We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charissa Lauren a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Charissa, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
I think every Entrepreneur has thoughts of the stability that a “regular job” brings, even more so once you start a family. The benefits of working corporate or for an employer always provide the sense of stability and benefits can sometimes be more difficult or more costly to achieve as an Entrepreneur.
When I second guess my decision as a business owner, I always focus on the rewards that Entrepreneurship brings. The ability to make my own hours, the ability to work from home, and the work-life balance that owning your own business offers. I know that, as a Mother, Entrepreneurship has given me the opportunity to be present with my children more than I would be able to be working in-office. It’s allowed me to care for my young babies when they were born and I always have the ability to scale down or scale up accordingly.
I’ve grown to appreciate that ability to scale up or down even more, as a mom. There are times in my life when I feel like I need a step back to focus on my kids and enjoy some quality time with them. During those times, I may not take on too many clients. Then, there are times that I may want to go hard with work. It’s nice to be able to be a career woman and a mother and not have to choose between the two.
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 background and context?
A stage background in theater, pageants and modeling introduced me to the fast-paced industries of fashion and entertainment where I worked entry level with companies Victor’s International Modeling Agency, Barbizon Model & Talent, The Talent Group, Miss Pennsylvania USA, the Fashion Board at The Mall at Robinson and Nancy Mosser Casting. Privileged to work on the set of blockbuster films Adventure Land, She’s out of my League, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Zac & Miri and Jack Reacher with Mosser Casting, the entertainment business stuck. I always loved the industry.
I started coordinating shows for Pittsburgh Fashion Week when I became acquainted with the local fashion, music and entertainment scene. Producing Pittsburgh Fashion Week’s “stand-in-room only” opening shows for three years, I consider the event as one that really put Pittsburgh artists on the map. It was then that I thought Pittsburgh might have a market in this industry and maybe I didn’t have to run off to NYC. I stopped pursuing a career in law and started my first Public Relations company at 22.
Over time, I became known for my creativity and ability to connect and position professionals. I specialize in Creative Brand Consulting and Public Positioning, exceeding my client expectations with innovative brand awareness techniques.
I decided PR and journalism were the careers for me because I love highlighting the good in those around me. I love to secure a great press feature and show a client just how great they are.
I’m passionate for entrepreneurship on every level and am working to become a multi-faceted, serial entrepreneur to asset the business world on every angle. I could see myself owning b&b properties one day, an event venue and a studio. I love to host events and produce content for clients.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I definitely think one of the most challenging journey’s I’ve had as a business owner was during the 2020 Pandemic. I was a new mom of a 1-year-old with one on the way and managing a business. Childcare and nanny services were near impossible to find due to the demand and I overestimated how challenging it was going to be to manage my business and care for the babies. It was definitely a difficult time and I had to really excel in time management.
Because the world went virtual, my business was growing at a faster rate and I had a high demand for work. I would care for the babies during the day and try to squeeze my work in every hour that their father could help with the kids, when his 9-5 job wasn’t demanding. I’d find myself working nights 6-10PM, middle of the night during feedings and would wake up extra early from 5am-8am to get things done. This schedule eventually burned me out but it really allowed me to tackle all things during a time when so much was expected of parents.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I think that my passion and genuine care for my clients has always stuck with my work ethic and set me apart from other Publicists. I genuinely have my clients best interest at heart. I have a true passion for helping brands go from the start to the finish line and I love being able to position them, find great opportunities for them, and highlight them in that press. I also believe I have a great ability to see the best in everyone around me, and in everything around me. Many times, people don’t see the light in themselves. I love bringing their light to center stage with a great press story and then witnessing the pride that it brings them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://charissalaurencollective.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charissalaurenpr/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Charissa-Lauren-171141596397405
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charissa-lauren-51737b4b/
Image Credits
Carson Faith Photography