We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Marie Y. Lemelle, MBA, PhD a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Marie Y., appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I started Platinum Star Public Relations, Inc. in 2000 with one clear intention: to amplify voices that deserved to be heard but were often left out of the conversation. I wasn’t trying to follow trends—I was following purpose. I knew in my heart that representation matters, and I wanted to build something that reflected that belief. The idea didn’t come from a place of comfort—it came from fire, from witnessing time and again how the media overlooked brilliant people doing meaningful work. I wanted to change the narrative and shift power back into the hands of those making a real difference.

The moment I decided to start my own firm, I committed fully. I didn’t hesitate. I filed the paperwork for Platinum Star Public Relations, Inc. and got to work. My office was small but filled with big energy. I wore many hats—CEO, publicist, strategist, marketer, scheduler. I made calls, sent emails, crafted press kits, and hit the pavement to build relationships. There was no blueprint, just passion and relentless drive. And my mantra, “Transform Goals to Greatness,” guided me every step of the way.

That first week after launching, I sat down. I mapped out who I wanted to serve: people with powerful stories, emerging leaders, game-changers, artists, nonprofits, and businesses rooted in purpose. I didn’t want to chase the spotlight—I wanted to help others step into it. My job wasn’t just about getting media coverage but also about building credibility, creating visibility, and shaping legacies.

I contacted my network and said, “I’ve started something. Let me show you what I can do.” I didn’t wait for permission. I took the initiative. I poured everything I had into those first clients, and word began to spread. The results spoke for themselves, and so did my clients. I built a reputation not just for being effective but also for being ethical, thoughtful, and deeply committed.

Of course, I had a lot to figure out along the way. I taught myself the ins and outs of contracts, invoicing, branding, business structure, and intellectual property. I set up my systems, registered with the proper state and federal agencies, opened a business account, and put together service packages that made sense for my clients and were sustainable for me. I studied trends and stayed on top of media cycles. I attended industry events and learned from both wins and losses. Every move taught me something new.

But I didn’t stop there.

By 2016, I saw a new opportunity—clients were no longer just looking for public relations support. They needed storytelling across platforms: film, digital, social, and live events. That’s when I launched Platinum Star Media Group, Inc. It was a natural evolution—an expansion of my vision. With the media group, I could produce content, create campaigns, and curate experiences that elevated the voices I believed in from a new angle. I wasn’t just promoting stories anymore—I was helping to create them.

That year was a turning point. I brought together a small, trusted team that shared my values and understood the mission. We’ve produced documentaries, supported film festivals, created wellness panels, and amplified national campaigns. I don’t take on projects that don’t align with my purpose. I stay intentional. I trust my instincts.

Throughout the journey, I learned that clarity and consistency come from growth. I surrounded myself with people who believe in collaboration, not competition. I keep my circle tight—what I like to call “Cheerio-sized”—small but powerful. This allows me to stay focused, protect my peace, and make decisions that align with my bigger purpose.

Launching both companies wasn’t easy—but it was always worth it. Every step, from the first cold call to the first national media placement, taught me that vision paired with action is unstoppable. I didn’t wait for a perfect time—I created momentum. And I continue to do that with every project, every client, every opportunity.

When I say, “Transform Goals to Greatness,” I mean it. I live it. I help people see what’s possible when they trust the process, do the work, and stay aligned with their purpose. That’s what Platinum Star stands for. That’s what I stand for.

And it all began with one decision: to stop waiting and start building.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I didn’t initially set out to be a publicist, filmmaker, or global strategist. My career began traditionally, working in corporate environments, but deep down, I always knew I wanted to make a bigger impact. The pivotal moment came during college when I was offered a chance to work as a publicist for the Mongoose Boxing Team, led by then-retired world light heavyweight champion Archie “Old Mongoose” Moore. At first, I was hesitant. A woman in boxing? That wasn’t common at the time. But my father encouraged me to accept the challenge, which changed everything.

Traveling with the team taught me real-world PR in a male-dominated industry. I was thrust into intense, fast-paced situations where I had to learn quickly, speak confidently, and build trust. Those years gave me a unique foundation in publicity, human connection, and resilience. That experience became the springboard for founding my own firm. What truly sets my diverse work apart is its purpose. Yes, I work with celebrities, athletes, and global brands, but my heart is always rooted in the community. Every step of my journey has been fueled by a deep desire to make a tangible difference—especially for those whose voices are too often ignored or silenced.

