From PR Consultant to Celebrity Entrepreneur: Lessons I’ve Learned

When I look back on the winding path of my career, it’s incredible to see how one small step can cascade into an entire life trajectory. I began my professional journey as a PR consultant, thinking that if I simply worked hard and put in my hours, everything else would fall neatly into place. Little did I know that “falling into place” would involve countless lessons learned the hard way, a few near-burnouts, and a transformative experience that would shape me into the entrepreneur I am today.

While my foray into public relations was the starting line, each client pitch, press release, and strategic counsel session gave me the building blocks I needed to expand into branding, content marketing, and eventually, launching a business that has attracted celebrity clients and garnered recognition on larger platforms. Today, I’m not just a PR consultant—I’m what many would call a “celebrity entrepreneur,” a title that reflects the high-profile nature of my clients, but also the sweat equity, creativity, and resilience I’ve poured into my work.

In this post, I want to share my journey in a personal, unfiltered way. It’s easy to see curated success stories—especially in an era dominated by social media—without ever glimpsing the road bumps and detours hidden behind the polished exterior. My story includes those late nights drafting proposals, the missed opportunities that turned into valuable teaching moments, and the countless leaps of faith it took to step up as a full-fledged business owner. I believe every PR consultant who has dreams of scaling and transforming their practice can glean something from my experiences. These lessons might help you see that failure isn’t the end; it’s often just a sign that you’re growing in a new and uncharted direction.

The Early Days: A Passion for Storytelling

From a young age, I was obsessed with narratives—whether they were found in books, on TV, or in the everyday lives of the people around me. After college, I discovered that public relations was the perfect professional avenue to channel my love for storytelling. Instead of fiction or movies, I worked with real people, real brands, and real missions, crafting narratives that resonated with the public. It was exhilarating to watch an idea, a brand mission, or a personal story blossom under the right media spotlight.

I started small. My first clients were local businesses—think mom-and-pop shops, small health and wellness practitioners, and boutique clothing lines. Not glamorous by any means, but crucial in shaping my outlook on PR and marketing. These were the folks who needed effective promotion the most. They had passion and unique stories, but minimal budgets. I learned to be scrappy, forging connections with local newspapers, neighborhood influencers, and civic organizations to create synergy. It was in these initial experiences that I realized something fundamental: no matter how small a brand may be, if you can find the “story behind the brand” and make it sing, you can capture attention.

That skill—capturing attention through the art of storytelling—became the foundation of my career. Soon, word of my knack for strategic, compelling PR spread, and I started receiving inquiries from more established businesses. It wasn’t always easy. I had to navigate the intricacies of contract negotiations, client communications, and budget constraints, all while trying to live up to my own expectations of success.

There were days I felt like I had the world on my shoulders, but that same sense of pressure fueled a deeper desire to push forward. Every “small” victory—like landing a feature for a client in a regional lifestyle magazine—felt like a monumental triumph. I was hooked on the process, and that passion only intensified as I recognized there was more to be learned, more markets to penetrate, and bigger goals to chase.

Building My Brand: The Dawn of Marquet Media

In 2009, I officially founded Marquet Media, my PR and branding firm. Even writing that sentence brings back memories of the dizzying excitement and sheer nerve it took to register a business, open a dedicated bank account, and set up my first official office space—albeit a tiny one.

At the time, I genuinely believed that my PR expertise alone was sufficient to catapult my firm into the stratosphere. Reality soon hit: building a business requires a completely different set of skills than excelling in your craft. I had to learn about cash flow, leadership, operations, client management, and, perhaps most importantly, how to scale in a sustainable way.

One of the pivotal changes occurred when I realized that solely focusing on traditional PR might limit me and my clients, especially as social media started to dominate the marketing landscape. I began integrating brand strategy, content marketing, and web design consulting into our offerings. Our tagline wasn’t just about generating buzz anymore; it was about creating a holistic, consistent, and powerful brand identity for clients—something that would resonate on every platform, be it a magazine feature or a sponsored Instagram post.

Expanding services was both scary and thrilling. I had to invest in team members who specialized in these additional fields, relinquish some control, and develop internal processes to ensure everything worked seamlessly. I realized that if I wanted to be a front-runner in PR and branding, I needed to offer a one-stop shop. That shift forced me to level up, to trust people with tasks I used to do myself, and to refine my vision of what Marquet Media could become. What started as a simple PR consultancy began to bloom into a full-fledged media hub, setting the stage for the celebrity clientele and large-scale initiatives that would come later.

