Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda Jackson.
Hi Melinda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m the daughter of two entrepreneurs, raised in the small town of Erwin, North Carolina. I went to Campbell University, just 10 minutes down the road, and until I moved to Los Angeles, I had never lived outside of Harnett County.
Then I did something bold. I packed my car, grabbed $500, and drove across the country with no job, no connections, and one big dream: to work in PR.
For seven years, I lived the LA hustle. I worked red carpets, led entertainment campaigns, and partnered with celebrities and musicians I used to watch on TV. I went to almost every major awards show. I met icons. I made magic.
But I also burned out. I was working around the clock, making no money, and losing my spark in the process.
That breakdown became my breakthrough.
I made my way back home to Raleigh, just 45 minutes from where it all started, and launched my agency in 2018. Since then, I’ve been trusted by brands around the world to help them show up, stand out, and get seen in powerful, strategic ways.
PR isn’t just what I do. It’s who I am. It’s how I help people own their voice, align with opportunity, and become absolutely unforgettable.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not a smooth road. In LA, I was working nonstop—often 24/7—for little to no money. I don’t even know how I made it work, to be honest. I networked like my life depended on it, lived off free stuff and cheap eats, and somehow stayed afloat. But by the time I left LA, my mental health had taken a serious hit.
Moving back to Raleigh was its own kind of shock. Going from the fast, flashy pace of Los Angeles to a slower, more grounded lifestyle was a major adjustment. I had to rebuild not just my career, but my identity and rhythm.
Owning my own agency hasn’t been all wins and champagne either. The pandemic hit hard. Economic downturns make PR budgets the first to get cut. It’s been tough at times. But I’m a problem solver through and through. I don’t quit. I pivot, adapt, and find a way forward—every single time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Melinda Jackson Public Relations?
Melinda Jackson Public Relations is more than a business. It’s my life’s purpose. PR isn’t just something I do. It’s how I move through the world. I’ve always been a connector, a storyteller, and someone who sees people before the world does. That’s what this agency is built on.
MJPR is a boutique public relations firm that supports entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and brands in owning their voice and expanding their visibility. I specialize in earned media, thought leadership, influencer partnerships, and positioning strategies that feel aligned and honest.
What makes MJPR different is the way we work. I take a deeply personal, intuitive approach to every client. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all PR. I believe in listening, aligning, and building relationships that lead to real opportunities.
I’m most proud that my clients feel like they have someone who truly sees them and knows how to make sure others do too. Whether they’re launching something new or stepping into a bigger stage, I help them get clear, get visible, and get aligned with what’s next.
This isn’t just about media coverage. It’s about legacy. And I’m honored I get to do this work.
Any big plans?
This season is all about impact. I’m focused on helping as many people as possible, whether they’re ready to invest in PR or need a supportive space to be seen and heard.
Currently, I’m offering new services, such as VIP Days, for founders who want clarity and momentum without the full agency commitment. I’ve also rolled out podcast booking as a standalone service for those who are ready to share their story on the mic and reach new audiences with intention.
But one of the things I’m most excited about isn’t a service—it’s the community we’re building. I’ve started hosting free Raleigh Female Founder Happy Hours and virtual coworking sessions to bring like-minded women together. No pressure, no pitch, just real support, shared energy, and space to connect.
We’ve built a vibrant community of hundreds of women who genuinely support one another. And to me, that’s the heart of everything I do. Because visibility isn’t just about being in the spotlight, it’s about being supported while you rise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melindajacksonpr.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/melindajacksonpr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindajacksonpr/
- Other: https://melindajackson.substack.com/
