In this episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, I sit down with Kim Behzadi, founder of Read It & Eat—a purpose-driven food and book subscription box that fights hunger with every purchase.

Launched from her bedroom after losing her job during the pandemic, Kim bootstrapped her business with no investors, no PR background, and no big-name endorsements. Today, she’s been featured in Women’s Day, local magazines, and podcasts—without spending thousands on PR retainers or flooding the media with free samples.

If you’re a product-based founder who wants consistent, cost-free press, this episode is your blueprint.

How Kim Built a PR System That Delivers Year-Round Features

After joining the PR Starter Pack, Kim learned to:

• Pitch with purpose, not desperation
• Build relationships with journalists through LinkedIn, Instagram, and even Twitter
• Adapt pitches for national vs. local media to maximize relevance
• Plant PR “seeds” months in advance to secure Q4 gift guide placements

Her Women’s Day feature led to:

• A 40% increase in website traffic
• Local partnerships like a Buffalo book club and tea shop collaboration
• Invitations to vend at book fairs and community events
• A direct connection with a Harlequin author for a special edition box

Why Serving (Not Selling) Gets You Featured

Kim stopped leading with “Here’s my product” and started pitching with “Here’s a story your audience will love.” This value-first approach helped her:

• Land coverage without sending dozens of samples
• Get invited to collaborate with brands and authors she once thought were “out of reach”
• Build a press system she can run in just two dedicated nights per week

Kim’s PR Tools & Strategies

• LinkedIn & Instagram to find and connect with journalists
• Email + social media follow-ups to stay top-of-mind without spamming
• Seasonal pitching calendar to target: Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Back-to-School, Holidays, and themed brand roundups
• The CPR Method (Credibility, Point of View, Relevance) to craft irresistible pitches

Common PR Mistakes Kim Avoided

• Overspending on product samples before confirming interest
• Waiting for the “perfect” moment to start pitching
• Relying solely on social media for visibility
  
  

Final Takeaway

You don’t need an expensive PR firm—or a massive marketing budget—to land in national gift guides. What you do need is:
 ✅ A clear, value-driven message
 ✅ A repeatable system
 ✅ The courage to hit “send”

If Kim can build Read It & Eat from her bedroom and land Women’s Day, so can you.