Inspiring Conversations with Regina Hill of RRP Marketing

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Regina Hill.

Hi Regina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I didn’t originally want to work in marketing. I’d originally wanted to be a corporate or entertainment lawyer. My original major was general business/pre-law. It was only when I learned that I would need to go directly to law school or change my major that I changed it to marketing,

The reason is that marketing is creative. It didn’t take a lot of convincing. And after two decades of working in marketing, I must admit that it was the right choice for me. One part art, one part science, it was the perfect choice for this singer, writer, dancer, and former athlete who also happens to be a huge nerd.

The truth is that I love marketing. I live, breathe, and eat it. It often precedes me, and I leave my mark behind me. Yet, as much as I love marketing, I don’t love the traditional workplace. Five things about me: I am tenacious. I am ambitious. I am passionate. I am curious. I am unapologetically authentic.

I am also bold and kind and have a big personality. And helping the underdog is my jam. I believe in collaboration more than competition. I believe in supporting my neighbor more than I believe in throwing others under the bus. And yes, there are times when I will suffer while others find themselves in the limelight. But that’s just who I am.

Here’s the truth: Black women are one of the most educated demographics in the United States, but they don’t see the fruits of their labor or education nearly enough. In fact, according to the stats, they are the most discriminated against demographic at work. This is why Black women are also the fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs in the United States as well.

And that’s what drove me to finally say, “I will not be confined to a box; I will not allow someone else to write my story.” Although RRP Marketing was initially birthed in 2010 (originally doing business as myself), it didn’t really take off until 2019. Having stable employment at top brands, such as Meijer. Steelcase and HarperCollins Christian Publishing, I dated RRP Marketing for years. It wasn’t until 2017 that I started to get serious about RRP Marketing. Innocent Black men were losing their lives at the hands of police officers and one rogue vigilante, and I’d had enough.

After considering my options and my skillset, I realized I was in a unique place where I could use my talent for the underdog. The operative: Decrease the wealth gap by helping Black-owned and operated businesses make smart marketing decisions that lead to sustainable businesses. And that’s what I did. I spent two years (2017-2019) truly building the RRP Marketing brand.

In 2019, I left my corporate gig and set sail to work for myself full-time. Although 2020 was a hot mess for the world, my business did well. I was privileged to work for for-profit and non-profit clients in Michigan and beyond who were doing great work. At the end of 2020, I was at another crossroads: Hire people or go back to traditional work.

I chose to go back to the traditional workplace in 2021. (That same year, I was diagnosed with and beat breast cancer). For the next 2+ years, I had the fortune of leading sustainability and DEI strategy and marketing at Merrell, a leading footwear brand driving best-in-class campaigns and first-of-its-kind initiatives.

After being laid off in 2023, I was once again at a crossroads: Operate RRP Marketing full-time or find traditional employment. Full-time entrepreneurship was the obvious choice, with clients pretty much placed in my lap. Today, the agency looks much different than in 2019-2020. Today, we deliver best-in-class marketing solutions to emerging startups and progressive businesses of all sizes. We are strategic trendsetters, bonafide storytellers, and digital pioneers. Furthermore, we are values-driven.

Not only do we hire top talent, but we also serve as an incubator for emerging talent, creating a safe place for more junior talent or those changing careers to learn. While we have high standards and put results over the next hot trend, we center people—clients, employees, and customers—more than we center our work. It is our philosophy that when talented people are treated well and enjoy their work, the outcomes follow.

Our team of 8 brings retail, e-commerce, business-to-business, non-profit, higher education, fashion, food service, publishing, and entertainment experience to the table. Aligned with our personal beliefs in being unapologetically authentic, we have the audacity to shake things up. We are RRP Marketing.

As you know, we’re big fans of RRP Marketing. For our readers who might not be as familiar with the brand, what can you tell them?
We serve clients, on a project basis, on retainer for specific tasks, or as the marketing arm of their organization.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Tenacity. Grit. Curiosity. Risk-taker. Ambition. Flexible. Able to pivot. Resilient. Creative. Focused. Approachable. Knowledgeable. Proven track record.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rrpmarketing.com/
• Instagram: @reginaconsults
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/reginarpatterson