Meet Jessica Nelson | Owner and Principal, Persist Publicity

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Nelson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think everyone would agree starting your own business involves some amount of risk. My decision to launch Persist Publicity came right in the middle of a pandemic, so that risk was amplified. I realize that being able to take a risk – at least this type – is a privilege. I had some savings, a working husband, and even some recent unemployment benefits as a safety net. Not everyone has the ability to take big risks, especially in times of uncertainty, and that’s important to recognize. Risk-taking has gotten me through some important decisions in my life and led me to where I am and who I’ve become today. It was a risk to switch from my business major (after already obtaining an associate degree in the field) to journalism. It was a risk to move from my home of Upstate New York to Denver, a city I had visited once, for a new job (and a boy – of course! – now my loving husband). My dad always encouraged me during these life-altering moments. He and my mom also supported a hobby that reinforced the importance of taking risks: dancing. I have been swing dancing more than half my life, including teaching, performing and competing both nationally and internationally. An essential element of the style, called Lindy Hop, is improvisation. I challenge myself, my partners and my students to take regular risks, whether they pay off or not, as a way to learn, grow and keep things fun. This mindset has become a foundational aspect of my personality and how I make choices. I’m happy to report that my most recent risk has paid off. Persist Publicity is fully operational, I’m working with several clients to share their stories through press, and I love being my own boss. I’ve found persistence to be a key counterpart to risk, which is how my business name came about. I can confidently say that despite difficulty, challenge, or failure, I will continue to persist.

What should our readers know about your business?
From a young age, I’ve been very interested in writing and storytelling. I can’t even say how many notebooks I filled with observations, thoughts and all types of stories. It’s no surprise I ended up studying journalism, which gave me a strong foundation in news writing and a deep understanding of the media and journalists (including how to pitch them). I know the importance of providing stunning visual assets, multiple diverse voices, and a story angle that is unique, timely and newsworthy. I’m very proud of the relationships I’ve built with media contacts across industries. I spent many years working in film and entertainment, which I still enjoy tremendously, and now through Persist Publicity have branched out to work with a healthcare nonprofit, neighborhood events and organizations, a data and analytics startup assisting progressive nonprofits, and even a CBD company. Just a few recent examples of secured coverage include Variety, The Denver Channel and Afro News. I love that my skills and expertise are easily transferable and I can take on clients regardless of industry. Starting my own PR business has allowed me to collaborate with people and businesses doing amazing work in Colorado and beyond. I can be very purposeful when deciding whether or not to take on a client, ensuring their mission is one I fully support and that our core values align. My primary focus is telling local and national stories that matter. I’m also especially interested in working with minority-owned businesses and amplifying underrepresented voices.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It’s been more than a year since I’ve seen my best friend (also my sister), Ellie, but I’m already planning her next visit! I love showing her and other visitors the beauty of Colorado, so we spend a good amount of time in the mountains. I especially like St. Mary’s Glacier for an easy but rewarding hike and Golden Gate Canyon State Park for its variety of trails and scenery. Highlighting the best of Colorado also means visiting its many unique neighborhoods and businesses, so I always work in excursions to South Broadway for vintage shopping (and beer from Baere Brewing), South Gaylord for brunch at Devil’s Food, and Stanley Marketplace for Logan House Coffee Company, Maria Empanada and boutique shopping. Then we would check out the local event calendars and to-do guides, because I like to try new things, too! We’ll probably end up checking out a farmer’s market or artisan vendor fair, finding some live local music, or visiting one of our many museums. Heck, we would probably try to squeeze it all in, if we could manage. Since I love to cook and host, I’ll also plan a night in for an intimate dinner party. My family frequents the Local Butcher for our meats, Divino Wines & Spirits for adult beverages and are always willing to make the drive to Longmont to get a loaf of Gross de Sel from Babettes bakery.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people I’d like to thank and recognize, and I will continue finding ways to do so, but someone who has especially helped me get through the past year and the launch of Persist Publicity is my friend Jill Rankin. Jill is a marketing and strategy powerhouse, currently working as senior manager of strategic operations at DaVita. She continually inspires me to work hard, stand up for myself and take on new challenges, because these are things I see her do constantly in her personal and professional life. Our friendship goes back many years, has now officially survived a pandemic and is only getting stronger. We push each other to do better, lift each other up when one is down, and call each other out (because that’s what friends should do). Jill has helped me build my confidence, strength and determination. She has also learned to make a darn good Belgian Liège-style waffle and it’s a very important part of our relationship.

Website: https://www.persistpublicity.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/persistpublicity/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/persistpublicity

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PersistPR

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PersistPublicity

Image Credits
Eboni Boneé Coleman / EBpixs