Today we’d like to introduce you to Taija Dawn.
Taija, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started out as a blogger in 2014, just covering local events in Philadelphia. That’s where I built a lot of the connections that I have now. In 2015, is when I got pregnant with my son so instead of blogging about events I switched to full-on mommy mode. I would post about my pregnancy, breast feeding, etc. After having my son at the age of 21, I thought that I wasn’t capable of being both a mother and a blogger, while also working full time. So… I stopped creating. Now, during the time period that I stopped blogging, I picked up a new hobby. I became the dot-connector for my friends who had businesses. I would be emailing, dm’ing, and tweeting literally anyone I thought would benefit from the services/products that my friends provided. One of my closest friends and I were talking one day as I was writing some brands I think he should collaborate with, and he said, “You know you’re kind of like a publicist, right?” I had no idea what a publicist was or what their job entailed. I shrugged it off at first, but then did some research and realized he was right. I took the time out to dive deep into what it really takes to be a good publicist. I did research, used the resources I had available, and paid very close attention to the publicists that were actually doing the footwork.
I’m not too sure if I can call myself a publicist yet, but I will say I’m an aspiring one. My journey has been something like a roller coaster. Going from working full time to being a full-time entrepreneur, then back to full-time work with freelancing PR services. The list goes on. I enjoy the path that I’m on and I can’t wait to see where I’m at in 5-10 years.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
HA! Absolutely not! And to be honest, I’m glad it wasn’t. Every obstacle I had to face has pushed me to be better than I was. Business-wise, I struggled with trying to find my niche. I didn’t know that coming into such a fast-paced industry that I would have to adapt as quickly. What I think I struggled with the most was in my personal life. My finances were all over the place, I was living paycheck to paycheck trying to fund my dream while also paying bills and taking care of my child. I’ve lost people in my life in both friendships and relationships. My mental and emotional health weren’t where they needed to be. Everything that was happening externally was affecting me internally as well. Although, I’m still figuring it all out I’m grateful that I’m not in the same space that I was in during 2016-2017.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
The name of my platform is PR Pull Up (PRPU) and I am also a self-titled freelance publicist and influencer. PR Pull Up is a platform created for aspiring and seasoned publicists. The purpose of PRPU is to create a space for women of color who are in the PR industry to receive advice, vent, speak on the climate of the industry as it relates to them. I think it’s important for WOC, especially in the PR/media industry to be able to gain knowledge and insight from people who look like them. It’s a different type of bond that manifests. The PR industry is very cutthroat and can sometimes become competitive, but keeping the “collaboration over competition” mindset is what I want to encourage as much as possible.
As far as myself, Taija Dawn (also my brand), I am mainly known for my freelance PR work. Creating media kits, press releases, brand management, campaigns, etc. are a few things that I’m known for. I’m also known for being an influencer (I guess lol). I am a strong advocate for mental health, believing in yourself, manifestation in the energy you put out, and enjoying the journey that life has given you. It’s very important to have a healthy balance in your business and personal lives. I guess that would go hand in hand with what sets me apart from others as well. There are times when I get those random DMs from my followers and they’re literally pouring out so much of themselves to me that we start talking for hours via Instagram then end up exchanging phone numbers and becoming friends. It’s insane how so many of us relate through our trauma and challenges, but that gives us the opportunity to help one another through it.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I would define success by mastering the balance of my personal, entrepreneurial, mental, and physical health. I never want to be too greedy in either aspect. I’m honestly not too sure what markers I’m looking out for. All I know is that once I get to a point where I can wake up and be completely happy with the life I’ve built and created for myself, that will be my moment of success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.taijadawn.co
- Email: hellotaijadawn@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/t.aij/
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