Talia Beckett is the Founder of Pink Pearl PR, a boutique PR firm located in Vancouver, B.C. that specializes in luxury marketing for children’s products, furniture, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Through interviews, editorial content, copywriting, product placements, social media promotion, marketing strategy, and event launches, Pink Pearl PR helps female business owners flourish.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your entrepreneurial journey.
Before launching my business, I completed my Master’s Degree in International Relations and Economics at the University of London. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Royal Roads University. I also have a Diploma in Marketing from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and studied International Business at Helsinki Metropolia University in Finland.
What did you do before launching your PR Firm?
Before working in PR, I wanted to become a Lawyer! However, I quickly realized I was much too creative and social to be in that industry. For the past ten years, I’ve worked in communications, sales, and marketing across North America and Europe. Some high profile clients and companies include Babes with Babies London, True Cuddles, Stork Craft Manufacturing, Canada Export Centre, Surrey Board of Trade and Telrad Canada.
How did you come up with your business name?
My fiancé and I were in Cardiff, and I was telling him over a glass of wine about my “dream career.” I wanted to build a company that focused on “luxury female marketing,” and he came up with Pink Pearl, one of the most exquisite pearls; perfect to describe the essence of my business.
How did you fund your business?
I’m self-funded, but I’m fortunate to have a supportive home working environment! Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s book, Lean In Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, is very inspiring. Among the pieces of advice in her book is to find a partner who is truly a partner in childrearing and housecleaning. She says, “It’s the biggest career decision you will make,” and I’m fortunate to be in this type of relationship, allowing me to focus on growing my company Pink Pearl Public Relations.
How many hours do you work a week and how much is spent in your home office?
I’d say 70% of my time is spent in my home office, concentrating on building new opportunities for my clients. Social media has been instrumental in building my business through online networking. This is where I find out about upcoming events and networking opportunities, where I spend the other 30% of my time. You will find me out in the city regularly at events, from new product launches, shopping parties, and baby industry tradeshows.
How would you rate your success?
Working with so many amazing women entrepreneurs looking for help with the manufacturing and marketing process. I wanted to play a key role in helping women businesses succeed. Watching a start-up become a million-dollar company is extremely rewarding.
My ability to take risks and move out of my comfort zone for job security and run my own “virtual” office from home also contributed to my success. I’ve always been focused on getting an excellent education to benefit a large corporation. But I recently realized that I can still help other businesses, such as some fantastic clients, and be responsible for my own successes (and failures).
What has been your biggest business struggle as an entrepreneur?
Organizing so many new client opportunities with success coming up so quickly! It’s also very challenging to make sure I’m connecting with the right decision-makers for the different products I’m promoting.
What advice would you give to a new entrepreneur?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or put yourself out there. You never know who you are going to meet that will make a key difference in building your business. Don’t let success get to your head; stay humble, and others will want to be a part of your accomplishments.
How do you manage all of your personal and business activities?
Technology! As a visual person, I LOVE using Trello to manage my PR exposure and opportunities. Also maintaining a good work-life balance and inviting friends to join me at networking functions keeps me connected with my personal life.
Thanks to Talia Beckett for sharing her story!
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