Hello Izzy, letās kick off with how you got into PRā¦
Iād held the position of arts editor at my University newspaper, which was my first entry into the media āindustryā, as it were. Iād spend my time organising press passes to gigs and events, setting up interviews with up-and-coming bands and artists and testing out the latest bars and restaurants, and I left Uni thinking I wanted to do something similar. Upon graduating however, I decided I wasnāt quite ready to enter the āreal worldā and enrolled on a Masters degree in the incredibly niche subject of Victorian Art History. It was actually upon driving back from my interview for said MA that I quite literally spotted the Little Red Rooster office in Twyford, and as Iām a true believer in fate I thought Iād get in touch.
I began my Rooster career as an intern before stepping into a junior role, studying for my postgrad simultaneously. Five years on, I never quite left, and wouldnāt have it any other way. Iāve since clawed my way up the ranks and am now leading incredibly exciting accounts such as Smeg, Ruark Audio, Loewe, Bisque Radiators and Victoria + Albert Baths.
What excites you most about your job?
Quite simply, I still absolutely love getting press coverage. It’s the best feeling, especially when youāve been working on one particular title or journalist for a really long time, or had a product featured in an amazing shoot in Wallpaper* or Cosmo or Sunday Times Style that you just know a client will love. As an agency we once undertook business profiling, and it turns out Iām a ātraderā who likes doing the doing, so I think thatās where it stems from.
Relive your most memorable career moment?
Iām beyond lucky to have been on some unbelievable press trips during my time at LRR. A stay in the uber-luxurious Treehouses at Chewton Glen was a particular highlight, but nothing quite tops attending the Dolce & Gabbana launch events in Milan with Smeg. Itās quite surreal to say, āI actually work on this!ā
Even when press trips hit a bumpy road theyāre fairly memorable. I was once abroad with eight journalists when we got stranded in Italy due to a hole on the runway, with no flights back until later that weekend (and my sisterās wedding taking place on the Saturday!) We were trapped beyond the security gates for 20 hours but the group were so fun, and so understanding. I remember Chris Haslam leading a rather lively game of āHeads Upā, and Iād like to say I made firm friends in the airport. And, thankfully, I made it back for the wedding in the nick of time!
Describe your happy place?
Barefoot on the beach in Ibiza with a G&T in hand. I used to last till sunrise, but Iām not quite that cool these days.
Describe your work wardrobe?
On a day-to-day basis, I live in Topshop Jamie jeans and a chunky Asos knit. For events, itās usually some kind of floral, midi-length dress, leather jacket and beige suede boots combo. A lot of people remark Iām dressing more and more like Vic as time goes on!
What makes Little Red Rooster different from other PR agencies?
I havenāt worked for other agencies, but I do keep an eye on the competition via social media and I truly believe we get amazing results. We work hard, but we work hard as a team, and always love to support one another.
Do you have any advice for someone wanting to work in PR?
Donāt be afraid to get your hands dirty, and be prepared to work hard. We have an amazing time while doing so, but PR is not all glitz and glam. Itās running up and down Shaftesbury Avenue with a suitcase full of samples, itās pouring drinks at parties, itās being on the phone and pitching in stories. Here at LRR we all very much muck in to ensure that what needs to be done, gets done.
Who or what inspires you most?
Ā
Thatās a tough one. Iām a historian by trade so of course I could recount numerous names who have done incredible things in their time. Iād like to think Iām most inspired by people a little closer to home, however. My friends and family are all a lovely bunch who I choose ā and want ā to be around. I think people who make you happy are the people who make you a better person, in both personal and professional aspects.
Choose your last mealā¦
Ā
Healthy eating would understandably go completely out of the window, so Iād have to start off with something incredibly indulgent like halloumi fries. In fact, those really dirty but extremely delicious chicken fried halloumi sticks from 7Bone ā best thing ever. Iād follow this with my dadās pie and mash and my mumās apple crumble and custard. Iād be a whale, but life would be good.
