Mini Feature Friday: Danielle and Carly of theSkimm.

Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin are the masterminds behind one of the greatest newsletters I've ever received in my inbox, theSkimm. The daily e-mail newsletter includes current event news, but with an exciting millennial twist.  

In just two years the ladies have grown their subscriptions from a few hundred to more than 100k! I had the opportunity to ask the founders a couple of questions about theSkimm. Check them out below!

• Brea: How did you decide on the name, theSkimm, for your company? 

Danielle & Carly : theSkimm is meant for busy people, on the go. They need information to start their morning, while going about their own routines. Our company's name is meant to reflect that lifestyle.  

• Brea: As an entrepreneur, what has been the biggest lesson you've learned thus far?

Danielle & Carly: The biggest lesson we've learned so far is to trust your instinct. It's very helpful to talk to people and get a feel for their experiences and challenges, but at the end of the day you'll be making the decisions for your business -- and you need to follow what you think is best. 

I'm sure you don't want to be left out of convos around the water cooler, so subscribe to theSkimm today!

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Feature Friday: Anna Taylor of Pink & Black Magazine.

Anna Taylor is not your typical 23-year-old. The college grad is the editor-in-chief and founder of online magazine Pink & Black. Focused on inspiring 20-something women to grow and become better versions of themselves in all aspects of life, P&B is sure to become your new favorite site (if it isn't already). 

In this interview, Anna discusses her proudest moment involving P&B, the inspiration behind choosing the name, and when you can expect new content on their site!

• Brea: You started Pink & Black while in college, what was that process like?

Anna: I really think that was the best time I could have ever started it because college is such a motivating time. Everyone is very career driven and energized and creative--and I was too! There was a specific type of career experience I was searching for when I started college and Pink & Black ultimately gave me that sense of fulfillment. When I started Pink & Black, I really didn’t have any expectations for it to become what it is today but I put a lot of hours between and after classes, after work at my campus newspaper and between anything else I had going on into it. I’ll even admit that there were many days when I used Pink & Black to procrastinate instead of studying or finishing homework, especially near the end of college because I kept developing new features and grew a bigger presence on social media. I’m proud of all the work I did on it but I really should have gotten out more.

• B: What inspired you to choose the name of your magazine?

A: There really isn’t much of a story behind the name, sadly. I had an untitled project that I really wanted to start and while working on it one day, I had my iTunes library on shuffle. A song called “Pink and Black” started playing and for some reason, it stood out to me. Since then, the brand has sort-of been built around the name. I wouldn’t advise anyone to name a project or business like that though because it doesn’t always work. P&B is still coming around but let’s be honest, pink is the best color to design anything with because it’s so feminine and fun.

• B: There are plenty of 20-something online magazines these days, how does P&B Mag stand out from the rest?

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Feature Friday: Ginelle Lago of GMN Artistic.

Ginelle Lago is the entrepreneur behind GMN Artistic located in Florida. When she's not being a wife and a mother to adorable daughter, Riley, you can find her being the creative genius at her boutique agency. Last year, she opened up a photo studio (as a storefront) in a commercial plaza in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Ginelle says, "I took this great leap of faith after a lot of prayers and time spent talking with God about my life and its purpose". 

In this interview, Ginelle discusses what inspires her, her goals for 2014 and she also gives some advice to those thinking about entrepreneurship!

• Brea: You worked in the Sales and Marketing department at NBC 6 South Florida. What was the most important thing you learned in that position?

Ginelle: The most important thing I learned about working in the Sales and Marketing department at NBC 6 South Florida was to develop strong and positive relationships with your colleagues, clients, vendors and to sell creatively! I was surrounded by a diverse group of professionals and truly great business-minded talent.

• B: With an undergraduate degree in TV Management and Business Administration, when did you realize your passion was in photography and film?

(Magazine cover shot by Lago)

G: I've always had a passion for business AND the arts. I decided to start with the business side until I polished my creative arts.  In every position I've held, I've been able to utilize my business and creative skills. I think it's an asset to obtain both. My undergraduate degree from Florida International University was primarily on the business side while my Master of Fine Arts (Film) from Ai Miami International University of Art & Design was obviously creative training. Both of my degrees, along with hands-on work experience, have served me well as the owner and lead artist at GMN Artistic. I really enjoy developing and producing creative projects for my clients, but I would never get to that point without sales (business).

