Today we’d like to introduce you to Taiisha Bradley, MA.
Hi Taiisha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into the world of entertainment and public relations began with an early exposure to the music industry through my family lineage—specifically, my great uncle, Bill Pinkney, who was part of the renowned Bill Pinkney and the Original Drifters. Witnessing the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment business, especially observing a publicist coordinating interviews at one of my uncle’s concerts, fascinated me and left a lasting impression.
Despite starting on a pre-med track as a Biology major in college, I soon realized that my true passion lay elsewhere. I made a pivotal decision to pivot my academic focus to Integrated Marketing Communications. This shift allowed me to explore a diverse range of subjects, including communications, business, marketing, and journalism, providing me with a holistic understanding of the industry.
During my college years, I took the initiative to create my internship opportunity at a radio station in Charlotte, NC, specializing in promotions. This hands-on experience laid the groundwork for my future career as a publicist, as it offered invaluable insights into the promotional aspects of the entertainment industry.
Simultaneously, I ventured into freelancing in PR and marketing while still in college, effectively kickstarting both my professional career and my own business. This dual pursuit enabled me to gain practical experience in the field while also honing my entrepreneurial skills.
From there, I transitioned into roles as a publicist in both corporate and nonprofit settings, leveraging my educational background and hands-on experiences to navigate the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of publicity and marketing.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Navigating the path of entrepreneurship alongside a full-time career certainly presented its challenges. Transitioning from a stable job to becoming a full-time entrepreneur in 2014 required a leap of faith, and although there were moments of success, the journey was far from smooth sailing.
One of the recurring struggles was finding the right balance between maintaining a profitable business and managing the demands of a burgeoning entrepreneurial endeavor. There were instances where the business didn’t generate expected profits or experienced sluggish growth, leading to temporary returns to corporate or nonprofit roles for stability.
Despite these setbacks, the overarching vision to revolutionize the media industry and democratize access to press and visibility remained a driving force. A primary focus was on providing opportunities for underestimated and under-resourced entrepreneurs, brands, and experts, particularly those from marginalized communities—an endeavor that often required navigating limited resources and overcoming systemic barriers.
The challenge of scaling the business to serve a broader clientele base also surfaced. Expanding to cater to hundreds of clients necessitated the establishment of systems, allocation of resources, and hiring staff, which at times posed financial constraints or required a learning curve in delegation and management.
Furthermore, grappling with imposter syndrome, despite evident success, was an ongoing personal struggle. Overcoming this involved implementing spiritual and lifestyle changes, as well as actively addressing mindset issues to reconcile feelings of self-doubt with the tangible achievements attained.
The evolution of my business demanded a reassessment of my target audience. Over time, I gained deeper insights into the demographics, behaviors, and preferences of my clients. As a result, I adjusted and refined the focus of my target audience to better align with the changing needs and aspirations of the market. This involved redefining parameters, narrowing down or expanding segments, and tailoring services to cater more effectively to the identified audience.
In essence, the journey has been a continuous process of overcoming obstacles, learning from setbacks, and persistently striving toward the goal of making a meaningful impact in the media industry while addressing personal and professional challenges head-on.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Media Circus Publicity?
Media Circus Publicity, operating under the umbrella of Taiisha Bradley, Inc., revolutionizes the process of connecting entrepreneurs and underrepresented minority brands with media professionals and media outlets. At its core, Media Circus Publicity eliminates the uncertainty in media pitching by facilitating direct introductions between individuals boasting industry expertise and exceptional figures within their respective fields.
Specializing in upscale publicity and business networking events, Media Circus Publicity serves as a platform where minority clients in fields underrepresented in diversity, including race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality, can access unique opportunities. These events facilitate direct connections between clients and media, providing a platform for clients to pitch themselves as expert sources, share story ideas, and secure speaking engagements that highlight their expertise or brand.
The business sets itself apart by modernizing traditional media pitching methods. Through a combination of digital tools, resources, and networking opportunities, Media Circus Publicity empowers clients to pitch to the media confidently and efficiently. Taiisha Bradley, a seasoned publicist, shares expertise in leveraging AI and digital tools, equipping clients to navigate their own PR journeys with guidance and support.
The shift in media dynamics during the pandemic, including the widespread adoption of online interviews, virtual studio audiences, and remote participation, prompted the business’s strategic pivot. This move enabled individuals to access media directly, regardless of geographical constraints, and empowered them to be media-ready, educated on publicity leverage, and equipped to convert attention into tangible opportunities and profits.
What distinguishes Media Circus Publicity is its direct approach in an industry often characterized by gatekeeping. Services offered include the Media Circus Podcast, featuring insights from media professionals, the Media Circus Publicity Leads membership, providing interactive access to current publicity opportunities, and networking events facilitating direct client-media interactions.
The website features a searchable directory showcasing subject matter experts, entrepreneurs, and brands available as media sources, enabling direct communication between media and listed clients. Future plans include the Media Circus, a traveling expo featuring top clients, and signature events like Media Speed Pitching, offering a unique blend of high-level media networking, live client performances, client demonstrations, gourmet food experiences, and circus-inspired entertainment.
Ultimately, Media Circus Publicity stands as a pioneering force, dismantling barriers to media access and empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs to seize opportunities and amplify their voices on a grand scale.
Any big plans?
As I look ahead, the future of Media Circus Publicity holds exciting prospects and opportunities for growth. I’m focused on expanding our services to better cater to the evolving needs of our clients, exploring new markets, and enhancing our technological offerings to streamline PR processes. Additionally, we’re planning to scale our events, both in size and format, to create even more impactful networking experiences. Strengthening our brand presence, developing strategic partnerships, and innovating event experiences remain key focal points. Our long-term vision involves positioning Media Circus Publicity as a trailblazer in the PR industry, committed to empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs and revolutionizing media access. We’re dedicated to staying agile, adapting to industry trends, and continually evolving to ensure our clients receive the best and most comprehensive services possible.
Pricing:
- Media Circus Podcast: FREE
- Media Circus Newsletter: FREE or $5 per month for celebrity and red-carpet publicity opportunities
- Media Circus Publicity Leads- $8-$24/month
- Media Circus Source Directory: Free, $147, $197/month
- Media Circus Events: Free- $5000+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mediacircuspublicity.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mediacircuspr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaiishaBradleyPR/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taiishabradley/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TaiishaBradley
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/taiishabradley
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/mediacircusleads
Image Credits
Ashley Callahan-Payne
