BOSS Spotlight: Meet The “PR Princess" Lauran Smith

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Lauran Smith, is Founder, CEO and Principal Publicist at PRbyELLE77, a PR firm with a social media management focus. She received her BA in English, is a Freelance Writer, created the first Chicago Black Restaurant Week, and also works with some of the world’s most elite professionals and celebrities.

TheBOSSNetwork: What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career?

Lauran Smith: Obstacles that I faced while starting my business involved still having to work a full time corporate job at the same time. It was not a “walk in the park” to handle the demands of a full time job and also setting the groundwork for my business.

BN: What inspired you to break into your particular industry?

LS:My inspiration for starting a social media public relations firm was my authentic and organic love for the social media atmosphere.

BN: How do you balance your personal and professional life or have you been able to find a balance?

LS: I have been able to balance my personal and professional life by sticking to a To-Do List as best as I possibly can, and by making time to rest, relax, and squeeze in a little fun!

BN: What is an inspirational quote that you live by?

LS: “You can tell tons about what someone values by what they choose to discuss and by what they choose to involve themselves in; hang and converse with progressive thinkers and doers”. (Quote by me)

BN: Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way?

LS: An influential person who mentored me and helped me along the way/helped me to realize my own potential was my Late Mother Mrs. Barbara W. Smith. She always knew that there was something on the inside of me, but that I had to discover what my “good thing” would be. She passed away three years before she would ever see me start my business.

BN: What are your must-haves to keep your career or business going strong?

LS: My must-haves to keep my career moving and my business going strong have to be having a journal to write in, having a planner, and maintaining my To-Do Lists! Oh…and my favorite signature specialty Starbucks beverage…that early morning macchiato is everything to my day!

BN:  What is your definition of a BOSS?

LS:I define a BOSS as someone who is well aware of who THEY are, someone who is unafraid and accepting of change, someone who values other people’s time, and someone who creates their own lane, regardless of what others think about their lane!


To connect with Lauran Smith follow her on Twitter at  @prbyelle77
and visit her website at  www.prbyelle77.com

 

 



 

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