• B: What was the process like starting your own boutique creative agency, GMN Artistic, Inc.?

G: I started my boutique creative agency, GMN Artistic, in 2002 right before graduating with my undergraduate degree. My mother encouraged me to open my own business and she and my aunt helped me through the process of incorporating. My mother told me to pray about what I wanted the business to become and it would develop in His time. It took quite some time to get it going but, she was right.

•  B: What does a typical day look like for you?

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Feature Friday: Aleesha Carter of K A C Images and U, LLC.

Aleesha Carter is a publicist and CEO of her own firm, K A C Images and U, LLC.  After moving to Atlanta, out of college, she was able to network her way into the entertainment industry and has worked with a number of celebrities like Trina, Rick Ross, Cam Newton and many more.

In this interview she discusses career goals for 2014, finding a balance between work and personal life, and her favorite part of entertainment PR.

• Brea: Describe your job in one sentence.

Aleesha: The art of capturing moments on behalf of a brand.

 

• B: How would you say K A C Images and U differentiates itself from other PR firms?

A: K A C, Images and U, LLC. thrives on a significant foundation of relationships, consistency and value on behalf of the brand’s clientele abroad.  I wanted to build a name that is of significance to representing images that we consider as a reflection of our own. The name alone represents a strong meaning to my personal development. We remain a unique boutique that continuously strives on delivering results.

• B: What is your favorite part of Entertainment PR?

A: I do not have one particular part of the entertainment sector when it comes to Public Relations; I am more enthused about the art behind being the talent, behind the talent. I love the creative chemistry that PR brings with it. The entertainment industry welcomed me with open arms, and it is enjoyable to be able to represent talent within such environment. If I had to decide on one area, it would be witnessing clientele deliver a connection with their audience.

• B: Is there anything you dislike about the industry?

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Feature Friday: Ruth Ann Wiesner of RAW Marketing.

As CEO of  RAW Marketing  Ruth Ann Wiesner is a self- proclaimed "Principal Cleaver Heaver”. This describes the no-nonsense approach that she takes with every aspect of the creation and operation of RAW Marketing.

Highlighted as one of the Top 125 Women Entrepreneurs for the Chicago area, Top Mompreneur of 2012, and recently a finalist as one of the Top 25 Awesome Mom-Based Biz in Chicago, Ruth Ann has burst onto the scene with her creative and innovative marketing techniques.

In this interview she discusses why she started her own firm, the relaunch of RawMrktg.com and more!

    

• Brea: What attracted you to PR/Marketing?

RuthAnn: I have always been intrigued by the sayings "You can't change someones perception." and "Perception is Reality". When I first began in Marketing and PR, I quickly realized that (when done correctly), through Marketing and PR, you have the power to change just about anyones perception of anything. That type of influence is very powerful, especially when most people do not realize that everything created by a Marketing/PR or Advertising agency is done to invoke a very specific perception of their client or their clients product.
 

• B: Why did you decide to open your own firm? 

R: After working at the Directorship level of Marketing (the PR Dept rolls up under Marketing in most larger businesses) for many years, my life took an exciting turn and I found myself relocating. In the process, I was approached to continue handling the Marketing for my client, but in a consulting role from afar. Within weeks of my relocation, I had acquired half a dozen more clients and decided I better make this official, and RAW Marketing was born! 

• B: In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception people have about PR/Marketing? 

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Feature Friday: Sarah Tiambeng.

•  Brea: Tell me about yourself.

Sarah: I am a Public Relations Account Executive at Zehnder Communications in New Orleans, Louisiana. I’m in my third year at the agency with clients in food and beverage, health care and banking industries. I am a proud graduate of the journalism school at the University of Missouri.

• B: What do you like most about PR?

S: I love the versatility of the industry. Public relations is a career that requires adaptability and agility because the landscape of communications is always changing. My career keeps me motivated to experiment with and evolve the ways I try to accomplish my client’s goals in a way that allows me to combine my technical skills and my creativity.

 

• B: How did you land your current position at Zehnder Communications and what are your responsibilities in that position?

S: I decided I wanted to move back to New Orleans, my hometown, after completing a 6-month internship in Dallas. I always considered going back there so I knew of a few companies I was interested in and admired. I cold emailed a handful of people with my resume letting them know I’d be moving back and would love the chance to meet with them. It was a big gamble because I’d never taken that approach before, but I was pleasantly surprised by the responses!
 
