Kelly Kepner, 30 Jordan Landes-Brenman, 30 Founders Haute House PR & Marketing Sherman Oaks Public relations and marketing agency Founded: 2009 Employees: 6 Financials: Doubled revenue last year If there’s one business tactic that Kelly Kepner and Jordan Landes-Brenman have learned since starting Haute House PR & Marketing four years ago, it’s that kindness will get you places – even in business. “You never know when you will encounter people again, so always be polite and say thank you. People remember that and are more likely to extend a hand in your time of need,” Kepner said. The two women, both 30, employ six people at their Sherman Oaks office, which recently added an in-house web division called HauteBlue that provides website development and social media services to clients. Kepner and Landes-Brenman came together while employed by a fashion PR firm in Hollywood. After working side-by-side for three years, they decided to branch out on their own. “Kelly and I were feeling stunted creatively at our old positions, and after running the company for a few years, we realized we could be doing the same thing on our own terms,” Landes-Brenman said. Haute House was founded in July 2009. The women didn’t go the investor route, preferring to purchase their initial equipment for themselves: two laptops and a few rolling racks for clothing samples. It was a struggle to start at the height of the recession but Landes-Brenman said it taught them how to adapt and become “recession-proof.” Today, the firm has 10 clients including online accessory retailer Y-Clad.com and clothier Monique Leshman. The pair believe their age gives them an advantage with the latest technology and social media, but acknowledge it has also been an issue with older clients and associates. “When we get a chance to speak about our business and the clients we represent, people immediately realize that we’re hardworking, intelligent women,” Kepner said. Haute House doubled its revenue last year, though the pair would not release exact numbers. At this point, neither could go back and work full-time for someone else. “I think I would have a tough time taking direction without giving my input,” Landes-Brenman said. – Rosie Downey
Kelly Kepner and Jordan Landes-Brenman
