THE THINKERS.

We started 8Rue with a clear vision — to bridge the gap between Fortune 100 branding and the thriving world of startups and emerging brands.

Our goal is to empower the next generation of visionaries, offering top-tier strategic thinking and creative execution without the hefty price tag of traditional agencies.

Kevin Vu

20+ Years B2B & B2C Optimization Leader.

Entrepreneurial-minded and driven by intellectual curiosity, Kevin is passionate about achieving real results for his clients.

As a founding partner of 8Rue, Kevin is sought-after in the areas of strategic planning, marketing, and branding. He has helped small-to-medium-sized companies find ways through operational complexity to find a clear, distinct, and compelling position in the market.

  • Previously, Kevin had worked in the agency world for over a decade helping Fortune 100 brands achieve real results utilizing customized solutions and a quantitative and qualitative approach towards developing impactful brand strategies.

    And before that, his years as a Wall Street banker play a large role in his ability to approach problems with a dynamic, hands-on style; he excels at leading executive teams through the complexities of the strategic planning and branding process, building consensus, and obtaining the critical insights to align organizational objectives with market opportunity.

    Kevin earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a double emphasis in Marketing and Finance, from the University of Southern California – Marshall School of Business. Kevin is endlessly working to reduce his golf handicap outside of building unique brands at the golf range. 

  • Investment Banking, Strategic Marketing Ad Agencies, Fortune 100 Companies

    Union Bank, P&G, ING Direct, Moony Gram, DIRECTV, UnitedHealthcare, Bayer HealthCare, Ballantines, Diageo North America - Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal & Ketel One

Kellie Chen

15+ Years Health & Beauty Brand Strategist.

As a marketer for a diverse range of CPG companies from Fortune 500 to start-ups, Kellie has over 15+ years of brand expertise in the fashion, beauty, health & wellness space.

Before being a co-founder of 8Rue, Kellie played an integral role as a brand lead for OLEHENRIKSEN to bring one of LVMH Kendo Brands' biggest franchise brands to market. She started her career at an agency where she led go-to-market strategy and implemented marketing campaigns for Fortune 500 brands.

  • Using an evidence-based approach, Kellie designs and manages market research programs to unearth valuable business and consumer insights that help identify the real brand opportunity for a company or product. She has led research and strategy projects for companies and brands ranging from beauty, fashion, CPG, and e-commerce start-ups.

    Outside of building unique brands, Kellie is a mama of a 3 year-old baby girl and a feisty little Chihuahua. "Life is never a dull moment!"- Kellie.

  • Fortune 500 Lifestyle CPG Brands; Fashion, Beauty, Health & Wellness’ Entrepreneurial & Corp Environment

    Brand Experience Highlights: SK-II (P&G), Ole Henriksen (LVMH), Herbalife Global, Via Saviene, Fytt Beauty, PH Beauty Labs, Johnny Walker (Diageo), Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics

STRATEGY DRIVES BRAND.

With our multifaceted background, blending investment banking expertise and an award-winning track record in Fortune 100 advertising, we bring a unique perspective to the table.

This holistic understanding involves a deep grasp of financial intricacies, market dynamics, and industry trends.

Our ability to seamlessly integrate this knowledge empowers us to navigate challenges effectively and make strategic choices that truly make your brand stand out.

Let’s Create Brilliance.

BRAND EXPERIENCE