I started with the company as an Account Coordinator and am now a public relations account executive. I serve as the day-to-day contact for my clients and I execute the PR plans and strategies I’ve developed with my supervisor and team members.

• B: How has being a member of PRSA helped you in your career?

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Feature Friday: Taylor Washington.

• Brea: Tell me about yourself

Taylor: My name is Taylor Washington. I am currently a junior at Howard University majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Sports Management. Like you're average #PRGirl, I spend every free second checking and updating social media, following blogs, and staying up to date with current news. (and behind closed doors, I am a reality TV junkie).

Hailing from the state where "Everything is bigger", I pride myself in saying "y'all", being a southern belle, screaming "Go Cowboys" on Sunday and being overly obsessed with TexMex, crawfish, and sweet tea. I love music, live shows, and Beyoncé.

• B: What do you love most about PR/Marketing?

T: I love that it allows me to embrace my creativity to the fullest. You have all these other industries that place people in a box with harsh restrictions and a How-To manual on what to do. With PR, I feel like I really get the chance to think outside the box and try things that have never been done before without any backlash. 

I love that PR is always changing, because with its constant evolution I am required to live a life far from complacent that also requires me to constantly grow with it, stay up to date on trends, and conduct research. I love that PR/Marketing allows me the opportunity to combine my social personality with my passion for writing, communications, and the entertainment industry into a career. And finally, I love that it allows me to be a storyteller for the voiceless and even help someone become whoever he or she wants to be to the public. 

• B: You’ve been very busy as an undergrad by interning at several companies, such as: The Chamber Group, The Huxley, BET, and most recent, The Recording Academy. Which one has presented a challenge to you and how did you overcome it?

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Feature Friday- Alanna and Natalie of Belle and Bold PR.

San Antonio natives, Alanna D'Antonio and Natalie Saldaña, are the ladies behind the boutique firm Belle and Bold Public Relations. These 20-something PR owners, have been featured as Women in PR's Publicist of the Day and since starting their firm in 2013 they have quite the growing clientele.

In this interview, the B+B PR duo talk Women in PR, career goals and even Adele!

• Brea: How did you two meet?

Alanna: We first met when I was a freshman in high school and Natalie was a junior. We were originally partnered up as freshman/junior “buddies” based on a school-wide personality test. We both went to a small private Catholic school that wanted the freshman students to have a junior “buddy” so you have someone you can reach out to for help etc.

Natalie: We kept in touch over Facebook with the annual “Happy Birthday” post. It wasn't until last Spring that I reached out to Alanna when I had started doing freelance PR and saw she was as well. We met up for coffee, caught up on what’s been going on over the past few years and decided to collaborate on a client Alanna had. 

• B: What do you like most about PR?

Alanna: When we first meet with a client and they list all of their dreams for their business and knowing we are going to help them come to fruition. We both grew up in this industry and it’s a rewarding feeling when you can turn your passion into your business.

Natalie: We truly do it for the client and feel that public relations is one of the best outlets a business can utilize. There is nothing better than word of mouth!

• B: What inspired you to start your firm, Belle and Bold PR?

Alanna: It happened on accident from our clients we were freelancing on referring us to more and more clients. It was a ripple effect and we decided to take a leap of faith and capitalized on the momentum we had going. We call ourselves “accidental” entrepreneurs because we both had

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Feature Friday: Susset Cabrera of Peacock Public Relations.

Susset Cabrera is a public relations professional and blogger behind Miami Beats and Sazon, which features local events, charities and more around the Miami area.

Founded by Susset in May 2010, Peacock Public Relations is a full-service public relations, marketing, events and social media company headquartered in South Florida. The company has established a diverse clientele including professionals and institutions from the retail, music, fashion and entertainment industries.

• Brea: You have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. What attracted you to Public Relations?

Susset: Right after graduating from the School of Business at the University of Miami, I ran into my advisor from The Miami Hurricane Student Newspaper (I had worked at the newspaper since freshman year in college). This professor asked me what my plans were “now that I had finally graduated” and I told him I wanted to pursue an MBA. But, he suggested I look into a masters degree in public relations since I was always very social throughout my college years. I personally didn’t know much about the field because they didn’t offer PR classes at the business school. However, once he explained the functions of PR to me, I felt like I had been a publicist without even knowing it. During my time at the newspaper, I pitched my friend’s band to the music editor and they ended up running a full page cover story on their new work. It was definitely one of those “aha” moments for me!

