Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Bowie.
Hi Summer, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Back in college, I used to do a lot of work for several organizations on my campus that would be considered the work of a publicist. I was the communications coordinator for our sociology club, the president of the black council under our women of color coalition, and I would also help out our African Student Association from time to time. Those things, along with my Bachelor’s in English, were kind of the start to my journey as a publicist.
Hard work was instilled in me from a young age. My parents used to own a popular candy store in the Houston community and I pretty much “worked” there almost every day. A little later, I ended up getting an internship at a wonderful entertainment public relations firm, Topps PR Firm. Being an intern at this firm and mentored by the founder, Leslie Topps really solidified my love for public relations. Whenever I would make a mistake, Leslie always offered me constructive criticism and taught me the true meaning of being a publicist.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ll be really transparent about this. When you are very passionate about something and get excited, it can sometimes cause you to give certain situations or people the benefit of the doubt. With that being said, it was definitely not a smooth road starting my own public relations firm. I have worked with clients who weren’t ready for a publicist or couldn’t afford my rate, so I often significantly lowered my price to accommodate them due to my excitement. If you’re starting out as a publicist in any industry, know your worth, bring that to the table, and don’t let anyone get over on you!
Getting clients on my own wasn’t easy because I didn’t have it all together after leaving my internship. I have learned from these types of experiences. You will make plenty of mistakes. I know I have, especially dealing with having ADHD. The outcome is worth it if you are assertive on what you want and that’s with anything that you do. I’ve come to the point now where I’ve made several relationships with publicists, media, and clients based on mutual respect and understanding and have done amazing things for my clients. I also use my talents for other things like helping out the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals, serving as an ambassador for the Haitian-led organization, Capracare, and being a mentor to college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Nouvelle PR Firm?
Nouvelle PR Firm is a music and lifestyle public relations firm. We always bring people of color to the forefront and put them in a positive light. Our clients range from authors to singers. We increase awareness to our clients and their brands through press/media exposure, brand management, and more. We offer several other services such as EPK creation, media training, and event management. Nouvelle is French for new and is based on my Louisiana Creole roots. I named my company that because in the world today, things are constantly changing, especially in the music industry. It’s to the point where you have to adapt and come up with new approaches sometimes.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
You can always email us at nouvelleprfirm@gmail.com to schedule a consultation! Our website is currently being revamped. You can also find us on Instagram @nouvelleprfirm and Facebook as Nouvelle PR Firm to find out what our clients are up to.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/nouvellepr
- Facebook: facebook.com/nouvelleprfirm
