How I Built a PR Career That Helped Shape Iconic Brands—and How You Can Too

When I started my career in public relations, I had no roadmap, guide, or PR framework like the one I use today with clients. What I did have was a passion for storytelling and a belief that every brand—big or small—has a story worth sharing.

Over the years, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) how to navigate the fast-paced, ever-changing world of PR. From landing clients in national magazines to shaping the narratives of luxury brands, I’ve honed strategies anyone can adopt to elevate their business and personal brand. Today, I want to share those lessons with you, offer some actionable tips, and show how PR can transform your business and your confidence in communicating with the world.

Building a PR Career as a celebrity Entrepreneur & Publicist from the Ground Up

When I started, I didn’t come from a family of media moguls or have a roster of connections. My journey began with curiosity, a laptop, and a willingness to learn. I took on small projects for local businesses and slowly grew my portfolio.

The first big lesson I learned? Consistency is key. PR isn’t about one big win; it’s about showing up, sharing your message, and building trust over time. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a business leader, this lesson holds: the more consistent you present your brand, the more credibility you build.

The Value of Storytelling in PR

Every brand has some type of story, but not every one understands and knows how to tell it. One of my favorite parts of my job is helping people discover the unique threads that make their brand stand out.

Take a moment to ask yourself:

• What inspired you to start your business?

• What problem are you solving?

• What makes your approach different from anyone else’s?

When I worked with a small beauty startup, its focus wasn’t just on skincare—it was on empowering women to feel confident without makeup. That narrative became the core of their PR strategy, leading to features in beauty magazines and collaborations with influencers.

PR Tip: Don’t just sell a product or service; sell the why behind it. People connect with emotions, stories, and authenticity.

The PR Framework I Use Today

Over the years, I’ve refined how I approach PR campaigns. What used to feel like chaos now feels structured and streamlined, thanks to what I call the PRISM Framework:

1. Preparation and proprietary tools: Create the foundational assets—media kits, bios, and visuals—that tell your story.

2. Research: Identify the media outlets, influencers, and opportunities that align with your goals.

3. Implementation: Craft tailored pitches, press releases, and outreach campaigns.

4. Strategy: Align every campaign with your business objectives.

5. Measurement: Track results to see what’s working and refine what’s not.

If you’re starting your PR journey, you don’t need fancy tools or a big budget. Start small. Create a one-page media kit, list dream media outlets, and start reaching out with personalized pitches. Consistency and clarity matter more than perfection.

Lessons Learned from PR Wins and Losses

PR isn’t always glamorous. For every successful feature or campaign, there are countless rejections, ignored emails, and stories that didn’t quite land. But every setback taught me something invaluable.

A PR Win: I once helped a luxury brand secure a feature in a major magazine by tailoring the pitch to align with the editor’s recent article. The pitch landed and turned into a two-page spread showing that I had done my homework.

A PR Loss: I sent a generic press release to 100 journalists early in my career, hoping something would stick. The result? Crickets. I quickly learned that quality always trumps quantity. Now, every pitch I write is customized to the recipient, and it’s made all the difference.

PR Tip: Don’t take rejection personally. Learn from it, tweak your approach, and try again.

Why PR Matters More Than Ever

In today's digital-first world, PR isn’t just for big corporations with massive budgets. It’s for every entrepreneur, startup, and small business looking to stand out in a crowded market. Why? PR builds something that advertising can’t: trust.

When your brand is featured in a respected publication or endorsed by an influencer, it creates credibility. People are more likely to trust a third-party recommendation than a paid ad. PR isn’t about shouting into the void; it’s about creating meaningful connections with your audience.

Actionable PR Tips You Can Use Right Now

If you’re ready to dip your toes into PR, here are a few steps to get started:

1. Create a Media Kit

Your media kit should include your bio, key achievements, product/service information, and high-quality images. Think of it as your brand’s resume.

2. Build a Dream Media List

Research outlets, journalists, and blogs that align with your brand. Tools like LinkedIn and Muck Rack can help you identify the right contacts.

3. Craft a Winning Pitch

Personalize your outreach. Mention why your story is relevant to their audience and include a clear call to action.

4. Leverage Social Media

Use platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to connect with journalists and share your story directly with your audience.

5. Start Small

Don’t aim for The New York Times on day one. To build momentum, start with niche blogs, local outlets, or industry-specific publications.

A Day in the Life of a PR Professional

What does a typical day in PR look like? Here’s a glimpse into my routine:

• Morning:

• Check emails for media opportunities and follow up on pending pitches.

• Review industry news to stay informed about trends.

• Midday:

• Draft pitches, press releases, or blog content.

• Collaborate with clients on upcoming campaigns.

• Afternoon:

• Research media contacts and update press lists.

• Analyze campaign performance metrics.

• Evening:

• Engage on LinkedIn or Instagram to build relationships with journalists and influencers.

Every day is different, but the focus is always the same: finding creative ways to tell stories that resonate.

How We can work together

If this resonates with you and you’re ready to elevate your brand’s visibility, I’d love to help. Through my PRISM PR package, I work with businesses to craft tailored PR strategies that deliver results.

Whether launching a new product, building a personal brand, or looking to grow your business, PR can be a game-changer. If you’re not ready for a full-service package, I also offer workshops and resources to help you confidently DIY your PR strategy.

Final Thoughts: The Power of PR

Building a career in PR has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. It’s taught me the importance of resilience, the power of relationships, and the magic of a well-told story.

For any business owner, PR isn’t just about getting noticed—it’s about creating a legacy. Whether pitching your first story or refining a long-term strategy, the key is to stay authentic, consistent, and open to learning.

Let’s write your next chapter together. Contact me at Kristin@MarquetMedia.co to learn how we can create a PR strategy that puts your business on the map.