• B: PR students often hear that there is no need to pursue a master’s degree in PR. What made you want to attain your degree in that field?

S: Well, I had the opportunity to pursue a graduate degree and I wanted to focus on a specific industry rather than go for an MBA which is pretty general. Once I learned about PR and it resonated with my interests, I decided that I needed to learn as much about the field as possible. My graduate degree has definitely molded me into an expert in my field and I’m proud of the hard work I had to go through to finally obtain my second advanced degree.

• B: Did you experience any post grad hardships and how did you overcome them?

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Feature Friday: Kristina Amaral.

• Brea: Tell me about yourself.

Kristina: Hi there! I’m Kristina—a graduate of Rutgers University and I work full-time as a PR professional in the big apple! I pursued degrees in English and Journalism & Media Studies, along with a minor in Digital Communication, Information & Media. I dream big and hope that with enough hard work, strategic thinking and constant thirst for learning, I will be a leading marketing and PR icon!

• B: Congratulations on being named PRWeek’s 2013 Student of the Year winner! What advice can you give PR students who hope to enter in upcoming years?

K: Thank you so much!! I strongly encourage applicants to be strategic & innovative. The best marketing campaigns are innovative and usually ignite the spark of an upcoming trend. Push yourself to think outside the box when creating the concept and keep the client’s business goals at the forefront.

However, innovation is just the idea, the execution must be as strong—each tactic should be linked with strategy and purpose. From there, create an idea that is scalable—it can be a global/national initiative but could also be scaled to a smaller local/regional level. No matter what each component must be strategic so do lots of research!

• B: You’ve worked with some big name companies! How did you land your current position at Taylor and what are your responsibilities as Account Coordinator?

K: I initially interned at Taylor during the summer of 2012, in which I worked on Procter & Gamble’s Thank You, Mom campaign during the London 2012 Olympics. I learned a vast amount and had the opportunity to network with talented professionals. After the PRWeek awards and graduation, I kept in touch with my mentors there and the HR manager—luckily, an opportunity became available and I was top of mind! It was a blessing.

As an Account Coordinator, I coordinate and distribute press materials, pitch media personnel and secure positive placements for our clients, develop robust media lists, research, analysis, fact sheets, and manage communication with partners for client activations and events.

• B: What do you consider the most challenging aspect of PR?

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Feature Friday: Hope Frick.

        

• Brea: Tell me about yourself

Hope: I’m Hope Frick. I graduated a semester early, in December, with a degree in Public Relations from Waynesburg University. I live in Elizabethtown, Pa. with my family and my dog (who steals the spotlight on my Instagram). I’m a huge movie fanatic (so sad awards season is over), I’m a sushi lover and I check People.com before I check my Facebook and Twitter every morning. Also, my mom likes to call me Elle Woods because I’m obsessed with small dogs and my wardrobe mainly consists of varying shades of pink.

• B: What do you like most about PR/Marketing?
  

H: In high school, my parents said they’d send me to college to do what I do best…talking. That being said, PR/Marketing lets me feel “me”. I love writing and social networking, so PR/Marketing lets me combine all my interests. It’s a really creative field so I feel inspired everyday and can really think outside of the box. Plus, I’m awful at math and there’s very little math involved.

• B: I noticed you are currently interning with Tower Marketing, how did you land that position?
  

H: I’ve been interning with Tower Marketing since December. I was graduating early from college and I was a bit (probably too much) obsessive about finding a job after graduation. I was really eager to get into the field. I stumbled upon the job listing on LinkedIn and applied on a whim. I just really clicked with the team who interviewed me and was ultimately offered the job (I found out in the middle of class and screamed during a lecture, I was so excited!) I made sure to include my best writing samples and social media snippets in my portfolio and also made sure my resume was the best reflection of my educational and professional experiences. Hard work really pays off; it’s such a rewarding feeling!
Sadly, I’ll be leaving Tower next week, but I’m happy to share that I accepted a full time position as the Social Media Coordinator for Fresh Creative Inc., a digital marketing agency in Lebanon, Pa. I’m so excited to start this next chapter of my career and I’m completely convinced my work at Tower helped me land this new position.

• B: What does a typical day look like for you?
  

