You know you are on a different level when you’re recognized by Forbes.
Savannah Britt, a native of New Jersey, is a public relations (PR) guru who makes it her business to help others shine. She specializes in public relations, branding, marketing, and content creation. Britt is intentional about presenting her clients in the best light and she has worked with some exceptional people including DJ Khaled, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, Fat Joe, Pelle Pelle, and Beats by Dre, just to name a few. But that’s not where it started.
At the age of 12, Britt became the proud founder and creator of a magazine called, Girlpex Fashion Magazine. It touched on the subjects of fashion, beauty, and empowerment for teen girls. Phenomenal, right? Not to mention, she was called the “Youngest Magazine Publisher in the World.” Impressed by her work with the magazine, she attracted the attention of people and companies all over. One, in particular, was the editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue at the time, Amy Astley. It was around that time when her magazine and popularity took off. Pretty soon, she was being called to travel and participate in different events within the music and fashion world.
At the age of 21, Britt made the hard decision to let go of her magazine to follow her passion and dream to be a PR person. One thing is true when she sets her mind to do something, “losing is not an option.” She founded her PR company, The Brittprint, and her business has exploded ever since. Because of her success, she has been featured in many media outlets including Daily Mail Online, Bossip, Hollywood Life, Rolling Out, The Source, and Vibe.
Eventually, Britt set out to take her business to the next level. After visiting Africa, she realized how much she loved it and the connection she felt being there, so she decided to pivot. Britt and her team relocated to Lagos Nigeria, where she expanded her business. She now operates out of both Africa and America, traveling back and forth for six months at a time. What she learned and knows for sure is that Africa will always be embedded within her heart.
Meet Savannah Britt, as we talk about her start, what she’s up to now, and her future projects.
At 12 years old, having your very own fashion magazine must have been exciting. Where does a 12-year-old get the ambition and know-how to start a magazine?
I’ve always been creative. I loved writing, and I got my first paid writing gig as a children’s book reviewer at 9-years-old with a local newspaper. After the newspaper closed its doors, I was still itching to write so I decided to start my own. I did my research on how to print my own publication and make cold outreach to garner the ad placements inside the magazine.
You went from being a magazine owner to a PR guru. At what point did you make up your mind that you wanted to get into PR work, and what does a PR do? Tell us about your company.
While I was running around on the ground with my magazine, I constantly found myself connecting with PR professionals. I really admired their job description and knew that one day I’d really want to do that. Publicists were the force behind the success of different celebrities and brands whether crafting a story for a client or manning a guest list at an exclusive event. When I got to college, I folded my magazine and jumped headfirst into PR. My company, The Brittprint, is an international communications agency with a focus on public relations, marketing, and creative strategy.
If someone wanted to get into your field of work and/or be an entrepreneur, what advice would you give them?
Do your research. And find the leaders in your industry and connect with them.
Who are your influences in PR work and what mentors have helped shape your entrepreneurial mindset to lead to the business you are in?
I’m inspired by Lizzie Grubman and Oprah Winfrey. I’ve been thankful to have mentors in my life like Steven Othello, Aubrey “Big Breeze” Green, and several others.
You have lived in both the United States and Africa, originally from New Jersey. In 2019, you moved to Nigeria and said it was game-changing. How so? And what made you move there to open your business and decide to keep one in New Jersey as well?
I’ve been traveling back to the continent since 2009 and it’s inherently always felt like home, despite my displaced lineage of being African American. It truly lives up to its moniker of the “Motherland.” Understanding that, it’s always been so important for me to bridge the gap between the diaspora and the continent. I packed up my bags and went to the center of humanity’s creation with one mission–to tell its story through a new lens. While there, my team and I worked with talent on the ground and connected them with brands and assisted with PR campaigns that spanned outside the confines of Africa, and connected them with international audiences.
How has Covid and the quarantine impacted your business? What made you decide to move back to New Jersey?
I returned to New Jersey in April 2020 on an emergency evacuation flight. I didn’t have any family in Nigeria so it seemed like the best thing to do in the height of a pandemic. It definitely rerouted many plans that I had; however, it was a blessing in disguise. Because of COVID-19, everyone was forced to stay inside so more than ever people need PR help to stay relevant in the virtual space. It ultimately ended up being one of my busiest PR years to date.
You have worked with some incredible people and get to do amazing things. What have been some high points in your career, and what do you love about what you do?
One of my high points was definitely overseeing the Burna Boy & Polo G “Want It All” campaign. Burna is one of the world’s biggest African artists. To me, this represented a serious full-circle moment for my efforts. I love that I’m able to push culture forward and tell authentic stories through various mediums.
How do you practice self-care and tone down the noise to get into YOU?
I enjoy meditating, going on hikes, going to the spa, and reading new books.
You are branching out into other areas such as A&R work, acting, and music? Tell us about that.
Yes! I’m on my DJ Khaled vibe these days, connecting with artists and creating music collaborations from handpicking producers, artists, and songwriters. I’m in love with the process of creating a hit record. I’ve also been exploring my on-screen talents. I think for so long people have known me for PR, but I’m ready to expand into new arenas and leave the everyday PR happenings in the hands of my amazing team. Savannah herself has new ventures she wants to try. You only live once!
When you are not working, you give back. What community work do you participate in and why is that important to you?
I’ve teamed up with social impact organizations like Freedom March NYC and Humanize My Hoodie. Some of my pillar platforms are reparatory justice and women’s rights. When I’m not working in the PR space, I’m advocating for reparations, student loan relief, and affordable housing.
What’s next for you?
The Brittprint is branching into music distribution, where we’ll be able to distribute artists’ music onto all the major digital streaming platforms as well as Web3. This is what I’m excited about at the moment!
You can follow Savannah Britt by clicking the links:
Website | Facebook │Twitter │Instagram
Writer, Debbie Stokes is a contributing writer. You can follow her on Instagram @ iamdebbiestokes
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