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

Melinda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Is your team able to work remotely? If so, how have you made it work? What, if any, have been the pitfalls? What have been the non-obvious benefits?

Thankfully, all you need to do your job in PR is a phone, laptop, and wifi! I have been able to keep overhead costs low by not renting a traditional office space, instead opting to either work from home or at a co-working space. This flexibility has also helped me continue on with my love of travel, knowing that I can work from virtually anywhere. My clients know that wherever I am in the world, I will continue working and am still reachable if needed.

The low overhead cost of working remotely has also allowed me to pay my part-time assistants fairly. Something I did not experience when I started in the industry.

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

I first learned about Public Relations from watching MTV’s The Hills! I was in college majoring in History, with the goal of becoming a high school History teacher. A few friends were communications majors and that sounded really exciting to me so I switched. Then after watching The Hills (which premiered my freshman year, a few months after changing my major), I knew PR was the name for what I saw myself doing! I moved to LA after my “victory lap” (the 3rd semester of my senior year) to pursue my dream career. Over a decade later and another cross-country move, I am excited to use my entertainment PR experience to help business owners and thought leaders tell their stories. I assist with everything from general Public Relations services and brand consulting to events and influencer relations. It’s an absolute honor to help these amazing leaders tell their stories. In recent years, I have started to focus more on helping female entrepreneurs and thought leaders as we need to lift up their stories and voices!

Over the years, I have been able to work with so many amazing brands both nationally and locally. Throughout my career, I have been able to work on lots of exciting projects, including GRAMMY and PRSA award-winning campaigns.

I have also been able to create a space for young publicists or those looking to break into the PR industry to gain valuable experience, while I take a mentor role. I am proud to say that nearly everyone who has worked along side me has been able to go on and land successful roles at major companies.

I am currently based in Raleigh, NC and when I am not working or traveleing, I love spending time with my two adorable nephews, Ryder and Isaiah.

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

I always believe that the best client you can get is a referral. I am extremely fortunate that 90% of my clients throughout the life of my business have been through referrals. If you provide quality service and meet your client’s needs, they will be your biggest cheerleaders. Sure, you can launch a full-blown marketing and social campaign to bring in new clients BUT people trust their friends and family’s word most of all.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I first moved to LA in December 2009, I knew absolutely no one and didn’t have a job. I had gone out a few times for “planning trips” to interview with companies, meet potential roommates, and just get a general lay of the land. Being that we were in a recession and I was coming from a private university in North Carolina that no one had ever heard of, I didn’t have a ton of luck finding a job that would allow me to move across the country. I was only offered unpaid internships. However, I knew that it was my destiny to be in Los Angeles and work in entertainment. So I packed up my SUV, along with $500, a few gift cards from Christmas, and a bag of quarters my grandpa had given me, and I drove across the country to start my new life. My family didn’t want me to go, and my friends thought I was insane, but I knew this was what I was MEANT to do.

Very long story short: I spent the next year of my life working three unpaid internships at once, coaching cheerleading, tray passing at industry events, and doing a lot of temp work at random offices – all while sleeping on someone’s floor – JUST so I could gain enough experience and contacts to be able to land a full-time job at a PR firm. It was not easy but again, I absolutely knew I was in the right place, working towards my dreams.

Over the last decade-plus, I have worked at some of the smallest agencies and some of the largest. I have hit rock bottom, burned out to the point that I suffered major health problems, quit jobs, been laid off, and moved across the country. It all got me to where I am today and I couldn’t be more thankful. I have been able to create a business that is extremely successful helping others make their businesses successful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.melindajacksonpr.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/melindajacksonpr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelindaJacksonPR
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-jackson-4b8b7b108/

Image Credits
Nicole Jordan Photography, Kathleen Nollis Photography