Someone once told me, if you want to find out how passionate someone is about something, listen at how long and intensely they speak about their ‘passion’. My initial conversation with Danielle Inez, owner of diPR, backed up this theory. Our conversation was far from brief as she and I talked candidly about her love for public relations (and of course a bit of girl talk). It was evident that she absolutely loves what she does.

This love has proven beneficial to the young entrepreneur, who has a boutique public relations agency, DiPR,  based in Memphis, TN. Since DiPR’s inception, Danielle has worked with some of the biggest artists and venues in the Memphis area and has an impressive portfolio that continues to grow.

Her success has come with an enormous amount of risk and an even bigger dose of determination. Since deciding to leave her corporate job to pursue Public Relations full time, she hasn’t looked back with any regrets.

Danielle’s enthusiasm is contagious, her work ethic admirable, and her wisdom far beyond her years. She is undoubtedly knowledgeable in her industry and is quickly formulating her own recipe for success.

READ MOREfor HDF’s interview with Danielle

 

How did you get your start in Public Relations?

A few close friends in influential positions saw something in me while I was attending LSU and majoring in journalism. After some opportunities came up to brand a new artist and develop PR campaigns for a few high profile events, I changed my major and followed the course that made the most sense for me.

What’s a typical day like for you?

Long! I start my day around 8AM and finish around 11PM. Mornings are consumed with checking my emails, updating my clients’ schedules, reading a few PR news blogs, seeking pitch opportunities, and reading a few off-beat entertainment blogs. I pack meetings early into my week when possible. When I don’t have meetings, my afternoons are spent making calls to some of EVERYBODY – media, associates, potential associates, client leads, everybody. That’s also when I make the first draft for any writing that has to be done. Then, I break from “work” and focus on keeping the business-side of things together: expenses, invoices, the boring stuff. I finish the day’s PR work around 7PM. Then the rest of my evening is spent working on smaller on-going projects for the nightclub and the promo company that I also call home.

What is the best thing about owning your own business?

Seeing it grow and mature and knowing that I am the creator.

What has been the most challenging thing about being an entrepreneurial woman?

My age. I’m young and I look even younger! The initial perception is that I can’t possibly know anything so I go into things having to immediately prove my value – without coming across like a know-it-all or b*tch.

Since starting your own business, what has been one of the most vital lessons you have learned?

Bite your tongue. I’m still learning this one. Lol. Every battle isn’t worth the fight. Sometimes, you have to just take the “L” quietly, learn, and move on.

Everyone’s path or level of success is different; but if you had to pick three ingredients that you think lead to success, what would they be?

Tenacity – the going WILL get tough; you’ve got to keep trekking. Integrity – Don’t be a good person because someone may be watching. Be a good person because that’s who you are at your core. Laughter – I’d go crazy if I didn’t get at least one good laugh in every day.

I always speak to women about balance and ‘having it all’. Do you think it’s possible for women to have the fabulous career, a healthy relationship, and still maintain an active social life? Or do you believe something has to suffer?

Hmm… Possible, yeah…. Likely? I’m still figuring that one out. I spend a lot of hours on my “fabulous” career, but I make a conscious effort to make time for my equally amazing boyfriend. I try to make him breakfast every day before he heads to his office and most evenings are spent at the dinner table together. We also committed to a set time each evening to just be with one another – no TV, no phone calls. I stop working early on Fridays and either spend time alone or with my closest girlfriends. It’s possible, I suppose, but it is EXTREMELY hard and doesn’t come naturally for me –shoot, I don’t even have kids yet.

One thing that I greatly admire about you is your determination. I’m sure that at times it can become discouraging in such a challenging industry. What keeps you motivated?

Every day, I am surrounded by amazing people that all work hard and enjoy wonderful, fulfilling lives. Not only do I admire them as professionals, but they have also embraced me and become exceptional mentors. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive culture than what I have in our promotions office.

What other women in the business do you admire?

Easy one! J My PR gal pal, Melissa Kimble, is A-MAZ-ING. She’s so smart and has dedicated so much of her time to learning and cultivating her craft – I want to be like her when I grow up! Cherrell Rene impresses me daily. Oh, and please “google” Aerial Ellis – there are few like her.

What advice would you offer other women looking to break into PR?

 If you want to become famous, hire a publicist; don’t try to become one. Okay, seriously – learn about the communications industry. Having the most contacts for a particular field won’t make you the best publicist. You have to understand protocol and PR practices… and proper sentence structure.

You’ve accomplished so much at such an early age. What other things would you like to accomplish in the upcoming years?

I feel that I’ve laid an excellent foundation, but I’m not sure that I’ve accomplished a lot. I look forward to learning and growing.

If you had to think of one quote or a motto that you live by, what would it be?

I always tell myself (and my clients) one thing: Don’t get so blinded by all of the hype that you lose sight of what’s real. At the end of the day, you have yourself and your sanity. Nothing else is guaranteed to be there tomorrow. Take things in stride.

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