In the fast-paced industry of public relations, few agencies stand out enough to snag star clients, but Krystle Coleman’s firm has earned its spot as one of those special ones. The young CEO’s Miami-based Midori Star Media Group specializes in PR, brand strategy, and marketing to entertainers and corporate individuals. The 29-year-old Florida Memorial University grad has held clients such as rapper Rick Ross and NFL player Phillip Buchanon, and her clientele continues to grow.
Coleman spoke to rolling out about what made her switch gears from a journalism career track to PR, how she believes female leaders should respect themselves, and how she and 50 Cent share the same philosophy on motivation.
How did you get into the public relations business?
When I graduated from high school, I was average in my other classes, but I really excelled in literature, liberal arts, and my writing classes. My father heavily preached to us that whatever you’re talented in, that’s what you focus on. So when I got to college, I took up public relations and journalism.
At the time, I wanted to be Mimi Valdés, who at the time was the editor-in-chief of Vibe. I had an internship as a freshman as a content provider for a magazine, and I interviewed T.I. and a lot of cool people. My mentor at the time was like, “You should try to do an internship at Def Jam in the publicity department.” When I got there, I started to see, I don’t want to just be the person that talks to the person on the phone or interviews them to write a really amazing story. I wanted to know who was the person who sent me this press release and these pictures for me to interview the client, and I got really infatuated with that.
When I came from my internship at Def Jam, I immediately switched my focus to PR and put journalism as my secondary [major].
What do you think makes a good public relations professional?
Honesty, you have to be innovative. If you think about the relationship between a publicist and a client, that dynamic is based on trust, but also creativity. If I pay you a retainer and I’m a football player, for example, that person is putting everything up to you, so they shouldn’t have to say “hey, pitch me to ESPN.” You always have to stay new and fresh on ideas. You definitely have to respect yourself, and you actually have to have a love for it. And if you love what you do, you thrive at it.
A big reason too why I love PR is because I’m kind of shallow and I’m not afraid to admit that, and I love the gratification. When you’re at an odd job, you kinda start feeling like you’re on a hamster wheel. With PR, when you get that “yes” from an editor, that’s really gratifying. And when you’re able to see it in mass media, that’s a really good feeling. It’s kind of addictive.
That’s the same thing 50 Cent said in our latest issue about the gratification being an addictive feeling.
He’s being honest. That’s what keeps people going.
What would you say is your leadership style.
I like who I am inside and out. I read a lot of self-help books to build my character more. So I think a big part of leadership is being unique in your own way. Again, respect is a big part of it. If a girl carries herself with respect, especially when you’re working with athletes and you don’t date them and things like that, that’s a leader right there.
What are two of your favorite books?
If You Have to Cry, Go Outside by Kelly Cutrone. I carry that in my purse a lot of times. When you’re feeling down, you go to a certain chapter and then you say “I can do this.” That’s what makes for a really good read. And The Shack [by William P. Young]; it’s a really good book and it will definitely help you get your mental together.
What’s your favorite quote?
“Never a failure, always a lesson.” It’s tattooed on my arm.
How do you stay relevant?
Never get comfortable. Once you get relaxed, the next publicist will take your place.
