Meet Kiara McKinney | Founder & Chief Strategist

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

Hi Kiara, what principle do you value most?
The value I prioritize above all else is practicing transparency and candor. Whether speaking to existing clients, potential clients, partners or employees, it is imperative for me to be honest up front.

With clients, it is a matter of managing expectations. Many agencies are perfectly fine with over-promising and under-delivering, as long as the invoice is paid. On the contrary, I address all concerns I may have before they turn into full-grown problems.

With employees and partners, I operate the same way. Some of the most toxic office cultures stem from gatekeeping certain information. If my team is not fully armed with all of the necessary information to properly service an account, I can’t expect them to perform at their highest capability.

Transparency cannot prevent bumps in the road, but having an open communication style builds trust, creating a more positive work environment and overall experience for both the employees and clients.

What should our readers know about your business?
Boost Public Relations is a forward-thinking public relations agency that specializes in brand launches, PR campaigns and thought leadership. We work primarily with female and minority-owned businesses, with half of our clientele here in Dallas and the other half scattered across the nation.

Within a year of starting my agency, we have served nearly 20 brands, earning clients placements in high-profile publications like Bustle, Allure, POPSUGAR, HuffPost and more. In addition, we are currently ranked number 2 on Clutch.co’s Top PR Agencies in Dallas. Truth be told, I was shocked to see how quickly the business grew. I now realize that I am a much better business owner and employer than an employee and that this was the correct path for me!

I’ve learned several things in the last year in business. Number one, I’ve learned how important it is to take risks and to listen to my gut. My business would not have blossomed the way it has, had I not taken any risks. It’s important to be okay with the possibility of failure – something I have always struggled with! In addition, I’ve learned that I don’t have to be perfect at everything. It is best to stick to what you’re good at and outsource the rest.

I hope that one day Boost is the go-to agency for all things PR for the fashion, beauty and lifestyle industry, not only because of our media prowess and go-getter attitudes, but because we listen to our clients as well as each other to produce outstanding results.

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.
First stop, Ulux Nail Spa! Ulux is my go-to nail salon. I have visited Leann every 3 weeks for the past 4 years! It’s the best place in town. To eat, I’d hit Standard Service, Alamo Club, or Joe Leo for lunch before drinks at Chelsea Corner. I’d hit the pool at The Adolphus, stroll around the Arboretum or the Farmer’s Market for some fresh air. Finally, I’d take them to the Addison Improv for a night of comedy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe much of my success to my first boss in the PR field, Cooper Koch of Cooper Smith Agency. He taught me all of the tools I needed to not only be a good publicist, but to be an excellent business owner and boss. Many of my philosophies as an entrepreneur stem from him, including prioritizing your peace over making a buck. I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not worked for him, and I’m forever grateful for his wisdom and influence over not only my career, but my personal life as well.

Website: www.boostpublicrelations.com

Instagram: @boostpragency, @kiaradmckinney

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/company/boostpragency

Twitter: @boostpragency, @kiaradmckinney

Facebook: facebook.com/boostpragency

Image Credits
Destynie Paige Branding