Born in Miami, and raised in Atlanta, Kitchen began her journey with entertainment as a dancer and actress, which she pursued professionally. Her love of performing carried her to further study her craft at East Carolina University, and then onward to London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, before settling in New York City in 2005. She was one of twelve individuals to sign with M.S.A, a leading dance agency that had just opened its New York branch. In 2009 she relocated to Los Angeles to further pursue opportunities in film and television; however, a year later, decided to change course.
As one who has always had a fascination with the science behind human behavior, Kitchen, with the referral of a retired FBI agent, came very close to a career with the bureau as a communications liaison for the Behavior Analysis Unit. Needless to say, her calling to the world of entertainment couldn’t be ignored, making her once again return to where it all began for her. However, this time in public relations.
Prior to founding Marque, Kitchen served as a Senior Account Executive at Advantage PR, ICON PR, East 2 West Collective, and Pinnacle Public Relations, spearheading campaigns for a myriad of talent across the realms of film and television. Through forward-thinking and the utilization of creative narratives, Kitchen has achieved great success for her clients in the acquisition of press, spanning print and digital publications, radio, and broadcast interviews, and furthering that success into the space of branding. She aspires to go beyond traditional PR by implementing an artistic strategy that is uniquely catered to each individual client, with the ultimate goal of furthering their craft as artists while also maintaining longevity and relevancy in their careers — traits that are most vital in today’s vastly changing industry.
Kitchen additionally serves as Director of Publicity for The Cameron Boyce Foundation, and sits upon its Board of Directors. She is based in Los Angeles.
Tell us something about yourself–What does your work entail?
I grew up in Atlanta, GA, where I spent the majority of my youth training in a dance studio, which led to a short professional career. Leaving the dance world and a life as a performer was challenging, but I’m grateful for the life lessons, as well as the skillset I became equipped with; the ability to think on my feet, to be creative, and to know how to pivot when necessary. After working for a few different agencies in Los Angeles, I decided to start my own company, Marque PR, which launched in May of this year. At Marque, we specialize in personal publicity for talent (actors, musicians, and other multi-hyphenates), as well as PR for brands and non-profit organizations. We also have a branding and social media division spearheaded by Lindsay Luv, a celebrity DJ and branding agent, who works to help shape our clients’ digital footprint, while also bringing forth compensated partnerships.
I know if you’re reading this you may think I’m nuts for starting a business in the middle of a pandemic, but sometimes you just have to trust your instincts and let your intuition guide you—something I haven’t always done, but when I do, I find that it usually leads to something very rewarding.
Why and how have you chosen PR as your career?
I fell into PR by accident… After moving to LA, and walking away from the life I had known, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I knew I was good with people, and that I wanted to help others somehow. At the time, we were in the middle of the housing crisis. My dad is a builder, so he was immediately faced with having to find a way to keep his business going without building houses. I built a website for his company, and helped him with some marketing so he could shift gears and cater to those who would be in need of remodeling since it wasn’t a good time to sell a house. It was then that a friend mentioned to me that I should consider PR, so I gave it some thought, and I went back to school. Upon graduating I started out in lifestyle PR, but ended up feeling the pull back into the world of entertainment. The rest is history.
What type of ‘news’ might interest startups? How is it possible to end up in well-known media outlets, such as Bloomberg, BBC, The Guardian and others?
For any business (inclusive of those who are individuals promoting a skill or service), you have to really know your brand, and build that out. You do that by honing in on who your audience is, setting goals for your business, and finding a way to craft a narrative that resonates with people. Social media is also key in today’s world. I highly recommend having someone on your team that is skilled with this as it goes far beyond simple posts. So much of our news is online these days, so you really have to work at creating a strong digital footprint in conjunction with a strategy that is unique to what you offer, that will propel you forward. With time, as well as a good PR and social media team, those types of outlets become much more attainable.
What advice do you have for businesses to get through COVID-19?
Stay the course. This has been an extremely challenging time for so many of us, but I do believe we will all come out stronger on the other side. Across the globe we are slowly beginning to re-open, so try to find ways to pivot and cater to the new needs of your consumers. Many are still afraid to venture out, so with that, find ways to function virtually, if possible, as well as face-to-face. If you’re a restaurant, perhaps offer cooking classes and wine/mixology courses. Think outside of the box, and don’t feel like you have to have all of the answers overnight. We are all adjusting, but if we really listen to each other, we’ll all have much more clarity when it comes to what steps we should take.
Which challenges did you face during your journey? How did you overcome them?
Wow… ladies, pour a glass and stay a while! There are so many obstacles that presented themselves along the way. If I recounted all of them, you’d be reading this into next year, but one of the biggest challenges, aside from our current pandemic, was navigating a messy divorce while simultaneously trying to balance a very demanding and time-consuming career. So many things had happened to me, that I began to wonder if something terrible was coming that God needed me to be ready for. Over time I’ve realized that I became stronger with each challenge; every set back shaped my character. Because of those setbacks I’ve also learned the importance of gratitude, and I make an effort to be thankful for everything and everyone in my life. There’s a saying that the only difference between coal and a diamond is the amount of pressure it has endured. Let’s just say I’m feeling really shiny.
