Meet Big Spoon
About Us
Big Spoon Co. is an East Coast-based public relations, marketing, and branding agency with a knack for elevating brands of all kinds. While we’re well known for our work in food and beverage, our expertise extends across real estate, education, healthcare, government, nonprofits, and more. From social media and media relations to photography, videography, and beyond, we offer a comprehensive range of services designed to amplify your brand’s voice and impact.
With decades of experience, our team partners with organizations of every size—from established corporations and community-driven nonprofits to fast-growing startups and multi-million-dollar industry leaders.
We’re proud to be a minority- and LGBTQ-owned business, certified by the National LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce as an LGBTQ Business Enterprise. At Big Spoon Co., we believe every brand has a story worth telling—let us help you share yours with creativity, strategy, and purpose.
Our Team
Kevin Clay
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PROBLEM SOLVER, RESTAURANT FANATIC, TASK MASTER
A Richmond native with a hospitality background, Kevin has always had a passion for the restaurant scene. The Virginia Commonwealth University alumni aligned with public relations organically, and found himself helping the restaurants he worked for take it up a notch. The OG founder of Big Spoon Co., Kevin launched the agency in 2013, eventually inviting his cohorts to join him.
Note-worthy: Founded Gay RVA; launched the RVA Dine & Drink Facebook page which has 128K followers; executive director of the Richmond LGBTQ Chamber
enrique mendez
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RESULTS-DRIVEN, REAL ESTATE ACE, BRAND AUTHORITY
Hailing from Guatemala, Enrique moved to Virginia at 21. Taking notice that minority-owned businesses were not taken as seriously, he launched his own agency, Design by E, where he specialized in social media management. Following a 10-year-run, he merged with Kevin and Barb in 2024.
Noteworthy: Former client roster includes one of the fastest-growing real estate companies on the East Coast; grew the Carytown Merchants Association page exponentially; native Spanish speaker.
Erin Brunner
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While Erin is not native to Richmond, she has come to call Richmond home since moving here from Pennsylvania in 2005. Years of working in event management and in the hospitality industry quickly familiarized her with the range of food, drink, and events that RVA has to offer. When she is not working, you may find her at a festival, strolling the River City, or enjoying a local restaurant with her husband and son. Before joining the team at Big Spoon, Erin studied Communication & Media Studies and developed an “above and beyond” approach for her clients.
Fun facts: Erin loves dirty chai lattes, Halloween, and traveling
Favorite movie: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Childhood dream job: stuntwoman
Carla Mendez
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Carla is the website developer at Big Spoon, she helps design, test and develop websites as well as Integrate data from various back-end services and databases. She has a decade of experience in the call center industry, and has a strong background on Quality Assurance. She graduated from Swinburne University (Melbourne, Australia) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Design.
Carla is passionate about Star Trek, "I am a Trekkie at heart, I try to watch at least 1 random episode per day, and the theme song brings tears to my eyes" she confesses. She likes going on daily long walks with her husband and 2 dogs, and loves cold brew.
Our Partners
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Jacqui DePas
Photographer
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Amy Garelick
Videographer
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Karlyn Crum
Graphic Designer
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Eileen Mellon
Editor & Copywriter
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Beth Dixon
Mixologist
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Lindsey Agreste
Packaging Consultant
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Barb Lamb
Strategy Consultant
our Story
Big Spoon Co. was founded in 2013 by Kevin Clay with a focus on marketing and PR for food and beverage brands. In 2020, the agency merged with Design By E, the creative firm led by Enrique Mendez, who brought years of experience working with clients across real estate, lifestyle, and other industries. The partnership combined Kevin’s communications savvy with Enrique’s creative expertise, creating a stronger and more versatile agency.
Together, Kevin and Enrique built Big Spoon into a full-service firm known for its strategic thinking, compelling storytelling, and distinctive visuals. While food and beverage remain an important part of the portfolio, Big Spoon is proud to serve industries like real estate, education, healthcare, government, and nonprofits.
Today, our small-but-mighty team is united by a passion for crafting impactful stories, unforgettable campaigns, and fresh ideas that help brands thrive. Our journey reflects the same values that guide our work: collaboration, adaptability, and a belief that every client deserves thoughtful, effective marketing.