Busy, buzzy entrepreneur Liv Kirby pivoted her fashion business into a career in PR that’s she loving, helping new and niche brands launch successfully. With a baby on the way and a hectic summer ahead, here she talks to Abby Knight about what her inspires her.
You had a great background in fashion, tell us a little about your brand Ollie May Boutique and how you were one of the first to use reality stars to help you promote?
Oh my goodness, Ollie May Boutique is where it all began for me, around 15 years ago! This was back in the day of the Herve Ledger wrap dress craze. I worked out I could create similar and fun dresses to match the style for a fraction of the price. my store went by the slogan “poor little rich girl”. Way before instagram and TikTok was Twitter and that’s where I found all the girls on shows such as “desperate Scousewives” who would all wear my dresses on each episodes, it was such an exciting time !
What drew you to the world of PR and what aspect of the job excites you most?
It had to be my love for fashion and magazines, that rush you’d get sourcing brands in the “hot trends” and “what to wear” pages, I knew I had to be part of it !
I still get butterflies when I see my clients featured in leading publications!
How do you choose the brands you work with and what’s the most interesting part of working with new brands?
It’s incredibly rare for an agency to say, but WOW I love, like literally, LOVE all my clients! Everyone has a drive and fire to thrive and smash the month ethic that I just crave! There’s no better feeling than seeing start up brands side by side with the big dogs in the likes of Vanity Fair and Glamour.
In this crazy world where everyone is a content creator, what sets you apart for what you do?
This is going to sound cheeky, but I simply get the work done! If I love a product, I let my socials know, I let everyone know! Nothing drives me more mad than slow content, and slow effort. We’re all in this together so let’s give it everything!
What is the most fun brand you’ve worked with so far?
Ohhhh it has to, HAS TO be The Lila Lobster, that brand is going to huge this year ! What an incredible talent and concept, just wow!
Are you worried about AI or do you see it as an important tool in PR?
Good question, I’m finding it rather useful at the moment. I think if used correctly and realistically it will be extremely beneficial to the PR world.
What are the most important things to bear in mind when launching a new brand?
You are not going to be a success overnight, new brands take time, a lot of love, a lot of passion and a lot of sleepless nights.
Give it your all, the first three months will challenge you but wow it will be worth it!
We know you’re expecting a baby, it’s an exciting time, how do you see yourself juggling it all?
Ahhhhh! I’m so excited! I have a fantastic team and family around me, so I am incredibly blessed, and can I just say my partner Liam is just incredible, there is no love like his!
Bring on being a Boss Mama, I’m ready!
You’re a London girl with a base in Chelsea, describe a typical day in a busy PR office?
A bucket of coffee! Haha nooo, I start my day around 5am, get my life admin out the way (aka as online shopping and a matcha latte) and then I start prepping for the day. I love working from Home House Members club, especially when the suns out. My day usually consists of calls, meetings, sample drop offs and emails emails emails!
What are your favourite beauty brands?
I swear by Victoria Beckham make up! For skincare I only use Vitaderm and for my monthly facials and tweakments I go to Naomi Riby in Chelsea (she is magic)
We know you’ve got a soft spot for a Bloody Mary when it’s time to chill, tell us more about how you’d spend an ideal Sunday?
Oh I miss my Bloody Marys! Haha! Gosh I do love a Sunday, me and my partner love to go down to Fulham farmers market, he’ll then buy the Financial Times newspaper, and for me a stack of magazines. And then it’s just bliss the rest of the day, bacon sandwiches and a long walk with the dog, Rory!
Image Credits
MUA : Naomi Riby / Aesthetics by Naomi Riby @naynayriby
Photographer : Nikita Piazenko @piazenko_nikita/
Director : Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl
Nail Artist : Halo Nails Fulham @halobyezzy/
Dress : Welligogs @welligogs.lt
Jewellery: Gold Trip @goldtriplondon/
