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

Hi Reina, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
When I first moved to South Florida, I found myself starting fresh in every area of my life. It was the ultimate new beginning so to speak and I was ready for it. I arrived at the entrance of the work culture arena as a blogger with a growing interest in public relations and hospitality. At the time, I was deeply invested in my international food and travel blog, Reina’s Raves but I was fully aware those days were coming to an end and it was time to build relationships here in South Florida.

The shift was entirely organic. Since I wasn’t traveling nearly as often or rather not at all, I decided to take a deeper dive into my local community instead. When I moved here, I didn’t know a single person but I knew I had to start somewhere. I began researching local aligned events and simply showed up! The recipe was simple, I introduced myself as a new resident, and politely expressed my interest in becoming a part of the community. I was very fortunate. I met a lot of people, and began building valuable relationships. Many of which I still have today.

Early on in my PR role, I found real relationship-building to be essential and at the core of longterm success. A common mistake that I have observed is confusing real relationships with social courtesies. Social courtesies are great for content and social media presence, but deliver short-term rewards. For the most part, I value spending a few intentional minutes, creating a genuine connection, and walking away with an introduction that is mutually meaningful. I build relationships with intention, not agenda and as a result, my business naturally evolved into a stronger focus on cultivating aligned and strategic partnerships.

Public relations is an opportunity for brands to put their best foot forward, extend their reach, and often increase revenue. It requires thoughtful execution and relies heavily on who you know. That last part can be tricky. While it’s important to understand your client or brand, it is equally important to truly know your connections. I don’t build relationships to become more connected. I build them to learn, to exchange value, to offer support when I can, and to genuinely enjoy the moment. If that person happens to be the CEO of a major publication I’d like to work with, that’s simply a bonus. Real relationships are rooted in mutual trust, which is essential for long-term success.
Social media can be misleading. The images we see and the stories we read are often exaggerated, and sometimes entirely fabricated. While this has become widely accepted, that doesn’t make it right. My platforms will never mislead or create a false narrative. As a rule of thumb in my business, when I post a photo with someone, I can confidently say that either I knew them prior, or that moment marks the beginning of a relationship I intend to build moving forward.

All in all, it is this approach that has shaped, and continues to shape, any success I have experienced throughout my career thus far.

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What should our readers know about your business?
Starting your own business in any capacity is brave especially when it serves as your primary source of income. Reina Kendall Public Relations came together organically, rooted in a clear understanding that effective communication is at the core of everything I do, both operationally and professionally.
My company is built on the principle of positioning clients in the best and brightest light. When a message is delivered through a publicist or third party, it naturally carries more weight while also creating a level of separation that protects and preserves the integrity of the client’s brand.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that not everyone shares your values, and it’s critical not to generalize when working with others. No two entities operate the same way. Trust is an expensive gift and in business, it should always be backed by a signed contract. The days of relying on a handshake alone are, unfortunately, behind us.
I learned this the hard way through a few significant experiences. One in particular involved a Miami-based global luxury magazine. There were promises made, but without a signed contract, there was no structure or accountability to support execution. I ultimately realized the reality of the situation but by that point, I had already invested more of my time, energy and resources than I should have. Sure enough, the opportunity delivered as I expected and continues to thrive to this very day.
Another ongoing challenge is staying focused despite outside noise. Not everyone will support your path, and some may even try to derail it. It’s important to trust your instincts and stand firmly in your work. Experience doesn’t always equate to excellence you may encounter someone who has been in business for decades, yet you still bring a stronger, more effective perspective. You truly never know.
With experience and growth, Reina Kendall Public Relations naturally expanded into cultivating strategic partnerships and producing impact-driven events. This evolution led to a recent rebrand: Reina Kendall Inc., reflecting a broader vision and scope.
While the future is always unfolding, I remain confident that as long as we stay grounded in our values, operate with clarity and structure, and continue to approach opportunities with curiosity, the path ahead for both the brand and our clients will be a bright one.

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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.
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In no particular order, here are some of the places I would take my best friend during her visit:
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The Semi OG: Surfside Diner, Howleys and/or City Diner. Cafe Al Fresco
Bice, Sant Ambroeus for Jazz night, Pistache Bistro, Renato’s, Seafood bar @ the Breakers and Cafe Sapori.
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Newcomers… Tutto Mare, Eataly, Cafe Med, the Polo Room, Arthur & Son, Le Bilboquet and Waxin’s WPB.
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Nightlife & Select Bar Plates: The Brazilian Court (Friday DJ night), Le Bar, Mary Lou’s, Spazio, Cucina, West Palm Beach Cowboy Club, Camelot, Square Grouper, Waxin’s PBG and Stanza Lounge.
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Top-Tier Daytime: The Flagler Museum, WPB Greenmarket, The Cove Club, The Breakers Hotel, The Colony Hotel and Wakodahatchee Wetlands.
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One thing is for sure , a scenic drive along the the coast!
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Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this to my grandmother, Della Bella, who always made everyone around her feel seen and appreciated. It didn’t matter what they did, who they were or how long she had known them. I always admired that about her and it was one of her most beautiful, memorable qualities.

Instagram: @reinakendallinc

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Image Credits
Jen Ozzy
Sam Shapiro
Surej Kalathil (Sunman)
Neil London

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