Lauren Gill and I met when she spoke at my very first Charm School for girls back in 2012. She spoke on behalf of MECU as the young adult marketing specialist; advising the girls on how to save their money, make smart financial decisions and know the difference between and want and a need.
She triggered something and I stayed in contact with her ever since.
Lauren and I bumped into each other from time to time throughout the years and she always greets me with a big smile and a pleasant hug (not a church hug). She’s genuine and that’s what I got from her on day one.
She’s knows her stuff and she doesn’t hover over you about it. You’ll know from her walk, her conversation and her actions. I guess you can say, she is the proof in the pudding.
Lauren has since changed her profession and I was shocked to hear that she’s taken her interest toward something that she’s passionate about; helping people.
She was doing that with MECU, but this time, the caliber has changed.
Lauren is the Chief Power Specialist of Power Publicity and you’ll find out more inside her one on one.
To know she took a leap out on faith to focus more towards something that makes her heart beat deeper and faster, gives me a feeling of assurance that the person she represents will be well protected and well….represented!
I might need her to represent me one day! Hmmm…that’s a good idea! (lol)
What is your occupation?
I am an entrepreneur, publicist, and the Chief Power Specialist of Power Publicity. Power Publicity is a marketing, branding, and public relations firm that empower entertainment, nonprofit, and lifestyle brands.
How did you get started in your career?
I got started in my career by interning while in college. I interned for everybody. My internships were in various industries including financial services, government, and entertainment.
What do you like/love most about your career?
I love that I can combine my skills with one of my passions. I’ve always wanted to work in entertainment as a child. I had dreams of being a rock star as a child but decided to work in the business side as I got older. One day I was watching an episode of Diary on MTV with Destiny’s Child or Beyoncé (I feel kind of old even though I’m not) and I saw their publicist Yvette Noel-Schure. I thought to myself “hmm I could do that job.” When I got to college and learned about public relations, I discovered I had the natural abilities to be a publicist. I continued to hone my skills and gain experience.
I also love that my career allows me to be an entrepreneur. While I love being a publicist. I am first an entrepreneur at heart. A career in public relations allows you to work for a corporation, government agency, nonprofit, agency, or as a freelancer. Before I decided to become a publicist, I knew I wanted to own my own business. My desire led me to start my firm; Power Publicity.
(Lauren at Charm School in 2012 for MECU)
What did you do before you started this particular art and why was it necessary to switch gears?
After I graduated from Temple, I became the Young Adult Marketing Specialist at MECU; which was a great experience. I learned a lot about marketing and PR, traveled, and worked with some amazing people.
What’s the biggest misconception about what you do and how do you respond to it?
That it’s super glamorous and all you do is rub elbows with celebrities, politicians, and other important people. Public relations require a lot of hard work and long hours. There is a lot of strategy and planning that goes into building and raising awareness of a client’s brand. You need tenacity to be in this business because there are plenty of rough days to go with the good days.
Every person has a story that’s “one for the books”. That could mean it was a good experience or a bad one. What is a “one for the books” story for you?
Attending and volunteering for SXSW for the first time this past year. It felt so amazing to be surrounded by so much musical talent. I had a great time working, networking, and seeing so many artists perform. Getting back to my hotel at the end of every night after all the showcases was also an adventure in itself. Anyone who has been to SXSW knows what I mean.
What industry do you admire the most and why?
The entertainment industry; I’ve always been fascinated with it.
If there was something you’ve never done before but you were given the opportunity to do it today, what would it be?
Travel across the world for a month. I wanted to do it after I graduated from college, but I didn’t have the money.
Is this market a difficult market to work in your occupation?
No. There is a lot opportunity within the region. I also have access to New York, Philly, and DC, which are a car trip away.
In 5 years, where do you see yourself?
Growing Power Publicity to having an office with staff and grossing a $1 million dollars in revenue, a MBA graduate from one of the top programs in the country, starting a nonprofit related to HIV/AIDS and doing advocacy work, and owning a shoe line. I also hope to be somebody’s wife and mommy.
What was the craziest (career) experience you had doing your job? One that you had to sit down and collect yourself for doing it or experiencing it?
For those who aspire to do what you do, what would be your advice?
Learn as much as you can about the industry and intern, intern, intern! Learning doesn’t just involve formal education. Read books, attend conferences, and volunteer. Get a mentor to guide you and to keep you accountable to your goals especially if you want to be an entrepreneur.
In your industry, who do you admire the most and why?
Yvette Noel Schure, Marvet Britto, Monica Alexander, Kymberlee Norsworthy, and Parisnicole Payton. Yvette Noel-Schure sparked my initial interest in PR and has worked with Beyonce’, Mariah Carey, Prince, and countless others. I respect Marvet Britto as a businesswoman that created her own lane. She was unable to get a job in PR, studied for 2 years by reading books, and opened her own firm. I can somewhat relate to her story as I was rejected from every major PR firm for a job and now own a firm today. Monica, Kymberlee, and Parisnicole are my mentors and are responsible for helping me to get started in this industry. Each of these ladies have over 20 years of experience and between the 3 of them have worked with many A-list music artists and NFL players.
If you weren’t currently doing your job, what job would you be doing and why?
Running the HIV/AIDS nonprofit I would like to start. However, I wouldn’t trade what I’m doing for the world. I love being able to combine my skills with one of my passions. I am also working to build my business so that it runs itself. This will allow me to start a nonprofit and pursue my other interests. Free tip for anybody who wants to be a business owner: the goal of any business owner should be to create an operational system where even if they are not there, they can still make money. The key is to work on your business and not in it.
What is your favorite quote and why?
My favorite quote is actually one of my favorite bible passages. I am naturally a worrier and battle with doubt a lot. This particular passage reminds to not worry but to live, obey God, and do the work.
“So do not worry, saying, ‘what shall we eat? Or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:31-34
How can people reach out to you?
Twitter and Instagram @IamLaurenGill and follow Power Publicity @_powerpublicity and on Instagram @powerpublicity. You can also visit my company website at powerpublicityllc.com
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER/IG @JustKiKiBrown
FAN ME ON FACEBOOK @MsKiKiBrown
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