Charissa Lauren, often dubbed “The Carrie Bradshaw of PR,” has earned her reputation as a national publicist, writer, and CEO of FAME by CL, where she skillfully elevates creative professionals across the entertainment industry. Charissa’s journey began with a dynamic background in theater, pageants, and modeling, which opened doors to the fast-paced worlds of fashion and entertainment. Starting her career at entry-level with agencies like Victor’s International Modeling Agency, Barbizon Model & Talent, The Talent Group, and Nancy Mosser Casting, she gained hands-on experience in the industry. Working on blockbuster films like Adventureland, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Jack Reacher further cemented her love for entertainment.
While coordinating Pittsburgh Fashion Week, Charissa became deeply embedded in the local creative scene. She produced three consecutive years of “standing-room-only” opening shows, giving local artists a platform. This impactful work not only built her career but also provided a springboard for Pittsburgh designers to pursue careers in fashion without needing to move to New York or LA. Charissa stated to Pittsburgh Tribune Review, “This event can create jobs for designers…without having to go to New York.”
At just 22, Charissa launched her first PR firm in Pittsburgh, committed to nurturing the city’s fashion and entertainment industry despite challenges. Recognizing the struggles that non-major-city-based brands face, she chose to work locally while establishing a national presence. This dedication and vision earned her recognition, such as being a Stiletto Women in Business Entrepreneur of the Year finalist, a recipient of the Jefferson Award for Public Service, and a Pittsburgh Magazine Women in Business honoree.
Charissa’s path to PR wasn’t traditional. Originally on a pre-law track, she eventually left academia to pursue her passion for the entertainment industry, which resonated with her energetic nature. Embracing her identity as a publicist and entrepreneur, she reflected, “I am DAMN good at my job.” Today, her firm’s success continues to shape Pittsburgh’s creative landscape while also allowing Charissa to fulfill her mission of inspiring others, especially young creatives, to chase their dreams.
What inspired you to start Pittsburgh’s first fashion and entertainment PR firm at 22, and how did you navigate the challenges?
I always say “PR found me.” While my background was in pre-law, I worked in entertainment from a young age—modeling, acting, and pageants. By 20, I was juggling a law career with side gigs in PR. I quickly realized my heart was in PR, so I dropped out of school at 22 to start Pittsburgh’s first fashion PR firm. Building the industry here was challenging, especially as local businesses didn’t commonly seek PR. Yet, I wanted to bring national connections while contributing to Pittsburgh’s growth in arts and fashion.
Leaving a traditional career path is a bold choice—what motivated you, and how has it influenced your work?
I believe work should bring joy and purpose. I left a legal career because I felt truly alive in creative PR work. My journey is fueled by a passion to help others tell their stories, which stems from summers I spent with elderly people who shared incredible life lessons. This early experience taught me to value human connection, and I carry this empathy into my work, believing everyone has a story worth sharing.
How has neurodivergence shaped your approach to PR?
Discovering my neurodivergence has been empowering. My child’s diagnosis led me to explore ADHD and realize its impact on my life. While traditional settings were hard for me, the high energy ADHD brings has fueled my drive in PR. I’ve come to see it as a superpower, pushing me to embrace life’s opportunities and excel in an industry where energy and creativity are assets.
What have been some of the most rewarding and challenging moments in your career, and what have you learned?
A major challenge was overcoming self-doubt as a self-taught publicist without a formal PR degree. Early on, I hid from the spotlight, unsure of my skills. But as I gained experience, I learned to embrace my talent and proudly say, “I am good at what I do.” Becoming a mother also taught me the importance of leading by example and not playing small, showing my children they can chase their dreams.
You’ve mentioned creating a legacy for your children. How does this shape your mission in PR?
I hope to build FAME into a multimedia agency my daughters may want to join one day. Beyond that, I want to instill in my children the courage to follow their dreams, regardless of circumstances. I want them to know they can overcome any challenge, and I hope my journey in PR inspires them and others to pursue their own paths.
How has your background influenced your career?
Growing up in a lower-middle-class environment with generational struggles, I learned the importance of resilience. My grandfather, a pilot and artist, was my role model, showing me there’s a path beyond challenges. I hope to inspire underprivileged youth to see that they can rise above their circumstances, just as a lotus blooms in muddy waters. My goal is to remind them that where you come from doesn’t define where you’re going.
By fostering connections and valuing each client’s story, Charissa’s legacy in PR is marked by her commitment to both her profession and the people behind every project she represents.
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