PR Exclusive: CEO of The Glit PR Agency, Victoria Odu

The beautiful and fabulous Victoria Odu (CEO of The Glit PR Agency) is really and truly a breath of fresh air. I am truly humbled by the fact that she supports my movement of what I'm doing with PR Breakthrough. I'm excited to share this exclusive interview on her background and how she got started in the field of PR.
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The Glit PR agency, tell me more about your company and how it came about?

Well the Glit PR agency was started under an umbrella company that I started in 2009 called the Glit Inc which consists of, of course the PR agency, a lifestyle networking and entertainment website (TheGlitInc.com), and a Wardrobe and Image Consulting Service. The Glit PR is a boutique entertainment PR agency specializing in branding, event planning and management, social media management, celebrity placements, special events and more. We work with and represent up-and-coming and well established clients in film, fashion, music, fine arts and sports.

I started the company while working for a film production company where I did PR. Through networking and building relationships with people in the industry, I came across several people that either were looking for PR representation or knew of someone who was looking for some and at the time it only made sense to start my own PR agency.

Owning my own agency was something I always knew that I wanted to do eventually in the long run. Definitely not as soon as I did. But at that time, the way things were falling into place, it seemed like the right time. It was inevitable.

Prior to you having your own business, did you have previous PR experience?

Yes, not as much as I wanted to before starting my own business, but I can honestly say that getting my feet wet and really jumping out there and getting involved has been my best teacher.

Prior to starting my own business, I got a bachelors degree in PR and interned for a really great entertainment PR company which taught me a lot about PR and gave me some hands on experience. Following that I did some freelance writing work for PR agencies and worked at a film production company where I was a publicist.

I have also been blessed to learn from some really awesome PR professionals in the business along the way and I still am learning.

 I noticed that you work closely with Vanessa Simmons as the VP of Marketing for ROSE By Vanessa Jean swimwear line, is there more pressure when working closely with celebrities?

Working with a celebrity and someone who is on the come-up is the same to me. At the end of the day, we are all human beings and that is how I view celebrities. I always feel the pressure because you kind of have someone's career in your hands and that pressure to deliver and deliver successfully is always intense no matter who the person is.

I know that this year was the official launch of ROSE, what were your responsibilities as VP of Marketing? Do you feel that when working with celebrities that you're acknowledged more versus when you represent a brand or a client that isn't as reputable yet?

My responsibilities while working as the VP of Marketing and PR included everything from daily pitching, creating sponsorship opportunities, email marketing, social media management, drafting and distributing press releases, booking interviews, responding to media inquiries, monitoring media coverage and more.

Yes, I definitely do feel like I am acknowledged more when working with a celebrity name versus a client that isn't yet as reputable. I feel like a lot more people reach out to you and respond better to the client or project when it involves a celebrity name.

Working with a client that isn't yet reputable, you definitely have to get more creative with pitching and really build that brand up first. However, I've experienced that when you have already established great working relationships and networks with people, they will acknowledge you and be more open and receptive despite who you are working with because you've built that reputation and loyalty.

I know that you travel extensively, are you looking to have an office on the west coast as well?

Yes, I would love to eventually expand and have an office on both the west coast and down south. I honestly don't mind the traveling, I actually love it, but I know that expanding the agency would be more convenient and open up more avenues.

 

What was your 'Breakthrough' moment that made you realize that PR was the field for you?

The breakthrough moment when I realized that PR was the field for me was when I landed my first major media placement for a client. It wasn't just the joy of accomplishment for me, but hearing the excitement of the client is what did it for me. Seeing how I made someone else feel was really like wow for me.

PR is a tough business, and you'll definitely get a lot of no's before you get that first yes, but when you do and it's for something you've worked so hard on and impacts someone else in a positive way, the feeling is gratifying. Knowing that you can really contribute to a highlight in someone's career is an awesome feeling. And when I first did it, I realized that the no's and mistakes and hard work was all worth it, and that PR was for me.

How has the use of social media influenced your brand as a publicist and business owner?

The use of social media has influenced my brand as a publicist and business owner tremendously. This industry among many, is forever changing and social media is the easiest way to keep up. Social media has allowed me to really connect with people, build relationships, and make people aware of what I am doing within my business and with my clients. Through social media you can get instant feedback and interaction, keep up with what's current and learn how to do things from others individuals, which has been great in helping me revamp and really define my brand as a business owner and publicist.

What are some the key components that you feel are necessary to be a successful publicist?

Some of the key components that I feel are necessary in being a successful publicist include thick skin, forward thinking, creative and innovative and great relationship building, networking, writing and of course communication skills.

Where do yourself in the in the PR world in five years?

In five years I see myself definitely still working in the entertainment industry with more major clients and having helped build my current clients to major brands in the industry. I would like to be focused more on special events PR and working with international accounts. I see myself definitely expanding to an office in the west coast or down south and on my way to being one of the top publicists in the industry.

Thank you so much for taking the time out to interview me Key! It has truly been an honor and a pleasure. I definitely look forward to building with you as well :)

If you would like to contact Victoria, follow her on Twitter @VikGlitterati

XOXO,
Key
Tweet me: @Fab_Key