We know just how cray New York fashion week can be. Yet, fashion publicist, Courtney Bolden is one of those women who don’t let the madness of the week get to her. In between coordinating fashion shows and engaging press, Bolden keeps calm and reserved. In fact, she’s SO cool; she’s rarely seen wearing black as most PR girls do.
A Jersey Girl, born and raised in the Essex County area, Courtney attended Northeastern University in Boston where she earned a degree in Communication and Mass Media. Following college, she went head first into the PR industry working for organizations including such as the Apollo Theater and Allison+Partners. Post her stint in NY, Courtney moved to Philly to work for Skai Blue Media, a multimedia public relations agency. Her day includes creating PR strategies and engaging press for the plethora of fashion and lifestyle clients in the agency’s roster, this means frequent trips back to her old stomping ground in NY for events such as Fashion Week.
With a hectic schedule, Courtney manages to keep it all together. So what’s her secret? We had to ask…
Peep our interview below!
Q: Ok…it’s Fashion Week. How do you NOT go ape shit during this time?
It’s hard! Really it’s about staying calm and collected. Crazy stuff always goes down; what really matters is how you deal with it.
Q: How do you prepare for fashion week?
It takes a lot of preparation. As a publicist, we start prepping for event production months in advance, picking the date and venue to hold a show. That’s crucial for emerging designers. Then it’s cultivating the press and inviting them. It’s all a process.
Q: You work in PR. What exactly do you do?
It’s my job to strategically and effectively communicate a client’s story through an engaging and out-of-the-box approach. Quite often when people think of PR, they think it’s sending a press release and calling media. It’s so much more than that. It’s about letting media and consumers touch, feel and experience a brand.
Q: How would you describe your style?
I’m really into prints right now and I’ve always been a fan of neutrals. My style has transcended into boho-chic. I’ve been getting called a hipster and tree-hugger a lot lately LOL.
Q: You have awesome skin. Can you give dets on your beauty secrets?
Thank you! It’s been a rough road. I have very oily skin and finding the right products has been a challenge for me over the years. Right now I’m obsessed with Burt Bee’s Brightening Facial Cleanser and Kiko Cosmetic’s Purifying Fluid moisturizer.
Q: What’s your most coveted item in your closet?
I’ve been wearing a lot of vintage lately. I have few chain belts that belonged to my mom in the early 90’s that I love. I also have a beautiful black and white floral printed dress I purchased at a consignment shop – I don’t remember the name of the designer’s name though.
Q: To those pursuing a career in Fashion PR, what advice can you give them?
Experience is key. I interned and volunteered all throughout college and I really believe that’s how I was able to get a job in my field so soon after graduating. You also have to be able to deal with all types of personalities and have thick skin.
Q: Ok…so why the move to Philly?
Although, I occasionally commute to NY for my job, I wanted a change of scenery. I’m from Essex County, which isn’t far from New York. I’ve worked in New York and it just got too much after a while. I heard about an opportunity with Skai Blue Media and jumped on it.
Q: What’s so great about living in Philly?
It’s such an awesome city with a lot of rich culture! I’ve been here for a little over a year and love that there are so many chic restaurants and bars. You’ll find me perched at Valanni or Sampan for happy hour and Charlie Was a Sinner for a good meal.
The post Life of a PR Girl: Courtney Bolden on Fashion Week, Her Beauty Secrets, and Living in Philly appeared first on lowefactor.