9 Publicists You Should Know and Follow

In honor of National Publicist Day on October 30th, we've decided to highlight the most influential publicists and media experts who are shaking things up in their industry. If you want to increase brand visibility and want to be considered an expert in the public eye, look no further. These ladies will get your brand seen and heard!

1. Pilar Scratch (IG: @pilarscratch)

Celebrity wardrobe stylist, Magazine Owner and Publicist Pilar Scratch, was bursting into the fashion industry as a rising star with a newborn baby in 2011. The budding star was building a soon to be a dynamic brand with an unmatched creative zeal. She went from living in a shelter with her son to being one of the most sought after public figures in New York City, and currently holds the title of a 7x award-winning celebrity wardrobe stylist, TV

personality, author, momager, and editor in chief. Diving into her creative passion for writing and fashion she commenced her own publication in 2015, Fashion Gxd Magazine. Pilar Scratch employs over ten people at her company - Fashion Gxd Magazine. The magazine is distributed in Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Amazon, and Indigo. Fashion Gxd Magazine is Amazon's best selling Magazine from 2017- 2019. As well, Fashion Gxd Magazine, is the Iheartradio / Power 105, 2019 recipient of the "Prosperity Award". Following in his mothers footsteps, her son River Mason Eromosele has been featured in New York Fashion Week, countless billboards, Nickelodeon (currently filming), "Evil Lives Here" Investigation Discovery, John Legend "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" which debuted on ABC, "Hustlers Movie" starring JLo & Cardi B, CBS "The Good Fight" countless commercials for PNC, 10 percent Happier, Laurie Berkner Band "This Mountain" which debuted on PBS Kids, Walmart, Moon Pod, among others.

Q. Name one marketing technique that entrepreneurs should include in their brand strategy.

One marketing technique that entrepreneurs should include in their brand strategy is networking socially outside of your original base. Always be multifaceted and cross promote your brand with others.

2. Shauna Lamore (IG: @lamorelifestylepr)

Shauna L is the founder and lead publicist at Lamore Lifestyle Public Relations. She went from a one woman show to a full team and now oversees the day to day operations of the firm. She has had clients featured in Cosmopolitan, Essence, Yahoo News, Entrepreneur, Black Enterprise and hundreds of other media platforms. She’s also been able to partner clients with Nordstrom, Sally Beauty and other major retailers. Her work in the public relations industry has landed her with nominations at the Black Media Honors and SpeakerCon award shows. Her tag line is “although a boutique firm, we don’t play small” Outside of the office Shauna is a travel lover and mother of twin daughters.

Q. Name one marketing technique that entrepreneurs should include in their brand strategy.

From a public relations perspective I’d say the very best marketing is still word of mouth. Gaining visibility with a strategic public relations campaign can lead to your company being mentioned amongst the greats in your industry. Asking your clients for reviews after purchase and or services is also a great marketing technique.

3. Michelle Mackel (IG: @plugstar_socialclub)

Oklahoma native Michelle Mackel founded Plugstar Entertainment with the mission of developing, enhancing, and investing in artists’ talent. Raised in a military family, she had put her own artistic ambitions on hold in order to serve in the Army herself. That experience taught her the value of teamworkand camaraderie, which became the ideals on which Plugstar is based. Having suffered a traumatic brain injury during a training exercise overseas, Mackel dug deep in order to successfully navigate her recovery. Because of that, she is an especially compassionate representative for others who are working to overcome adversity. In addition to being a former club owner and a live concert producer, she also created a community events business. She knows first-hand how difficult it is for people to find success in the entertainment industry without the right team behind them to provide brand development, guidance, publicity and support. Her client roster includes music artists, models, authors and more. In her personal life, Mackel is a dedicated mother. She also serves as the executive director of Creative Imaginationz, an organization that sets educational standards and establishes policies, procedures to benefit K-12 students via a tutoring, arts and counseling program in her local community. In that role, she works to ensure that strategies meet the needs of the organization, including grants, donor campaigns, fundraising events and planned giving. Mackel holds degrees from Cameron University and Central Texas College, as well as public relations-related certificates from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, the University of Oklahoma, and Muck Rack Academy.

Q. Name one marketing technique that entrepreneurs should include in their brand strategy.

As far as marketing as a public relations company, research is key. Choose focal points within your day and try to always perfect your pitch. Always review your results when you land achievements, then recreate and perfect! Also collaborate with influencers that help promote your client’s brands. Influencer marketing can be very important to a campaign.

4. Tammy Reese (IG: @tammyreesemedia)

Tammy Reese began her career as a theater actress performing in 60 live stage shows a year with The Media Unit TV and Stage Production Company. She also directed the weekly live TV show Rough Times Live. Eventually, she went to Empire State College to obtain her degree in media studies. After graduation, she did more theater and wrote and produced her own videos to spread awareness on social issues through the arts. Her company, Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media, came about as a way to showcase visionaries on social media for the inspirational work that they do. Then she began to collaborate with other creatives to co-host and co-produce the Visionary Minds TV show in Syracuse NY on Spectrum Cable Public Access Station. Now offering services for Public Relations, Media Relations, Content Creation, and Copywriting. Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media is a small yet proven worthy business with a focus on elevating the brand awareness of upcoming talents, entrepreneurs, events, and more through the ultimate multimedia experience. Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media has a track record of building media portfolios for clients across the country. Supporting, creating, and promoting visionary excellence is key to the business.

