VoyageLA Interviews Lisa Orman of KidStuff Public Relations

Lisa Orman, founder and president of KidStuff Public Relations, was recently profiled by VoyageLA in an interview recognizing her leadership and long-standing influence in the toy industry.

READ THE INTERVIEW

Exploring Life & Business with Lisa Orman of KidStuff Public Relations

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Orman.

Hi Lisa, 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 am the founder and president of KidStuff Public Relations, which I launched in 1994 with a single client and a powerful mission: connect great products with the people who need to know about them. With a journalism background at top outlets like USA Today, Newsweek, and The Wall Street Journal, I know exactly what makes a good story.

As a new mom 31 years ago, overwhelmed by all the choices to make for my children from strollers to books to playthings, I focused my company on helping entrepreneurial family-focused brands (like I was choosing) to build awareness and loyalty among parents for their products. With a starkly different business model allowing all team members to perform their best skills for all agency clients rather than the typical account exec format, I pioneered a remote workplace before there was an internet or email. Things have changed so much!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Not entirely, but I learned from the bumps. I started my business before remote work was a thing and before the internet was really available for consumers, let alone email. We had bi-annual meetings in Las Vegas to brainstorm and realign as a team.

My biggest client for our first seven years, specialty toy retailer Zany Brainy, filed for bankruptcy and left me with a large unpaid debt. It couldn’t have come at a worse time as my husband and I were building our timber frame home. But, we had good credit and a good local bank, and we worked through it. The lesson was never have just one egg in your basket, even if it’s a really good and big egg. I pivoted to representing small and mid-size toy makers and still do today.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about KidStuff Public Relations?

Since 1994, KidStuff PR has specialized in PR for toys, games, juvenile gear, technology and services for families. What separates KidStuff PR from other agencies is the hands-on, personal approach that each client receives. Instead of being handed off to an Account Executive upon signing a contract, KidStuff PR clients continue to work directly with president Lisa Orman on a daily basis.

Our agency has been a virtual business with remote team members since we started! Now it’s become commonplace in business. We use a team approach and state-of-the-art industry tools to produce stellar results for our clients in an efficient and professional manner. We’re proud of our reputation for integrity, hard work, honesty and strong relationships with media and influencers.

We also have TechStuff PR to service companies whose products or services straddle the tech world, for families. We started GiftStuff PR in 2024 to service gift companies. Let us know how we can help your business build awareness!

Our agency was acquired by Diverse Insights in 2024 and continues to be run by President Lisa Orman and her team. Together we are better!

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?

Follow your passion. Try to hone and develop the skills you have that you really enjoy and are good at. Don’t be shy to ask for something, whether it’s an introduction or a raise: The answer is always no to an unasked question.