Meet Kristen Skladd | Publicist and Copywriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristen Skladd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Freedom. I had long been under the notion that a full-time job equals security thanks to a steady paycheck, health insurance, and a 401k program. For some people, this routine works great and they go their whole lives with giving decades of loyalty to a company. However, I came across an interview with Tyler Perry about how when he started working for himself, everything changed, and he started seeing his true potential.

That interview was something that always stuck with me. When you work for yourself, it is an absolute lot of hard work, but your potential opens up and expands greater than you’d ever think, not only in terms of income but in terms of freedom and happiness. I love to travel, I love to have lunch at a restaurant on a weekday, and I love to take naps in the middle of the day – and working for myself allows me to do all of those things. I can choose the projects and clients that I want to work with and I can grow my skills with the ability to learn new things every day.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am most proud of being able to work on my own. With dreams to become a journalist, I never thought that this would be my chosen path, nor was it ever in my line of vision. The biggest challenge for me was taking on a full-time job in a brand-new industry, public relations, in a brand-new state. I initially applied for about 20 different jobs and no one would respond to my application, both being that I had no experience and hadn’t moved yet. When I made individual cold calls to line up meetings prior to my move and showed that I was serious, I had three offers that next week.

Now after having worked full-time as a publicist for nearly five years, while thankful for my experiences, I knew that I wanted to keep growing and expanding outside of my comfort zone. I wanted to keep challenging myself and work with clients in new fields so that I could continue learning and pressing on. With that being said, I want people to learn from my story that change is inevitable, but don’t doubt yourself. If you feel stuck, make that move and know that you will succeed, and it will all fall into place. And when in doubt – pick up the phone!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would first take them out in Delray Beach, aka “the village by the sea”. Though Delray is extremely popular with locals, it’s often overshadowed by Boca Raton next door. The area has so much to see and offer from world-class dining to the perfect beachside. I can’t name names because there’s just too much to choose from.

Next, we’d travel down to Pompano Beach which is also a “hidden gem” and stop at the Beach House or Lucky Fish and enjoy the amazing pier views. Then, we’d head to Fort Lauderdale and hop on the water taxi to enjoy a day of fun whether shopping on Las Olas or a bite to eat at the 15th Street Fisheries or a drink at the Elbo Room. Also, there are plenty of Kilwins locations to choose from for an ice cream cap. We might have to walk off all the eating in Hugh Birch State Park after or rent some paddleboards though! For daytime activities, the Butterfly World in Coconut Creek or Flamingo Gardens in Davie are must-dos for anyone visiting.

In Miami, Wynwood is always a go-to with a stop at the Butcher Shop (make sure to get the pierogis!). Downtown, I’m a big fan of Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita which is perfect after the short ride over from Bayside. Lastly, I’d make a stop at the (dog-friendly!) Wharf for a perfect way to end a perfect day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to give credit to my immediate family, who has supported me from day one, even when I had one so-called ‘bright idea’ after another or took on too much. Also, my high school English teacher is the person who made me first become really interested in journalism. She taught me how to write properly and about what makes a piece compelling. Likewise, my journalism professor in college, pushed me to succeed and take classes that were outside of my comfort zone. I am proud to still be in contact with students from his class to this day, helping them with their annual ethics papers.

There’s also a book that sticks out to me by Katie Couric called “The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons from Extraordinary Lives”. In the book, which is a series of advice from famous leaders, inventors, celebrities and those that are the top in their industry, is a lengthy quote from Ryan Seacrest. He mentions that he always says ‘yes’ to every opportunity that comes his way because you never know where it could lead. That’s how I have tried to live my life – and it has definitely led to some exciting twists and turns.

Website: www.kmsgroup.co

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kristenskladd

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kristenskladd