Ordered Steps
Three women in similar professions converse with Written’s publisher about their Ordered Steps.
Owner
Ministry Marketing Solutions
“I’d grown tired of people who were only out for self,” said Pam Perry. Remembering the disgust she grew to feel working in a non-profit organization that she helped to create. The members stopped thinking of how to help others.
“We are blessed to be a blessing and no one was living that.” So Perry, married with a small child, shifted her career aspirations to reflect the direction she was growing towards, a profession that was completely aligned with God.
Perry began what is now Ministry Marketing Solutions volunteering her media and marketing expertise to churches, organizations and authors who were creating ministries. “They all have good intentions, but not everyone knew how to do basic marketing or they didn’t have the internal resources to dedicate to it.”
She began volunteering with literary veteran, Denise Stinson, creator of Walkworthy Press, one of the first imprints with a major publisher that focused on African American Christian authors. From there, she grew her business to include chocolatepages.com, an on-line resource for African American authors, a line of books on marketing and public relations for churches, workshops and national conferences, and coaching for authors and ministers.
“If there is any advice I would give to people wanting to enter the (public relations) profession, it would be to volunteer and study under someone that you want your business most resembles.”
Read Pam Perry’s PR Tips on our on-line community “Join the Conversation” at www.writtenmag.com
Marilyn White
Publisher
Precious Times
“There were no magazines for me – a young Christian woman,” Marilyn White explains as her inspiration to begin her publication. “Our time on this earth is precious. It was important for me to see a publication that reflected my values as a Christian and included things like fashion and entertainment.
White created Precious Times, a national magazine that comes out quarterly. The publication has a staff of 15 freelancers and is growing more and more popular among believers and non-believers.
“Everyone can be inclusive, but Christians,” said White. “It is like some Christians feel that if you don’t believe exactly the same or are at the same place in their Christian walk then they can’t be a Christian. Precious Times is for all who believe.”
Entering her 10th year as a publisher, White is working towards Precious Times to become a household name.
“People have a ‘if I build it, they will come’ mentality to starting a business,” said White. “I have a business background and even with a marketing and business plan, I still made mistakes. My advice to people wanting to get into this business is to learn as much as you can.”
To subscribe to Precious Times go to www.precioustimesmag.com
Pattie Webster
Owner
W&W Public Relations
“I was a preacher’s kid, so you know I had to rebel,” Said Patti Webster of W&W Relations. My mother and my grandmother were both preachers, so you know I went wild.”
Webster tells her story with a laugh. Laughter was Ventral in her family, as her book, It Happened in Church (August 2008, ISBN 978-0758227065) details.
“I prefer to say that I am follower of Christ.”
Webster is the owner of a public relations firm that represents many entertainers including Usher, Jermaine Dupri and Ludicris. She admits that her clients might be far from what you might expect from her religious upbringing.
“I prayed a lot about that,” admits Webster.
“There were people who wanted to judge me or label me for what I did,” said Webster. “Then I met a woman who prophesized on my life and she told me that God was using me to be an example to my clients. They see through the life that I lead that there is an alternative way to live and ever since that moment, I’ve known what I am truly called to be.”
Still active in her family’s church, Webster makes sure that everyone is aware of her priority. She is an ordained deacon, a business, author and an amateur comedian.
“Laughter has always been a key component of my Christian Life,” said Webster. “Laughter should not be segregated from the church.”
To share a laugh with Patti Webster about her life, read her book, It Happened in Church.