We were lucky to catch up with Shemira Thomas recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shemira, appreciate you joining us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
Immense Public Relations was founded on the belief that visibility should not be a luxury. We serve an often overlook minority creatives, founders, and changemakers who are particularly Black and Caribbean individuals. These people are exceptionally talented but often priced out of traditional, high-end PR services. A few years ago, a talent hispanic minority from the Bronx, NY approached me about services. He had a revolutionary sound, a compelling story, and an engaged grassroots following, but no access to major press, brand partnerships, or the budget for the industry-standard retainers that typically start at several thousand dollars a month. Instead of turning him away, we built a custom, low-cost rollout plan, that helped him refine his narrative, and secured his first major digital feature. That single opportunity led to unimaginable doors being opened such as debuting one of his singles on BET Jams. A channel we as kids use to go to for entertainment he was. now one of those artist that young kids would be able to discover, This allowed him to reinvent his image, He was no longer the snuggle kid from the Bronx but a Dreamer who turned his dreams into reality. Stories like his are why we do what we do. Many minority talents are locked out of access, not because they lack vision or value, but because they can’t afford the gatekeepers. This matters because their stories, innovations, and cultural contributions are critical to a more inclusive creative economy. At Immense PR, we bridge the gap between talent and opportunity by offering sliding-scale services, educational tools, and culturally sensitive media strategies designed to uplift those who have historically been left out. Our mission is to democratize public relations so that powerful stories can be told, elevated, and celebrated regardless of budget.
Shemira, 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?
Immense Public Relations is a boutique PR and brand storytelling agency rooted in culture, creativity, and community. We exist to amplify the voices of those who are often overlooked such as emerging artists, cultural entrepreneurs, and minority owned brands. This is done through intentional storytelling and strategic visibility. The journey began out of both passion and necessity. After working across entertainment, events, and brand partnerships, I saw firsthand how much talent was being left behind not due to lack of vision, but lack of access. Many of the most innovative and soulful creatives I encountered, especially those from Caribbean and Black communities, didn’t have the infrastructure or resources to professionally present their work to the world. That’s when I knew I had to create something that felt less like a gatekeeper and more like a bridge.
At Immense PR, we offer a range of services including media relations, brand development, campaign strategy, press kit creation, influencer and brand partnerships, and community activations. We also provide digital rollout planning, editorial calendar management, and pitch writing. For clients who are early in their journey or working with tight budgets, we offer DIY templates, one-on-one coaching, and customized mini-campaigns. Everything we do is rooted in collaboration and intentional campaigns, just authentic representation that feels aligned with the client’s voice and vision.
The core problem we solve is lack of visibility. So many talented individuals and brands are doing incredible work, but without the right positioning or platform, they’re invisible to press, partners, and even their own audiences. We step in to help clarify their story, identify their audience, and develop the right strategy to amplify their message across the right channels.
What sets us apart is our cultural fluency, our grassroots to international perspective, and our willingness to meet people where they are. We don’t just focus on press hits, we focus on purpose, longevity, and building brand narratives that people can feel. Whether it’s guiding an independent artist through their first press cycle or helping a brand get into its first trade show, our approach is human-first, resourceful, and results-driven.
I’m most proud of the fact that our clients feel seen and supported. That we’ve helped people land major features, secure partnerships, and expand their reach without sacrificing their authenticity. What I want potential clients, followers, and future collaborators to know is that Immense PR isn’t just a service, it’s a partner.ship. We care deeply about the stories we tell, the communities we uplift, and the impact we leave behind. If you have a vision and a voice, we’re here to help you amplify it.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the most defining moments in my journey and a true testament to my resilience was the path I took to finally land a spot on the PR team for a major music festival. Early in my career, I eagerly applied to be a part of their publicity team. I believed in my potential, had a strong vision, and was already doing impactful work in smaller spaces. But I was told no. Not because I lacked passion, but because I didn’t yet have the “right” connections, or name recognition in the industry. It was disheartening. I remember questioning if I belonged in the PR space at all, especially one as competitive and insular as music and entertainment.
But instead of giving up, I shifted my energy. I focused on building up my own portfolio, taking on indie clients, working with grassroots events, helping emerging artists craft their stories and get meaningful placements. I leaned into the communities that did believe in me, and used every opportunity, no matter how small, to sharpen my skills and deepen my network. Over the years, I quietly built a body of work that spoke for itself.
Fast forward a few years later, I revisited that same festival, this time with a stronger track record, undeniable references, and a refined sense of self-worth. I pitched myself again, not as someone asking for an opportunity, but as someone who deserved to be at the table. This time, not only did I make the PR team, but I was able to negotiate my rate and secure an all-expenses-paid trip as part of my contract. That moment was more than just a professional win, it was a full-circle reminder that rejection is often redirection, and that perseverance truly pays off.
What I learned is that sometimes you have to be willing to take the longer route. To build your own credibility and reputation brick by brick, and have the confidence, and power to keep pouring into yourself. No doesn’t mean never it just means not right now.
Have you ever had to pivot?
One of the biggest pivots in my journey came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before 2020, a large part of my work in PR and brand partnerships was rooted in in-person experiences like events, activations, client meetings, and media interactions that relied on physical presence and real-time connection. When the world shut down, everything I had built around face-to-face energy was put on pause. Campaigns were canceled, budgets were frozen and the organic way I had built relationships through conversation, shared spaces, and collaboration were no longer possible.
Like so many others, I had to pivot quickly, not just professionally but mentally and emotionally. I had to reimagine what connection and impact looked like in a fully digital space. That meant learning new platforms, figuring out how to keep storytelling engaging online, and helping clients pivot their own strategies in real time. I wasn’t just supporting them through the shift, I was learning alongside them. It was humbling. I realized that even in a digital world, people still crave authenticity, relatability, and real human moments. So I started leaning into that building virtual brand activations, offering one-on-one strategy calls, and creating accessible resources for clients who were also trying to figure it out.
What made it even more challenging was seeing so many people in my industry get laid off or pushed out. The PR and marketing space became more competitive, and a lot of people were forced to start over. In that environment, making new connections wasn’t just about pitching or networking, it became about being human. Checking in on people. Listening before selling. Collaborating from a place of care instead of competition.
To this day, I’m still navigating the digital landscape, still experimenting, still figuring out how to balance impact with screen fatigue. But what I’ve learned is that the ability to pivot is a form of resilience it is always possible when you lead with intention.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://immensepublicrelations.com
- Instagram: _iamimmense
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shemira-thomas-1097a915a
