25 Years and Still Rollin’ – Jazzmyne Public Relations Gives Thanks and Appreciation for the Journey
Makeda Smith
The boutique styled publicity firm celebrates 25 years this month, providing a distinctly unique approach to publicity, branding, social marketing, management consulting, and crisis and scandal control. With offices in Los Angeles, and a satellite operation in Atlanta spearheaded by Edrea Davis, Jazzmyne Public Relations is recognized as a solid contender in a continually evolving field.
“I remember when fax machines were the fastest way to get out breaking news and we mailed albums and cassettes out to media. Today its emails and mp3’s via the computer,” recollects Makeda. “Twenty five years is a very long time. I’ve seen things come and then go. I’ve witnessed career births, explosions and collapses. And I’ve been around long enough to know that even though things change, the important things remain the same, like integrity, passion and dedication to the energy of a strong work ethic.”
Jazzmyne Public Relations was started in 1988 when Gwendolyn “Makeda” Smith resigned her position as Associate Director of West Coast Publicity at Hervey & Company, a public relations firm headed by industry veteran, Ramon Hervey. With no savings or financial backing, it was a single press release that launched her firm, Jazzmyne Public Relations, named for her oldest daughter.
The agency specializes in urban entertainment and has successfully secured media exposure for celebrities, films, non-profit organizations, businesses, authors, artists, activists and even former crime figures. Clients over the 25 years have included a diverse list of names, events and organizations in entertainment and beyond including former Tonight Show bandleader Kevin Eubanks, comedian and actor Jamie Foxx, comedian/actress Mo’Nique, singer/actress Cheryl Pepsii Riley, radio personality Michael Baisden, Playboy TV, the Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant and the Black Men’s Xchange.
Under the auspices of Edrea Davis, the agency has represented several U. S. delegations to the United Nations World Conferences in South Africa, Copenhagen, Switzerland and Amsterdam; coordinated publicity efforts for civil rights icon Reverend Joseph Lowery and Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable Public Policy Network; and overall media coordination for the massive UNITY voter registration and get the vote out campaign which comprised nearly 100 of nation’s most prestigious organizations and contributed to the historic black voter turnout and election of President Obama.
“Jazzmyne Public Relations is one of the best avenues for anyone with a message to get their voice out there,” offers Dr. Boogie, a celebrity client and hairstylist to stars like Vivica A. Fox and Kym Whitley. “It may seem like media is much more accessible in this day and age but gaining access with professionalism and savvy still requires an acquired and honed skill.”
Dr. Boogie, the owner of a clip-on hair line and a natural hair product company, continues, “I’ve watched Makeda create and launch some of the biggest careers out there as well as finesse her way around some of Hollywood’s most notorious insider scandals! Jazzmyne Public Relations is an important part of the Dr. Boogie team and brand and we congratulate her on her longevity in the game!”
Contact Jazzmyne Public Relations at www.jazzmynepr.com, via email at jazzmynepr@gmail.com, @makedaqueen on Twitter and “Like” the agency on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jazzmyne-Public-Relations.
Photo Credit: Kim Day
