Today we’d like to introduce you to Reagan Elam.
Hi Reagan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Dallas raised, and I often say that I’ve been wearing multiple hats long before “multi-hyphenate” became a popular term. Even as a child, I was always involved in something—creative projects, leadership opportunities, school activities, communications and finding ways to connect with people. I’ve always had a natural curiosity about how stories are told, how people are brought together and how ideas become something tangible.
As I grew older, those interests evolved into a career that has allowed me to work across journalism, public relations, digital media, events, community engagement and brand storytelling. At different points, I’ve been the journalist asking the questions, the publicist helping someone tell their story, the producer behind the scenes making an event happen and the communications professional thinking about the bigger strategy.
Dallas has been the backdrop for so much of that journey. I grew up here, built relationships here and have had the opportunity to tell stories about the people, culture, businesses and organizations that make this city special. Being from Dallas gives me a unique perspective because I’m not just observing the city professionally, I’ve watched it evolve personally.
From the beginning of my childhood, being involved in Girls Scouts of America, to being the captain of my school cheerleading team, crowned as Namman Forest Class of 2012 Homecoming Queen, and later serving as chapter president of my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Inc. I’ve always had a passion for my community, leadership, and serving.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been far from smooth. I’ve had many struggles and obstacles along the way. However, I don’t allow obstacles to stand in my way; I figure out how to overcome them.
Having lost my big brother and grandfather in 2019 has made me approach life differently. Grief has changed me. I’ve learned to be present, because tomorrow is not promised.
I’ve also had to navigate career transitions, disappointments, opportunities that didn’t work out the way I hoped and seasons where I was balancing a full-time career while still building my own brand and business. There have been times when I’ve had to advocate for myself, create my own opportunities and remind myself that a “no” does not erase the work I’ve already done.
Having ambition can sometimes make you feel like you should already be further ahead, but I’ve learned to appreciate the foundation I’m building. Some of the experiences that felt like setbacks at the time ultimately made me more resourceful, more confident and more intentional about the kind of career and legacy I want to create.
Being Dallas raised has also shaped that resilience. This city has allowed me to grow, reinvent myself and build relationships across so many different spaces. I’m still evolving, but I’m much more comfortable now knowing that I don’t have to fit into one box. The different hats are part of the story.
We’ve been impressed with 2RealPR, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
2RealPR is a Dallas-based boutique public relations and communications brand I created to help people, businesses and creatives tell authentic, strategic and impactful stories.
I specialize in public relations, media relations, brand strategy, event publicity, sponsorship development, media training and visibility opportunities. I’ve worked with artists, entrepreneurs, authors, events and community-focused brands to strengthen their messaging, connect with media and create momentum.
What sets 2RealPR apart is my experience as both a publicist and journalist. I understand what makes editors and producers pay attention, as well as what makes a story meaningful to an audience. That perspective allows me to approach PR from both sides.
The name “2Real” reflects my belief and attitude that effective public relations should feel genuine, not manufactured. My goal is to uncover what is compelling about each client and communicate it in a timely, memorable way.
I’m most proud of the trust and relationships I’ve built. Success means more than securing a media placement; it means helping clients recognize the value of their stories, access new opportunities and build lasting momentum.
My vision is for 2Real PR to grow into a full-service communications and creative agency connecting media, culture, community, events and storytelling. Ultimately, the brand exists to ensure great stories are told,and that the people behind them are seen, heard and remembered.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One of the biggest things I’ve learned about mentorship and networking is that relationships have to be nurtured, not just collected.
I’ve been fortunate to be a part of Femme It Forward’s Next Gem Femme mentorship program, and that experience has really reinforced the value of being in community with women who are intentional about growth, accountability and opening doors for one another. Being part of Next Gem Femme has given me access to mentorship, professional development, meaningful conversations and a network of women across different industries who genuinely want to see each other succeed.
What has worked well for me is being intentional about staying connected. I don’t believe in only reaching out to people when I need something. I try to check in, support their work, attend events, make introductions when I can and stay engaged. Some of my strongest professional relationships have grown simply because I continued showing up.
My advice for finding a mentor is to first pay attention to the people whose careers, values or leadership styles you genuinely admire. Instead of immediately asking, “Will you be my mentor?” start by building a relationship. Ask thoughtful questions, seek advice on something specific and show that you value their time. Mentorship can grow organically from those interactions.
The same goes for networking. I’ve learned that networking is less about working a room and more about building real relationships. Be curious about people. Ask questions. Follow up after meeting them. And don’t underestimate the importance of being someone who can also be a resource to others.
I also think you have to be willing to put yourself in rooms where you may not know anyone yet. Some of the best opportunities and connections in my career have come from simply having the courage to introduce myself, start a conversation and stay connected afterward.
Ultimately, I think your network grows when people remember not only what you do, but how you made them feel and whether you were genuine in the relationship.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @rea2real, @2realpr
