We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Dunn Garay recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nicole, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?
I was an integral part of a dynamic, female-led mastermind group that met monthly in Los Angeles. At that time, I was a television producer on the spin-off series “Decision House,” a venture linked to the renowned Dr. Phil team. While my experience on the show was enriching, the wrap-up left me grappling with the industry’s challenges, particularly the limited opportunities for ambitious women like myself navigating a predominantly male-dominated field.
Faced with the discouragement of being deemed overqualified for several positions, I turned to the empowering space of a mastermind group for solace and motivation. Simultaneously, I was exploring the realm of public relations, through a coach and contemplating whether this avenue aligned with my aspirations. During one session, I shared this contemplation with the group, and to my delight, one of the masterminders resonated with the idea of me starting a career in PR with my experience as a TV producer.
This connection led to a fortuitous connection with Melissa Costello, a vegetarian chef renowned for her culinary prowess, particularly as the personal chef to Tony Horton—the visionary creator and on-camera force behind the immensely popular P90X fitness videos. This encounter marked the inception of my career in public relations, with Melissa’s endorsement paving the way for her client, Tony, to become my inaugural first-paying client.
Fast forward 18 years, and I am still actively engaged in promoting Tony’s latest program, PowerSync60. Reflecting on that pivotal day, what excites me is the mutual need that underpinned our collaboration; I required a significant client like Tony, and he sought a dedicated professional to secure placements on prominent TV platforms such as the Today Show, CNN, GMA, Dr. Oz, and more—all of which we successfully accomplished. Our company’s brand narrative evolved organically through our ventures in the fitness space, and we find immense joy in the transformative journey we continue to embark upon every day promoting wellness experts, products, and more.
Nicole, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Nicole Dunn, the founder and driving force behind Dunn Pellier Media. My journey into the public relations industry began during my tenure as a television producer. In 2007, I found myself at a crossroads, deeply concerned about the limited opportunities for high-powered women in a male-dominated industry. This pivotal year led me to explore a new path in the public relations field where I combined my TV experience and my superpower of networking to build an agency dedicated to the health, wellness, and fitness world.
Dunn Pellier Media is not just a PR agency; it’s a vehicle for transformation and elevation for not just our clients, but consumers out in the world who want to live happier and healthier lives. We specialize in strategic media placement, brand development, and public relations in the fitness and wellness space. Our services extend beyond conventional PR; we are architects of brand stories, creators of narratives that resonate with audiences who want healthier products, and really credible experts, and all of this combines for a catalyst for our client’s path to build a legacy and journey to prominence.
The challenges I initially faced in the industry, coupled with a passion for transformative experiences, inspired me to build a company that goes beyond the traditional PR model. What sets Dunn Pellier Media apart is our unwavering commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships. We don’t just secure media placements; we forge partnerships that propel our clients to new heights no matter what stage of development they are in.
At the core of our mission is team dedication to tell our clients stories and promote brands that directly align with our values, particularly those centered around wellness and positive transformation. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of influential figures and wellness brands that all aim to build an earned media portfolio to create a legacy in wellness and help people live healthily.
What makes me most proud is our ability to create a symbiotic relationship between our clients and their audiences. We don’t just tell stories; we craft narratives that resonate, inspire, and drive positive change. Our success is not just measured in media hits but in the transformative impact our clients experience while building their legacy.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that Dunn Pellier Media is more than an agency; it’s a strategic partner invested in their success. Whether you’re a wellness brand, a fitness guru, or a transformative force in any industry, we have the expertise, passion, and dedication to elevate your story and amplify your impact. Choose Dunn Pellier Media, where every media placement is a step toward a transformative narrative that captivates, inspires, and leaves a lasting imprint.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
My journey into the wellness industry and building Dunn Pellier Media was significantly influenced by visionary insights, strategic networking, and a unique ability to connect with the fitness and wellness community.
Seventeen years ago, I came across an article by Richard Branson that foretold the booming future of the wellness industry. This foresight became a catalyst for my strategic pivot into the world of wellness, aligning my trajectory with the evolving landscape predicted by Branson. Armed with this vision, I embraced my superpower—networking—to propel me in the wellness space.
Attending conventions and industry events, I immersed myself in the community, not just as a PR professional but as a passionate advocate for wellness. My approach was distinct; instead of immediately pushing my services, I offered genuine assistance, connecting people within the community, and contributing to the growth of the wellness network I was entering into.
My genuine commitment to fostering connections and adding value to the wellness community became the cornerstone of creating Dunn Pellier Media’s reputation. One pivotal client experience, my collaboration with Tony Horton, became a beacon that attracted others who aspired to replicate that success. Word of mouth spread like wildfire within the fitness and wellness circles, as the impact of my work spoke for itself. This led to more experts and brands who came wanting services and me being able to hire a cultivate a team that lived and breathed the world of fitness, health, and wellness.
I used my networking efforts to go beyond conventional PR; I feel like I became a bridge between individuals and brands, creating a collaborative ecosystem within the wellness community. Not to boast, but the ripple effect of my genuine connections and success stories positioned Dunn Pellier Media as not just a PR agency but a trusted partner deeply ingrained in the fabric of the fitness and wellness industry. (We have something coming soon to offer clients that will be the next big thing in PR to connect brands, experts, and the community…so follow our newsletter on our website for updates!)
The strategic alignment with Richard Branson’s foresight, coupled with my authentic networking approach, created a unique trajectory for the company I was building. It wasn’t just about riding the wellness trend; it was about actively contributing to and shaping the wellness community. The success stories we built in the media became our brand’s narrative, attracting clients who sought not just PR services but a strategic partnership deeply rooted in the principles of wellness and positive transformation. Believe it or not, once I was on a plane and sitting next to a gal who then worked for Thrive Market, and we both were going to the same conference. When I asked her who she was most interested in meeting, she said “Nicole Dunn.” I just about jumped out of my seat at that moment, and said “I am Nicole Dunn!” As fate would have it we were sitting together on the same flight! Wow.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
My entrepreneurial philosophy is a mosaic shaped by present and past influential mentors, coaches, and transformative programs. David Landis, founder of Landis PR, serves as a crucial mentor who imparts nuanced insights into the world of public relations and my business strategies to grow the business. Karen Luniw has been my impactful coach for over 12 years, and offers me a perspective beyond traditional business coaching, fostering more of a holistic approach to growing my leadership and the company. Also, I am a team leader for the Forbes Business Council, where I can contribute to the entrepreneur community’s wealth of knowledge. Patrick Labrzycki from US Bank emerged as a trusted financial ally, providing insights beyond banking to fortify our company, Dunn Pellier Media’s growth.
Currently, the Goldman Sachs 10K Program is equipping me with strategic tools for growth opportunities for Dunn Pellier Media, while the Predictable Profits program recently honed in on sustainable business practices such as sales growth. This convergence of mentorship, coaching, financial stewardship, and strategic programs has not only shaped my management philosophy but has also fueled Dunn Pellier Media’s sustained success and innovation, marking a journey deeply rooted in continuous learning and strategic evolution.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dunnpelliermedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dunnpelliermediapr/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/producernicoledunn/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DunnPellierTV
Image Credits
Goldman Sachs 10K (color photo) Michael Seeley @aremisstudios (black and white)