This year on The Spot Blog, we’re going to be running a series highlighting some of the most inspiring women in the Public Relations space from around the globe. To kick it off, we’ve been lucky enough to interview one of the best names in fashion and lifestyle PR, Charissa Lauren, the co-owner of Pretty Living PR.
The Pittsburgh based business in the US is a full service public relations firm specialising in events, fashion, beauty and lifestyle clients.
So, read on to hear Charissa’s story on why she loves working in PR and her tips and tricks to get into the industry and land you dream job!
1. Why did you want to be a PR professional?
I first decided to be a PR professional after years of working in fashion, event planning and journalism. I wanted a position that combined all of my talents and passions, of which PR allows. Public Relations is a career that enables me to dabble in many aspects including creation, envisioning, writing, and promoting fellow business owners.
2. What was your first job in the PR industry like?
When I decided to obtain a career in PR, I immediately created my own position and began my own business, Pretty Living PR. For years I was already assisting with company growth and exposure and perfected my skill with all necessary experiences. Owning a business was always my goal ultimately and I was fortunate to find my position of passion.
3. What is your current position?
I am the co-owner of Pretty Living PR, www.prettylivingpr.com. I am a publicist, PR Girl, writer, editor and visionary.
4. Why do you love your work?
I love my work because I was meant to build other people up. I am very sincere in doing everything in my power to see fellow businesses and individuals succeed and I love being able to offer further opportunities for career advancement, publicity and promotion. I like to be a business role model first and foremost.
5. What are your favourite work wear brands?
I am very loyal to independent and upcoming labels, especially those that I work with. I have a soft spot for fellow entrepreneurs and I know what it takes to develop a name in the fashion industry. I prefer to wear first and foremost Tidal Cool Creations (www.tidalcool.com), an independent label that designs all of the event dresses and work wear for the Pretty Living gals. I also like to support as many of my clients as possible. A lot of our brands are fashion, shoe and accessory labels.
6. Do you have a work wardrobe staple?
Currently, I cannot live without my Peoni Style (www.peonistyle.com) Cosmo Pink Tote bag, which is the ultimate PR Girl bag! It is really my second home as I’m usually all around. It fits all of my work necessities and then some! I also love the accessories by Vienna Victoria (www.viennavictoria.com) because they are luxurious and classy (as my style is) and also compact lip glams and glosses. (Clever, right?)
7. What is your favourite aspect of PR life and why?
The PR Life is never boring. It is a career that is a combination of many things. Especially as a business owner, I’ve found that Public Relations allows me to stay true to my journalism roots while providing me a creative outlet to focus on what will create and further a brand. Every day is different for me, and that’s what I love.
8. Do you have a favourite quote or saying that you apply to your work?
Currently, I just came across one of my new favorite quotes: “Walt Disney told his crew to ‘build the castle first’ when constructing Disney World, knowing that vision would continue to serve as motivation throughout the project. Oftentimes when people fail to achieve what they want in life, it’s because their vision isn’t strong enough.” – Gail Blanke
This quote really appealed to me because I truly believe if you focus on a vision and a goal, everything else will fall into line. Visions are half of the importance in a goal, the next importance is following through.
9. If you were hiring a PR intern, what are the top three skills or traits that you would look for?
My business partner Allyn Lewis and I discuss this all the time as we are always working with interns. We believe one of the most important aspects an intern can possess is the ability to pick up and learn things very quickly. PR is a very fast-paced industry, you are given something and you need to turn it into a magic show. Half the time you won’t have time to think, you need to be able to learn and act quickly and efficiently.
Other than being a fast learner, self-sufficiency is very important at our firm, along with multi-tasking and most importantly problem solving. If you have all of these traits, consider yourself hired!
10. What is the best advice you can give to anyone starting out in the PR industry?
Watch, learn and become best friends with every editor that you can.
The Spot Blog was lucky enough to be profiled on the Pretty Living PR Blog last year. To take a look, click here.
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