From Consultant to Entrepreneur: The Mindset Shift

Stepping into the role of an entrepreneur as opposed to just a consultant required a seismic mental shift. Early in my career, I associated success with personal hustle—late nights drafting press releases, constantly tweaking media pitches, and never fully unplugging. But the entrepreneur mindset is about building something that can sustain itself and thrive beyond your day-to-day input. It means developing systems, onboarding and training team members, and allowing them the autonomy to innovate. It’s about guiding the ship rather than personally rowing it.

This shift wasn’t easy. I had to let go of the idea that everything had to be done by me for it to be done correctly. If I wanted to grow, I had to trust that other people—provided they were well-trained and well-supported—could serve clients just as effectively. So, I invested time in developing training materials, quality control checks, and an internal culture that valued curiosity, ownership, and open communication. Over time, my anxiety around delegating tasks gave way to a sense of excitement. Watching my team members shine in their respective roles felt incredibly rewarding.

Yet, the transition to entrepreneurship didn’t just concern internal operations; it also involved rethinking how I approached clients. Instead of being the on-call “PR girl,” I positioned myself (and my firm) as strategic partners to brands—offering not just media relations but also insights into what it means to have a well-defined brand presence and how to scale it. My job became less about doing the day-to-day grunt work (although I still enjoy getting my hands dirty in campaign launches) and more about orchestrating an environment where my team and our clients could collaborate effectively, see beyond immediate goals, and implement broader growth strategies.

Navigating Challenges and Near-Burnout

If you’ve been in business long enough, you know that challenges are par for the course. Often, the difference between someone who folds and someone who triumphs lies in how they process adversity. In my journey, I’ve confronted everything from cash flow bottlenecks to losing major clients unexpectedly. Each time, I felt a gnawing anxiety and a fear that perhaps my success thus far had been a fluke. What got me through those rough patches was focusing on the bigger vision. I’d ask myself, “What am I trying to accomplish? Who am I trying to help? How can I pivot right now to keep moving forward?”

Burnout is another issue that can creep up when you least expect it. As someone who’s highly motivated and loves to work, I found it difficult to set boundaries. In the early stages, I prided myself on being available at all hours, responding to clients late at night, and working on weekends without complaint. It’s a trap many entrepreneurs fall into—mistaking constant availability for good leadership.

Over time, I realized my best work occurs when I’m well-rested, mentally sharp, and personally fulfilled. This insight led me to institute better boundaries, delegate effectively, and carve out downtime for myself. Yes, the hustle mentality can be a powerful driver, but it can also be destructive if not managed properly.

One crucial strategy I adopted was building a strong support system, both professionally and personally. I made it a priority to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and PR professionals who understood the unique challenges of our field. I leaned on mentors for guidance and regularly attended workshops and networking events. Those connections became an invaluable resource when I needed fresh ideas, a second opinion, or just a sympathetic ear. Feeling supported, I could bounce back from setbacks faster, and it ultimately made my work more sustainable and enjoyable.

Cultivating Celebrity Clients: The Art of Up-Leveling

A turning point in my career arrived when high-profile personalities started seeking out Marquet Media. Securing celebrity clients might seem like the holy grail of PR work—glamorous, exciting, and prestigious. And, to some extent, it is. But it also comes with an entirely new set of demands. Celebrities or major public figures have intricate brand identities and reputations to maintain. A single misstep in messaging or a poorly timed press release can lead to a significant public relations crisis. Working at this level challenged me to refine my processes and sharpen my instincts for media timing and brand management.

Ironically, the lessons I’d learned while working with smaller clients applied just as much—if not more—to big-name figures. The heart of PR is storytelling, no matter the scale. The difference is that the spotlight is much brighter, and any slip-ups become amplified. It forced me to become extremely proactive, orchestrating comprehensive strategies that anticipate potential pitfalls and map out each public-facing move well in advance.

Additionally, attracting celebrity clientele sometimes hinged on my ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism. High-profile individuals tend to be protective of their image, and rightly so. Building a reputation for trustworthiness was crucial. This wasn’t something that happened overnight; it was cultivated over years of consistently delivering excellent work, maintaining strong ethical boundaries, and treating every client, regardless of their name recognition, with the same level of dedication and respect.

Developing Proprietary Frameworks: The Power of Systems

As the demands of my business grew, I recognized the need for frameworks—structured methodologies that my team and I could rely on for consistent results. Whether you call them proprietary systems or internal processes, they are essential for delivering top-tier service at scale. For instance, one of our frameworks revolves around brand clarity: we guide clients through a multi-step process that starts with identifying their core values, mapping out their consumer personas, and designing an editorial calendar that aligns with key brand narratives. By the time we’re done, the client has a roadmap for the entire year.

