Meet Michelle Peranteau, a New Jersey-based marketing communications consultant. Michelle recently went solo, after years working in luxury marketing across fine jewelry and timepieces as well as home and design, counting Harry Winston, Matouk and Baume et Marcier as just a few previous employers. She shared a glimpse at her current client roster (which speaks to her love of variety in freelancing) as well as what she hopes will be on the horizon as she continues consulting. 

Where are you currently - and usually - based?

I reside with my partner in Hoboken, New Jersey which is where we spend the majority of time. As he is a licensed pilot and flies as a hobby, it allows us the freedom and flexibility to travel with ease. So we certainly have taken advantage of his skill and passion for flying over this last 15 months and traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, Nantucket, Chicago and Delaware to safely change our scenery. 

What are your specialty practice areas?

I love working with brands who are seeking to be best in class in terms of their service and/or collections, and target an affluent customer. I consider myself a marketing communications generalist meaning I understand all of the lanes of the highway that we call marketing communications, be it PR, social media, CRM, advertising, special events, partnerships, and digital, and know how and when to engage each lane to build and execute a brand strategy that drives awareness and sales.

Tell us about your career background before becoming a freelance consultant.

I had a wonderful twenty-year career in the fine jewelry and watch world and then spent time in the home and design space, so the through line for me is that I enjoy brands that have an exceptional story to tell, focused on craftsmanship, the use of the finest materials and authenticity.

What are some of your current projects/clients?

I have an interesting client roster in that I am often engaged by Katie Brockman of Katie Brockman & Co., who spent twenty years in the home décor and design publishing world and recently opened her own firm focused on business strategy, sales development and strategic partnerships. She brings me in when a client needs marketing and/or PR strategy and execution. Those clients include Sherle Wagner International who produces luxury architectural hardware and bath accessories; and ENSEMBL: Stackware, a new cookware brand. I am also currently working with Maison Ann Carmanati, a Paris designer of pillows and linens; and I am just about to get started with a jewelry brand helmed by a wildly talented brother and sister.

What are your favorite aspects of freelance life - and least favorite?

I love the variedness of my clients, their needs and the parts of my brain that are engaged to help them achieve their objectives. And I have really appreciated the flexibility that the freelance life offers. Truth be told, both of my parents faced cancer battles over this last year and freelancing allowed me to be with them when they most needed help and support, all while continuing my work.

Who would be a dream client?

I would love to work with a brand in the epicurean space! Early on in my career I worked for a start up ice cream company and loved every moment of it. What they make, how they make it, the ingredients used and how it is packaged would be a story I would love to pitch!