Meet Briahna Gatlin | CEO & Principal Publicist of Swank PR

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

Hi Briahna, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Outsiders are probably not aware that being in publicity is not all glamour. Events and hanging with clients is about 20% of the work. Public Relations is nothing like a 9- 5, a lot of times your burning both ends of the candle, you may work an event in the evening and have a 9:00am zoom meeting and you have to be up and aware.

The real work begins when the people, lights and cameras are gone, its just you and your work ethic.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Swank Public Relations (Swank PR) is a customized PR agency and boutique that tailors to clients needs and provides; public relations services, creative branding and marketing, ingénues, resources & Partnership building, client relations and social media awareness. We started in 2006 and have been active in the music, film, tv and sports industry til present 2022. We have worked with major clients and brands including Chicago Bulls, Hennessy, Zenni Optical, Lebron James, Roc Nation, Vic Mensa, Lupe Fiasco and more.

What I am most proud about is the future and everything that has been accomplished leading up to this point. The journey has been full of surprises, positive and negative. The ability to sustain a business for 15 years is an accomplishment in itself.

Its hasn’t been an easy road, consistency and determination not to fail has always been apart of our DNA. The will to keep going despite not knowing what will happen the next day, week or month has been the most challenging. Lessons I’ve learned are never burn bridges, always have an alternative strategy and approach and always take time to celebrate your wins.

I want people to know that I didnt quit and I’m still standing. There’s times that I want to give up but I”ve come so far and thats what keeps me going. When people talk about Swank PR, I want them to remember that we believed in our clients and that we took them to the next level.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would kick off the trip with drinks at the W Rooftop Bar in ATL Downtown.

We would visit the Martin Luther King National Historical park.

For accommodations I would recommend Midtown just because its such a trendy area to explore.

Outdoor food and the organic healthy experience I would visit my favorite place R. Thomas Deluxe Grill.

For nightlife, the strip clubs always give a fun experience Strokers, Magic City, Cheetah Girls etc.

Because I’m from Chicago, I’m going to strongly encourage anyone to visit Harold’s Sports Bar the chicken feels like home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom Ms. J is the person, she actually gave me the funds to get incorporated and start my company, she believed in me before I believed in myself.

I am reading Cicely Tyson: Just As I Am: A Memoir

All the interns, staff and Jr. Publicist that have came in and out of Swank PR doors deserve some recognition. They have kept the business relevant and afloat with either resources, man power and ideas.

Website: www.swankpublishing.com

Instagram: @Briahna31 @SwankPR

Linkedin: Briahna J. Gatlin, Swank Public Relations

Twitter: @SwankPR @Briahnaj

Facebook: Swank Public Relations

Image Credits
Brooklyn Wheeler – Headshots (Black and Grey Photos) Swank PR