Behind the Headlines: The Secrets to PR Success with Takyrah Jones

If you’ve ever scrolled through PR TikTok, chances are you’ve come across Takyrah Jones. She’s the mastermind behind the viral “PR Moves” series, where she breaks down how some of your favorite influencers, celebrities, and brands strategize their public image. But beyond the viral clips and industry insights, Takyrah is a powerhouse—balancing a thriving career in PR and marketing while building a community for women in the industry.

We sat down with Takyrah on The First Gems Podcast to talk about her journey into PR, what it takes to make it in the field, and the gems she’s picked up along the way.

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Listen to our full interview with Takyrah on Apple Podcasts:

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Falling Into PR and Finding Purpose

Like many of us navigating our careers, Takyrah didn’t grow up knowing PR was her calling:

"I went into college and I was like, well, I like to talk, so I’m going to go into communications, didn’t have any sort of connectivity. I just knew that I was a social butterfly."

But once she took her first PR course, she was hooked. “I immediately knew being a Black woman in this space, I had to diversify my resume as much as possible and start as early as possible.” She hustled through college, stacking internships and making connections that eventually led to working at major agencies and brands like Vita Coco, Mario Badescu, and top talent agencies representing social media’s biggest creators.

The Power of Creating Your Own Opportunities

One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation? You can’t wait for opportunities—you have to create them. 

"There are two sides to this space. You can kind of choose to sit behind your computer and go to your nine-to-five… or you can take it a step further and get into your creative bag."

That’s exactly what she did. Inspired by another creator’s content, Takyrah started her “PR Moves” series on TikTok. But she saw a gap—no one was highlighting the influencers of color who were actually pushing trends forward. So, she filled that space herself. And it paid off. Not only did her content blow up, but it also led to agencies like Kendington Grey reaching out for consulting opportunities.

PR Isn’t Just About Damage Control

Most people think PR is just about fixing scandals, but Takyrah set the record straight.

"PR is about storytelling and making sure brands and creators are meeting consumers where they are."

Yes, she’s had those 3 AM crisis calls, but she’s also built strategies for top influencers, helping them craft narratives that resonate authentically with their audience. And for those wondering if all publicity is good publicity? “No. Some publicity is really bad publicity. You have to know what to stay away from.”

Building Community in a Competitive Industry

Breaking into PR and marketing isn’t easy—especially as a woman of color. Alongside her 2 close friends, Takyrah co-founded My Plus One, a social group dedicated to helping Black women in the industry find community.

"We were each other’s plus ones to different events, keeping each other in the loop, and became real friends outside of just being girls in the industry."

The goal? To make sure women leave networking events with real connections, not just awkward small talk. “We ask the girls to bring a plus one with them but also leave with a new one.”

The Gem: Step Into Your Creative Bag

If there’s one thing to take away from Takyrah’s journey, it’s this: Step into your creativity and don’t be afraid to share it.

"You never know where it can take you. That creativity has landed me so many more opportunities.” Whether you’re trying to break into PR, start a business, or build your brand, putting yourself out there is the key."

And who knows? The opportunity you’re waiting for might just be on the other side of that first post.

Want to connect with Takyrah? Follow her on TikTok and Instagram @TakyrahJ for more PR gems and industry insights!