Workin’ 9 to kind
Wisdom 💡: In his latest thought leadership piece, Peppercomm VP Paolo Ramos reflects on Dolly Parton’s legacy and the surprising power of a personal brand that was never really about branding at all. Her philanthropy and steadfast LGBTQ+ allyship resonated because they came without a spotlight, a strategy deck or seemingly any expectation of applause. For communicators, it’s a reminder that you can polish a reputation all you want, but you can’t manufacture a legacy. Dolly may have worked 9 to 5, but kindness, conviction and authenticity were clearly putting in overtime.
Patch me if you can
Wit 😁: The beauty world is seeing triple after Fenty Beauty, Glow Recipe and Huda Beauty unveiled suspiciously similar slice-shaped eye patches within days of one another, with Korean brand Wonder Bath already in the mix. Rather than throw shade, the brands leaned into the coincidence with memes, cheeky comments and a collective “great minds think alike,” turning a potential packaging pickle into prime social content. The likely culprit? A shared supplier, and proof that sometimes the best response to a brand mishap is to get in on the joke before the internet does it for you. Call it a case of slice, slice baby: everyone may be serving the same look, but the real winner is the buzz.
Up, up and away
Wisdom 💡: Macy’s and Khan Academy are proving the best brand partnerships aren’t about putting two big names on the same float, they’re about what each can bring to the party. Ahead of the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the two teamed up to teach kids the science behind those famous giant balloons, with Macy’s bringing the parade magic and Khan Academy bringing the classroom know-how. Clearly, a great partner doesn’t just get you more attention, they help you connect with the right people in a way that makes sense. After all, the partnerships that really float are the ones with a little more than hot air behind them.
Pepper Pick
PR pros and caffeine: name a more committed relationship. National Coffee Day is Tuesday, Sept. 29, giving us the perfect excuse to celebrate the fuel behind early calls, late nights and everything in between. Check out these coffee deals and consider it grounds for celebration. ☕
