In fashion and beauty, two of the fastest moving industries, endurance is somewhat of a triumph. That’s why, when a public relations agency celebrates a significant birthday milestone, we want to hear all about the secrets to its success.
Elise Garland PR, or egpr as it’s fondly known, is celebrating 21 years in business this year. To find out how the company got to where it is today, and what the highs and lows were along the way, BEAUTYDIRECTORY chats to Elise Garland herself to find out more. Happy 21st egpr!
When did you decide you were going to start your own agency?
I saw a gap in the market and realised that my full potential was not being utilised at the agency I was working at and I needed to leave the job so I could start my own company.
What was it like in the beginning and then when things started to take off?
It was so great… I was naïve and had no real idea how to run a business – I could balance a cheque book and that was about it… I couldn’t even work my way around a computer… I was very old school and worked PR as I had learnt all those years ago when I was a Freshie working for Issey Miyake in Paris – it seemed to work as I’m still here!
What's the most rewarding thing about running a PR agency?
Working with my amazing team on really fabulous brands and seeing campaigns and events come to fruition.
Can you talk us through some of your career highlights?
Oh my lord! There are so many it’s hard to remember. I think it was when I landed my third client (The Sportsgirl Group), my first beauty client – Bloom Cosmetics, and when I met Lady Diana at a fundraising ball.
What have been some of the most notable changes in the beauty industry over the years?
I would say that the knowledge and education that is offered now around skincare and cosmetics plus the ever-changing landscape of brands that seem to pop up daily!
What's in store for egpr over the next 21 years?
Well… if my crystal ball is accurate I think that egpr will be around in another capacity! I may not be sitting at the helm but I’m pretty sure the brand will live on whether I’m here or not!
