Meet Kimberly M. Starks, APR | Public Relations Practitioner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly M. Starks, APR and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly M., what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
The most important thing is that I’ve prepared them to be independent. I’ve taught them the value of independence. I’ve prepared them to do most things on their own, and if they need help, how and when to reach out for that assistance.

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?
Blue Scorpion Reputation Management (BSRM) is a specialist communications firm with national reach, holding accounts specific to the video gaming and agribusiness industries, including pet health and wellness. We also provide government and corporate consultancy. The company was established in 2017.

We provide public relations, marketing, digital marketing and advertising to our clients, and we’re known for our market research, media strategy, reputation management and crisis communication.

We recently landed a federal government contract with the USDA to provide market research in the 10-county Metro Atlanta area down to middle Georgia.

To secure a federal government contract was nothing short of hard work and smart work. Again, being intentional about achieving our goals, putting a plan in place and positioning ourselves to realize that vision. And we’re not done! Becoming a federal contractor is just one milestone on our journey to become a global communications firm supporting the industries we serve.

Since we’re celebrating our four-year anniversary, I look at the business with pride, and I also reflect on the jagged and zig-zagging road that it took to remain in business through this time. We’ve had plenty of celebratory moments, and moments that would unsettle just about anyone. Unyielding faith, perseverance and confidence in our ability to perform over and over again is what has kept us in business. The faith and belief that others had in us is equally as important because without the support from our clients and the broader business community, we wouldn’t be here.

I’ve learned that if you want to go into business for yourself, you have to have the right mindset first. Then, you have to surround yourself with people who are just as dedicated to your success as you. Third, you have to have an unflinching work ethic. You work harder for yourself as a business owner, and it takes persistence to reach success. You will be met with a lot of “No’s” before you get to that one “Yes.” Make it count.

Because Wanda Lloyd mentored me and gave me that first chance so many years ago, BSRM has a Corporate Social Responsibility to prepare the next generation of communications professionals. We have a live show every week along with a podcast “BlueScorpionRM: The Podcast,” so students studying mass communications – whether it’s public relations, journalism, radio, TV or advertising – have an opportunity to hone their skills through us. As a result, a number of our interns, whom we call Associates, have gone on to secure positions at major corporations. We’ve trained students from HBCUs, including Savannah State University, Alabama State University, Howard University, Clark Atlanta University. We’ve also trained students from Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, Syracuse University and Arizona State University. Our goal is to become the bridge from “college to corporation,” helping students navigating this industry the confidence they need to thrive.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, I’d take them to Rosie’s Cafe on Northside Drive. That’s my favorite cafe. I love the ambience, and it feels like home. I’m an Atlanta native.

To walk off all of that good food, the next stop is the Atlanta Beltline. I love to walk, and I walk all over the city. I take MARTA frequently to absorb the city life – the sights and sounds – and I walk the Beltline to check out key points of interest.

For dinner, we’d go to South City Kitchen in Midtown for their … everything! For a fun atmosphere with friends, we’d check out the The Beverly on Glenwood or have Gyu-kaku Japanese BBQ after strolling through Atlantic Station.

Depending on the time of the year, we’d go to either DreamHack Atlanta or one of the Cons – MomoCon, DragonCon, SIEGECon or the Southern Fried Gaming Expo. If we’re lucky enough, we’d get to check out the creative class of artists at SUBSUME, an annual event held in Atlanta.

Just as much as I love the city life, I am drawn to country living! If it’s October, we’d take a trip to South Georgia to Moultrie for the Sunbelt Ag Expo. And, I love seafood, so we’d have to make a stop in Savannah and travel to The Crab Shack on Tybee Island or Tubby’s in Thunderbolt for their fresh catch of the day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
NABJ Hall of Fame Journalist Wanda Lloyd played a pivotal role on my journey in the media. I was a student at Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia, studying print journalism when I met her. At the time, Wanda was the executive editor of USA Today. She’s a native of Savannah, and she was home vacationing when my professors introduced me her.

As a student, I was very intentional about what type of career I wanted once I graduated from college. I was the editor of the student newspaper, The Tiger’s Roar, and a freelancer at the Savannah Morning News. For this reason, professors Novella Holmes and Dr. Charles Elmore made the introduction.

From that day on, I emailed Wanda Lloyd; and even when she didn’t respond, I remained persistent. Out of the blue, she called me and extended an invitation to attend a job fair in Nashville, Tennessee. From that job fair, I landed an internship at the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Now 20 years in, she and I still remain in touch, and we help one another whenever possible.

From Ms. Holmes to Dr. Elmore, Wanda Lloyd, my family, including my children, I have received love and support throughout my career and in building my businesses. Having the right people surround you is what allows you to have the proper mindset to achieve success.

Website: http://bluescorpionrm.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careers_bluescorpionrm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluescorpionreputationmanagement

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bluescorpionrm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueScorpionRM/

Other: “BlueScorpionRM: The Podcast” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bluescorpionrm-the-podcast/id1519019847

Image Credits
(Professional Photo) AXM Media