Today we’d like to introduce you to LaQuita Washington.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a quiet and timid girl growing up in the south suburbs of Chicago, I always knew I wanted to do something where my work spoke for itself. Little did I know, that where I ended up, my profession would be to get in front of people, make relationships and get clients into publications and broadcast outlets that reach millions of people.
When I was in undergrad at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (Go Salukis!), my first major was in Accounting and although I loved math in high school, math in college suddenly started to kick my butt. When I received my first F, I said oh no, this is not the industry for me. So, my close friend at the time was majoring in Public Relations and I thought her classes seemed so cool. So, I immediately switched my major from Accounting to Public Relations and the rest is history!
I’ve been blessed to have been in the PR and marketing industry for more than 10 years, working for the largest PR firm to a small start-up. And for the last 2.5 years, I have been able to build a boutique public relations and brand management agency that caters to small businesses and start-ups.
Everyone always asks what is Studio Twenty Five Consulting? We are simply an urban-luxe PR and brand management agency that provides creative publicity and brand management solutions to small, independent businesses in the hospitality, fashion/retail, and lifestyle (health, beauty, fitness) space.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has definitely not been a smooth one. I tell entrepreneurs that just because someone’s social media might look luxurious, you never know the back story. Going into my second year of business I completely failed. I was so broke to the point where I lost my apartment and had to move in with a friend. I eventually went back to Corporate America, put my money back into my business and started over. I rebranded, built a team, was stern about contract and payments and here I am now with over ten clients and an office located in Logan Square.
I’m a huge advocate for people wanting to start their own business, but when I consult with them one of the first questions I ask is are they ready? Entrepreneurship is not glitter and gold. It’s sweat, tears, handwork, breakdowns (for some), failure, and then some. But, the beauty of entrepreneurship is when you pass those hurdles, success is on that other side.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Studio Twenty Five Consulting – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Studio Twenty Five Consulting (also called S25 Media) is an urban-luxe brand management and PR agency that provides creative publicity and brand management solutions for small, independent businesses that specialize in the hospitality, fashion/retail, and lifestyle (health, beauty, and fitness) industries.
I am the founder and Director of Media Engagement at Studio Twenty Five Consulting. I specialize in media relations, getting our clients in notable publications and on TV. What I’m most proud of as a company is that we deliver results that help our clients brands in a significant way. I’m also proud of my team! My team is extremely passionate about the work they do and are passionate about the clients. I love them!
What sets Studio Twenty Five Consulting apart from our competition is that we treat our clients like family. We are extremely personable with them and we are there every step of the way. On our website, it states: “We’re therapists, lawyers, your best friends at times, we’ve performed miracles and let’s not forget we’re wine and whiskey connoisseurs. At Studio Twenty Five, we love keeping our clients happy and love doing research on our clients and their industries so they can stay on top of their game and in the media.” And we live by that!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Our plans for the future is to grow Studio Twenty Five into a mid-size agency. We are looking to expand in LA, New York, Seattle, Miami, and Dallas.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3455 W. North Avenue Chicago, IL 60647
- Website: www.s25media.com
- Phone: 312-560-6111
- Email: info@studiotwentyfivechi.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/studiotwentyfivechi
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/StudioTwentyFiveChi
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/studio25chi
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