When Stephanie Scott-Bradshaw, our NJ Mompreneur of the Week, sets her sights on something, she gets it done. Case in point—after graduating from Spelman College, she worked in the fashion, beauty, and entertainment industries and always had the idea she could offer clients a better and different perspective that would cost less. So when an opportunity presented itself to strike out on her own, Stephanie took the chance and never looked back. Today, her company, First and Last PR, is an award-winning public relations and marketing firm that takes a unique 360-degree approach to its clients, offering them connections and collaborations that get results across various media platforms. We caught up with this Jersey City mom of two to discover her no-fail trick to clear her mind when she’s feeling stressed, how her firm has grown and adapted to the ever-changing landscape of PR, and her family’s favorite Hudson County parks for when they want to play ball (and get organic ice cream).
Please share a bit about your background. I grew up in central Jersey and moved around a bit before doing a stint in NYC, followed by Englewood, where I initially launched First and Last PR. Englewood is special, with a beautiful downtown and a great community. Still, I decided to move because it’s also very family-oriented. I wasn’t at that stage in my life yet–I was looking for something a little more lively and was considering Montclair and Jersey City, but when I met my husband, Marlon Bradshaw, who was living in Jersey City, I knew that Jersey City was where I wanted to be. I now have two bonus boys, Christian, 15, and Caiden, 12.
You worked as an editor and marketing executive in the beauty industry before launching First and Last PR. Why this particular business? When brands would pitch me, I always thought there was a different and better way of getting things done that would also be less expensive for the brands. In 2010, I also worked in the entertainment field with Usher for his OMG Tour, which helped to give me the confidence to launch my own business. I knew First and Last PR would have more of a 360-degree approach, and I could incorporate all of my connections, knowledge, experience, and strategies into the business that would set it apart from other firms.
How has your business changed since you first launched it? I launched First and Last PR in May of 2012, and we’ve changed a lot since then, partly because the industry has changed a lot. Initially, it was strictly PR, but social media and marketing programs are now also a big part of what we do. Also, I started it as a solopreneur in my one-bedroom apartment. After outgrowing that and the spaces that followed, we’re now in an exceptional downtown Jersey City building that I absolutely love. We also added roles, grew our team, and expanded in terms of clientele. We went from solely indie beauty brands to wellness and lifestyle brands and took on Fortune 500 companies.
What’s your favorite way to unwind? Moving my body always gets me back on track. I like to take myself away from my immediate challenge, clear my head, and then get back in the game. You might find me having a party of one in our exercise room, or you might find me at the park walking. I like to turn up the music really loud and jam out. Walking gets my blood circulating, clears my mind, and helps me refocus.
What do you wish you had known that might have made things run more smoothly initially? When I started my company, it was very much passion-driven—I saw a need in the market and was very focused on that. Now, I know the importance of managing my business from a business standpoint, such as setting financial goals and knowing what role to hire for and when. About 5 years after starting my business, I applied to and was accepted into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, which is like getting a mini MBA. I was honored to be chosen, and it proved to be instrumental in helping me to build my business from a leadership standpoint so that it stays around and gets to the next level. The skill sets I learned through that program were valuable to me.
Please share some favorite NJ-based businesses and go-to spots. Jersey City Mamas is a community, support system, and sisterhood that offers different monthly programs, such as coffee meetups, park playdates, crafting events, book club discussions, and more so that you can make real connections. Another community-focused business is The Grind Coffee Shop—my kids are into their bubble teas. There are a few locations, plus a General Store and an outpost in the park. They also started a running club that’s open to all. I love how they’re handling their business, serving the community, and building their brand simultaneously. Also, I believe in Tinkypoo, a woman-owned, culturally conscious diaper and baby company that’s making so many moms and dads (and babies!) happy. And my boys love the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County, which has excellent after-school and summer programs. The DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream is so much fun for the whole family. And, because the boys are so active and cannot get enough basketball, we like a good park! Hamilton Park, in Jersey City, is special. We love it for its basketball and tennis courts, and they have delicious organic ice cream there. There’s also a huge park in Bayonne with basketball courts, a turtle pond, and soccer and football fields that we like to head to often, and since I love to walk, it’s perfect for me, too.
What’s your best advice for a mompreneur just starting? Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day—plan out what you want to accomplish this year, in 5 years, and 10 years, and realize that obstacles will occur along the way, and that’s okay—you can still accomplish your goal. Also, look for organizations and training where you can grow professionally or personally. The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses intensive training program was beneficial for me. And know that just because you’re the owner, you don’t have to do everything–being able to outsource will keep you from feeling overwhelmed. Rely on others for what they do well. Depending on your business, you might want to find a great lawyer, accountant, graphic designer, marketing team, CFO, and software systems to manage your purchase orders, HR, and payroll.
For more information on Stephanie Scott-Bradshaw and First and Last PR, please see their website and Instagram pages.
