Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Calhoun.
Amanda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been working in Public Relations for about four years, but in college, I actually studied Fashion Merchandising under the College of Business before switching majors to Journalism (emphasis in Public Relations) my junior year. It was truly one of the most challenging experiences because I was always confident that I was a great writer, but I soon learned that writing for the media was completely different than anything I had done in my life. I’m super grateful for that experience because it helped prepare me for a career where more often than not, we’re told no.
While finishing up graduate school, I had the opportunity to intern and eventually work remote for an advertising agency in Dallas and opened so many doors in my career. Since landing that role, I’ve had an opportunity to lead and support several consumer brands, including Movie Tavern, Llano Estacado Winery, Make-A-Wish North Texas, Visionworks and McDonald’s of Greater North Texas. Through those accounts, I learned so much about each industry and what it means to be a well-rounded PR professional, from media relations, account management, event planning and influencer marketing. It was such a rewarding experience to see the work I did truly impact our clients’ perception in public, as they sought to increase their exposure.
Recently, I transitioned to another agency in Dallas, where I’ve been able to hone in on my media relations skills and collaborate in the influencer marketing space. Although I’m fresh out of my first 90 days, the experience has been invaluable. From securing placements in magazines elite outlets like People, Refinery 29 and Woman’s Day, I’m learning the importance of cultivating relationships and thinking outside of the box. One thing that I love about my new role is that I’m challenged to be innovative and creative, and my clients view me, and our agency as true strategic partners. Outside of my client work, I’ve had the opportunity to play a pivotal role in my agency’s diversity and inclusion practices, presenting and advising on multicultural initiatives. I’m extremely optimistic about the future of PR and excited to create my own path within my organization.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think that the obstacles that I’ve faced are similar to that of other young women entering the industry and that’s the concept of work/life balance. I think as young women, we’ve been told that we have to pay our dues (and that is very true), but I also think that the notion of “no days off” culture is toxic. Our bodies need to rest, and our minds need renewal. I believe having the flexibility to live life outside of work is essential for development and growth. As much as I love what I do, I’ve had to break my thinking of “it needs to happen right now” and realize I’m not doing open-heart surgery and I’m not saving babies. Some tasks can wait until the next day. Something that I’m very appreciative of is my agency’s investment into people, and that includes unlimited time off, so employees have a sense of balance, especially during these unprecedented times.
Please tell us about A Sip of ADC.
A Sip of ADC is a blog I started a couple of years ago. When I started this project, it was initially a love-letter to Dallas of all the amazing food (and libations) I’ve indulged in since moving here. It’s your weekend guide to all things brunch and cocktail hours. Now, it’s evolved into just me sharing my personal takes on fashion, photography, faith and what it means to be a #PRgirl. I’ve been very fortunate to be sponsored by brands I truly love that allow me to infuse my everyday life into my social content. As I look toward the future of A Sip of ADC, I’d love to tackle events and professional matchmaking so women can thrive in their careers.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Good luck definitely has played a major role in my business, career and life. More than anything, I count it as faith. I can think back on so many instances where the stars truly aligned for me. For starters, finding my internship in Dallas. I was honestly behind the curve with searching, and initially wanted to intern at an agency in Chicago, but my parents were weary of me being so far away from home for safety. My dad suggested that I try searching in Dallas because of family connections, and it just so happened that the agency I started at was still accepting applications. It also just so happened that I was able to find a sublease relatively quick, and get moved in. Even now, with my current job, I had always had my eye on my company, but I was able to get connected through a Facebook group.
Contact Info:
- Email: asipofadcblog@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/missamandadeann
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/asipofadc/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/missamandadeann
Image Credit:
Victoria Saperstein Photography
https://www.instagram.com/victoriasaperstein/
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