Life and Work with Charlotte Silverstein

Charlotte, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I wanted to do it all — be a nutritionist, acupuncturist, outdoor guide, yoga teacher, marine biologist, a UN ambassador, interior designer — you name it. Back when I was in high school, we had to take career interest surveys. All of my results recommended the field of communications/public relations. It was something that had never crossed my mind. But what I realized was that a career in public relations would allow me the flexibility to work intimately with people in a wide variety of industries – ultimately providing a wonderful opportunity for me to learn new things each day, and fulfill that craving of wanting to do it all.

I went on to study Public Relations and Advertising at Chapman University, in Orange, CA. Chapman has a massive network in the nearby entertainment industry of Los Angeles. Most of my professors were current or former studio executives and talent agents. This opened up a big world of opportunities and I completed a variety of internships at public relations firms who represented lifestyle brands, video games, real estate, hospitality brands, food and beverage brands, fashion houses, film and television shows, actors, and more. I also earned a second degree in Spanish and completed a minor in Leadership Studies.

Prior to my career in public relations, I started my professional experience with Nordstrom, touching everything from HR to sales, to floor design and publicity. Then, after graduation, working for PR agencies, I really found myself missing that authentic collaboration and connection to the outside world.

I felt myself deteriorating, from my quality of work to my physical and mental health. The constant fear of missing an email or call if I decided to take an hour to myself to go workout or grab a drink with friends. I stopped putting myself and my health first. I said enough is enough and took matters into my own hands. I quit my job – which was terrifying, but I have never felt a bigger weight lifted off of my shoulders.

Almost immediately after quitting, I got extremely sick. I went to urgent care, and to a variety of doctors and experts – no one could find anything wrong with me. They finally asked if I had made any big changes in my life and I explained my situation. They knew right away what was going on. My body was reacting and eliminating all of the stress and anxiety that had built up over the years, and readjusting. Apparently, it is very common!

I thought I would take a little break from the world of public relations, but some really wonderful people with beautiful missions came my way, and I knew I wanted to represent them. I wanted to create a space where people felt at home, and where PR was no longer a scary investment. Lena Rose PR was born. Real public relations for real people. No gimmicks, or empty promises, with an emphasis on work-life balance. Everyone from a self-starting mother, to a Fortune 500 CEO is welcome. Everyone has a story to tell, and it brings me joy to be able to share these stories with the world.

What is your biggest advice to young girls?
My biggest advice would be to talk to anyone and everyone – even if you think they have nothing to offer you or their careers are completely unrelated to yours. The world is really a small place, and everyone is connected. You may not need someone’s help right now, but in ten years, when you decide to make that big career switch or need advice or contact information, you will already have made a connection that can assist you.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey has had many ups and downs. Something I really struggled with and still do to this day is learning how to say “no.” We are programmed to be people pleases and say “yes” to everything. Don’t be embarrassed to say “no” to going out to dinner and a movie, or to a party, event, etc. Staying in and laying on the couch is fabulous. Canceling drinks to go home and draw a warm bath is OKAY. Don’t be afraid to tell your boss or co-worker that you do not have the capacity to take on a new project. Or to actually use your vacation days! What a concept. We need to take better care of our bodies, mentally and physically.

Please tell us about Lena Rose PR.
The motto at Lena Rose PR is – Real public relations for real people – honesty, trustworthy, genuine. We specialize in media relations, partnerships, social media, and events. Not only do we work in the United States, but we have strong international relations. I am fluent in French and Spanish (languages came easily to me), and love to utilize these skills to brand a client’s reach even further. We stay on top of the ever-changing media landscape, and a world in general. We adapt our strategies to these changes.

As we at Lena Rose say, “Gone are the days of press releases, industry jargon, and martinis for lunch. We like to think of our work as the equivalent of sitting down with a friend (and a glass of wine) and discussing our hopes, dreams, and goals for our business; down-to-earth, simple and honest.”

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
My mother is from the Champagne region of France, and my father is from Ohio! From the minute I was born, my mom spoke to me in French, and my dad in English. I grew up completed immersed in these two cultures and in a bilingual household – not to mention my parents’ love to travel and I got to experience the big world from an early age. I even attended a French-American school all the way through middle school and spent many summers in France with family.