Meet Cathy J. Hood of Pristine Initiative in Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathy J. Hood.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Cathy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In 2006, I packed up everything I owned at my mom’s house in Illinois and moved to Hollywood. I had just turned 18 years old and accepted a scholarship to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) on Yucca street. My father passed away two years prior, and I was in a dark space where I needed a new beginning. I was young and naive to the world, but I was on the path to pursuing my acting passion.

After four years in Hollywood, nothing tangible worked out for me. I started hanging with the wrong crowd and spent most of those years financially struggling and slept on friends’ couches. I hit a rough patch and was forced to move back home to my mom’s house. I was a complete mess and an utter failure, but somehow I was still driven to make something of myself, so I enrolled in the Project Management program at Devry University.

Moving back home ended up being the best and most difficult decision I made in my life! I interned at WGN TV news in Chicago for entertainment producer Dean Richard, and soon after that, I became one of the publicists for Broadway In Chicago, covering numerous award-winning shows! In 2009, I enrolled in the Public Administration graduate program at California State University, Los Angeles, and earned a master’s degree.

Since moving back to Los Angeles, I have worked my way up the public relations ladder. I held several high-level positions for large entities such as LA County Internal Services Division, Delta Air Lines, PCL Construction, and more! I’ve also gained prestigious opportunities in coordinating shows for Usher, Mya, Famous Dex, TINK, and Shannon K. I was also a publicist on the construction of the Banc of California Stadium!

Through my PR efforts, I’ve empowered young individuals, shared amazing stories of every day working individuals, and provided opportunities for those around me to thrive and grow. Today, after years of trial and error, I run and operate a boutique PR/Communications agency in Hollywood. I’m educating a young group of emerging publicists, and I love the clients I represent! Life is a trip. You never know where you’ll end up, but you’ll end up somewhere if you’re driven.

Has it been a smooth road?
I’m going to write a book about my path in life. I’ve experienced so much on this journey. Many people think I live a lavish lifestyle, but what they don’t know are the long hours and no sleep. I’m always working, but I love what I do for my clients every day!

Looking back, I’m glad I experienced failure. I’m glad I made the decision to move back home with my mom. She motivated me to do better and be the best. I also had great mentors to get me through some of the darkest moments in life. I’m forever grateful to the people who believed in my vision.

Pristine Initiative – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Pristine Initiative, LLC is on a mission to influence, engage, and identify opportunities for outlier markets. Our fresh approach helps clients to discover innovative ways to engage the public through the power of positive messaging, brand awareness, digital campaigns, business development, and community outreach.

What sets Pi apart from other agencies is the community element that drives our initiatives. Through our strategic relationships with influencers, top-tier brands, elected/appointed officials, and diverse organizations throughout the US, Pi has the capability to expand your brand’s growing platform and position it as a thought leader. We’re passionate about building individuals and businesses and getting their voices and stories heard!

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The PR industry has been thriving for more than 100 years! While COVID has deeply impacted many prosperous industries across the globe, public relations has managed to stay untouched. It’s beautiful to see PR specialists evolving in so many ways in becoming brand ambassadors, social media experts, content marketers, and innovators connecting the dots behind the scenes. As businesses struggle to stay afloat, there’s an emerging need to better connect and engage with fans and target audiences. I’m excited about the future of public relations! As long as storytelling and original content remain a priority, PR will always be a key element in business.

Contact Info:

•  Email: cathy@pristineinitiative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathyjhood/
•  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cathyjhood
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/pr_initiative

Image Credit:
Kadeem Alexander

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