By Lauren Francis
I've been doing PR for two years now, and I still have some of my friends asking me what exactly it is that I do. They know it has something to do with fashion, and something else having to do with promoting people. Really, I'm in fashion public relations. Once I knew I wanted a career in this industry, I went in through the back door. I skipped the internships and the school experience. I launched my own agency at age 26, and two years later, I'm working with designers, planning events, and on the phone with magazine editors.
Here are a few questions that I get the most...
What do you call yourself and what is that?
I'm a publicist. My job is in the public relations/communications industry with a concentration in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, arts, and entertainment. What I do every day is basically media communications by phone and e-mail, organizing events, securing sponsors and guests, writing press releases and articles, promoting our clients online, and following up on new leads. It's a lot of fast-paced work. I hired an assistant earlier this year and she's been a tremendous help to me.
Is PR really like what you see on Kelly Cutrone's TV show, Kell on Earth?
It can be like that. Especially for agencies with a long roster of clients, it can be totally overwhelming. All of the work that goes into just one client can take up a lot of time, so imagine having 20 clients and only 24 hours in one day. I try to give myself enough work to go above and beyond, but not so much to where I can't handle the load. Also, I've never been a bitch to anyone, and I've never been called a bitch, so this image of fashion PR girls being the biggest snobs in the industry isn't definitive of us all. I'm one of the nice PR girls!
What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a PR firm?
I would say study the art of branding, communicating, and promoting. Read up on people who inspire you in business. Write down quotes that stick out to you and will help push you to great heights. Know all of your legality matters, including getting a business license, drawing up contracts and invoices, saving receipts, etc. Network at fashion shows, art galleries, and industry events, and make friends/build solid relationships with other people. Get over your fear of cold-calling and talking to strangers. Start up a blog or website and start promoting!
How long did it take you to see success?
About 6 months into it, I signed my first client. I was hired to do a short-term PR campaign for a newly-launched online fashion magazine. Soon after, I started working with fashion designers, models, and stylists. I'm 2 years into it now, and the one statement I would make about success is Have faith and work as if your dream is really coming true.
Is the money good?
Yes, if you find your niche. Find what works for you. Someone else's formula may not fit for you... that's why you can't be afraid of failure. With failure comes success. Don't give up just because something didn't work. Learn how to make it work until the money starts rolling in.
What are the best and worst things about fashion PR?
The best thing is being my own boss and knowing that I built something out of nothing. I love being a publicist. I get excited talking to editors, going to events and runway shows, being invited to Fashion Week, and getting my clients press. It's the thrill that comes over me that I love the most. The worst thing is sacrificing sleep. I pull a lot of all-nighters or only get a few hours sleep, but I'm not complaining because I'm living my dream!
Here are a few questions that I get the most...
What do you call yourself and what is that?
I'm a publicist. My job is in the public relations/communications industry with a concentration in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, arts, and entertainment. What I do every day is basically media communications by phone and e-mail, organizing events, securing sponsors and guests, writing press releases and articles, promoting our clients online, and following up on new leads. It's a lot of fast-paced work. I hired an assistant earlier this year and she's been a tremendous help to me.
Is PR really like what you see on Kelly Cutrone's TV show, Kell on Earth?
It can be like that. Especially for agencies with a long roster of clients, it can be totally overwhelming. All of the work that goes into just one client can take up a lot of time, so imagine having 20 clients and only 24 hours in one day. I try to give myself enough work to go above and beyond, but not so much to where I can't handle the load. Also, I've never been a bitch to anyone, and I've never been called a bitch, so this image of fashion PR girls being the biggest snobs in the industry isn't definitive of us all. I'm one of the nice PR girls!
What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a PR firm?
I would say study the art of branding, communicating, and promoting. Read up on people who inspire you in business. Write down quotes that stick out to you and will help push you to great heights. Know all of your legality matters, including getting a business license, drawing up contracts and invoices, saving receipts, etc. Network at fashion shows, art galleries, and industry events, and make friends/build solid relationships with other people. Get over your fear of cold-calling and talking to strangers. Start up a blog or website and start promoting!
How long did it take you to see success?
About 6 months into it, I signed my first client. I was hired to do a short-term PR campaign for a newly-launched online fashion magazine. Soon after, I started working with fashion designers, models, and stylists. I'm 2 years into it now, and the one statement I would make about success is Have faith and work as if your dream is really coming true.
Is the money good?
Yes, if you find your niche. Find what works for you. Someone else's formula may not fit for you... that's why you can't be afraid of failure. With failure comes success. Don't give up just because something didn't work. Learn how to make it work until the money starts rolling in.
What are the best and worst things about fashion PR?
The best thing is being my own boss and knowing that I built something out of nothing. I love being a publicist. I get excited talking to editors, going to events and runway shows, being invited to Fashion Week, and getting my clients press. It's the thrill that comes over me that I love the most. The worst thing is sacrificing sleep. I pull a lot of all-nighters or only get a few hours sleep, but I'm not complaining because I'm living my dream!
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