Meet Dr. Edna Sims | Owner, ESP Public Relations

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Edna Sims and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Edna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I am a creative and innovative person, and when I was working for a company, I didn’t particularly appreciate that my ideas had to be approved before I implemented my plan. As a result, I started a business. I became successful, and I haven’t looked back on that decision.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My company, ESP Public Relations, is unique because we represent various clients, including film, television, actors, producers, directors, music genres from Hip-Hop to gospel, corporations, non-profits, professional athletes, authors, and even a Rocket Scientist. We also produce television and films. We provide story placement with worldwide media outlets and handle all areas of public relations, from crisis management, marketing, strategy, event planning, and red-carpet implementation.

As I learned on this journey, it was initially challenging. I love what I do and work smart. Lessons that I have learned along the way were to be kind and always learn something new every day! I’m a life student. Also, I don’t want my employees to do something I won’t do.

I want the world to know that Jesus is my CEO and CFO. My company is my ministry and purpose.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a beach girl who demonstrates the authentic Southern California lifestyle. I take them on a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, passing Santa Monica and ending at Malibu. We stop at Paradise Cove and drink exotic drinks and eat seafood as we watch people enjoy the day at a slow pace, surf, and the marvelous ocean waves hit the coastline. Then, I take them fishing on a Del Mar boat that leaves from Marina Del Rey—followed by a trip down the coast the other way, passing through Manhattan, Hermosa, and ending at Redondo Beach.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have had numerous people throughout my professional career. My first job was as a Mental Health and Educational Consultant for the Urban League Head Start Program; my mentor was the late John Mack, President of the Los Angeles Urban League. I then became an Academic Advisor, Counselor, and Professor at L.A. Southwest College, where Dr. Davis was my mentor. This led to me becoming Coordinator of Continuing Education Programs at Cal State Los Angeles, where I departed to start my first business, Exclusive Sports Camps. My company coordinated and implemented youth sports camps for Los Angeles Lakers players (Magic Johnson, Norman Nixon, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and many others. Lou Adler was my mentor, owner of the Roxy and Rainbow, renowned night clubs in L.A., and producer for Carol King. Later, I began my current company, ESP Public Relations, where I learned as I went along.

Website: https://www.esppr.net

Instagram: @ednasimsesppr

Linkedin: Edna Porter or Edna Sims Bruce

Twitter: @esppr

Facebook: @Edna Sims

Image Credits
Ian Foxx
Robin Marshall