Meet Cortney Williams | Publicist & Online Radio Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cortney Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cortney, what role has risk played in your life or career?
The famous colloquial “no risk, no reward” best describes my thought process on risk-taking. When I take a chance and bet on myself, I’m taking initiative over my life instead of waiting on my dreams to come to me. Taking a chance allows me to explore my gifts and talents, and when reasonably done, I always see a positive reward. Without risk-taking, I’d simply be left out of opportunities and live in a state of fear and anxiety. I wouldn’t have cultivated meaningful connections with some of the most important people in my life if I didn’t take the risk of simply initiating a conversation. I wouldn’t have started my public relations agency without taking the risk amidst the doubt and nervousness surrounding being a young entrepreneur, There’s often a negative connotation surrounding risk-taking, but it’s simply a part of life. We make choices and take chances every day with the hopes of growing and learning from them.

What should our readers know about your business?
Full Cort Press is a boutique public relations agency that serves clients amongst an array of industries from food and resturants to music and entertainment. Our passion is supporting entreprenuers and small business owners growth through media strategies and development of effective communication, all leading to increased vibility and brand awareness. Which sounds incredibly fancy a full of PR jargon, but simply put, we’re storytellers. We value of the passion of our clients and artfully share their passions with larger, or sometimes more defined audiences, to get more people excited about the work they do.

I started Full Cort Press at the tender age of 23, fresh out of undergrad with a very discouraging introduction to the field of public relations. I made my introduction to PR by working as an account manager at a firm being undermined, and underpaid. So just as a millienial would do, I left that job. I was incredibly discouraged, but instead of sulking in that moment, I took the leap of faith to create my own lane. But to be completely transparent, I was operating out of a spirit of revenge, I was operating out of a place of “I’ll show you!” which i quickly had to get out of. I shifted my mindset and perspective to a place of optimism, gratitude, and passion of storytelling to truly see real success. My process was not easy, by any means, but it makes me appreciate where I’m at even more.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I hope bestie likes to drink because I love a good bar. Let’s say she gets in on a Sunday, we’ll do yoga at the Detroit Foundation Hotel in the morning then head to Apparratus Room downstairs for brunch. Later that night we can hit Queens for a drink (or a few) for. a chill night hopefully it’s not too packed. Let’s also assume its not winter so we can enjoy the Riverwalk (Detroit was voted best Riverwalk in the U.S last year I might add) for a view of Canada just across the way. I love a good visit to the DIA so we’ll definetly have to stop by there, the museum is so big, I doubt we’ll see all of the exhibitions in one day. While we’re in the area we might as well go to Mootz Pizzeria, I swear by the “Bee Sting” pizza. We’ve got to hit the Block or Southern Fires at some point, too. Two black owned resturants with top tier food and the vibes to match. Let’s also assume bestie came in town while Jeezy performs at the Aretha Franklin Ampitheatre, my uncle has a boat we can pull up to the arena via the river and enjoy the concert. We’ll hit the day shift at some point too, preferably the Pantheon for lamb chops and some Rosé. By the weekend we’ll go to Eastern Market a shop around and maybe take a walk around to the art at the Dequindre Cut.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d simply want to dedicate this shout-out to the two new friends I’ve made within the past year who have cultivated so much inspiration and growth in me in such a short period of time. They’ve inspired me spiritually, emotionally, and even in my work-life through our recent connection. So, shout out to both Rachelle and Kiesance for being positive forces in my life. Rachelle is a strategic marketer by day and one of the most talented singers and musicians by night. Kiesance is a fashion designer and personal stylist who created one of the most memorable looks for me last year for a fashion show. Together they host a podcast called “Poets Pitch” that will air soon. Connect with Rachelle on socials @rantione23 and Kiesance @Kiesance and their podcast @Poetspitch

Website: fullcortpress.com

Instagram: @CortneyAlexaaa

Twitter: @CortneyAlexaPR

Facebook: Cortney Williams

Youtube: Sitting Cortside

Image Credits
Dennis Belton