Today we’d like to introduce you to Lexie Smith.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lexie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Originally from Portland, Oregon (I will always be a PNW girl at heart), my career began concurrent to obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) in PR and Journalism.
I entered college initially wanting to be a sports anchor and hit the ground running pursuing that path. I worked for the college TV station, I became the President of the National Broadcasting Society, and I started lining up internships left and right. It was through my first internship with CBS where I had a huge realization that I actually hated to be on camera. So, I panicked a bit, considering this probably would be a deal-breaker for in my career and all. Thankfully, shortly after this “mid-freshman-year life crisis”, I attended a national convention in New York City where I randomly met a man and his son on the streets dressed in head-to-toe duck gear. A natural conversation starter, I quickly found out that he happened to own a PR firm in NY and SF, and ironically had a satellite office in Eugene – the very city where I attended college. Long story short, I started working for him building my real-world client roster while double majoring, fell in love with PR, and never looked back! After college, I moved to Santa Monica to join a public relations agency most notably known for representing winning Shark Tank brands.
After two quick promotions, I was soon recruited to serve as the in-house Director of Marketing and PR for a hospitality group with properties located across Los Angeles. While indeed glamorous, I eventually became burnt out of the LA-lifestyle. Thus, I moved north to Ventura and made a drastic pivot into the world of Telecom where I eventually became the VP of PR and Marketing for the fastest growing telecom in America.
While the company (GeoLinks) was amazing, I eventually reached a point where I could no longer ignore my desire to break out on my own. 200 ideas later, I came up with the concept for my company THEPRBAR inc.!
Has it been a smooth road?
Well smoother than some I’m sure, but bumpy nonetheless. I often say that even though I studied abroad in college for 6-months, moving to LA was the biggest cultural adjustment of my life. I’ve experienced both myself and in compassion of a colleague a wide-variety of workplace prejudices – predominantly revolving gender, quid pro quo, and false stereotypes – and while I know they are likely insignificant in the grand scheme of all that can happen in the world, they nonetheless have played a part in making me the woman I am today. I know others have experienced far worse than I, but in my opinion that doesn’t mean I can’t share that my own journey has endured blemishes all of which, and most importantly, I have been able to overcome.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with THEPRBAR inc. – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My company is called THEPRBAR inc. and in short, I coach entrepreneurs and small businesses on how to DIY PR in lieu of hiring a full-service agency. You can read all about my services (which I call The Bar Menu) online theprbarinc.com, but I’m most known for my signature accelerator program called “Pop Fizz Clink!” where I coach clients on how to land strategic press that ultimately boosts brand awareness and increases sales!
What makes me different? Well, I am the only me! Haha. Thus, my coaching approach and systems are entirely unique to my brand. I am most complimented probably on my authenticity, passion, and digestible approach to coaching. All and all, I am truly passionate about working with entrepreneurs and am proud that through THEPRBAR I get to be a part of their journey to success.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that LA is basically a mash-up of a bunch of different mini-cities. From Venice to Santa Monica, to DTLA, etc. they all encompass their own unique “vibe” and culture. What do I like the least? Probably the cost of living, cost of a cocktail, and the cost of my sanity at times due to TRAFFIC (I’m sure you’ve never heard that one before! haha)
Contact Info:
- Website: THEPRBARinc.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprbar_inc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Theprbarinc/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LexieSmithPR
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexie-smith-pr/
Image Credit:
Bernadette Marciniak
THEPRBAR inc.
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