When I moved into the Glendale community in 2005, I got involved with the people and served as a City of Glendale Commissioner on the Commission on the Status of Women and a board member of the YWCA Glendale-Pasadena. Advocacy is not a passing interest for me—it’s a calling. My work supporting women, racial justice, veterans, and the unhoused is not about charity—it’s about commitment.

This mission-driven mindset led to my receiving the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Service Award in 2024. Recognizing decades of unwavering dedication to uplifting underserved populations was a humbling honor.

In 2024, I founded Angel City Salute Alliance, a nonprofit spotlighting people doing transformative work in Los Angeles County. Whether I’m helping formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives or providing resources to survivors of domestic violence, I believe that real power lies in service. Service is how we build equity and create lasting impact.

Creatively, I continue to pour my passion into my craft as a screenwriter and a playwright. My first stage play, Harambee! Harambee! (All Pull Together)—produced by the Robey Theatre Company and directed by Ben Guillory—uplifts stories of Black and Brown unity and celebrates community resilience. The play’s message resonated deeply and in 2025 was adapted into Experiencing the Seven Principles: A Kwanzaa Anthology, which earned me the 2023 Kwanzaa Award for the principle of Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics). Telling these stories is how I honor the past while inspiring the future.

In 2025, I was appointed an International Goodwill Ambassador by the DreamChild Foundation in Ghana. This opportunity opened the door for deeper international advocacy and cultural collaboration. Our mission is clear: to raise the funds necessary to build five pediatric clinics that will serve Ghana’s children’s health needs. These clinics represent far more than healthcare facilities—they are beacons of hope. They symbolize access, opportunity, and dignity for a new generation.

One of the many ways we support this initiative is through the Hoodtalk Music Festival in Accra Ghana, presented by The DreamChild Foundation and powered by Virtual Hub, Platinum Star Media Group, Inc., Fly-Away Promotions, Inc., and StepNorth. The festival merges purpose with performance, combining music and activism to raise awareness and mobilize resources. This platform has deepened my understanding of how the arts can heal, uplift, and ignite change—not just locally but globally.

The 2025 release of my book, Secrets from the Streets: Elevate Your Game, Dominate with Purpose and Power, was inspired by a viral TikTok interview that reached over 2.4 million views. This book is personal and practical. It is dedicated to my father, a proud U.S. Army veteran, and shares lessons that span business, resilience, leadership, and legacy. It’s a tribute to those who’ve paved the way and a guidebook for anyone determined to transform their circumstances.

Through American Legion Post 43, I maintain a deep connection to the veteran community, where I continue to advocate for resources, recognition, and holistic support. Their stories constantly remind us of sacrifice, strength, and the importance of showing up—for each other.

Looking ahead, I’m preparing to release my next book, I Am Not My Illness: Personal Stories of Inspiration and Hope. This project is incredibly close to my heart. It features 40 real-life stories of individuals who are thriving beyond their diagnoses—whether physical, mental, or emotional. These voices remind us that illness doesn’t define who we are—our courage does. The book serves as a collective affirmation that healing is possible and that our stories deserve to be heard.

Everything I do—from the corporate boardroom to the underserved streets—is about amplifying others. My companies—Platinum Star Public Relations, Inc., Platinum Star Media Group, Inc., Pitbull PR Agency, Inc., and Angel City Salute Alliance—are not just businesses. They are purpose-driven platforms built on integrity, impact, and inclusion. I only take on projects that align with my values. I work with people who lead with heart. I stand with causes that demand justice, visibility, and transformation.

I want people to know that authenticity is not just part of my brand—it is the foundation of everything I build. I don’t cut corners. I don’t follow trends. I walk in faith, lead with purpose, and commit to the long haul. I’ve learned that success isn’t about who’s watching—it’s about who’s impacted.

My brand is for those who understand that real influence is rooted in service. It’s for the visionaries, the changemakers, the underdogs, and the trailblazers. It’s for anyone who’s ever been told they weren’t enough—and dared to believe otherwise.