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Feature Friday: Alisha Nicole.

• Brea: Tell me about yourself

Alisha: I’m Alisha, 25 year old lifestyle blogger and small business owner currently living in North Carolina. When I’m not working you can find me getting my reality TV fix, stalking social media or playing with my pups.

• B: What do you like most about PR?

A: What I love most about PR is being able to see the growth of brands and knowing that I had some part in making that happen! As a small business owner I know how great it feels to see your product show up on one of your favorite sites. I also love that PR because it requires me to use my other passions as well like writing and using social media.

• B: As a fellow PR grad, what advice do you have for those who are graduating this spring?

A: I would definitely tell you to keep networking your butt off and building relationships even after you graduate. Also don’t get down if you haven’t landed your dream position yet, try things like doing some freelance work and/or blogging to stay in the PR loop.

• B: If you could go back to undergrad, what would you do differently?

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Feature Friday: Elise Sabak.

                                    

• Brea: Tell me about yourself

Elise: I’m a soon to be graduate from Wayne State University in Detroit with a degree in English. I’m a fashion and beauty obsessee but I definitely was not always that way. I grew up a science geek (and somewhere in my heart I still am one) and one day picked up an issue of Teen Vogue and it changed my life. The fashion industry inspires me every day, and it spans beyond clothing. I love the designers, the seasonal strategy and the concepts of merchandizing.

Oh! And I’m a caffeine addict. My preferred modes are slurpees and iced lattes, extra shot.

• B: Congrats on your upcoming graduation! What advice would you give to students just beginning their undergrad journey in PR?

E: Thank you! I am so excited (also a bit scared!). Most people would say networking, which is so true—it’s never too early to start. But, I think that students just starting in any field, but particularly in PR, need to sit down for a couple hours and think about their decision and ask themselves a few reflective questions.

1) Is PR something that you want to challenge yourself with every day?

2) Why PR? Because it’s glamorous (because take it from me, it is not glamorous every day)?

3) Are you going into this field for the right reasons?

Making a pros and cons list and taking time to reflect on your decisions will help you grow, and hopefully motivate you to take the next steps in school, such as joining PRSSA.

• B: What area of PR are you interested in and why?

E: I’m most interested in fashion/beauty PR. There’s something so intriguing about an industry that is as quickly paced and competitive as fashion. It definitely helps that I have a complete obsession with the goings-on of the fashion and beauty industries. It’s a faction of PR that is both beautiful and calculated, tactical and glamorous at times. Most importantly, it’s the area that exhilarates me and pushes me to wake up each morning ready to work.

• B: What is your dream job?

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Feature Friday: Maggie Ziemann.

                       

• Brea: Tell me about yourself

Maggie: I am a junior at Illinois State University majoring in Public Relations. I was born and raised in Chicago. I am a coffee addict and not afraid to admit it. You can always find me on my iPhone checking social media sites and staying up-to-date on the latest news!

• B: What do you like most about PR?

M: I like how there are so many directions in public relations. I love that it requires you to write, network, use social media, be creative and work with others. I love to write and I love social media, so being able to combine those two into a profession is what really attracted me.

• B: You recently rebranded your blog from PR Girl Maggie to imPRess PR, what was that process like? Did you learn anything new about branding?

M: I decided to create a brand that wasn’t so much about myself, but more about everyone I’m reaching out to. The process wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be because I had the help of Kayla Hollatz, founder of exPRessions PR! She really helped me with the visual aspect of my blog and after conversing with her, it helped point me in the direction of where I wanted to go.

The idea of rebranding had been a thought of mine since November of 2013 but I just didn’t have the time to commit to it yet. Using Weebly also made the process painless. Weebly gives you so many options to switch your look and idea without wiping out all your content, which was a plus! I also couldn’t have done it without the support of my Twitter followers spreading the word of my rebrand and following imPRess PR’s Twitter account!

• B: As Director of Relations at your university’s chapter of PRSSA, what are some benefits of joining the organization?

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Feature Friday: Aurian Shervington.

                

• Brea: Tell me about yourself

Aurian: Ha, the dreaded interview question! Just kidding.Well, my name is Aurian (pronounced Ah-ree-on) but everyone calls me Auri. I’m in my last semester of graduate school at the University of South Florida majoring in Sport and Entertainment Management. It’s a dual degree program (MBA and MS) and I’m proud to be in the inaugural class! I actually graduated from USF with a BA in Political Science, random I know.

