Trailblazers and leaders: Brenda Juliet
Brenda Juliet | Co-Founder & Head of Publicity | MYBLAQBOOK
How did you get into comms?
I graduated in Media Relations & PR at the University of Bedfordshire back in 2013, but as my course wasn't a sandwich course, where experience during your course was imperative, I had to network my way around the industry for a little while working in Retail/Sales. I went to a PRCA event which is where I managed to talk my way into getting a placement at a top Tech PR company. On the side, I was also doing freelance Music PR & other music-related bits to transfer over my skills learnt from my Tech placement. Later down the line, I worked for Nelson Bostock Unlimited for a few years before I officially moved over into Music PR.
What does an average day look like?
No day is ever the same in PR! Some days are admin led days, creating creative pitching decks for clients or brainstorming calls with my colleague, Giovanna. Other days, you're spending your time writing press releases, pitching in talent to the media or back to back Zoom calls, and now face to face meetings. There are of course the fun and more 'glamorous' days such as spending time on set during editorial shoot days, or visual interviews and attending press/networking events. One thing I will say is you have to be super organised, passionate and on top of everything that's going on as PR activity moves extremely fast.
What advice would you give yourself knowing there was going to be a pandemic?
Definitely think about the area of PR that you're in and whether you could see yourself pushing through in another lockdown! I loved my last role at my previous agency, but it was Tech and I couldn't see myself doing that long term locked up at home. So going back to what I said in the last question, definitely be passionate about the area of PR you work in. I feel like you have to genuinely love your job to continue thinking outside of the box for clients and land results you're proud of.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known when you started working?
How fast PR really is! I know you hear that being said once you get into the industry at entry-level, but honestly, be prepared for how quickly things move along. Bring your own flair and experiences to PR, because it's all about being fun and creative with it - this is how you can stand out a little from others while connecting with the audience without dropping the ball.
What’s your greatest achievement to date?
I've had a few achievements and proud moments this year, but starting MYBLAQBOOK without a thought! I love that I was able to move over from Tech to Music so seamlessly and build something so special with my business partner and friend, Giovanna. We look after some of the best talent including the likes of Odeal, Aluna, WSTRN, Blanco, Prettyboy DO plus more, and have worked on campaigns that we're extremely proud of. We are definitely a 'Dream Team'.
Is there a particular comms campaign that you’ve seen in your career that you didn’t work on but wish you had?
Sope Soetan from Outside Organisation completely smashed the Headie One campaign for his last project 'Edna' and recently won a Music Week award for it. I was in awe of the press support for that release! Sope also helped to break Nigerian artist, Ayra Starr, here in the UK - I really enjoyed watching that one unfold.
What’s the key skill you think a successful business owner requires?
I don't think there's one - generally, I think patience because nothing happens overnight - especially in PR! Sometimes you'll have last-minute cancellations from both the media or client-side for things you have worked so hard on trying to pull in but regardless, it's always a timing thing. Confidence in your capabilities, the ability to share ideas constructively and learn from one another, being open-minded and trust, 100%.