These frameworks became my secret weapon. Instead of reinventing the wheel with each new client, we follow proven steps while still leaving room for creative customization. The benefits are twofold: we maintain quality and efficiency internally, and we show clients a clear, tangible route to success, which builds trust. Over time, these frameworks became part of what differentiated Marquet Media from other firms. In an industry often perceived as ad hoc or ephemeral, systems provide a sense of reliability that high-profile clients value tremendously.

Another advantage of these frameworks is knowledge transfer. When I onboard a new team member, I can point them to existing systems, giving them a roadmap to success. This eases the learning curve and frees me to focus on higher-level strategy or new business development. It’s also a fantastic way to ensure continuity if I need to step away from day-to-day operations temporarily. My entire team, from junior associates to senior strategists, understands the methods behind our magic, and that cohesion translates into more effective campaigns and happier clients.

The Birth of FemFounder: Elevating Women Entrepreneurs

Seeing the growing demand for female-focused business education and community, I launched FemFounder, a platform and magazine designed to spotlight women entrepreneurs. My motivations were twofold: first, to provide actionable insights to women who felt underserved by mainstream business media, and second, to give a stage to some truly remarkable, high-potential female founders who deserved a bigger spotlight.

FemFounder’s success surprised even me. I realized that there was a massive appetite for stories and how-to guides specifically tailored to women’s experiences in entrepreneurship. From navigating funding gaps to balancing family responsibilities and personal well-being, female founders often have a distinct set of challenges. By sharing stories of perseverance, tips on brand-building, and candid interviews with industry leaders, FemFounder became a resource I wished I had at the start of my own career.

In many ways, FemFounder also served as a personal reminder of why I chose this path. Whether I’m featuring a stay-at-home mom who launched a profitable e-commerce store or a corporate executive who took the plunge into entrepreneurship, I’m constantly reminded of the power of resilience and community. It’s also opened doors to new partnerships and networking opportunities, many of which have dovetailed back into Marquet Media. For me, FemFounder isn’t just a side project; it’s a natural extension of my mission to empower individuals—particularly women—to step out confidently and share their unique value proposition with the world.

Lessons in Leadership: Empowering Your Team

As Marquet Media grew, one of the most important lessons I learned was how essential it is to cultivate a supportive, growth-oriented team environment. Early on, I thought leadership meant being the person with all the answers. Over time, I realized that great leaders aren’t know-it-alls; they’re facilitators who empower others to develop, innovate, and problem-solve. I began to focus on creating a culture of ownership, where each team member felt responsible for the collective success of the company.

One of the strategies I used was implementing a “growth path mapping” process—something I do behind the scenes for each team member. I’d schedule one-on-one meetings to explore their long-term goals, passions, and skill sets, and then suggest strategic projects or training opportunities. The idea was simple: if everyone on the team feels they have a stake in something bigger than day-to-day tasks, their drive and sense of engagement increase exponentially.

I also incorporated weekly check-ins where we’d celebrate small wins, troubleshoot issues, and discuss upcoming goals. Encouraging open dialogue helped me spot brewing issues before they escalated. More importantly, it let team members know that their voices mattered. This approach not only reduced turnover but also elevated our overall performance. When people feel respected, supported, and genuinely appreciated, they bring their A-game to the table—and that synergy is palpable in the results we deliver for our clients.

Embracing Continuous Learning: Stay Curious, Stay Relevant

The world of PR and branding is constantly evolving. A campaign that succeeded a year ago might fail dismally today because audiences are fickle, social media algorithms change, and the cultural zeitgeist is forever in flux. To stay relevant, I’ve had to cultivate an ethos of continuous learning. I invest time in reading the latest marketing reports, attending industry webinars, and occasionally enrolling in short courses to sharpen my skills.

I also encourage my team to do the same. We maintain a shared knowledge database and host monthly “lunch and learn” sessions where someone presents a new tool, trend, or case study. This keeps us on our toes, ensuring that no one becomes complacent or reliant on outdated strategies. The commitment to ongoing education has paid off in spades. Clients often comment on how “cutting-edge” our strategies feel, and we’ve been able to pivot quickly whenever a new platform or digital marketing approach shows potential.

Staying curious isn’t just about professional development; it’s also about embracing humility. It’s an acknowledgment that no matter how much I achieve, there’s always more to learn. That mindset has saved me from the trap of complacency and helped me view mistakes or failures as part of a larger journey of growth rather than as final judgments on my abilities.

