Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Bryant.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I always say that everyone has a story, and I consider myself a storyteller (and publicist). I am the founder of Samantha Bryant Public Relations (SBPR) and I’ve shared the stories of my clients with the media nationwide for nearly two decades. Now to share mine – my (professional) story first started after graduating from The University of Iowa with degrees in both Journalism and International Studies.
I set my sites in Chicago and was on a mission to put my degree to use. The very first job interview and a job I got hired for was at NBC Universal. I jumped right in, as I worked on the production team for the Jerry Springer Show. Talk about stories! I was hired to dig up stories from people across the country, fly them to Chicago for production, and serve as their liaison during show week.
Each week we put on a show in front of a live, studio audience. There were stories, deadlines, a fast-paced environment, cameras, and audiences – I was hooked! There was no doubt that I loved being behind the scenes, however, I craved more work/life balance and that’s when my path led me to the world of PR.
Behind-the-scenes. Check.
Stories. Check.
Deadlines. Check.
Cameras and audiences. Check.
My first job in public relations was at an agency that focused on franchise growth. There was a wide range of clients – from food service, healthcare, and business services to fitness, and even a biodiesel plant opening. I’ll never forget the very first media pitch I sent and the story I arranged, it was exhilarating. It still is to this day.
On top of that, I loved connecting with the franchisees to discuss their stories and the “why”. There was no turning back from there. I knew PR was it for me. After that agency, I decided it was time to branch out, as I was ready to serve more lifestyle accounts. I worked with countless restaurants, non-profits, boutique hotels, and fashion brands – including Furla and Victoria’s Secret.
I loved Chicago and I loved what I was doing, however, something was calling me to Denver. When I moved to Denver in 2011, I came equipped with the knowledge and confidence that I could do it on my own. That’s when SBPR was created. The community in Colorado is incredible and as a public relations consultant, I found that was key.
Since starting SBPR (12 years ago!), I’ve worked with a variety of accounts. I’ve worked with start-ups, fashion designers, authors, bakeries, granola companies, beverage brands, international dance festivals, financial conferences, financial thought leaders, educational leaders – and more!
Through all of the years I’ve worked in public relations and securing press coverage across the nation, I’ve truly enjoyed sharing the stories of businesses and company founders while finding the right audience for them to shine. I consider myself a versatile and results-driven public relations consultant who can dive into any topic with ease. I love diving into all topics and I think there’s nothing better.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think most business owners in any field will tell you that no, the road is not always smooth. And that’s real life. But, I believe that if it’s always smooth you won’t learn anything. Obstacles are put in front of you for that reason. To learn, grow, and strengthen you. I think the main struggle for me is that I’ve always loved working with a team and I have former coworkers that I’m still friends with to this day.
After starting SBPR, I realized there wasn’t anyone I could bounce ideas off of or jump for joy with when a huge press hit was live, or grab a coffee and chat during a break. It was just me. Luckily, my husband has been incredibly supportive and has been known to jump for joy with me with press hits over the years. There are also no vacation days or set work hours. It’s all of the time and there’s no turning it off.
However, I learned to work with that. I learned that the Denver public relations and business community is a huge collaborative space. There are coffees to grab, people to brainstorm with, and celebrate wins with, and people to partner with on projects – as a public relations consultant, you are never truly alone. You may not be in an office setting but think of all of the variety of coffee shops to work from and workspaces.
On top of that, your clients are there as well to celebrate those press wins and put your heads together for ultimate success. And who needs vacation days, when you can take your laptop and phone with you anywhere? You can work wherever you want! The flexibility is worth it, especially as a working mom.
I had my daughter one year after starting SBPR and there’s always the worry about being a present mom and not constantly taking calls and being on my computer. However, now with two kiddos – I want them both to see that they can do it, too. They can chase their dreams and do anything they want with hard work, grit, and determination. They can see the multi-tasking to get things done. I hope that I’m setting an example for them.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Samantha Bryant Public Relations?
I believe that the key to success in building any company’s story is the perfect combination of media and community relations. What I do at Samantha Bryant Public Relations is to help set you apart from the rest by highlighting what makes your company unique. SBPR will set you up to be a thought leader in your space.
My ultimate goal is to put your right front and center in front of your desired audience. I do this by creating media kits, and media materials, securing press placements, and media training, and helping gain more exposure for companies. I’ve worked with a wide range of clients and pride myself on the versatility of stories that I’ve shared with the media over the years. Even if you think you don’t have a newsworthy story, I bet you do.
My clients have graced the pages and television screens of USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Self Magazine, Newsday, Woman’s Day, Parade, MSNBC, GQ, Forbes, Entrepreneur, 5280 Magazine, Westword, The Denver Post, 303 Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, WGN America, ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX affiliates across the country – this list could go on and on.
As a public relations consultant, I develop a public relations plan that best suits your company’s needs. I’m different in that I’m not a large agency, I am here to be a true member of your team and that’s what I love the most. I am here to pull newsworthy stories, brainstorm ideas that work, create materials, pitch the media on your behalf, secure media placements, and help with your goals. I believe in full transparency, and I will guide you to tell you what will honestly work. If you are looking for a publicist who can easily jump in and be a teammate – that’s me.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’ve had many mentors and cheerleaders over the years, where do I even begin? My number one is my family. They’ve always encouraged me and no dream was too big. I credit my versatility to my family as well. Growing up, I lived overseas and traveled to many destinations. I was born in South Africa, moved back to the states and when I was in elementary school we moved to Korea.
Living overseas allowed us to submerge ourselves in the culture and visit many unique destinations. Even as a child, I loved observing while discovering people and places. I still do. It’s in those discoveries that you find the stories. Stories that should be shared and that people want to hear. I appreciate my family giving me that opportunity, and it’s what I hope to instill in my children.
My husband is my number one cheerleader. He was incredibly supportive when I set out on my own and he continues to be supportive 12 years into being a business owner. He’s there for the highs, lows, and everything in between. When I struggle with imposter syndrome, he’s there to tell me to keep pushing through it and keep dreaming big.
I also owe a big thank you to the Denver community. It’s a wonderful community full of collaboration and support. There are so many thriving entrepreneurs here and I’m so very grateful to be a part of this community. I recently read that Colorado is in the top 10 states for women-led startups in 2023 and I can see firsthand why.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.samanthabryantpr.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthabpublicity/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaBryantPR
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthahartbryant/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sambryant
Image Credits
Samantha Behrens and Maalikah
