Public relations, also known as PR, is a demanding and challenging industry that requires connections, an understanding of the market, and the ability to work 24/7. It is a career that promises a lifetime of opportunities to create and develop relationships.
Women’s influence in public relations can be traced back to the mid 1900s, when Betsy Ann Plank became the first woman to hold a position in public relations. Betsy promoted responsible relationships based on understanding, trust, and respect. Her approach was a significant turning point in PR, which set the stage for more women to enter the field.
Fast forward to today, and public relations has evolved to be a field where women thrive. 73% of public relations specialists are women, and this trend is likely to continue in the near future. The success of women in public relations can be attributed to their exceptional communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multi-task. These attributes are crucial in the industry, where being able to establish relationships with clients, manage projects, and create persuasive communication campaigns are essential.
In this article, we look at the story of Jane Owen, the founder of JOPR, and a successful businesswoman who has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in the public relations industry.
Jane Owen started her career after graduating from University in London. In fact, she started in the music industry in London, where she served as the executive in charge of an independent rock label. And guess what, that experience opened the doors to work as executive assistant to legendary publicist Joan Rolls, who represents significant brands like Van Cleef & Arpels.
Jane then moved to the United States, where she worked for film PR firms in Los Angeles and fashion PR firms in New York. After gaining valuable experience in the different layers of the entertainment industry, Jane opened her own PR firm, JOPR, in Los Angeles in 2011.
As a young woman in charge of her own business, Jane had to overcome various challenges, including dealing with disdain and opposition from more experienced male counterparts (there were more of them back then). However, her determination and perseverance paid off, and JOPR has become a premier agency in Los Angeles with nation-wide recognition and influence.
One of the key factors that set JOPR apart from other firms is their ability to build and maintain strong relationships with their clients and celebrities. According to Jane, “staying true to ourselves and remaining focused on what drove us to this industry” has been the key to her success.
Indeed, this ability to build and maintain relationships is one of the reasons why women excel in the public relations industry. Women are often highly intuitive and empathetic, which enables them to understand and anticipate their clients’ needs and desires. This is especially important in the entertainment industry, where image and reputation are everything. A publicist who can effectively manage a celebrity’s public image and build strong relationships with the media can make or break their career.
To claim that women can only excel in the public relations or the fashion industry industry is a fallacy. It is important to acknowledge and appreciate the distinct strengths and abilities that women bring to the table across all sectors. Ultimately, it is up to women themselves to recognize and value their own potential in the workplace. Jane’s impressive career in public relations can serve as an inspiration for aspiring female entrepreneurs to chase their ambitions and not be discouraged by any challenges that may arise.