So, here’s my promise: If you’re part of my journey, you’re part of a movement. A movement that doesn’t just talk about change—but lives it. A movement that believes in transforming goals to greatness. A movement grounded in strategy, heart, and relentless purpose.

The work continues—and I’m just getting started.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When COVID-19 paralyzed the world and the entertainment industry came to a sudden standstill—especially with the writers’ strike compounding the uncertainty—I found myself at a major crossroads. My work in public relations and media had always been fast-paced, filled with red carpets, on-set production, and high-profile events. Suddenly, everything stopped. There were no premieres to publicize, no set visits, and no storylines to pitch. Like so many others, I had to pivot—not just to survive financially, but to maintain my sense of purpose and momentum.

Instead of panicking, I chose to recalibrate. I asked myself, “What can I do with the skills I already have?” and “How can I still show up, even in this moment of crisis?” One of the first pivots I made was becoming certified as a COVID compliance officer. At the time, production sets were starting to resume but only with strict health and safety protocols. By getting certified, I positioned myself to be on those sets—not in the same role as before, but in a crucial one that kept cast and crew protected. That decision didn’t just create a new revenue stream, it gave me a renewed sense of purpose. I wasn’t just working—I was helping the industry safely find its footing again.

At the same time, I leaned into what I’ve always done best—writing. With fewer events to promote, I began offering more written services: press releases, op-eds, articles, bios, and ghostwriting projects. I’d always written for my clients, but now writing became one of my primary tools for financial stability and mental clarity. Crafting narratives during such an unpredictable time gave me structure. It kept my creativity alive when everything else felt on pause.

This chapter reminded me that adaptability isn’t just about taking on something new—it’s about expanding the value of what you already do. I realized that my ability to communicate, organize, and tell stories could serve me in more ways than I initially thought. I also became more intentional with my time, turning inward and planting seeds for long-term projects. Ideas that had been on the back burner—like upcoming books and community-driven initiatives—suddenly had space to take shape.

The pivot during COVID wasn’t easy, but it was powerful. It taught me that resilience is more than just endurance—it’s creativity in motion. I didn’t abandon my purpose; I simply found new ways to live it. And in doing so, I came out stronger, clearer, and more prepared for whatever comes next.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy I’ve used to grow my clientele has been a combination of relationship-building and intentional visibility. I’ve never been one to chase clout or numbers—I focus on real connections, delivering results, and showing up consistently. That approach has organically led to word-of-mouth referrals, which I still believe are the most powerful form of marketing.

People refer me because I make them feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether I’m managing a red carpet event, writing a compelling press release, or developing a full-scale publicity campaign, I approach each project with a mix of strategy and heart. Clients remember that. They come back because I don’t just deliver—I care.

I’ve also grown my client base by staying visible and sharing my work in a way that reflects my values. I speak on panels, write articles, support nonprofit causes, and take on leadership roles that align with my mission. For example, my work as a Commissioner on the Status of Women and as a board member of the YWCA wasn’t about gaining clients—but people saw me showing up for causes bigger than myself, and it built trust. That trust translated into business.

Another strategy that’s worked well for me is collaboration. I intentionally partner with people and organizations whose values align with mine. Whether it’s launching an initiative like Angel City Salute Alliance or co-producing a documentary, I make sure the collaboration serves a purpose and provides value. Those joint ventures often introduce me to new circles and create long-term opportunities.

I also don’t underestimate the power of consistency. I follow up. I stay in touch with past clients. I share wins—not to boast, but to let people know I’m still doing the work. I remind them of the impact we made together, and it often sparks new projects.

Ultimately, I grow my clientele by being of service. When people know you’re genuine, solution-oriented, and passionate about what you do, they want to work with you—and they tell others to do the same. For me, that’s the real formula: relationships, integrity, visibility, and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.platinumstarpr.com
• Instagram: @platinumstarpr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marie.lemelle
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marielemelle/
• Twitter: @platinumstar
• Other: www.platinumstarmediagroup.com
  www.pitbullpragency.com
  www.angelcitysalutealliance.org
  @platinumstarmediagroup

Image Credits

credits: Platinum Star PR