Tammy is currently killing it in the multimedia/digital media space being an Editor In Chief, Editorial Writer, and Contributor for numerous magazines. Also as a podcast co-host for Digital Media Insights and the New York Women in Film and Television podcast. Tammy is also a celebrity interviewer and has interviewed many major stars, including Nelly, Geena Davis, Omar Epps. Donell Jones, Courtney Kemp, Jackie Long, Carmen Electra, Ginuwine, Matt Cedeño, Serayah, Giancarlo Esposito, Patina Miller, Meagan Good Franklin, Leon, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Christopher Play Martin, Mick Garris, Marion Ramsey, Claudia Wells, Carl Anthony Payne, Richard Grieco, Miko Hughes, Heather Langenkamp, Tony Todd, and many more.

Q. Name one marketing technique that entrepreneurs should include in their brand strategy.

One marketing technique that entrepreneurs should include in their brand strategy is cross-promotion. Collaborate with other brands and individuals to create ways of spreading more awareness to both of your brands.

5. Crystal Willis (IG: @mscrystalwillis)

Crystal Willis is an Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, Mindset Coach and Brand Consultant. She has founded several companies including The Omni Firm, The Crysalis, and LipLadyFab.com. Most notably, Willis is a childhood trauma survivor and bullied Lipedema sufferer who grew up to become a "Hollywood Publicist" representing celebrity clients. Depressed and unfulfilled, she used her own story to heal her life, left a Fortune 500 job and a toxic marriage to build a location-independent business and authentic personal brand, while manifesting her wildest dreams. Through her books, podcast, public speaking and coaching, she helps soul-led women entrepreneurs to own their story, reinvent their lives and impact millions. Crystal's personal stories have been seen in Marie Claire Magazine, Salon.com, Sheen Magazine, ShoutoutLA, PBS, Blaze TV, Daily Signal and more.

During a nearly two decade career in Entertainment, she was instrumental in marketing and public relations campaigns in music, film and television, lending her talents to major corporations such as CBS, Universal Music, Warner Bros. Records, and Disney Music Group. She has promoted countless projects from celebrities like Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Snoop Dogg, 112, and Zendaya, as well as major events such as The Stellar Awards and Pan African Film & Arts Festival. Her current clients now include a diverse roster of thought leaders, artists, cannabis brands and influencers, as well as non-profit organizations. Willis holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Marketing from University of Phoenix, and an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts from LA Valley College. She is a Senior Leadership Graduate of Mastery in Transformational Training and is currently studying for a certification in Neuro-Linguisitic Programming. She also studied Voice and Music Business Management at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.

Q. Name one marketing technique that entrepreneurs should include in their brand strategy. Integrated marketing means considering all of the core elements of a comprehensive marketing strategy such as public relations, branding, advertising, creative, promotions, product development, pricing, and such. I believe the core marketing element that should be in every good strategy is Story Branding. This is a concept I base my practice on, and it involves establishing core and consistent "messaging." However, this isn't just ordinary sales jargon, but rather a real, relatable story that makes the customer or client be able to picture themselves as the hero of their own story. The product or service features should never be the central focus or selling point, but rather the story that connects to the emotional needs of the person watching, listening, reading. Most people become fans or make purchase decisions based on desire and emotion, and the element of the story and the feeling a brand gives them are foundational to every other tactic.

6. Casay Vaughn (IG: @casayvaughn)

With almost a quarter of a century in the entertainment industry, Casay Vaughn continues to push the envelope and dominates her role in the media industry. Casay Vaughn is an American Media and Business Strategist. The daughter of a prominent pastor Dr. A. C. D. Vaughn and Godchild of Civil Rights leader Dr. Ralph Abernathy Sr. she is known as both the master strategist and super producer. Dubbed the “Media Maven” (Essence 2019) Casay has produced both Television and Radio. She has worked with companies such as NBC, TV One, Radio One And BET where she has left a major blueprint in the industry. Casay has worked with numerous Celebrities and Athletes and multiple Record Labels.

Q. Name one marketing technique that entrepreneurs should include in their brand strategy.

Collaborating with influencers that help promote brands is an effective marketing tool. It’s called influencer marketing and when done correctly can be a great strategy.

7. Lee Whetstone (IG: @Bossladylee___)

Lee Whetstone is a Purpose Coach, Brand Strategist, Mompreneur and the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the award winning publication Leading with Lee Magazine. With an earned Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration from York College, Ms. Whetstone decided to use her degree and over ten plus years of corporate professional experiences to create two successful businesses - a coaching service that helps women uncover their profitable purpose and a media platform that helps boss millennials gain brand exposure.

