Adrienne Dorsey
Adrienne Dorsey
Publicist / Founder of Magnolia Public Relations
Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA
www.magnoliapr.com
twitter @magnoliapr
instagram @magnolia_pr
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I help brands build brand awareness and trust with the public and their customers through positive press. ”
Public relations encompasses a lot more than traditional media these days, so we also work with influencers, celebrities, and provide social media services to ensure our clients are everywhere. We cater to women, baby, kids, and tween/teen brands in the fashion and lifestyle categories.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I founded Magnolia PR in 2006 shortly after graduating with my Masters in Business Administration from Woodbury University. I actually did not know what public relations was until I started an internship at a fashion PR agency in Hollywood a few years prior. I was able to use my writing skills and creativity to help elevate brands there, and also learn the ins and outs of running a small business. After awhile, I decided it was time to start my own boutique PR agency focusing on fashion & lifestyle brands with great potential.
How do you stand out in your field?
I believe it's consistency and a strong work ethic. Although public relations can seem like an extra for some brands, the brands who have remained our clients for years have seen impressive success. Being on the Today Show, in the pages of Girls' Life, or in a Netflix original film can change a brand's trajectory. We've had clients say the only reason investors have met with them was due to press coverage we secured. Others come to us as small start-ups and they are now household brands. I believe in doing what's in the best interests of my clients and taking the time to see things through for the best results.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Right now we're pitching brands for upcoming winter holiday gift guides in print and digital media outlets. Gift guides are a great way to help brands boost sales around the holidays. We're also gifting celebrity parents for our new baby goods client, which entails outreaching to their publicists, stylists, or another personal connection and determining what styles they'd prefer.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I have lived in Los Angeles for over 17 years now, so my style is decidedly laidback and Bohemian. I love lace, vintage, and soft colors.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I love when I'm able to write content for clients. Writing is often undervalued, but it can truly elevate the perception of a brand. Beautifully telling a brand's story is key in PR.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Brands who expect immediate results can be frustrating. With PR, it's sometimes difficult to educate brands on how lead times work and that we can't guarantee outcomes. Sharing case studies and other clients' results can be helpful however!
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would love help with graphic design and proposal templates!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I would tell myself to listen to my intuition when screening potential clients. Ones who automatically ask for a discount or don't value your time or expertise are not ideal clients and will drain you. Hold out for your dream clients, even though it seems like they're not coming. I would tell this to myself back when I started my business, but it's something I still have to remind myself on occasion.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would love more insight on building packages and proposals. It's sometimes hard to communicate all of the tangible and intangible benefits of PR in a way that potential clients understand and value.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I would love to work with more individuals and brands in the fashion & lifestyle sectors. Always happy to help with brand launches, guidance on how to integrate traditional and new media into a brand's strategy, or content writing.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
An ideal client is open to new ideas and flexible on the path to getting results. PR is most effective when it's an ongoing relationship with mutual trust and collaboration. Working with clients that fully trust your expertise and give you all of the tools you need to be successful are the best.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Feel free to email me at adrienne@magnoliapr.com or DM on Instagram @magnolia_pr - please let me know a bit about your brand, your goals for PR, and if you have a budget range in mind.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Sunset at the beach. Unwind. Reflect.
This member profile was originally published in October 2020.