Today we’d like to introduce you to Marilynne Mungovan.
Marilynne, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I was in college–I majored in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in marketing at California State University, Northridge–I made it a point to intern everywhere! I interned in the advertising department of Seventeen Magazine, with a costumer that handled shows like Top Chef and Pro’s V.S. Joe’s, and finally at a small boutique PR firm.
Before interning with costume designer Juli Faller, I was dead set that I wanted to be a costumer for TV and movies. Someone wise once told me, look at what your boss is doing, and ask yourself if you want to do that job, and I realized that I didn’t. I didn’t like the culture of being on set—hurry up and wait –as they call it. At this point, graduation was nearing and I had no clue what I wanted to do. So one day I was on MySpace (when it used to be a social networking site) and decided to reach out to my high school cheerleading coach, Leeron Tal who I saw was working with celebrities and fashion!
I went to her website, sent my resume and the next day she emailed me asking me to come down for an interview. I interned with her and her partner Gina Segal at Originallee until graduation and then started there part-time until they closed their business at the end of 2007. It was there that I learned what PR was and discovered that not only was I good at it, but I loved it! Leeron sent out a glowing recommendation to her database and that night as I was driving home I got the email I was waiting for. Just a few days before Christmas in 2007, I drove down to Sunset Blvd. for my interview at PMG.
Though I got the job, I had to turn it down because it wasn’t enough money. I left feeling defeated, knowing I turned down my dream job. About a week later they raised their offer and I started January 2, 2008. It was at PMG where I learned the many facets of being a publicist, I worked with hotels like the Andaz West Hollywood, restaurants like STK, The Belmont and The Federal Bar, brand launches like Kim Kardashian’s fragrances, as well as large red carpet events including AFI Fest, presented by Audi, Beauty Culture at the Annenberg Space For Photography and Taste of Beverly Hills!
In 2012, I decided it was time to move on. A few years prior, my mentor at PMG Michele Thomas (formally Angeloni) had started her own PR firm, Azione, with Leland Drummond. And now it was now my time to do the same! After meeting Chaz Brewer through mutual friends, it just seemed like the right fit. I was hesitant at first, to leave my good job and go start a business with someone I only knew a few months. Was I crazy? I was scared at first, neither of us had never started a business and didn’t know where to start. So we pooled our resources and got to work, we chose the name REVELE, which means “to make known” in French. We wanted clients that we believed in and that we were passionate about.
So we decided to focus on design, hospitality and events. Our first big client was Le Tote, a personalized clothing subscription service and rented fashion. We have since worked with everything from the award-winning Beachwood Brewing to the glamping hospitality group Under Canvas! This July we celebrate our 6th year!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The first year was great and each year following we seemed to just do better and better. I call this beginners luck. You need it to keep going, otherwise, you would give up right away. Then 2016 happened and it was by far our hardest year financially for REVELE. We struggled to sign business, and every time we thought we were getting ahead a client would go off-fee. But we got through it.
We had money saved from the previous years. When we had an amazing month, instead of taking a bonus we kept in the business. This saved us and we were able to stick it out and made it work! Now 3 years later we are doing better than ever and I know that we can get through anything.
REVELE – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Established in 2012, REVELE is a boutique Los Angeles-based communications firm! We specialize in public relations, branding and event marketing for hospitality, travel, restaurants, interior design and lifestyle brands.
I am most proud of the work we have done and the portfolio of amazing clients we have worked with! We are a small firm but we are mighty. I think what set’s us apart is that we embrace being small. Chaz Brewer and I work directly with our clients utilizing our extensive experience and expertise in public relations and branding!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success in happiness! My criteria isn’t on a checklist but in my heart and soul. For me, I work to live, not live to work. But having nice stuff and going on trips is awesome…. so work hard so you can play harder!
P.S. Getting a client in the New York Times never gets old!
Contact Info:
- Address: 8230 Beverly Blvd. Suite 24 Los Angeles, CA 90048
- Website: www.reveleinc.com
- Phone: 3234132988
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reveleinc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reveleinc
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/reveleinc
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