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Lee has been featured in multiple media outlets such as Sheen Magazine, Rolling Out, Fox News, and more. Her company Leading with Lee Magazine was named “Magazine Publication of the Year” in November 2016 by #BrownWomenInMedia. In January 2021, Lee has graced the cover of her own magazine (Oprah Style) so that her tribe can engage and connect with her on a personal level. She has always had a passion to help others accomplish and develop their gifts. To date, she has helped market numerous of upcoming leaders and small business owners from New York to Nigeria by promoting and marketing their businesses and brands in her publication as well as developed action steps for those who needed to jump-start their entrepreneurial careers.

Q. Name one marketing technique that entrepreneurs should include in their brand strategy.

I believe entrepreneurs should incorporate storytelling into their brands. As you build your brand, developing a strong purposeful message is key. Your brand's purpose (the why) should connect with consumers in an emotional and persuasive way. In order to build a strong brand message you should:

• Share personal and professional stories. (humanize your brand)⠀

• Get clear on who your message is for.

• Add personality and value to your content.

As a result, you'll develop a strong know-like-trust factor with your audience.

8. Regan Farley (IG: @raethepublicist)

Regan Farley has created a blueprint to effectively disrupt the public relations industry by its traditional standards. Regan worked with companies such as Fox Broadcasting Company, NBCUniversal, Def Jam Records, CBS Television, and PS Media Talent. She’s wrangled talent for red carpet events such as NAACP Image Awards, BET Hip-Hop Awards, and more. As an alum of Lincoln University, she understands the importance of educating oneself to become an elite force in business and life. Regan lives by the notion that “The dream is free, but the hustle is sold separately. Each person has a different hustle and a specific goal to get them there. It’s important to recognize that early on and know that you must run your race to be successful.”

As a digital content strategist, Regan provides strategy content for herself and clients through her company Intel Media Group. Intel Media Group (IMG) was established to elevate both traditional and new media footprints of individuals, businesses, and brands across the country. IMG clients have appeared on nationally recognized media platforms shows BET, Black Enterprise, Hot 97, Breakfast Club, VH1, Fast Company, and much more. A stout philanthropist, Regan has partnered with organizations such as The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles and New York. She’s also a board member in the Maryland chapter and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her current endeavors include The PR Circle, Hustle Sold Separ8ly clothing, and Can’t Knock the Hustle journal, which is in conjunction with the Hustle Sold Separ8ly brand.

Q. Name one marketing technique that entrepreneurs should include in their brand strategy.

Using social media and other digital platforms to amplify your visibility is what’s key to me. However knowing ways to communicate to your audience can make for impactful storytelling you don’t have to be visible on every single platform however you do have to be consistent. While managing the metrics and audience you are looking to reach. Given that recent social shutdown you don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket but you do want to collect data as well.

9. Aleesha Carter (IG: @aleeshapr)

An accomplished communications professional with over 10 years of experience in developing creatives, messaging, launching campaigns and brands, product introductions and executing marketing strategies for entertainment, music, sports, events, and lifestyle entities. Innovative Marketing Executive/ Project Managerial Expert with the experience to develop and execute creative campaign plans to meet while enhancing the client’s objectives that include unique brand awareness.

As founder and principal brand strategist of K A C, Images and U, LLC., Aleesha has cultivated a brand with her creative direction skills, experience and network fostering the mindset in her team to win in implementing a plan for every client presented to the firm. Having groomed a mindset fueled with ambition and drive, she was voted supporters as the “Entrepreneur of the Year” presented by Kontrol Magazine. While expanding her brand continuously; Aleesha was selected as the Top 45 Publicist to Hire, as well as, she was chosen as one of the Top 100 PR Professionals Who Knows Press and Social Media. Aleesha has been recognized and featured by various media brands that include Revolt TV, Jezebel Magazine, MTV Network, Urban Digital, Rolling Out and many more.

Carter holds a Masters’ Degree in Business Communications with a concentration in Global Marketing and Innovative Strategy. She is a published Author working towards completing her third published book.

Q. Name one marketing technique that entrepreneurs should include in their brand strategy.

Entrepreneurs should adapt new strategies in relations to expanding digitally and socially on a consistent manner in their marketing implementations going into 2022. In addition, consider revamping your brand’s narrative when it comes to brand storytelling on your social platforms and website.

Consider this, your potential and current customers spend a significant amount of time on the internet including with social media and engagement in such: UTILIZE and GARNER this information in your strategic marketing approach, try allotting a budget for a digital PR campaign that focuses on attracting media and gaining awareness on such that drives consumers to your social media, YouTube channel, or website.

And lastly, adopt more content on your profile pages for your brands that ignites consistency, quality and eye-grabbing moment’s which ultimately produces a form of ROI on behalf of your investment in your business that includes more engagement, social media following, expansion in your SEO via Google analytics and purchases.

Article by: Leading with Lee