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

Aida , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers

One of the most defining—and unexpected—moments of my entrepreneurial journey happened about sixteen years ago. I had just been laid off from the advertising agency AccentMarketing, and like many executives facing an abrupt transition, I suddenly found myself in a moment of uncertainty, wondering what my next move would be.

Not long after, thanks to the relationships I had built over the years and the support of my friend Betsy Henao, I was given the opportunity to pitch myself as the PR lead for a campaign under 4Diaz Vargas Agency connected to Castrol Oil’s sponsorship of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

It was both exciting and daunting. I knew that most sports journalists and anchors would already be traveling to South Africa to cover the tournament, which meant that if we wanted the brand to truly stand out, we had to approach the story differently. So I proposed an unconventional idea: bringing a well-known telenovela actor to experience the World Cup and share the journey with audiences from a lifestyle and entertainment perspective rather than traditional sports coverage.

Actor Paulo Quevedo agreed to participate, and suddenly we were traveling to South Africa in the middle of the world’s biggest sporting event, creating stories, interviews, and experiences that blended sports, culture, and entertainment in a unique way.

The campaign exceeded every expectation. It generated compelling media opportunities and gave the brand a fresh narrative during one of the most crowded global events imaginable. When we returned from South Africa, Paulo asked me to become his publicist, opening an entirely new chapter in my career.

Looking back, what began as one of the most uncertain moments of my professional life turned into one of the most rewarding. It reminded me that entrepreneurship often requires stepping into the unknown with creativity, resilience, and the confidence to turn an unexpected opportunity into something extraordinary.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have spent more than 25 years working in public relations and strategic communications, helping brands, organizations, and individuals tell their stories in ways that resonate with the right audiences. My career has been rooted in the belief that behind every successful brand or initiative there is a compelling narrative waiting to be discovered and shared.

I began my career working with advertising and marketing agencies, where I learned the importance of strategy, media relationships, and the power of well-crafted storytelling. Over time, I developed a strong specialization in media relations, brand positioning, and reputation management, working across industries that range from corporate brands and nonprofits to entertainment and major sporting events.

Today, my work focuses on helping clients earn meaningful media visibility and credibility. I provide strategic PR consulting, media outreach, campaign development, and messaging support. My role often involves connecting organizations with journalists, shaping narratives that highlight their impact, and ensuring that their stories reach the audiences that matter most. I also help clients navigate opportunities and challenges that arise in the fast-moving media landscape, where timing, relationships, and judgment are everything.

What truly sets my work apart is the combination of long-standing media relationships and a strategic mindset developed over decades in the field. Public relations is not simply about sending press releases—it is about understanding what makes a story newsworthy and positioning it in a way that editors, producers, and audiences find relevant and compelling. Having worked in this space for many years, I’ve built trusted relationships with journalists and media outlets, particularly within national and Hispanic media markets, which allows me to open doors and create opportunities that might otherwise be difficult to access.

One of the things I am most proud of is the diversity of stories I’ve been able to help bring to light. From corporate campaigns tied to global events like the FIFA World Cup, to nonprofit initiatives that make a meaningful impact in their communities, I’ve had the privilege of helping amplify voices and missions that deserve to be heard. For me, the most rewarding part of the work is seeing a client’s story gain traction, inspire audiences, and ultimately help them achieve their goals.

At the heart of my brand is authenticity and trust. I believe in building genuine partnerships with my clients and approaching every project with creativity, integrity, and strategic thinking. My goal is always to help clients elevate their visibility, strengthen their reputation, and tell their story in a way that truly connects.

Ultimately, I want potential clients and collaborators to know that I bring not only experience, but also passion and dedication to every project. Public relations is a constantly evolving field, but the core of the work remains the same: understanding people, recognizing powerful stories, and ensuring they reach the audiences who need to hear them. That is the work that continues to inspire me every day.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

My reputation on social media has grown by applying the same principles I use in public relations—authenticity, consistency, and a focus on cultivating relationships rather than self-promotion. I use my platforms to highlight meaningful work, celebrate my clients’ achievements, and maintain connections with journalists, colleagues, and industry leaders. Over time, this genuine approach has fostered trust and naturally strengthened both my professional network and personal brand. Although I am passionate about my work, I love my family above all, and sharing glimpses of my personal life helps create a deeper, more relatable connection with my audience.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients has always been referrals and long-standing relationships. After many years in public relations, much of my work comes through recommendations from former clients, colleagues, and media contacts who trust the results I deliver. In this industry, reputation and relationships are everything, and word-of-mouth remains the most valuable way to grow a client base.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=aida%20phillips%20public%20relations
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidaphillips/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aida.shalkowphillips
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidaphillipspr/
• Twitter: https://www.threads.com/@aidaphillips
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aidaphillipspr
• Other: TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@aidaphillipspr

Image Credits

Profesional photos – Mariel Siverio – the rest are mine