Meet Karen Campbell

June 12, 2011 in Music, Public Relations

Managing Director
Shiloh PR

Co-founded by managing director Karen Campbell, Shiloh PR specialises broadcast, online media and urban music publicity. The London based firm also provides clients with a range of complimentary services including photography, filming and social media.

With a combined 30 years experience working in the media, PR and music industries, the team at Shiloh PR is currently handling the publicity for the One Love Peace Festival, taking place at London’s Wembley Arena on July 31.

The company’s origins began in 2005 as Pulse PR UK before relaunching as Shiloh PR in 2009.

Why did you decide to start your company?
My business partner and I were always being asked by people to help with arranging publicity for people and music events, so we just thought why not make it a bit more official?

How was your company name conceived?
The initial company name “pulse” was about breathing life into a project, but we found that there were quite a few companies with that name. When it came to selecting a new name, we wanted one that meant something to both myself and my mother, who is my partner in the company.

Shiloh was chosen for a few reasons. The album “Til Shiloh” by Buju Banton is my all time favourite, also the word means “messenger” or “his gift” in Hebrew so we felt that it had a positive meaning.

What was your career path prior to starting your first business?
My professional career began as an account manager at a PR agency. I then went on to work for BBC Radio 1Xtra and Radio 1 in a range of roles from radio production to content editing and production on the BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra websites.

Did you always know that you would start your own business?
Not necessarily, however with time came the feeling that it would be great to build something more for my future. Also, since moving to London, I became inspired by the can-do attitude of many of my peers.

What are you working on at the moment and can you describe your typical working day?
I am currently looking after the publicity for the One Love Peace Festival, which is happening at London’s Wembley Arena on July 31st.

At the moment a typical working day involves editing and updating the BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra websites until around 6pm. I often reply to Shiloh PR emails and make calls during my lunch hour. I then head home to pick up on more phone calls and emails trying to pin down artist managers on availability for their acts to carry out media interviews and also responding to a barrage of media requests for passes!

How do you maintain a work/life balance while running your business and working at BBC 1xtra?
As the saying goes “if you want a job done, give it to a person who’s busy.” In all honesty, I know that all of the work I put in for Shiloh PR will benefit me personally and be good for my future.

It is difficult at times, but we don’t take on projects that are not achievable with a little hard work.

Who would be your dream client?
I don’t know who my dream client would be but I’d love to do publicity for a music event that had both mainstream and specialist appeal. Maybe something like the MTV Awards?

What have been the highlights of running your own business?
Seeing good positive media coverage in magazines, newspapers and on air.

What is the hardest part of running your own business?
Time. Just fitting it in around my full time job and trying to have a social life too.

What has been your biggest triumph so far?
Perhaps the Oraclez Gospel Event, which we handled the PR for in 2009 and 2010. In just two years, we were instrumental in building widespread recognition for an event brand that was non-existent beforehand.

I also feel that being chosen to lead the European PR for Reggae Sunsplash in Jamaica was something I am exceptionally proud of. At that time, we were still just getting started as a company and had been recommended as great people to work with. Being contacted following positive recommendation from others in the music industry is both flattering and encouraging.

What, or who, inspires and motivates you?
I am inspired by many people. My mother, who I work with, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Jacqueline Springer, Charlene White and other black women who are successful and positive. I am also inspired and motivated by my close friends, who show understanding when my work means I cannot spend as much time with them as I’d sometimes like to.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting a public relations business?
Contacts are key. Also, it’s useful to have a good understanding of the media industry. Aside from that, just be willing to work hard and get used to journalists saying “no”.

Fast forward five years, where do you think your business will be in 2016?
In five years, I’d love for Shiloh PR to be the go-to company for urban music event publicity.

Karen, is there anything else you’d like to share?
I also enjoy photography, in particular taking portrait shots when I get the chance. You can view my photos at www.flickr.com/karencampbell

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For more information on Shiloh PR visit www.shilohpr.com. You can also find the company on Twitter.

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Karen Campbell was interviewed by Octavia Goredema, founder of the Twenty Ten Club.

The Twenty Ten Club is an award-winning networking organisation designed to connect, inspire and support Black female entrepreneurs. You can also find Twenty Ten Club on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.