Today we’d like to introduce you to Caren West
Hi Caren, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story isn’t linear—and that’s exactly why it works. I didn’t take a traditional path into PR; I built one, piece by piece. I started in the music industry, took on freelance writing and editing, had a weekly column in The Sunday Paper, hosted entertainment segments on 99X, and worked various PR gigs. I also waited tables, landscaped, and said yes to just about anything that sounded remotely interesting. I was curious, observant, and never afraid of hard work.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was laying the foundation for a career in public relations—one rooted in storytelling, culture, strategy, and connection.
Eventually, I knew I wanted to do things my way. In 2005, I co-founded Caren West PR with Chad Shearer, who’s still my business partner (and best friend). We didn’t launch with a blueprint—we launched with drive, vision, and a shared belief in creativity and hustle. Almost two decades later, we’re still evolving, still pushing boundaries, and still doing the work.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I didn’t follow a map—I followed my gut. The road hasn’t always been smooth, but every wrong turn, long night, and hard decision added up to something that mattered. We’ve navigated burnout, unexpected pivots, and plenty of growing pains. But we’ve also stayed grounded in what matters most: values, trust, and relationships. We built something that lasts—and something we’re proud of. We’ve come a long way, but something tells me the most exciting chapters are still ahead.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Caren West PR?
Caren West PR is a full-service public relations firm specializing in lifestyle, entertainment, and events. For nearly two decades, we’ve shaped culture through campaigns for iconic brands like Gucci, Red Bull, The Frye Company, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and some of the biggest music and arts festivals in the country. But just as proudly, we’ve championed local favorites, neighborhood restaurants, and up-and-coming voices that help define Atlanta’s identity.
We specialize in media relations, crisis communication, social media, brand strategy, and events of all sizes—but what we’re really known for is being connectors. We bring people, brands, and ideas together in ways that feel intentional, high-impact, and human.
What sets us apart? We lead with intuition, obsess over the details, and never do rinse-and-repeat PR. We didn’t build our agency to fit a mold—we built it to reflect what we value most: relationships, culture, and community.
We’re proud to be the go-to for global brands and local legends alike—those looking to make a meaningful impact in Atlanta and beyond. Across every industry, our clients have one thing in common: they’re passionate, purpose-driven, and not afraid to shake things up.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I don’t think of myself as a risk-taker in the cliché, jump-out-of-a-plane kind of way. But I’ve absolutely bet on myself—and that’s a risk every time. Starting CWPR without a roadmap was a major one. We didn’t have a five-year plan or investors. We had a gut feeling, a strong work ethic, and a belief that we could build something meaningful. That kind of leap isn’t flashy, but it’s real.
To me, risk is about listening to your instincts and having the conviction to follow through—even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. It’s saying yes before you’re fully ready, trusting you’ll figure it out along the way. Some of the biggest moves I’ve made professionally happened because I said yes without overthinking it.
Risk isn’t about being reckless. It’s about being brave. And that bravery compounds. Every time you trust yourself and it works out—even if it’s messy—you build a little more confidence for the next leap.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carenwestpr.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carenwestpr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carenwestpr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/caren-west-pr
- Twitter: https://x.com/carenwestpr
Image Credits
Photos Courtesy of Caren West PR, Heidi Harris, Ben Rose Photography
