Celia Harding, the Founder of PR Shed, epitomizes the spirit of resilience, innovation, and determination that defines the entrepreneurial journey. With six years of running PR Shed under her belt, Celia’s story is a testament to the transformative power of adaptability and the unwavering pursuit of one’s passion. Through her experiences, she challenges misconceptions, champions diversity, and inspires others to embrace the intersection of entrepreneurship and motherhood with courage, grace, and a relentless commitment to success.
Celia Harding’s entrepreneurial journey began with a simple idea: to empower individuals with the tools they need to do their own PR. However, she quickly realized that while many clients initially embraced the DIY approach, they ultimately sought the expertise of a seasoned professional. This pivotal realization led to a strategic pivot towards a subscription service model, offering strategic advice, contacts, and publicity opportunities to startups, scale-ups, and in-house marketing teams.
As a mother of three, Celia understands the unique challenges of balancing business ownership with parenting responsibilities. Determined to create a more sustainable and inclusive work environment, she is passionate about challenging the sweatshop culture prevalent in the PR industry, which often forces talented women to leave the workforce. Through PR Shed, Celia is driving meaningful change and championing a new paradigm of work-life integration.
Reflecting on the highs, lows, and learnings of her entrepreneurial journey, Celia shares invaluable insights garnered over the past six years:
Firstly, she acknowledges the pervasive lack of understanding surrounding PR within both the general population and the marketing industry. Despite this, PR Shed has successfully secured over 2,500 pieces of coverage across multiple continents, emphasizing the power of a compelling story told to the right audience.
Celia also emphasizes the importance of niching down in PR while debunking the myth that contacts are the sole determinant of success. PR Shed’s versatility across various industries underscores their commitment to making publicity and storytelling accessible to all.
Furthermore, she dispels misconceptions about PR, noting that competitor success often stems from effective PR strategies rather than superior products or services. Celia advocates for startups to prioritize PR investment, recognizing its potential to amplify their brand story and reach a broader audience.
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Celia has coordinated countless events, festivals, and conferences, navigating challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic with resilience and adaptability.
Moreover, she emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care, urging mothers to take maternity leave and be fully present during this precious time.
Celia Harding’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of entrepreneurship fueled by passion, resilience, and unwavering determination. Through PR Shed, she is redefining the PR landscape, empowering entrepreneurs to tell their stories and achieve their goals. As we navigate our own entrepreneurial endeavors, let us draw inspiration from Celia’s example and embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with courage, grace, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
