LUELLEN SMILEY
MARKETING & EVENTS STRATEGIST | Turning Creative Ideas Into Profit
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
A resourceful communications professional with a proven track record of curating high-profile exhibitions, managing multi-platform media campaigns, and producing award-winning written content. Combines creativity, research acumen, and a strong business sense to translate trends into opportunities for brand growth and audience engagement. Experienced in public relations, event management, content creation, social media, branding, and business development. Known for building collaborative relationships, maintaining integrity, and delivering results with enthusiasm and a clear strategic vision. Blue Ribbon Award for Smiley’s Dice in the 5000-10000 category | California Newspaper Publishing Contest. Retail sales experience selling art and clothing.
KEY SKILLS & AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Special Events Planning | Event Coordination | Marketing Strategy | Community Engagement | Content Writing Copywriting | Social Media Management | Brand Development | Public Relations | Arts & Culture Promotion Creative Campaigns | Expert Leasing Manager / Vacation Rental Owner and Management | Project Management | Vendor Relations | Advertising | Exhibition Planning | Email Marketing | Digital Marketing | RETAIL SALES | DISPLAYS AND PROMOTIONS
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Curated and managed the exhibition strategy for a gallery, including marketing, public relations, receptions, opening night extravaganzas, advertising, and media planning; exhibitions featured iconic photographers worldwide: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, The Who, Janis Joplin, and Joni Mitchell.
- Awarded the California Newspaper Publishers Association Blue Ribbon Award for excellence in weekly column writing.
- Founded and grew Odyssey of Adventures, a globally read blog featured in the New York Post and More Magazine.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
The Scott Varley Team Keller Williams – Saratoga Springs, NY 2019 – 2025
Public Relations & Promotions Consultant
- Owned accountability for media relations, promotions, event planning, and advertising for a real estate brokerage.
- Implemented SVKW communications strategy with guidance from the Director.
- Increased brand awareness and ensured consistent branding, voice, and messaging across all digital platforms.
- Planned and executed social media campaigns to advance communication and engagement goals.
- Identified and leveraged opportunities to raise awareness of SVKW initiatives, partners, and collaborators.
The Gallery Loulou – Santa Fe, NM, & Taos, NM 2006 – 2018
Owner/Gallery Manager
- Oversaw the development and execution of exhibitions and events related to photography.
- Secured exhibitions with world-class rock & roll photographers and established the Southwest’s only gallery of its kind.
- Translated vision into executable annual operating plans.
- Served as an internal decision-making authority across contributing photographers.
- Managed vendor relationships across framing, shipping, and cost analysis for all gallery functions.
Main Street Media – Del Mar, CA 2002 – 2007
Arts & Lifestyle Columnist
- Authored a weekly column on arts, cultural events, character interviews, and personal lifestyle on travel and horse racing.
- Collaborated with the art department, colleagues, and city-wide councils.
- Utilized storytelling skills to cover news, including city council meetings, press conferences, and special events.
Galerie D Art International – Solana Beach, CA 2005 – 2007
Publicist & Marketing Director
- Managed all functions relating to external communications and media relations.
- Coordinated media interviews for gallery artists and occasionally served as a spokesperson.
- Supported division-level PR and media-related programs.
- Originated the collaboration between the community theater and gallery to co-produce theater in the gallery.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE: Leasing Manager at Terraces Condominiums | Founder of United Steps Dance Productions | Marketing & Leasing Director at Torrey Pines Science Park
Associate of Arts (A.S.), Art History and Literature | Sonoma State University
