Meet: Shakeema Bouyer!

Happy Black Business Month! Please introduce yourself and business:
Thank you for the opportunity! My name is Shakeema Bouyer and I am the Founder & Sr. Publicist for Mattie Clay Branding & Public Relations and Agency Director for my newly formed agency RedHead Creative Media Group. I also host a bi-weekly podcast, Business Over Brunch, which focuses on beauty and health & wellness. Aside from who I am professionally, I am also a wife, mother to an amazing 10yro son, a shoe fanatic and someone who loves to curl up with a good book. Lastly, my faith and family are important to me and make up a large part of who I am.
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What makes you unique in your industry? I would say that I am innovative.
I try to see where I can make the most impact and create solutions. That is how I created RedHead CMG. That entity is a project based agency that focuses solely on product brands in the beauty, health & wellness and grooming spaces by persons of color. We have solutions ranging from concept to launch. I would also say that I like to connect others - actually others have said that about me. If I know someone that can I am happy to make the introduction. ​

Please share your top 3 most proud accomplishments to-date:
Hmmm … this question always stumps me. First, I would say I am proud of my growth in the industry and as a business professional. It took me a LONG time to understand my worth and what I bring to the table. The last year or so has really been eye opening for me and now I am not second guessing myself or finding ways to discount my price so that my proposal is accepted. I am now at the point where “it is what it is” and I am not ashamed to say that. I view that as a huge accomplishment for me because I am always trying to find a way to help someone if they reach out to me.

Secondly, I would have to say that as a publicist, my media network is becoming larger and more diverse. That is important because it shows my ability when it comes to standing in my newfound confidence. Lastly, I would say that I am proud of myself for taking the time to invest more in my education as it relates to being a business owner. I have recently completed the Bank of America and eCornell Women’s Entrepreneurship program and I am finishing up a program that will provide me with an international accreditation in Public Relations. I am super excited about that one because of the different opportunities that will be available.

Any advice to other women in your industry?
The public relations industry is rapidly changing. I would encourage anyone in the industry to enroll in some form of continuing education if they haven’t been doing so. I am someone that may take the same course/webinar multiple times because each time there is a new development or takeaway. For anyone considering the industry, I would say make sure you are in it for the right reasons. Our industry gets a bad reputation because too often people over promise and under deliver or don’t deliver at all. Make sure that you have the skills and resources needed to execute any services that you offer.
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What is next for you in 2021 and how can readers connect with you online?
I am excited to be celebrating 9 years in September for Mattie Clay BPR. We have come a mighty long way!  This year my goal was to have at least one digital offering each quarter and I am looking forward to continuing that. I will also be launching a planner specifically for the public relations industry. I have been “sitting” on that for the last year and I told myself that the time is now! So stay tuned for that
Definitely connect with me for either agency
    Mattie Clay Branding & Public Relations www.mattieclaybpr.com and @mattieclaybpr across social media platforms Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
     RedHead Creative Media Group www.redheadcmg.com and @redheadcmg across the same social media platforms