Inspiring Conversations with Kasey Kitchen of Marque PR

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kasey Kitchen

Hi Kasey, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Miami, FL and raised in Atlanta, GA. Most of my youth was spent training in a dance studio… well, when not in school, of course. Every ounce of myself was poured into being an artist. My love for dance and theatre led me to further study my craft at East Carolina University, and then onward to London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, before settling in New York City in 2005. In 2007, M.S.A., a leading dance agency, held an open call for talent as it had just opened its NYC branch. As luck would have it, and just as I was about to give up, I was one of twelve individuals who was signed.

Despite a short professional career, I performed at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., as well as in various plays, indie films, and Off-Broadway productions. In 2009, I relocated to Los Angeles to further pursue opportunities in film and TV– including a brief stint on General Hospital. A year later, however, I decided to walk away from the entertainment industry.

My life felt like it had turned upside down… My very existence was defined by being a performer, so when I no longer had that, I felt lost. I was recruited by the FBI (a long story for another day), and then from there thought law school may be a better fit. Despite the excitement of starting something new, the path still didn’t feel quite right, but my strong desire to help people remained. With the encouragement of a friend who said I’d be good at PR, I decided to take a chance and once again returned to entertainment– this time as a publicist.

Prior to founding MARQUE PR, I worked at four different agencies in Los Angeles, where I spearheaded campaigns for a myriad of talent across the realms of film and television. With forward thinking and the curation of creative narratives, I”m proud to say I’ve achieved great success for my clients in the acquisition of press spanning print and digital publications, radio, and broadcast interviews, and has furthered that success into the space of branding. How we work at Marque transcends traditional PR by implementing an artistic strategy that is uniquely catered to each individual client—furthering their craft as artists, while also maintaining longevity and relevancy in their career; traits that are most vital in today’s vastly changing industry.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think one of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced is the “lifequake” I had when walking away from being a performer… When something like that becomes your identity it can really shake you when you no longer have it. I have learned, however, that our identity is not defined by anything that can be taken away… That said, one of the most challenging parts of my life also turned out to be a soul searching lesson.

I will also say that starting a business in the height of a global pandemic and navigating a double strike in the entertainment industry hasn’t been a walk in the park… But we’re still here! If I am anything I am resilient– and I never cower when faced with adversity.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Marque is a boutique public relations agency that specializes in branding. Through the crafting of unique narratives, strategic thinking, and the utilization of synergistic relationships, we propel our clients forward to further advance their careers and grow their brand. We don’t just think in the moment, we think about how to get you where you want to be in the future. By securing opportunities for our clients in digital and print publications, national and local television broadcast interviews, radio and podcast interviews, and invitations to high profile Hollywood events, we take our clients to the next level. It’s all about strategy and teamwork.

Our primary focus falls within the entertainment sector of PR serving actors, musicians, independent films, and talent booking. We additionally work with brands, experts, entrepreneurs, and other multi-hyphenates, and work with philanthropic organizations by liaising them with mainstream media and those in the spotlight looking to use their voice and platform for change.

While we’re headquartered in Los Angeles with a counterpart in New York City, we’ve very excited about the opening of our new Atlanta office which will open its doors in April.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
There are numerous people in my field (and outside of my field) whom I look to for wisdom and inspiration. I think being a dancer, there was a part of me that was (and is) always looking to be better. I admire so many of my colleagues and fellow publicists for all their hard work and their success. I’ve never been a jealous person… I like to celebrate the success of others and because of that, I think it’s helped bring more success into my life. To me someone’s success is like a beautiful painting– instead of looking at it like, “why do you have that?” I look at it with more of a, “look at what you made… it’s so incredible,” kind of outlook. Publicists have been called mean and cutthroat, and while that sometimes may be the case for some, there are plenty of people in the entertainment industry who are far worse. I’ve learned to lead by lifting… every person I’ve worked with has been a teacher and I’ve been a sponge to their knowledge and know-how. One of my favorite publicists lives in Nashville, and I think of all of those who I’ve crossed paths with she’s been my favorite–and who I would consider my mentor. She’s kind, smart, strategic– but badass and fierce at the same time. I have so much respect for her, and for all of my colleagues. So, to sum up that long response, learn how to be a sponge to other people’s wisdom and celebrate other people’s victories. Karma is real.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marquepublicrelations.com
• Instagram: marquepr