I work as the Event Marketing Resident at the Tampa Bay Times Forum and I love PR and Marketing. I also like food. Actually I love food. And music. And laughing. And food.

• B: If you could go back to undergrad what would you do differently?

A: My initial thought was “Change my major!” but in all honesty, I wouldn’t change anything. I learned so much about myself in undergrad; I feel so blessed and grateful to have had the experience. I learned to take care of myself, be comfortable with who I am and to do what truly makes me happy. I know it sounds corny and a bit cliché but I seriously, and unknowingly, found myself.

I also found out that my lifelong mission to be an attorney was no longer my dream. I initially wanted to venture into Sports Law but quickly realized that I needed to work with people and create ideas. After taking on a few internships in sports marketing and entertainment PR, I figured out what worked for me.

• B: What area of PR are you most interested in and why?

A: I’m definitely interested in entertainment PR. My first experience in entertainment PR was at my internship for a boutique entertainment and sports group in Tampa. I was the Publicity Coordinator for a rookie NFL player and learned so much about patience and how to draft my first press release. Working in event marketing has been amazing and I’ve been able to watch various players like the publicist, agent, tour manager and media reps in action. I love being in the thick of things and compiling strategies for clients. It’s also a great challenge to pitch shows and artists to fit with the appropriate media outlet. Learning what works and what doesn’t work for each individual artist and show is exciting.

• B: Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! How has your MBA program helped you prepare for post grad life?

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Feature Friday: Elvira Guzman.

PR pro and author of Your Blueprint: An Interactive Guide to Remembering Your True Purpose in Life, Elvira Guzman is basically the bees knees.

Guzman started her own PR & Branding company at 23 years old, worked under comedian, radio host, actor and author Steve Harvey for 9 years and was recognized by magazines such as: Sister 2 Sister Magazine, Urban Influence Magazine and Latina Magazine. She has produced a number of radio and television shows and is making her way to the movie scene.

In this interview, she reveals how she got her start in the wonderful world of PR.

• Brea: You have a Political Science/Law & Society degree. What attracted you to Public Relations?

Elvira: I was living in New York working for Steve Harvey and he would ask me every day what I wanted to do with my life now that I had graduated from USC. He knew that I could do anything I wanted because I had literally held almost every position at his company and was successful. I honestly didn’t know because I no longer wanted to become a lawyer and I didn’t care for the Hollywood life anymore.

One day he sent me on a meeting with a successful publicity company owner, and she told me that she was a TV and music producer in addition to representing top celebrities. I didn’t know you could do it all via the publicity umbrella because you get to know everyone. So I quickly decided I wanted to start my own company…a publicity and branding company but in Los Angeles. Close to my family.

• B: Your resume is a PR student’s dream! You’ve worked in so many areas of Entertainment PR ranging from music to television. What was your favorite area to work in and why?

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Feature Friday: Samantha Dickson.

                     

• Brea: Tell me about yourself.

Samantha: I am 22 years old and I am originally from a small-town just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I attended Queen’s University for my undergraduate degree where I completed my BAH in Political Science and Sociology. I just recently moved to New York City to pursue my Masters in Public Relations and Corporate Communication at New York University. This was definitely a dream come true. I have a love for traveling, chocolate and social media!

• B: Why PR?

S: I grew up thinking I wanted to be a lawyer. It took a lot of convincing myself not to apply to law school (I even wrote the LSATS). I think what it came down to was the fact that my heart wasn’t in it any longer. After much deliberation, I reflected on my internship experience and I realized how much I loved communications. I chose public relations because it was a career that reflected everything I was passionate about.

• What area of PR are you most interested in and why?

S: Such a tough call! There are so many great industries to explore when it comes to public relations. Currently, I am exploring the hospitality and lifestyle side to the career. I grew up with a chef in the family, and I’ve always had an interest in exploring new restaurants. Since I love to travel, I find the travel/tourism side quite appealing as well. I think I am just open to exploring the possibilities until I find the right fit.

• B: There are a few articles that discourage students from going to grad school for PR, why did you make the decision to go?

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Feature Friday: Aysha Malik.

• Brea: Tell me about yourself.

Aysha: Hello! My name is Aysha Malik and I’m currently a senior at Shenandoah University, pursing a degree in Mass Communications with a Public Relations emphasis and an Entrepreneurship minor. It’s crazy that its already senior year- its been a fun ride but I’m ready to get out there into the real world!

