people that warm fuzzy feeling, just like slipping into a pair of This Is J pajamas. We don't do one-size-fits-all approaches  - instead, we tailor our communications to fit each client perfectly. And when it comes to communicating these values to the public? Well, let's just say we're experts at painting the picture of comfort and quality with words. Whether it's through engaging storytelling, rave reviews, or social media buzz, we make sure everyone knows that when they see our clients, they're getting the crème de la crème of comfort and quality.

As a fellow entrepreneur juggling motherhood and business ownership, how do you find balance between the demands of running a successful venture and the responsibilities of raising a family? What's your secret sauce for balancing business and motherhood?

If there’s a secret sauce, please save me a MASSIVE bottle of it! Jokes aside, I’m very grateful to be running my own thing and setting my own time and hours - because  I honestly don’t think I could juggle it all if my work took place outside of my home! I’m also incredibly lucky to work with a fantastic group of clients who all have their own busy lives and commitments and respect that I do, too! I think work and life aren’t really all that separate and prioritizing tasks and scheduling each day (one day at a time, really) helps a lot.

As a PR expert, what do you love most about This Is J as a brand?

What I adore most about This Is J as a brand is their seamless fusion of comfort, quality, and style. It's like they've cracked the code to pajama perfection! But beyond their cozy fabrics and chic designs, what truly sets This Is J apart is their unwavering commitment to authenticity. In an industry often filled with noise and gimmicks, they stand out by staying true to who they are and what they believe in. Plus, let's be real, who wouldn't want to represent a brand that makes lounging look so effortlessly fabulous? It's the kind of brand that makes you want to shout from the rooftops (or at least story about it with a heart-eye emoji) ;)

In your opinion, what sets This Is J apart from other pajama brands, and how do you convey this distinctiveness to consumers?

This Is J stands out for its attention to detail - from the fabric selection to the design process. When you slip into This Is J pajamas, you're not just putting on sleepwear; you're stepping into a world of comfort and style. We convey this distinctiveness to consumers by showcasing the quality, craftsmanship, and modern aesthetic that make This Is J stand out in a sea of PJ mediocrity. They’re not just pajamas—they’re a lifestyle upgrade.

As a supporter of female entrepreneurship, how do you see the role of PR evolving in empowering women in business.

I see PR playing a pivotal role in leveling the playing field for women in business. PR isn't just about getting your brand out there; it's about amplifying voices, breaking barriers, and smashing stereotypes. In today's world, where visibility is key, PR can be the megaphone that elevates female-led businesses, ensuring they're not just heard but celebrated. By crafting compelling narratives, building strong media relationships, and leveraging digital platforms, PR professionals have the power to shine a spotlight on women entrepreneurs, their stories, and their successes. It's about more than just marketing—it's about empowerment, representation, and paving the way for future generations of female leaders.

Kate Makinson, Principal at Kate Makinson Communications

We're all about cozy evenings and winding down - we're a pajama brand after all! So, spill the beans —what's your go-to ritual for unwinding after a long day? Do you have any favourite activities or routines that help you relax and get ready for a good night's sleep?

After a long day, I love to slip into my favourite Bamboo Jammers (of course!) and snuggle up with a good book or catch up on my latest Netflix obsession (currently, plowing through One Day). I usually add in a soothing cup of sleepytime tea and some snuggle time with my dog after the boy has gone to sleep. Whatever the method, it's all about creating that perfect recipe for a restful night's sleep.

Lastly, on a personal note, what do you love most about This Is J pajamas, and how does wearing them enhance your relaxation and downtime?

I think they’re the perfect balance of comfort and style. What I love most is how wearing them instantly puts me in relaxation mode. They're incredibly soft and cozy, which makes unwinding after a busy day that much better. Plus, they have this understated elegance to them that I really appreciate. It's like they're designed for lounging but still look effortlessly chic. I’m a big henley harem fan in terms of my go-to style - the black set with a cute sneaker and a jacket is my go-to drop off look most mornings ;) They’re definitely not just for sleeping!