While I was transitioning into the role of a writer for Social The Lifestyle Magazine, it also marked my entrance into the realm of public relations, a field previously unfamiliar to me due to my initial background in another industry. This change opened doors to a realm of new knowledge and opportunity, I had yet to explore. Embracing this new journey, I’ve had the privilege of learning from esteemed leaders within the industry. It was a privilege to interview Ms. Juliana Martins, CEO and founder of Eleven11 Media Relations, as she shares her advice to the next generation of publicists and our readers. In our conversation, she graciously shared invaluable advice for aspiring publicists, and our readers alike:
Meghan Forte: When you first began your PR career, how did you gain experience? Can you share some background of where you studied, or interned before creating Eleven11 Media Relations?
I had no idea I wanted to be a publicist or be in the PR industry at all. I didn’t even really know what PR was or what the role of a publicist entailed. When I was in college, I applied for an internship position at a boutique PR Agency my friend worked at. I ended up getting hired at EvolveMKD and worked my way up from an intern to an Account Executive in around 3.5 years. It was at EvolveMKD where I learned the ins and outs of PR and had hands-on experience in many facets of public relations. I gained much knowledge and mentorship from individuals at all levels of seniority due to it being a collaborative environment and a smaller agency.
Meghan Forte: In addition to entertainment, what types of industries do you represent? Can you share some of your favorite collaboration projects?
Juliana Martins, CEO: Aside from entertainment, two other large sectors for us are beauty/ wellness and under that, expert thought leadership, and then hospitality. I love working with physicians like dermatologists, plastic surgeons, physical therapists, and various doctors as I learn so much through working with them and reviewing the knowledge they often share in media interviews.
Working with restaurants and entertainment venues is always exciting as well since there’s a lot of freedom and flexibility to throw events, host media and influencers, and get creative onsite with the space. I was able to be a part of an exciting collaboration in late 2023 with premium sneaker brand, Endstate and actress/recording artist, Leli Hernandez. My team had the pleasure of working with the Endstate team and Leli’s team to throw a launch party to support their exclusive sneaker collaboration at Swan Miami. The event was first of all such a success, with many media, creators, and tastemakers in attendance. But it also surpassed a traditional brand event as it filled up so quickly and turned into a vibrant party. No one wanted the night to end and that’s when you know you helped throw a memorable event!
Meghan Forte: In what ways do you hope to inspire the next generation of Publicists in the industry?
Juliana Martins, CEO:I hope to encourage the next generation of publicists that this concept of perfection and being a “traditional” publicist is outdated. My team is the hardest working group of individuals who yield great results yet we sometimes work in our sweatpants and approach PR in unconventional ways that go beyond an email or phone call sometimes. I’d say it’s okay to have a casual, approachable demeanor in certain business situations as it makes people feel more comfortable and happy to relate to you.
Within Eleven11 Media Relations, I hope to lead my team in a way that prioritizes life and well-being first. As long as you get your work done, I don’t mind if you take a Friday off, work from a different setting to spice things up, or step out for a bit to go for a walk/grab a coffee. I also think it’s crucial to keep boundaries outside of work hours and stress the importance of self-care and personal time.
Meghan Forte: What do you aspire for your firm’s lasting impact to be for the consumers as well?
Juliana Martins, CEO: I hope that whatever role Eleven11 plays in a client’s journey and stage of business (whether it is a launch, a project, 3 years in, or 10 years into the business), we helped propel them to achieve an accolade or surpass a goal they did not have before us. As for consumers, we hope they have either read an impactful story, found a new product/brand, or had their needs met in some shape or form through our help amplifying our clients to the public.
Meghan Forte: How do you keep yourself passionate about the topic and organized for big projects?
Juliana Martins, CEO: I keep myself passionate about PR by taking on diverse clients, and projects in different sectors that get my creative juices flowing. Every day is different in my world. PR or running your own business is not for the faint of heart. Although we service clients in different spaces, we stay organized with ongoing status reports, weekly or bi-weekly calls, and a well-thought-out strategy.
Meghan Forte: What recognitions have you or your firm accomplished that you are proud of?
Juliana Martins, CEO: I was very honored and excited to be recognized as a member of the Forbes 30 Under 30 class of 2024. That is a dream I have still not woken up from and I will forever be grateful to all who supported me and continue to. This year, the Eleven11 Media Relations team was also a recipient of the 2024 ‘The PR Net Next Gen Awards’. This was our first agency award as a team and we got to celebrate together in New York City at the awards ceremony.
Readers, are you interested in learning more about public relations, or more about Juliana Martins? Be sure to tune in to her podcast, Behind The Media or follow her socials! Juliana is a graduate of Pace University, having studied communication and media studies. Thank you, Ms. Juliana Martins for an interview with Social The Lifestyle Magazine. Congratulations, and many wishes for continued success!
Professional Website of Eleven11 Media Relations
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Juliana Martins Linkedin Profile
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Juliana Martins Instagram Profile, Publicist and Founder of Eleven11 Media Relations
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