Cathy Cardenas Interview
Cathy, you have been in the film, television and media world for over a decade. What do you love most about the world of public relations and how would you share your process of success so far? How old were you when you started? Did you always want to be in public relations?
I started my work in the entertainment industry by working in ad sales for TV. I started my career in PR at the age of 33. I originally thought I would be in broadcasting, but life takes you in different directions. I always enjoyed doing PR, but I never thought I’d make it a business until someone reached out after I assisted a brand with public relations for an event. That company offered to hire me, but instead, I started my own PR firm.
I love helping people create and develop their brand and helping them grow as businesses and individuals while being a part of their successes. Since I started my own firm, my clients have been nearly 100% referral-based.
Most people in PR have specific goals in mind to make their mission stand out above the rest. What makes your organization different? Why would someone choose to work with you in comparison to another similar agency?
I work hard as a publicist; I’m passionate about it and I truly want to see my clients succeed. One thing my clients always say about my work is that I do what I promise. Sadly, that’s a lost trait in this industry. Clients choose me because of my work ethic. My business is nearly 100% referral, which speaks volumes.
You have a diverse palate of clients which includes anyone from sports figures, celebrities, and public personalities. What makes you choose one client vs another? Do you keep similar clients limited with your agency? Would you consider yourself more of a boutique PR agency?
As a publicist, I’m always up for a challenge. I prefer to have a diverse client list; it makes the job more exciting to me. I choose clients that are mutually a good fit. My firm treats clients like family, so we make sure it’s a good fit from the jump.
I do keep similar clients limited within my agency, as a form of respect. Yes, I’m definitely a boutique agency; I have big clients, but a smaller roster of clients. I give my clients the attention they deserve. Keeping my roster small sets me apart in that aspect.
Can you take us on a “Day in the life of Cathy Cardenas”? How do you begin each day and what is your main area of focus? Do you add self-care into your daily regime? How do you stay so lively and upbeat?
Every day is different depending on the client and the campaign they have going on. Sometimes the people I work with are traveling, some days we’re juggling to keep the calendar on track. The rest of the time we spend pitching and securing the best press possible.
Self-care has been a hard one for me, but I’ve been trying to make it a priority this year. I stay upbeat with energy drinks and prosecco. Haha—just kidding, kind of. I think my upbeat energy naturally comes when you have a job that you truly enjoy.
My #1 rule is to put God first in every aspect of your life and business. I’ve made this my goal from day one; even in tough times, this is my focus and my anchor. His blessings always overflow.
What’s next for the Cathy Cardenas brand? You’re still young and motivated, do you see yourself branding elsewhere?
The CCPR firm has a lot of projects in the works. We’ve been having a few people reach out to us about event coordination and press surrounding those, which is relatively new for us, so we’re exploring that avenue a bit more at the moment.
We look forward to hearing more about your continued success, Cathy!
