Shawna M. Charles (Charles Communication Group Founder) is a recognized thought leader and strategist providing strategic communications with the goal of helping to protect, promote and evolve their brand. She is a graduate of Howard University and holds a Master of International Business Administration and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Shawna Charles is an HBCU graduate who now owns a successful public relations agency based in Los Angeles, CA. She has dedicated her career to reaching back and helping other HBCU grads break into the public relations industry. She mentors these individuals and shows them how to open their own Public Relations Agencies and how to secure high-paying clients.
What has been your biggest challenge/failure as a female entrepreneur graduating from an HBCU and how do you handle it?
My biggest challenge has been battling imposter syndrome while working in public relations. I don’t have a degree in PR, so I had to teach myself, find mentors and do a lot of studying and self-paced courses. I also faced the regular challenges that all business owners face – finances, business development, staffing and finding your unique value proposition as the business evolves and grows. Coming from a foundation like Howard University really taught me how to overcome these hurdles.
How do you balance entrepreneurship, your mental health, and self-care as an entrepreneur?
One way that I balance entrepreneurship is by setting work boundaries and expectations for staff and clients. I’m in a position where I have to lead by example.
What message do you hope women business owners will take from your platform?
My advice for women entering the entrepreneurship world is don’t be afraid to ask for guidance and help. I want them to know that delegating tasks, collaborating, and outsourcing is okay. Don’t feel like you have to do everything all by yourself because there are people willing to help you get to the next level in your career.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs navigating full-time entrepreneurship while dealing with their mental health?
Trust your gut and listen to your body. If you’re tired, rest. Another piece of advice, find a mentor that you can talk to.
What inspired you with the desire to reach back to HBCU graduates to help them with opening and operating their own public relations agencies?
Howard was one of the best experiences and I always knew what it meant to be a part of the HBCU family. After opening my own PR agency, I knew it was only right that I reach back and pull others up who were interested in taking the same path as myself. I find myself connecting with other HBCU grads who got their degrees in other fields but realized they wanted to get into public relations and Communications. It’s like our bond is unbreakable because we share something in common, the love for PR.
Take us through a journey of an average day running your public relations agency.
No two days are ever alike. Every day is a new task or obstacle that I have to navigate. I wake up around 5 am and get dressed. From there I check my emails and watch the news to see what’s going on. I usually spend 40-minutes reading industry blogs and reading the local newspapers. From there I pitch to some media outlets and send my staff some tasks that have deadlines approaching. I usually spend the day pitching my company’s services to potential clients and maintaining relationships with journalists.
You can stay in contact with her on Social Media!
www.Instagram.com/charlescommgrp
www.Twitter.com/drsmcphd
Website
www.ixgpr.com
