Meet Cynthia Smoot | Publicist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cynthia Smoot and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cynthia, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
In my twenties I read A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles written by Marianne Williamson. One of the quotes I read in that book that has stuck with me over the years was, “I cannot control the outcome of any situation, only every choice I make along the way.” In this fast-paced world it’s easy to feel out of control. Every decision we make changes the outcome of what happens next, changes the way a person receives us, and influences the outcome of any given situation. While we may not be able to totally control any given situation, this is a reminder that we always have accountability for our part in it.

What should our readers know about your business?

If I had to choose one word to describe myself, it would be “connector”. Whether it’s through my role as a Publicist for Gangway Advertising, through the freelance writing I do for other publications, or through my personal social media channels, I find it fulfilling to shine a spotlight on the people, places, events and services that give Dallas its flavor. My passion is to introduce people to other relationships, experiences or services that will enhance their lives in some way.

I left the University of North Texas in the mid-90’s with a degree in Clothing & Textiles and fell into sales for New Times Media as an Account Executive for the Dallas Observer. I started selling ads locally for the paper – primarily to bars and restaurants and the Dallas cultural arts scene – and within a few years was specializing in Regional and National sales for 17 markets Village Voice Media represented across the country. I was consistently ranked as one of the Top Ten sales people for Village Voice, but after 12 years with New Times/Village Voice Media, it was time to switch things up so I left to work with D Magazine Partners, specifically to launch their new business magazine, D CEO. I spent 3 years with D Magazine Partners developing D CEO, selling advertising and event sponsorships for D Magazine publications.

In 2006, my personal passion for social media and digital marketing led me to leave the publishing world and join my husband’s marketing firm, Gangway Advertising. As the self-appointed “Coordinator of Chaos” at Gangway, I use my skills to communicate and connect to oversee social media and public relations for clients. I have helped create buzz and build brand awareness for some of Dallas’ most iconic brands, such as Bread Winners Café & Bakery, Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities, the Dallas Zoo, Café Brazil, Wells Fargo Advisors, Truluck’s, and Fletcher’s Corny Dogs.

In 2008, I created a personal blog called “Oh So Cynthia”. Initially, the site was more of a “Mommy blog” talking about my life as a parent in Dallas and spotlighting the places and events my family experienced around town. Over the years, the popular website morphed into a lifestyle blog featuring the “hottest events and coolest people in Dallas”. It became the go-to website for those who have a passion for fashion, food, philanthropy, events and reality TV! I’ve always described my content as “my love letter to the city of Dallas” and I enjoy taking readers along for the ride as I experience all that our city has to offer. These days, I am a sought-after expert on Dallas events and celebrity happenings and contribute to other publications on the topic of life in Dallas. In addition to my own personal channels, I am the Dallas Editor for Society Texas magazine, the Society Editor for the Katy Trail Weekly newspaper, and a regular Contributor to Dallas Hotel Magazine. Because… who needs to sleep!?

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If the weather is nice, hit the Katy Trail. This 3.5 mile trail is built on an old railroad line and it a great way to people-watch and get some exercise at the same time. You can stop at the Katy Trail Ice House for a pit stop and enjoy a delicious burger or ice cold beer. Then walk off the calories you just consumed!

Dallas is known for our wonderful array of retail options. I get my retail therapy fix – and a hefty dose of culture – at NorthPark Center which (according to their website) offers an unparalleled luxury shopping experience with over 230 unique retailers, restaurants, and legendary department stores. In addition to world-class shopping, NorthPark features a magnificent backdrop of art, architecture, and landscaping for the enjoyment of its discerning customers.

My social life revolves around FOOD and this city has a lot of amazing options. The dining scene is constantly changing but for today here are some of my current favorite spots:

DATE NIGHT FANCY:

1) The Thompson Hotel – start with drinks at Catbird and then move on to one of their fine dining restaurants, Monarch or Kessaku
2) Mercat Bistro
3) Truluck’s – I prefer to sit in the downstairs Stone Crab Lounge. It’s less formal and I love the live piano entertainment
4) Yardbird
5) Bowen House

WEEKEND CASUAL:

1) Ten Bells Tavern
2) Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs – They don’t have a brick and mortar restaurant but they do consistently pop-up around town at various festivals and events so check the calendar of events on their website
3) Las Palmas
4) Harwood Arms
5) Katy Trail Ice House

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am happy to shine a little light on my husband, Randy Smoot. We are partners in business and in life – but I am much more fond of networking, attending parties and events so my face is much more well known in Dallas social circles. He’s perfectly happy to be at home watching Sports Center while I am out at a black-tie charity gala. There’s a famous saying, “Behind every great man is a great woman.” In my case I have a great man behind me! Over the course of our almost 25 years together, he has given me to reassurance, courage and love to take risks, step outside my comfort zone and reach for the stars. He is an amazing sounding board for me when I need to talk through the options or am contemplating a decision. I just adore him.

Website: www.cynthiasmoot.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ohsocynthia

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiasmoot/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ohsocynthia

Other: Clubhouse: https://www.joinclubhouse.com/@ohsocynthia

Image Credits
Thomas Garza