I also serve as President for my chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, a women’s fraternity focused on music and service. I’m involved with a lot of extracurricular activities at my school- people joke that I’ve never met a club/organization that I didn’t like.

•  B: What do you like most about PR?

A: I love that it gives me the chance to promote people and organizations that truly make a difference. Some people do so much good and have so much to offer the world but do not understand the importance of media or how to really take advantage of their opportunities. I like to be that liason and love to see these people/organizations achieve their goals.

•  B: How have you immersed yourself in the PR field as an undergraduate student?

 A: It was especially tough for me because my university doesn’t offer many classes in PR. It’s a small, private university so while the professors are amazing, they just cannot teach every single class. So, I took it upon myself to immerse myself. I learned a lot from other blogs from aspiring professionals, Twitter chats, and networking on social media. It’s amazing how helpful people can be as resources! After I felt like I had the basics down, I went out into the Winchester, VA community and started doing PR work pro bono for experience. I’m a kinesthetic learner, so doing this was such a good move for me.

I’ve also done about 4 internships already, all regarding social media and PR work for various offices at my school. I don’t even know if these internships existed before I did them, but if you can’t find opportunities, you gotta make them. Am I right?!

• B: What have you learned from your internships that you would not have learned without first hand experience?

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Feature Friday: Shannon Sloan.

• Brea: Tell me about yourself

Shannon: I moved to Florida from Michigan when I was 18. I graduated from the University of South Florida with a major in Mass Communication and a minor in Business Administration.

After graduation, I realized I wanted to travel and I backpacked through Europe, until I was hired full-time at Great Expectations as a Communications Manager.

• B: Congratulations on being hired at the Great Expectations Children’s Museum after graduation! What does a typical day look like for you?

S: Every day is different. I usually start by looking at emails and answering phone calls. From there, I schedule Facebook posts, work on graphic design projects, update our website, plan events, write newsletters and coordinate volunteers. Working at a nonprofit means a lot of responsibilities!

• B: What do you like most about working in non-profit PR?

S: I love working at a nonprofit because I get to do something I love, while making a difference. We’re more than a children’s museum and we help provide education to Title One schools, provide free admission to underprivileged kids and help other charities with their missions. It feels great knowing that I’m a part of making this community a better place.

• B: What is your best advice for those currently job searching?

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Feature Friday: Sissy Yee.

I’m kind of taking a new direction with my blog and thought I would start  “Feature Friday” to spotlight my fellow PR folks.

This just happens to be my first “Feature Friday” victim interview. Enjoy!

           

• Brea: Tell me about yourself.

Sissy: Hi! I’m Sissy. I’ve recently graduated with my B.A. in Public Relations from the University of South Florida—while also going down an educational path in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Business and Philosophy. It was a fun ride but I’ll admit, I’m glad to be off :P

After graduating I traveled around the world for four months and now I’m currently in Florida trying to pursue a life in NYC or London…whichever shows an opportunity to me first! I’m open to breaking into the world of PR, advertising or graphic design. Preferably something in fashion, art or music.

• B: What do you like most about PR?

S: Oooo there’s a lot I like about PR! I actually didn’t really even know what PR was until I was in the midst of doing it! I was working with a musician friend of mine, Luminary Youth, working as his manager. While doing so, I was actually doing a lot of PR work and struggling to decide what to major in when he suggested I do PR! Then I did my research and found out a lot about it and came to really like what it was.
So, what do I like most about PR you ask? The main things I enjoy about it are: it’s social, it can be free and it gives a lot of room for creative thinking. The social aspect hits me because I think it’s great that a large part of the PR world is networking and maintaining relationships. Doing this helps open a myriad of opportunities and learning about things you might not have ever thought you’d be interested in.

What I mean about it being free is that it’s not like advertising, where a company has to pay to be seen. With PR, you can just write a press release, granted it must be of worth, and it could make front page of major news outlets.

Lastly, I enjoy the spaciousness of creative thinking. I’ve always been a fan of guerilla marketing and with PR, you can implement some really interesting guerilla tactics to gain attention from the masses. There’s not many limitations with how creative one can get, as opposed to advertising where there’s usually a lot of guidelines or rules to be followed with your client.

• B: What are your career goals for 2014?

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