Fortune: Weaponization of a sandwich’ — Subway’s footlong is becoming an icon of resistance against Trump’s D.C. police takeover
Read the full article at fortune.com: Subway has been involuntarily tossed into the debate surrounding President Donald Trump’s takeover of D.C. police, after a resident threw a footlong at a federal officer last week. Now images and merch of sandwiches have become resistance symbols. Experts tell Fortune the unlikely string of events is a case study in brand image […]
PR SHIELD Reputation Repair
Rebuilding Trust with PR Shield Reputation Repair A strong reputation can take years to build—but only moments to damage. One viral complaint, a wave of negative reviews, or a critical news story can impact how customers see your business and whether they choose to trust you. That’s why PR Shield offers its Reputation Repair package, […]
PR Shield by Synaptic is a Leading Crisis Communications Solution for High-Risk Small Businesses Nationwide
With offices in Detroit and Grand Rapids, Synaptic is redefining crisis communications for small businesses nationwide. Founded by Cyndee Harrison and operated with her daughter and partner Rachael Amato, this woman-led PR and marketing agency equips high-risk industries with the tools and strategies they need to protect their reputations and grow confidently. Synaptic’s signature platform, […]
How Are Brands Still Not Getting This? If Backlash Is Predictable, It’s Preventable
The Context — Two Campaigns, Two Red Flags The fallout from Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle “great jeans” campaign could have been a valuable lesson. Instead, e.l.f. Cosmetics’ Matt Rife ad highlighted how little has changed in how brands manage influencer risk. Sydney Sweeney + American Eagle American Eagle’s July 2025 “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans” campaign played on a […]
Clients in the News: CNN—Pawn shops: The surprising back-to-school shopping destination
Read the full story at cnn.com: Americans are back-to-school shopping earlier than previous years due to fears of tariffs raising prices. Families with tighter budgets are finding deals in a less traditional place: pawn shops. Families plan to spend about 2% less this back-to-school season compared to last year, according to a survey from the […]
Why Uploading Your Entire Customer List for Reviews Could Be a Risk—Especially for Regulated Industries
Yes, more Google reviews can help your business. Many platforms—like Podium, Birdeye, and GoHighLevel (which is the software that powers PR Shield) offer review request automations. A lot of so-called experts will tell you to “just upload your contacts” and let the system do the work. But here’s the problem: not all industries are allowed […]
Portland-Based Designer Diana Leon and Local Boutique Collab on Fine Jewelry Residency
Read the full story at JCKOnline.com: A collaboration in Portland, Ore., between the Luxury Exchange and local jewelry artist Diana Leon shows how independent designers can work with retailers to develop customer connections, deeper storytelling, and visual presentation. For its inaugural fine jewelry residency, the Luxury Exchange is showcasing Leon’s brand Retórica and her new collection, Forest Goddess. Running from […]
‘It becomes more about status signalling’: Is £7m for a handbag absurd or justified?
This story originally appeared at BBC.com As a pop-up handbag auction opens in London, a fashion frenzy is gripping venerable auction houses – and sending prices sky high. Can fashion ever be on a par with a Picasso? “I like my money where I can see it. Hanging in my closet,” says Carrie Bradshaw in […]
What has America learned from the Sydney Sweeney situation? We asked the experts
This article was originally published at CNN.com The great ongoing American conversation escalated into a great American bar fight this summer, as a long and increasingly unhinged national back-and-forth about race, politics, sexuality, the nature of both the Trump administration and fame itself was triggered by … a jeans ad. What happened? American Eagle released […]
American Eagle ‘great jeans’ ad campaign bashed over racial undertones
This article first appeared at MassLive.com: American Eagle’s latest denim campaign, featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, has gotten backlash for having racist connotations. The clothing company launched the campaign, called “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” on July 23, with the 27-year-old “Euphoria” star as the spokesperson. The campaign was intended to be a celebration of “making customers look and […]