What advice would you offer someone considering this career?
If you’re in school, find a good agency to complete an internship with. Real world experience is so helpful, and the relationships that you’ll develop will be essential to your advancement. If you’re not in school, find an agency that is in need of an assistant and work your way up. A good attitude, a strong work ethic, and the ability to encourage and inspire others around you is extremely important in finding a successful career in PR.
What is a common misconception people have about what you do?
That publicists are mean! Just the phrase, “I’m a publicist,” has almost sent people running as if I look at them they’ll turn to stone! Most publicists are not mean—but for those that are, they’re probably in need of a long vacation. Most of us are under a lot of pressure, and work very long hours—especially when accompanying our clients for press or events. We always do our best to protect the client, and ensure they’re putting their best foot forward at all times.
What advice do you have for the busy business woman when it comes to dating?
Understand the importance of balance. Anything and anyone worth having is worth carving out time for. Some people are a little intimidated by successful women, but own who you are and do your best to support and uplift your significant other—no matter what they do for a living. It’s important to really listen to one another. When I told the last guy I was dating that I was starting my own company he was unenthused, and concerned for the amount of time it would take away from him. He’s no longer in the picture, but for those that have been supportive I’ve paid attention. Listen to your male friends too—they have a good sense of who’s worth having around. My friend Kevin has told me to run from a few, and most of the time he’s been right. So, ladies (and gents), don’t settle. If they’re really into you and worth having around, they’ll move mountains to get to you.
How would you describe your leadership style and what has made it so effective?
I lead by lifting. Creating a positive work environment where your team feels supported and appreciated is vital to a company’s success. I also make an effort to be approachable, and I provide constructive feedback when necessary. It’s important to help your employees learn and grow, but it must also be in a way where they are encouraged. Listen to their ideas, and reward them for success. Also, if you have a mentor, continue to seek their advice. There are many talented publicists in my industry whom I look up to, and whose feedback is so appreciated. Technically we’re all competing against one another, but in truth, no one gets what you do like someone else in your field, and I truly value their friendship and guidance. No one is too experienced to stop learning.
Share some tips for women who are in doubt of leaving their secure job and starting their own business.
Trust your instincts. If you feel the pull to do something different really pay attention to that. Just about everyone in history who has achieved great success has done so with some sort of risk, so don’t be afraid. Listen to people around you that you trust, and do your research. Most importantly, know your worth and have confidence in what you bring to the table. Once you make that choice, don’t look back! Keep going, and stay strong. You’ve got this.
![From Music to Perfume: How did your background as a music teacher influence your transition into perfumery, and how do you incorporate your musical sensibilities into creating fragrances? I’ve always thought in terms of metaphors, and music has many that can be related to perfumery! Beyond just thinking in terms of top, middle and base notes [soprano/alto/tenor in choir], I approach each fragrant idea as a composition. When documenting my ideas, song structures often come to mind. As the scent brief is visited, I meditate on what the fragrance should convey - do I want to create an accord or a “chord” of fragrance note combinations? Do I want an a capella soloist (a particular ingredient to stand out more than others?) Many of my thoughts regarding song composition transfers to my scent formulation process, with me treating each note as an intentional soliloquy at some point.
Brand Origin: What inspired you to start Pink MahogHany in 2005, and how has your vision for the brand evolved since its inception?
An avid lover of all things pleasantly scented (with slight modesty), looking back in retrospect, it’s no huge surprise that I’ve created an indie perfume house with just an idea to provide unique options for those who may be sensitive to unnecessary pungency. Initially, I just wanted to evaluate various blends to note their aroma profiles when “played” together…it wasn’t until I had friends and family asking if I knew of brands that catered to those who may be on the more olfactory sensitive side, that I really began to take my research more seriously. In the almost 20 years that Pink MahogHany has been in existence, our micro visions for the brand have evolved to larger territory. Where Pink MahogHany used to only be a personal brand, we are now also a bespoke formulation service provider to other indie brands seeking unique fragrance offerings for their products. These products range from (but are not limited to) perfumes, candles, body butters and lip balms. Ingredient Transparency: You emphasize transparency and the use of desirable ingredients in your products. How do you select your ingredients, and what challenges have you faced in maintaining this standard?
