KIZUNA WOMEN FOUNDERS INTERVIEW SERIES
Sharing the stories and voices of inspiring women business leaders
NADIA WORSLEY is a Sr. Publicist and Founder of Twelve 88 Agency, a public relations and marketing services provider. As a seasoned social media, content marketing, and communications strategist, she has spent more than nine specializing in media training, digital strategy, and helping to create and manage client brand identities.
Blessed with an artistic insight that few others process, she has a knack for helping clients from all industries weave truth and authenticity into their work. She believes that a hands-on approach is one of the most successful means of gaining a solid online reputation and building marketing techniques in public relations. She relishes the process of producing memorable narratives while collaborating with other gifted individuals.
After launching Twelve 88 Agency in 2014, Nadia’s career path has been anything but typical. Born in Long Island, NY, raised in Los Angeles, CA, and graduating from the University of Phoenix, she didn’t just dream about success, she worked for it.
Throughout the years, Twelve 88 Agency has secured and managed campaigns for high-profile clients such as Essence Magazine, BET, Huff Post, xoNecole, and many other media industry leaders. In addition, she works with entertainment companies in planning and executing creative events to create content that resonates with viewers.
As the Founder of Twelve 88 Agency, Nadia’s strong interpersonal and social skills, combined with her passion for helping clients discover, develop and expand their brand stories, have made her one of the industry’s most sought-after publicists.
How did the idea for your current business come about?
When I was a kid, I always knew that I wanted to become a publicist. I was watching Making the Band, and there was a lady sitting on Diddy’s couch, and I remember asking my mother what was her role, and title and that’s when my mom told me that she was a publicist. From that point on, I knew that’s what I wanted to be.
Was there a challenging situation you faced in building your business and what lesson(s) did you learn from that experience?
The challenge I faced with building my business was that I had no education in the public relations industry, so I had to teach myself. It made it a lot harder for me to land bigger clients since I worked with many smaller brands. I had to work with many smaller businesses to build my portfolio, and that was a struggle for years.
No matter what we’ve accomplished or how experienced we may be, imposter syndrome, fear, and self-doubt are common struggles that many face.
Have you experienced this in your own journey? Is there a larger purpose or vision that drives you? What keeps you moving forward during those difficult moments?
I sometimes experience imposter syndrome, fear, and self-doubt. I feel like I’m not doing enough and ask myself, “Why me?” However, the thing that keeps me going is the long-term vision I have for myself, my family, the community, and my PR agency. I envision myself as the #1 PR agency in Los Angeles and New York, helping future generations break into the public relations industry.
Starting our own business requires time and wearing many hats, especially at the beginning, because there is always so much to do. How do you take care of yourself to ensure you don’t burn out? How do you find your work-life balance?
Since I work in a demanding industry, sometimes it’s hard to always have downtime on the weekends, but when I do, I make sure to rest and do some self-care. I often take myself out on lunch dates, get my hair and nails done, and get a massage. I try to plan at least one weekend where I’m focusing on myself.
If there is one piece of advice you’d share with women founders who are at the start of their journeys…what would it be?
Bet on yourself, and do not get discouraged.