Heather Wright Schlichting, a PR pro and hired pen, is always looking for the next great story to tell. She is passionate about telling an organization's story that connects with its stakeholders in a meaningful way that also drives results. Her digital marketing firm, The Write Blend, has managed media relations for a global solo flight to promote women in aviation, a rock-n-roll employee engagement campaign for a Fortune 500 company, and publicity for a national safety spokesperson. She founded Artz on the Move, a nonprofit to build social awareness, confidence, and self-esteem in children through the practice of social dance. A fierce advocate of nonprofits, she authored the book Gap Warriors: Nonprofits Serving Unmet Needs and the Women Who Lead Them. Because approximately 30% of nonprofits fail to exist after 10 years, the book highlights women who have beaten the odds! Not only are they fervent visionaries, but they are exceptional leaders who inspire their volunteers, supporters, and communities to fill a gap that larger nonprofits do not by meeting the needs of the underserved.
Heather Wright Schlichting, The Write Blend
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
Heather Wright Schlichting is an award-winning writer, digital marketing strategist and public relations pro who helps individuals and businesses breakthrough the noise with a social presence that attracts customers and builds brand awareness. As the owner of TheWriteBlend.com, a digital marketing firm, Heather has delivered strategic campaigns that have produced measurable results for Fortune 500 companies including Deloitte Consulting, Four Seasons Hotels and Searle Pharmaceuticals for 15+ years.
Heather is passionate about volunteering her time to a variety of causes. She currently serves on the board of Keep Scottsdale Beautiful and was the founder of Artz on the Move, a 501c3 nonprofit that cultivated confidence and life skills in children through dance. Her appreciation for the nonprofit sector led her to publish a book, Gap Warriors: Nonprofits Serving Unmet Needs and the Women Who Lead Them. The book features interviews with female nonprofit leaders from around the world who share their victories, challenges, and tips to inspire others to fill a gap wherever it is needed.
Originally from Chicago, she is a city girl at heart whose resourcefulness has earned her a reputation as a media maven and problem solver. Currently residing in Arizona, she has traded high rises and a vibrant nightlife for desert landscapes and mountain hiking. Heather is passionate about great food, the outdoors, gardening, art, dance and music. She and her husband Pete along with their black lab Madison live in the Sonoran desert outside of Scottsdale.
What is your business name and how do you help your clients?
The Write Blend is a digital marketing firm that is the perfect complement to your team. We take the time to learn your mission, goals and ideal customer. Armed with this insight, we create strategic digital campaigns that will get your brand noticed in an authentic, transparent way that will sustain current customers and attract new ones.
The Write Blend offers copywriting, public relations, and social media services that inform, engage, and inspire your audience. Whether you need a newsletter or brochure, publicize a special event, or establish a social media presence, The Write Blend will enhance your digital presence with dynamic content that effectively tells your story.
What kind of audience do you target your business towards?
I am inspired by entrepreneurs just like myself and believe I understand your passion as a small business owner. I know that you’re the expert in your field and work best when my team collaborates with yours to understand your business objectives. Based on your goals, I determine effective ways to tell your story to get your brand noticed. I do this by creating powerful messaging in print, video and online. I know we’ve done a great job when we catch people's attention, win them over, and have them telling your story to expand your audience and gain supporters.
What is your work inspired by?
I love connecting the dots by collaborating with graphic designers, copywriters, and web designers whether through the launch of a global solo flight to promote women in aviation, a rock-n-roll employee engagement campaign, or a social media initiative to share the educational triumphs of graduate students.
My journey has been unique and inspired by partnerships with a vast variety of individuals and organizations. My goal is to work with individuals who value my expertise and truly want my help to promote their cause, business idea or non-profit.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
I moved from the lifestyle and city that defined me at 37 years old for love. My identity was wrapped around navigating the people, my career and the vibes of a large city. When I moved to Arizona to marry my husband, I never thought the change would be so dramatic. To adapt to my new surroundings, I wrote for a local blog, Phoenix Getaways, where I chronicled the main events and some unique sites around the state. I was proud of a resume that was filled with experiences with large, well-known organizations, but I never achieved the accolades and awards that I earned once I began working for smaller, lesser-known companies in my adopted city. I also earned a master’s degree at the age of 54, an accomplishment I never considered pursuing while I lived in Chicago.
Life is funny! Just when you think you have it all figured out, you’re thrown a curve ball. What I discovered was it’s the way you manage that curve that really defines you.
