Media experience molds PR power
Don’t let this adorable blonde fool you. She isn’t just a pretty face, she’s the savvy mind and founder/CEO behind Covet PR. Sara Brooks started her career writing pieces on travel and beauty and then moved to broadcast where she was responsible for casting for both MTV and E! Entertainment Networks. She then moved from Los Angeles to New York where she took her lifestyle and media experience and then dipped her toes in the public relations world. In PR she found her calling and worked as a senior team member in the beauty department for a prestigious NYC PR firm. Sara found her way back to Southern California where she continued to work in PR, but it wasn’t long until she decided she needed to start her own firm. In October 2014, Sara launched Covet PR, which is now a successful, boutique lifestyle public relations firm with clients including Suja Juice, The Honest Kitchen, Runa, EPIC Bar, Nourish Snacks and Freshly.com.
Q: Who is one of your clients that you are truly proud of and has been fun to watch grow?
A: Suja Juice. I have had the opportunity to work with the brand since day one, when they were just a small and local home delivery company. It has been incredible to watch their growth over the last three years and I feel honored that I have been able to help spread the word about their incredible entrepreneurial story and one-of-a-kind products. Just last month Forbes named Suja the No. 2 most promising company in the nation (up a spot from last year’s No. 3 ranking) - a great reinforcement that there is no slowing down for Suja.
Q: What’s the best thing about doing business in San Diego?
A: San Diego is quickly becoming a hub of incredible start-ups, led by some of the most innovative and creative minds. As a start-up business owner, I feel lucky to be surrounded by such an inspiring group of young companies that are truly looking to change their respective industries. Additionally, having lived and worked in Los Angeles and most recently Manhattan, there is no place like San Diego when it comes to quality of lifestyle. At the end of a grueling 80-hour work week, knowing that I have the beach and perfect weather to look forward to, serves as my light at the end of the long work-week tunnel.
Q: Words of advice for young women getting into business on their own for the first time?
A: Surround yourself with supportive and encouraging people who believe in you and want to see you succeed. I also recommend finding a handful of mentors from different industries that have been successful in their own right. I always ask successful entrepreneurs the same two questions -- what do you wish you knew when you started that you now know, and what are the biggest mistakes you made in the first year of business? Lastly, I would tell anyone who is about to launch their own business that it is the hardest yet most rewarding thing you will ever do - the stress, pressure and long days are all worth it when you know that at the end of the day you are creating something truly special.
Q: If someone were to play you in a movie who would it be and why?
A: Olivia Munn’s character from “The Newsroom.” She is witty, hard-working and often takes people by surprise.
Q: What is your go-to power outfit for a long day at work that ends at a chic event at night?
A: Solid colors in whites, blacks and grays with a pop of color (usually a magenta pink lip) tend to be my go-to staples. A tailored black blazer is a perfect piece that helps to transition an outfit from day to evening. I also always keep my pair of black YSL pumps at the office to complete the day-to-night transition.
Q: The motto you try to live by every day?
- A: In the words of Richard Branson, “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes - then learn how to do it later!”
Q: A company that you would love to do PR for in the future?
A: The Honest Company. I admire the company’s belief in ethical consumerism and in producing nontoxic yet effective products.
Q: Describe your most perfect day in San Diego?
A: It would begin with a long run by the water followed by a bowl of pitaya and a Suja Green Supreme. I love spending a Saturday or Sunday biking around Coronado and then retreating to the beach for a few hours to read. If I can fit in a visit to an estate sale or an OB antique store followed by a bean and cheese burrito, I would consider that a weekend day well-spent.
Amber Mesker is an entertainment and lifestyle reporter for DiscoverSD. She loves providing readers updates on Hollywood gossip, San Diego fashion and cool weekend events. You can follow Amber and laugh at her fun, crazy life at @ambermesker
Source: DiscoverSD