Being an indie brand often comes with a set of assumptions and misconceptions - one of them being more negative than positive as it relates to ingredients used. There is a lot of “fluff” in the industry with labeling falsification. Because fragrance formulas are a trade secret, not every molecular breakdown of a material has to be noted on the ingredient label (it would be incredibly long), but we at Pink MahogHany™️ adhere strongly to the IFRA [International Fragrance Regulatory Association] regulations that state for common and potential allergens to be listed on our ingredient label. We’ve taken this a step further to also include these ingredients listed on our website to promote further transparency, all while protecting our intellectual property. Unfortunately, we’ve had companies to unethically sell lesser expensive “dupes” of our artisan perfumes, so as a way to create a better authenticity stamp, we make it our duty to be honest about our claims. If our perfume says “Rose Bulgaria”, it is in fact just that and not a component of rose being passed off as the source material. Collaborations and Custom Scents: Can you share more about your work with private label clients? What excites you most about creating custom scent solutions for other indie brands? I could easily sum this up in one word and say “Funding.” True, there is money out there, but I’m always thinking outside the box. Having a program that has an “Each One Fund One” mentality doesn’t exist (that I’ve been made aware of). Bootstrapping can be quite the challenge, even when you’ve reached the 6-figure mark annually. Competition to be seen and set apart is extremely high, so having quality packaging and branding is a must. There are lots of factors to consider, though when desiring to make upgrades. If there were a unique, tier-geared funding operation available, it would help perfume brands offset packaging and bulk material costs in the beginning stages.
Industry Challenges: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an independent fragrance house, and how have you overcome them to grow your brand? As the brand continues on the path of organic growth, I would like to expand our reach into schools, offering perfumery as an arts elective for middle and high school. I’d love to partner with botanists, farmers and horticulturists directly to grow and source raw materials for the students to work with in the creation of tinctures. My passion is getting back to nature as best as possible, as nature was my first “scent experience” as a child. We would also love to witness our fragrance creations being used to scent model homes, our focus diffuser blends being used in automobile dealerships as well as partner with Air Bnb and boutique hotels that specialize in highlighting minority, indie brands. Personal Journey: How has your personal experience, particularly as a divorced mother and someone who has experienced the loss of a child, shaped your approach to life and your work in perfumery?
Because I homeschool my twin sons, we are together a lot more than most, so one thing we all do is have moments of sharing where a neutral “floor” is laid to converse about anything. Though they are quite communicative by nature, I realize that sometimes I can be in work mode so much that it spills over into what should be our quality time. My sons see the authentic me and learn how to communicate through seeing authenticity. I’ve learned not to feel as if I have to be the epitome of perfection but allow them to see my imperfections vulnerably but with discernment. Having had two traumatic experiences pretty close together has taught me how to truly slow down and enjoy the simplicities of life - igniting a spiritual aspect that I’ve always carried but never fully explored…until Kenji’s sudden passing (2018.) Grief has a way of catapulting us into a quest for more meaningfulness in both life and business. After Kenji’s passing and my processing through the initial stages of grief, I was able to incorporate our spiritual bond into Pink MahogHany by way of essential oil diffuser blends for both focus and sleep and most recently aromatic perfume elixirs. It’s been quite the process channeling the void of his physical presence, but I also have peace knowing he can be honored in a great way through scent. I noticed once I began to be more open and receptive to spiritual signs, synchs and “winks”, more ideas began to flow. It’s been this way since his transition. Emotional Expression: Fragrance is often tied to memories and emotions. How does your personal life influence the fragrances you create, and do you have a particular scent that holds special meaning to you? My creative process is much more alchemic now, and I include Kenji by talking out loud to him, believe it or not. I’m a firm believer that when our loved ones transition from the physical plane, they are still present - just in another form. I choose to keep his memory alive by not pretending he never existed (even if for a brief period of time). I am working (slowly) on a book and accompanying fragrance, but I know it will require me to revisit some memories I’m not quite ready for, so until then, his big brothers will launch their debut fragrance, The Peaceful Tiger (they chose the name.) I’ve learned that even in what we consider “small things”, our transitioned loved ones want to be recognized and acknowledged. When the twins and I designed their fragrance label (with a designer out of the country that didn’t know anything about me personally), we had issues with the graphic - so much so that the designer asked if they could rework the design. When they sent the proof for approval, the Tiger was not only younger but sleeping, with an uncanny, angelic resemblance to baby Kenji! Becoming more aware and being more sensitive to my intention for launching a fragrance has definitely made room for more divine situations like these to occur. Healing Through Scent: In what ways has creating fragrances been a form of healing or expression for you, especially after the loss of your son, Kenji Mwamba? I know my sons may not necessarily want to be perfumers, but they definitely have an entrepreneurial heart. My desire is that whatever they decide to pursue (acting, script-writing, music or architecture), they know that anything is possible with the right amount of determination, grit, belief and immersion. One reason I chose to homeschool is so they could enjoy learning without restraint and have ample time to devote to their own separate passions and it still be fun. They know Pink MahogHany is theirs if they want it (many, many years from now - lol), and we are already discussing business structures for whatever they choose their role to be once I retire. Work-Life Balance: How do you find balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being, and what self-care practices do you prioritize? I’m not just a perfumer; I’m also a consumer, and self-care is huge for me. I often take salt baths to reset my energy and clear my mind after being around large groups of people or free a long day. I’m a habitual perfume sampler, and I have so many to choose from to wear as my “nightcap.” Even if just for 10-15 minutes, I cherish each moment I’m able to have some “me-time.” When time and co-parenting schedules permit, I’m definitely on a flight somewhere to indulge in some delicious food and mouth-watering mocktails!](https://www.womenontopp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_3812-1200x720.jpeg)
Join the discussion!