Inside Look: Kelly Taylor, Public Relations Account Executive TARA, Ink.
Posted: 7/13/2010

 

 

Inside Look: Kelly Taylor

Account Executive in Luxury, Fashion & Beauty Division at TARA, Ink. Public Relations Agency

 Age: 28

Where are you from? Detroit, MI

Where do you currently live? Miami Beach, FL
 

 

Describe your current job? As an AE, I support the Senior Account Executive in the day-to-day running of our Luxury, Fashion & Beauty Division.  It is an extremely varied role with tasks ranging from pitching new trends in beauty or fashion, updating media and stylist lists and other databases to researching emerging trends, pitching editors and journalists to to speak to our clients on a selected topic or trend to writing press materials, managing sample requests and interviews for editorial features.

It is a very taxing role; however, it is so rewarding because you and your client will soon get to see tangible results.  For instance, when an article appears in print or the client lands a television appearance as an expert in their field. 

What prepared you for this position? Earning my Bachelor’s of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts (Journalism and Public Relations) at WayneStateUniversity; interning for BET award shows in 2006 and taking the leap of faith and applying for an out-of-state position with the encouragement of my family

What is your favorite magazine? Too many to list; if I had my top three, I’d go with Vogue, ELLE and Marie Claire 

How would you describe your style? A constant shift of trends: I love all-things current and vintage. I mix a few trendy pieces with current finds to create an eclectic appearance.

What was the first designer item you bought? As an admirer of timeless classics, it was a Louis Vuitton pochette with the classic monogram print; it was my first pay check in 2002 working for a local boutique in Detroit: Thank you so much Simply Casual for the job!

What trends are you appreciating now? Rompers, rompers and romper! They are the go-to garments for me. In Miami, our weather changes by the minute and a light-weight romper can be easily dressed down for day, but for night, accessorizing it with an oversized clutch, platform sandals and vintage accessories offers an effortless transition into night.

What’s your favorite part of a typical day? Sending samples to editors and stylists.

Which part of your job would you gladly give up? RSVP management; it can get out of control with seating arrangements for runway shows

Who gives you the best advice? Kristina Taylor, my twin sister and aspiring fashion designer

What’s the best advice that you have ever received? “Enter as a guppy, depart as a shark” this information was provided by a dear friend when I transitioned from working as a clerk for the State of Michigan to a PR assistant at TARA, Ink. in the big city of Miami. I was apprehensive and quite nervous about my performance. The quote basically taught me how to enter an unfamiliar transition in my life as a novice – go with the flow, step up, speak out and learn from my mistakes – then, depart as an expert in the field.

What is your greatest fear?  Getting bored with what I do; thus far, PR has captured my interest for the past 3 ½ years – a great stretch of time.

What talent would you most like to have? A thicker skin; repellent to negativity.

What is your most treasured possession? Can a human be a treasured possession? If so, my twin sister – an unsurpassed blood bond at it’s the best.

What skill would you most like to improve? People person – 24/7. I tend to deactivate it after work hours.

 

-Niki Johnson
niki@detroitfashionpages.com

 

 

 

 

 

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