We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carmen Grayson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carmen below.

Carmen , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

While starting in the entertainment industry, It was difficult trying to break in and make a name for myself. Doors were closing left and right. In my early career. I had a few individuals that were kind enough to give me an opportunity. One in particular is Lloyd Lewis CEO of Personal Touch Entertainment out of San Francisco. He brought me onto his team and found a role for me within his amazing company. He took a chance on me and really educated me about the nightlife entertainment business in the bay area. He really took the time to teach a young grasshopper the ropes. I am forever grateful and not only did he mentor me but he is now a great friend that I can bounce back ideas with. As a young woman in the entertainment industry that is mostly dominated by men it was hard to make a name for myself where people would deem you credible, knowledgeable “vouch” for you. He took a chance on me and I am forever grateful. Never judge a book by it’s cover. I was worth the risk.

Carmen , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Carmen’s journey into the world of entertainment began in her formative years, where she exhibited an undying interest in the limelight. From landing lead roles in school plays to pursuing
a BA in Communications at Long Beach State University, she laid a robust foundation for her
future endeavors. Her academic pursuits seamlessly blended with her passion for the industry,
setting the stage for a career that would redefine the Hollywood PR landscape.
Returning to the Bay Area, Carmen quickly carved a niche for herself as “Msbayarea411.” Her
insightful club reports on 106.1 KMEL, alongside DJ Backside, and her on-air persona at 94.1
WHAP Radio showcased her versatility. Carmen’s charismatic voice also found resonance in
various Bay Area Podcasts, highlighting her multifaceted talents and establishing her as a
prominent figure in the local entertainment scene.
The turning point in Carmen’s career came when she graced the screens of WeTv’s reality show
in 2017, appearing in two episodes. This exposure opened doors to broader opportunities within
the Hollywood scene, especially in the realm of promotions for some of the hottest Hip-Hop and
R&B parties. Collaborating with renowned DJs and entertainment icons, Carmen’s visibility
surged, and she quickly became a sought-after personality in the industry.
However, Carmen’s journey didn’t stop at celebrity events. Her foray into the concert sector,
particularly with Bobby Dee Presents and Uncle Snoop’s Army concerts, marked a pivotal
moment. Inspired by her experiences behind the scenes, Carmen made a leap into the PR
world, finding mentorship under the esteemed Barbara Sanchez, CEO of Elegant PR.
Recognizing Carmen’s dedication, poise, and drive, Barbara welcomed her as a junior publicist,
fostering her growth within the firm.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect about being a publicist is you get to work on some amazing projects. You get inside privy information on product launches and also the most rewarding is I get to work with some of the most creative people in the world and are one of the very first people to either listen to or see an artist’s newest creation.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson I learned was not to expect the clients to see the value of publicity and marketing. One of the challenges is getting the client to understand the measuring of ROI of PR campaigns. I learned a valuable lesson Just like many other industries during the pandemic. The norms, routines, and expectations that governed the way we work were turned upside down and we’re all in the process of trying to navigate the new normal after the covid epidemic. The pandemic made it difficult to meet with clients in person. The pandemic made it difficult or impossible to meet in person at client meetings, industry events, and elsewhere. The drastic reduction in the amount of real facetime has led to previous contacts being lost and fewer new ones made. Rebuilding face-to-face relationships (and making new ones) was at its all time high. These days everyone is so used to doing all business meetings on Zoom or Google Meet that phone calls have become more intimate and personal. I make it a point to pick up the phone and follow up with clients and check in to keep that personal relationship alive and intimate

Contact Info:

• Website: elegantpr.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/carmengraysonpr
• Other: [email protected]