Hug it out: lessons from an intern in costume

We’re turning our blog over to Chloe Sanders, fearless Black Sheep Agency intern, who recently helped us celebrate Hug a Sheep Day.

National Hug a Sheep Day is a big day around The Black Sheep Agency office, for obvious reasons. So we knew we needed to celebrate in a big way. Yes, it’s a great platform for getting the Black Sheep name out there, but more importantly, it’s a chance to spread some cheer and celebrate one of our favorite furry wooly friends. I knew I’d learn a thing or two during my adventure, but I didn’t know at the end of the day I would feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside, too.

I really wanted to find a live sheep, but I knew that was a gamble. We live in Houston, not New Zealand. So, when that didn’t work, I went by a costume rental shop and found the next best thing. (Use your imagination, folks. It’s a costume shop.)

I had a loose plan of where I’d head to start the hugging action. Discovery Green was at the top of the list. When we arrived, children were playing on the playground in costumes, so this lessened the shame of showing our woolies in public, and boosted our confidence level. Two of my friends showed up for support, as my boyfriend (who was wearing the second costume, of course) started racking up the hugs. We were getting their attention! Something we were doing was working. And I loved it.

The next spot on the agenda was Phonecia . We frolicked over and started handing out hugs like free samples. People were a little more receptive to take a hug and picture with us there. Maybe it was because our attitude changed after a little boy dressed as a super hero melted our hearts when he yelled to his mom, “I hugged a sheep!” with a huge smile, or maybe it was because people were around food and it made them feel more comfortable. Who knows?

Our final destination was The Shops at the Houston Center where many people were enjoying a late lunch. But just as I was hugging a cute Aussie boy in short shorts (who I assumed would tell me he knew exactly what Hug a Sheep Day because he was from Australia, but no.), a security guard (Marcus) interrupted our hug and told us we had leave. And then the magic happened. A large group starting booing the authority figure. It was amazing to see this kind of support for our silly stunt. It definitely made donning those wooly ears and tails worth it.

We put our sunglasses back on, flung the doors open, walked outside and said goodbye to Marcus.

Skipping down the sidewalk in rebellious joy, I felt a sense of human affirmation. First off, I knew that I owed my friends a big one, walking around by myself in a sheep costume could have been pretty depressing. But, with their support they turned what could have been an awful day into one I will never forget. Secondly, I realized that people can be hesitant to agree to a “free hug” because it is something personal. It is not a flyer or a business card; two people (or three in this case) had to exchange a caring gesture with a stranger. I learned that if there is a hint of a smile, it’s probably a green light after a bit of coaxing. Human interaction with strangers is a funny thing. By nature, everyone is so quick to judge others (especially those in sheep costumes) and automatically stray from what doesn’t seem normal or familiar. Above all, this further reinforced what I’ve been learning as a Black Sheep – that what is not familiar is sometimes the best way to pass along information or a message. Smiles are contagious so that must make hugs intoxicating.

Even if all my sheeples don’t want to admit it, I feel like we made a lot of people’s day or at least gave them something to talk about, which was exactly the goal. Of course, in public relations and marketing, we’re always trying to get the message out, but we also want to evoke feelings and emotions. Although hugs are a little harder to give away, they’re much warmer than a piece of paper.