Meet Nicole Blake-Baxter | Managing Director & Founder of The Blake Agency

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Blake-Baxter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, how do you think about risk?
By default, I tend to be more cautious and less inclined to take risks compared to most people I know. However, starting a business marked one of the most significant risks in both my life and career. In my late 20s, I crafted a promising career path at a reputable PR agency, leading campaigns for some of the largest nonprofit organizations and retailers. Yet, it was unfulfilling, and the entrepreneurial spirit within me knew it was time to seek a new direction.

Without any financial cushion, savings, or startup capital, I made the bold decision to quit my job and start my own media and marketing agency. Our initial focus involved producing a weekly blog that reviewed products and local restaurants in New York City, alongside providing marketing and PR consulting services to startups and small businesses. The transformative moment came in 2019 when we rebranded as The Blake Agency. While I still consider myself a conservative risk-taker, I have come to realize that my faith in the universe far outweighs my fear of taking risks.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m confident that anyone venturing into entrepreneurship or launching their own business would agree that it is a challenging, daunting, and tough endeavor. Well, it only gets easier when there are no alternative options. When I started my PR agency, my contingency plan was to secure a job and re-enter corporate America. During the first two years, I would half-heartedly entertain conversations with recruiters or accept interviews when things got challenging. In hindsight, the disadvantage of having a backup plan is that, unconsciously, you’re mentally preparing for failure.

Things turned around significantly when I made the conscious choice to abandon my plan B and commit to business ownership as my sole option. This shift in mindset prompted me to dedicate more time to research and create additional opportunities. And so, I grew more confident and grounded in the impactful work I provide for my clients. Breaking free from uncertainty and the fear of failure has allowed me to celebrate every victory – both big and small.

In our role as a public relations agency, we often find ourselves championing the success of other businesses, occasionally overlooking our own brand narrative. I take pride in the fact that we’ve navigated this by letting our work speak for itself. Remarkably, 60 percent of our new business comes from client referrals and word-of-mouth. In recent years, we’ve expanded our practice to include clients in the travel sector, serving businesses across the United States and Africa.

What started as a one-woman consultancy has evolved into a boutique PR firm catering to nonprofit organizations, tech brands, retailers, and travel companies. Our formula for success, and most significant differentiator, lies not in what we do, but how we do it. Possessing the right tools and skills is crucial for getting the job done, but true success in building a PR agency requires an equal blend of passion and expertise. Whether it’s media relations, content development, or content marketing, we are able to deliver – time and time again – for each and every one of our clients.

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 made the move from Brooklyn, NY to Metro Atlanta 10 years ago, and the city quickly won my heart with its family-friendly eateries and activities. When spending time with my daughter and son, our go-to spots include the Georgia Aquarium, Stone Mountain Park, and the Avalon in North Atlanta. Our top restaurant choices include brunch at South City Kitchen and Amalfi Pizza for their ridiculously tasty pizza and calamari. When hosting friends, my favorite spots are Chops Lobster Bar, The Sun Dial Restaurant, and Woodhouse Day Spa for a day of pampering.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My strongest support system throughout the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and life has been my mother. She has consistently cheered me on, celebrating both victories and lessons learned. When it comes to mentors, my college professor, Lynn Appelbaum, is undoubtedly the first person who comes to mind. Her significant role in guiding me toward a career in public relations went beyond the classroom. Lynn tirelessly went above and beyond to assist her students in securing internships, job interviews, and invaluable opportunities to step through professional doors.

The roots of my entrepreneurial drive and spirit trace back to my grandmother. Born and raised in Jamaica, I spent my early childhood there. My grandmother, a skilled milliner, ran one of the busiest hat shops in downtown Kingston. I spent many summers and afternoons assisting Grandma with inventory, adjusting price markdowns, and, most importantly, learning the art of greeting and engaging customers. This was my initial exposure to entrepreneurship. What resonated with me most was witnessing Grandma’s passion for the business and the immeasurable legacy it provided for her family.

Website: https://blakepragency.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-blake-agency-llc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/theblakeagency_

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