What does it really take to get featured in Vogue or Forbes? Publicist Sydney Schiff is the founder of Sydney on the Scene, a boutique PR agency that supports small brands doing big things. From fashion to food to wellness, her agency works with female founders and LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs to tell their stories through earned media, events, and creative strategy. In this episode, Sydney shares how she built her PR business from scratch after getting laid off, what it means to actually be ready for press, and how to find clients (and collaborators) you truly believe in. If you’ve been burned by PR before, this conversation might change your mind.

We talk about brand storytelling, realistic goal setting, influencer trends, creative entrepreneurship, and what it means to build your own version of success-without burning out.

00:00 From summer camp to CEO: Sydney’s unconventional path

01:45 What a boutique PR firm actually does

03:20 Why telling the why builds trust

05:30 Leaving the big agency world to go solo

08:10 Working with brands you believe in

10:45 How Sydney builds client strategies that work

13:00 The truth about getting into Vogue or Forbes

15:00 PR vs. marketing vs. social media: what’s changed

18:20 Her biggest influences and inspirations

21:00 Setting boundaries in a 24/7 industry

24:30 Saying no without burning bridges

27:00 Why mutual respect matters in client relationships

30:00 Tips for small brands doing their own PR

33:30 Don’t be transactional, be human

36:00 What she needs next: interns, collaborators, and more

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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