Today we’d like to introduce you to Mercedes.
Hi Mercedes, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My path has seemingly been diverse but there has always been a throughline – creativity. I caught the bug while working at a non-profit running their donor and membership events. Some of the events included throwing a backstage party at high profile concerts, or intimate events with musicians and artists. After my kids were born, my husband and I decided to move to Austin for a myriad of reasons but mainly because of SXSW and the ever evolving entertainment industry. We fell in love with the city, the friends we’ve made, the artists we’ve met and the music scene.
At that time my husband launched Press Junkie PR which blossomed over the years. In need of someone with event experience, as he ventured into the world of festivals, I came on board. Over time, I was able to combine my event, marketing and project management skillsets as I Iearned about PR and communications. I blinked and it was 10 years later, and my achievements can be noted with multiple GRAMMY Award winning and nominated campaigns, culturally relevant stories and working with evocative music and artists. But my favorite has been the community that has been built around the firm and the people that I get to work with.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Trying to reach for the stars is always a test. I truly love my work and building towards something however I have to admit, that the road to success has been bumpy! The firm has seen many iterations, from having a large staff, working in offices, to overcoming financial instability and downsizing to a one women show. But through it all I’ve learned to keep the focus and strategically move forward by putting my energy and time into meaningful relationships.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
With humble beginnings in 2009, Press Junkie PR was started in the living room of Ryan and Mercedes Romana. Over the course of 15 years the firm has led award-winning campaigns, launched careers garnered by critical and tastemaker accolades, and oversaw exponential audience growth from strategic marketing plans. With a combined experience of over 40 years in strategic marketing, corporate communications, and public relations, Press Junkie PR has evolved into a powerhouse adept in all facets of marketing and communications. Our team’s expertise spans innovative digital strategies, compelling storytelling through both social media and press, media relations, and brand development, enabling us to deliver exceptional results for our clients time, and time again.
As lifestyle and entertainment PR firm, Press Junkie PR excels in crafting creative and strategic publicity campaigns that elevate clients to critical acclaim and foster career growth. Our success isn’t just measured by press volume but also by quality. From traditional print, television, and radio to dynamic digital platforms like blogs, social media influencers, and podcasts, we meticulously monitor media landscapes to ensure our clients shine.
Embracing our passion for media, we proudly identify ourselves as Press Junkies, dedicated to propelling our clients to the forefront of industry recognition and success.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I love podcasts and avidly listen to news like the Popcast, The Daily, Fresh Air, Alt Latino — a lot of NPR. For keeping my cool and maintaining my center I love the app Headspace and I also enjoy the Libby app, where I can download audiobooks from my local library!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pressjunkiepr.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pressjunkiepr/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pressjunkiepr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pressjunkiepr
Image Credits
Mercedes Romana with work colleagues at SXSW and Outside Lands Music Festival.