Personal Branding as a Celebrity Entrepreneur

At some point along the way, I started getting referred to as a “celebrity entrepreneur.” While I appreciated the recognition, it also meant that my personal brand became as important as the brands of my clients. If people were coming to Marquet Media because of my name, I owed it to both them and myself to maintain authenticity and professionalism in everything I did—both online and offline. This meant being intentional about social media presence, the events I attended, and the partners I aligned with.

I’ll be honest: stepping into the spotlight wasn’t always comfortable. My default mode was to focus on client success, not my own. But as I started receiving invitations to speak at conferences, give interviews, and guest-write for publications, I realized these opportunities were not just about me—they were a platform to share valuable insights. By leaning into this role, I managed to reach a broader audience, which in turn brought more attention to the clients and entrepreneurs I champion.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in building a personal brand is that authenticity truly resonates. People can sense when you’re putting on a façade, and nothing damages trust faster than inauthenticity. So I made a point of being transparent about my journey—the highs and the lows—and showcasing the real person behind the title. This approach, while initially scary, allowed me to connect more deeply with my audience, who appreciated hearing the raw stories behind the polished success.

Paying It Forward: Mentorship and Community Building

Success, in my view, is most meaningful when it’s shared. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to benefit from generous mentors who showed me the ropes or offered a kind word when I most needed it. So, I made a commitment to pay it forward. Whether it’s through hosting workshops for budding PR professionals or providing mentorship to female founders on the FemFounder platform, I see mentorship as a critical part of my role.

From a practical standpoint, mentorship also enriches my perspective. Listening to the questions and concerns of those starting out in PR or branding helps me stay grounded in the fundamentals. It reminds me of the importance of clarity, empathy, and consistent practice. It also challenges me to articulate my methods and principles clearly—a process that inevitably helps me refine them.

Community building, especially among women entrepreneurs, has become a cornerstone of my work. Seeing the success stories of those I’ve mentored—be it landing their first major feature in a national publication or scaling their business to new heights—feels just as rewarding as my own achievements. It’s in these collaborative spaces that I find renewed energy and purpose, especially on days when the weight of being a leader feels heavy.

Future Horizons: Continuing the Evolution

While I’ve come a long way since the days of drafting press releases for local mom-and-pop shops, I see my journey as far from over. There’s a world of opportunity in emerging technologies, from AI-driven content strategies to new social media platforms that could redefine how brands connect with audiences. I’m keenly aware that the key to staying ahead is continually adapting and being open to fresh ideas, whether they come from a seasoned industry veteran or a newly hired intern.

Part of my future vision involves expanding FemFounder’s reach, possibly venturing into podcasts or more extensive video content to connect with an even broader community of female entrepreneurs. For Marquet Media, I’m exploring how we can further and deeply integrate even more data analytics to refine our strategies and measure our impact in real-time. My guiding principle remains the same: harness the power of storytelling to create genuine, lasting connections between brands and their audiences.

I’m also reminded that as Marquet Media continues to grow, so does my responsibility to ensure our work has a positive social impact. That might involve offering reduced-rate services for nonprofits or launching scholarship programs for underrepresented voices in PR and branding. Giving back isn’t just a philanthropic gesture—it’s a reflection of the values that propelled me into entrepreneurship in the first place.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

Reflecting on my transformation from a PR consultant who was initially just excited to land her first local client, to becoming a celebrity entrepreneur managing high-profile projects, I’m struck by how pivotal mindset shifts, strong relationships, and a dedication to learning have been. My story isn’t a neat, one-liner of overnight success. It’s a series of late nights, last-minute pivots, inspiring mentors, humbling failures, and exhilarating wins.

If there’s one central lesson I hope you take away from my journey, it’s that persistence and adaptability trump perfectionism every time. No career—especially in a rapidly evolving industry like PR and branding—follows a strictly linear path. Embrace the twists and turns, and remember to celebrate each step forward, no matter how small. You never know which of those tiny steps might lead you to a major breakthrough.

Today, as I look toward the next chapter, I feel a sense of excitement akin to when I first started out. There are new frontiers to explore, new clients to champion, and new ways to amplify the voices of entrepreneurs—especially women—who are shaping the world in real-time. My hope is that in sharing my experiences, I’ve offered a bit of insight, inspiration, and encouragement. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned for certain, it’s that behind every success story is a series of lessons just waiting to be told. And each of us, in our own way, is writing the next chapter of our own epic tale.