Latoya Chambliss Shares How She Provides Blissful Solutions for Clients While Enjoying the Journey
he Director of Publicity for the Bliss Consulting Services
My “Ki Takeaway” from my professional journey has been to be good to people.”
I finally got the chance to catch up with fellow Rattler, Latoya Chambliss, the Director of Publicity at Bliss Consulting Services. The agency offers clients a variety of services, including consulting, public relations and marketing and event management.
This interview is so essential. As professionals we have all wondered when’s the right time to branch out on our own and what that looks like. Latoya’s journey is the perfect example of trusting the process and believing in yourself.
Tell me a little about your experience in PR and how you got to where you are today? What was the catalyst for opening your agency?
After graduation, I realized that for an African-American woman, living in Tallahassee with only two internships under her belt, I would need to build my resume in order to compete within the industry. I quickly reviewed my communications plan and resume from Capstone and revised everything from notes from professors and industry execs. While completing my last semester, I was interning at an advertising and PR agency, and they hired me part-time as the Publicity Manager. After a few months, we parted ways, and from there, I created my first business, L.Bliss PR, LLC and began taking on clients.
I knew that I needed more industry experience, and I was determined to diversify my resume. I also knew the ultimate goal was to have my own agency. I made a goal to work at the top PR agencies in Atlanta to gain experience across numerous corporate industries. BUT life quickly threw me a two-year curveball. I applied to over 75 jobs and received no after no. I worked at Keiser University in Tallahassee for two years, which caused me to go into a deep, dark depression because I feared being stuck. There was always something inside pushing me to keep trying.
I applied for one last position in Atlanta and got my first YES! I dropped everything and two weeks later moved to Atlanta in 2014 and never looked back!
In 2017 after working at 3 top agencies in Atlanta, I knew I wanted to put life back into L.BlissPR but not be boxed into just public relations. Through a co-creation and brainstorm with my dear friend and business partner, we gave birth to Bliss Consulting Services, and the rest is history!
Latoya Chambliss and Nakita Gibbs (Co-Owners of Bliss Consulting Services)
Why are you passionate about PR?
Public Relations has taught me so much about myself. It has shown me how to be more confident, stick to my moral values and most importantly given me the opportunity to design the life I want. PR has also shown me that the industry is ever-changing and I've produced many new skills that are now offered by BCS.
It has helped me to reach new heights, both personally and professionally because I’ve had to work very hard to advance in this competitive industry.
As I journey through life, I look at every situation through a different perspective. PR has positively impacted my life, challenging my thinking and reshaping my thoughts.
I find myself constantly thinking about how to maintain a public image, proactive strategies, and solutions for crisis situations, and learning from cool PR campaigns. I am passionate about true storytelling for all clients.
What inspires you?
I find inspiration in so many things. What’s been the most inspiring lately has been the people I encounter and life’s experiences. It’s been the smallest things such as a rainy day, going back home to Tallahassee and sitting around my parents and grandparents or watching good movies/ documentaries on TV. Each day I walk into BCS headquarters, and I am inspired to be my best self.
Describe your day in one word:
Free-flowing
What are you excited about?
I am excited about life. Excited to expand into new territories in business. I am excited about taking the business to the next level with my awesome partners in business! I am also excited about living life on the edge and doing what makes me feel good!
What is your Ki Takeaway from your professional journey so far?
My “Ki Takeaway” from my professional journey has been to be good to people. Whether a professional situation works or doesn’t work, you want to remain consistent in being good. Whether it be the maintenance team, clients, journalists, publicists, etc., I’ve learned that when you operate out of “bliss,” people will join in and treat you and your business as such.
You can connect with Latoya Chambliss on Instagram. Stay connected with Bliss Consulting Services on Instagram (@bcsbliss) and Facebook. To inquire about services visit the website, or apply for an internship here.