Nikki Walker
TalkingWithTami: Nikki your a fab publicist! Can you tell me what a day is like for you in your career?
The great thing about my days are that they vary. Generally I’m up at 8. I check blogs, look at overnight emails and say a silent prayer at my desk. By 9 I am engrossed in phone calls with clients and my Sr. team member Shem Young. She and I discuss the day’s needs and delegate who will handle them. By 10 its all about writing press releases and proposals. I try to talk with media and do in person meetings from noon until 4 and usually work until about 7 via blackberry. I must adnit that once in a while I do a noon “meeting” with Maury! Can’t get enough of the DNA shows! lol!
TalkingWithTami: What was your first job in pr?
My first real job in PR was with Double XXposure. When I decided to become a publicist I sought out a master to teach me. Angelo Ellerbee is the “Berry Gordy” of my generation in terms of grooming artists for the spotlight. I worked directly with him, we even shared an office. There I was exposed to artists like Mary J. Blige, DMX, Morgan Heritage and Ginuwine along with up and coming artists. It was an amazing experience that put me right in the center of the NY music scene at the time. It definitely snatched the “star-struck” mentality right out of me.
TalkingWithTami: What would be the ideal client for you? Has been or newbies would you take either on?
My ideal client is properly funded and well versed on their industry and where their business fits in the schematic. It takes money to make money and not everyone understands that. Simply hiring a PR firm is not the end of the journey. Clients who are ready to make an investment in their company are the ones who flourish. I would love to take on a couture designer next. I’ve done mass market and I love it, but the luxury market is so different and I’d love to join that club! Newbies have great energy and are fun to pitch. Has beens are a great challenge because we get to make them relevant once more. They are usually humble and ready for any challenge since they have a little seasoning on them.
TalkingWithTami: On the red carpets what are some key media outlets you look for to give your clients exposure and why is that important?
Red carpets are a monster! With regional events it is so important to get the wire services and the local glossies like Jezebel, Uptown and the Atlantan. I LOVE the blog community. The writers, reporters and photographers are so professional and so important to the client because they offer instant coverage and recognition. I appreciate their support.
TalkingWithTami: Congrats on tying the knot! How are you juggling your career and family life now?
My new life as a wife has been amazing! My husband is the love of my life and our little home is my sanctuary. Both he and my son are my biggest cheerleaders. They make sure I eat, take my vitamins and always listen to my drama (yes, there is drama in owning a business!) Two angels, I swear. When the door to my home office is closed they leave me alone and when I appear tired, frustrated and burned out, they are there with hugs, kisses (and often a cocktail!) lol! Mr. Owens makes the journey a lot easier and I love him for it!
http://nikkiwalkerpr.com/ http://www.doublexxposuremediagroup.com/
