Today we’d like to introduce you to Briahna Gatlin.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Briahna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started out as a freelance journalist writing for multiple music publications including The Source, Mass Appeal, AllHipHop.com and more. At the time I also help start a teen magazine in Chicago as the Editorial Director and realized I was doing public relations way before I was a publicist.
I transitioned into publicity during the fall of magazines and the rise of the internet, when my freelance check bounced, I knew it was time to rethink my position in media. I started my customized publishing company called Swank Publishing which was later renamed to Swank Public Relations. It began with a friend asking me to coordinate an event and invite media as well thus most of my colleagues were writers, it was an easy job for me.
From then til now, I’ve acquired more friends in media as well as worked with many talents & brands in the entertainment industry including Lebron James, Raekwon, Mos Def, The Gorillaz, Hennessy, Grey Goose, Lupe Fiasco, Vic Mensa, Chance The Rapper, Stevie Williams and more.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, to say the least, between being Black and a female, there have been major challenges, not only being a double minority but also maintaining relationships in business. There was a time when Swank had 2 owners, one day my partner at the time decided to take the business and switch everything over in their name and withdraw all the funds out of the business account, leaving me with nothing. The only thing I had left was my reputation and my name.
While she didn’t operate under the Swank name, I carried the name and kept the clientele and eventually got my business back including EIN Number, owned only by me etc. I’ve also had to go above and beyond when gaining the respect of my male peers in the entertainment industry just because I am a woman. I’ve been overlooked many times because of my gender, and have also had challenges getting support from sponsors, etc just because of some of the talent I’ve represented or because I’m not apart of a certain circle. As a woman, I take pride in supporting my city, but I can’t say its been fully reciprocated and that’s not why I do it, but after 10 years in business, you can almost consider your business sustainable.
Swank Public Relations – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Swank Public Relations (Swank PR) is a customized PR agency and boutique that tailors to clients needs and provides; public relations services, creative branding and marketing, ingénues, resources & Partnership building, client relations and social media awareness. This business has been established since 2007 with a partnership with Chicago and Midwest area clients. Our niche is tailored to each client’s needs with individually specialized services, as well as catering to their demographic while maintaining the client’s identity.
We specialize in producing high results for our clients attaining national media coverage and features, working with brands transitioning them from small beginnings to household names. We are known for working in the entertainment industry working with music artist, athletes, national music festivals and events throughout the country in major markets including LA, Chicago, New York, ATL, Texas and more.
What I am most proud about is that reputation has proceeded us, no matter what market Swank PR is in someone is familiar with the brand, the company or the face (Briahna Gatlin). I am proud that as an entrepreneur I’ve been able to maintain a business for 10 years (which have flown by) and that I am able to support myself and love what I do at the same time. We have so many events and signature clients that we have built in the last 10 years as well and that is also an accomplishment for us.
What sets us apart is that we make our clients feel like family, we go the extra mile to make sure they know that we care about how the public perceives their brand. We also take the time to ask them what their goals are so that as a company we can work toward those goals and orchestrate every step leading up to that moment.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success as having a great track record and longevity. If you can last long in the industry and people know you for your work, you will win eventually. Success is also equal to growth, things that I look for are diversifying my clientele and expanding to set up shop in other markets. The moment I can acquire a major contract that will enable me to do those things, I will consider myself successful.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4223 W. Lake St., Suite 342
Chicago, IL 60624 - Website: www.swankpublishing.com
- Phone: (773) 982-8124
- Email: info@swankpublishing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swankpr/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwankPublicRelations/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/swankpr
Image Credit:
@GotitLens @BrooklynWheeler
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