Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jonell Whitt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jonell, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

As a publicist, I believe it’s our responsibility to show our clients the true value of their brand and how to properly promote it. One of the most effective ways to do that is by developing an exceptional pitch that lands interviews and media coverage.

My journey into journalism began for two reasons:
a) I was inspired by trailblazing publisher Jamie Foster Brown.
b) I discovered my own voice when I started writing pitches for magazines, and editors would copy, paste, and publish my words almost verbatim. That experience showed me the power of storytelling—and that I could tell my own.

Throughout my life and career, I’ve learned that building genuine relationships is everything. I’m naturally open, friendly, and real—sometimes brutally honest, which can be both a blessing and a curse. But what I’ve found is that when you connect with people authentically, those relationships become priceless. They’ll open doors money simply cannot buy.

Another lesson I’ve learned: collaboration is impact. Pairing the right brands with the right people is a winning formula. During my four years working with Grey Goose (Bacardi) and Diageo brands, I saw firsthand how strategic partnerships with the right celebrities and tastemakers could turn an event into a moment—and a brand into a movement.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

​Jonell Whitt is the founder and CEO of Jonell PR Brand Management, LLC, a boutique public relations and talent management firm based in Atlanta. Her journey into PR began in 2008 after a successful 17-year career in mortgage lending and selling real estate. Following the housing market crash in 2008/2009 it was the worst 2 years of her life. So very distrought this led to a serious depression as now I became accustomed to a lifestyle that only real estate sales could afford as I didn’t have a degree in any particular field. I started bartending and waitressing to supplement my income and through one of my good friends, writer /TIffany Rose visiting from Los Angeles I met Roger Bobb. Vice President of Tyler Perry Studios. This friendship eventually created a new opportunity after another actress/girlfriend of mine Mari Morrow suggested Roger Bobb hire me as his publicist.

Through that one connection with Roger Bobb—former SVP of Tyler Perry Studios and CEO of Bobbcat Films—I was introduced to the world of public relations. With Bobb as my first client, I immersed myself in the industry, learning the intricacies of media relations, branding, and event coordination. The first business relationship I developed was with a woman who was in charge of obtaining celebrities to attend the Kentucky Derby. This was a longtime dream of mine to attend the Kentucky Derby even if I had to be “the help” aka the Publicist responsible for getting then celebrity couple and House of Payne actors “Eva Marcille & Lance Gross” there along with Roger Bobb. Through being kind one of the hotel employees who was gifted a ticket re-gifted it to me on the 3rd row of the races. “funny fact” people were asking me to take their food order even though I was dressed for the derby and wearing a derby hat. (sad) I imagine certain folks assumed I couldn’t afford that ticket and must be working. Wow! Welcome to Kentucky right? After being insulted I returned to the “sky box” with my clients sitting right next to Michael Jordan. I thought to myself “I love my life”

Jonell PR Brand Management has represented a diverse clientele, including entertainment figures like Sean Garrett, Demetria McKinney, Evelyn, Traci, Towanda and Trina Braxton during season 1 and 2 of the show. I even booked the ladies including Toni and Tamar Braxton on the Dr Phil show which was the 1st installation of the celebrity segments. I worked with many brands such as Diageo, Grey Goose Vodka, Vitamin Water, EOS, Designers, Alicia Igless, Emmy award winning makeup artist The Greenroom Agency, singer Ray Lavendar,, rapper Big Gipp (Goodie Mobb), Sky Whatley, actor Caleb Dixon, reality stars Yung Joc, Martell Holt, Ralph Pittman Jr., Sheree Whitfield, Bob Whitfield, Dr Contessa Metcalfe, Spa Owner Margo Taylor, facial plastic surgeon Dr Aaron. Fletcher and more.
The firm has also produced over 50 celebrity events and movie premiere parties, securing media exposure across various platforms .​jonellprbrand.com

Personally I attribute my success to my genuine passion for people, consistency, and transparency. My word is important. Building strong relationships and being a woman of my word is pricless. These are the qualities that have helped me navigate the competitive PR landscape and establish a reputable brand

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my social media audience by sharing my life. “No holds barred” – people loved the inside peek I gave them to my life as a celebrity publicist especially sharing on facebook stories and photos. I was new to facebook and I took full advantage of my audience . I recognized a gap in how emerging artists, influencers, and brands were being represented. I launched all my social media pages as Jonell PR Brand to offer customized, hands-on PR and branding services. My unique background in journalism gave me a sharp eye for storytelling, and my ability to connect with both clients and media professionals helped to build a trusted reputation in the industry.

I provided media placements in top publications and outlets; brand positioning and strategy, red carpet coordination, social media campaigns and influencer collaborations. I let my audience in on crisis communication and image consulting showing it all take place online.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

You foster brand loyalty by not cutting corners. I email clients and people and stay in touch with them and have genuine concern for them as human beings and never just look at them as clients. You cannot view people as merely a paycheck.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jonellprbrand.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonellprbrand/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonellprbrand/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonellwhitt/
• Twitter: https://x.com/JonellMediaPR
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JonellPR
• Other: My podcast https://www.spreaker.com/user/jojo-n-deezstreets–11638145

Image Credits

David Collins Photography