Meet Kat Jones: Founder, Motiv PR

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kat Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kat, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
If you would have asked my even 4 years ago if I would ever run my own business, I would have likely said “oh no, that’s too risky!” I had been the in-house PR rep at companies for years and the idea of branching out and launching my own business from scratch without a security net terrified me. But in early 2018, something shifted in my mind. I started looking at other brands, people and companies and formulating ways in which I could help them based on my skillset. It almost became a strange knee-jerk reaction — I’d see a company promoting something and automatically start thinking about a PR strategy for them. This became an itch I couldn’t stop scratching. I had realized I knew I could bring my knowledge and experience to a wide array of companies and most importantly, be confident in doing so. It was then and there that I started putting together the plans to launch Motiv PR. I worked on every aspect of the business, from potential clients lists to business strategy, mission statement to finance plans, and everything in-between. I wanted to ensure that when I did launch, it was crystal clear what Motiv PR was and what it stood for. Once all of those ducks were in a row, I stepped out from behind the curtain and the rest is history.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We live in a brand new world when it comes to PR and communications. What worked just 2-3 years ago doesn’t necessarily work today. My passion has always been to look at the bigger picture when sharing a brand, person or company’s story and, understanding the current landscape, strategically developing ideas that leverage that ever changing landscape.

Motiv focuses on digital media, video games, content creators, influencers, emerging technologies and anything that spans across those categories. Especially in those areas, you have to approach each client or project individually and look at the details in order to break down exactly what might help accomplish their PR goals. What works for one client may be a horrible idea for another. There are so many variables to consider and I love analyzing all of those variables and creating a plan that leverages the unique nature of digital media. The internet has changed EVERYTHING about how we should conduct PR, and that’s exactly what Motiv is all about — taking advantage of and leaning into that change.

I’ve always been excited for change, it keeps me constantly curious and challenges me daily. If I’m not being challenged, I’m not learning, and if I’m not learning, then what’s the point? Especially in this industry, ensuring you’re uncovering everything you can to learn what’s new, what’s emerging and what’s exciting is crucial.

Hands down, the most important bit of advice I ever received is simple: Work hard and be nice to people. It’s my daily motto that conveniently sits above my desk.

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.
Since moving to LA over 13 years ago, I have lived in the valley (twice), Hollywood, West Hollywood and South Pasadena. I have to admit that I haven’t been the best at exploring all the best food, drink and hangout options that Los Angeles has to offer, but some favorites that come to mind are Hamburger Mary’s (always a good time), Hyperion Public (their brunch is *chef’s kiss*), Public School (I could always go for their crispy buffalo cauliflower), and White Horse Lounge, which is a newer one we’ve enjoyed since moving to the Pasadena area.

Hikes are always a good idea in LA, but finding the right ones can be difficult as the more popular ones, although they’re good, get VERY crowded. I’m a fan of just googling hikes throughout LA and finding obscure ones that bring a sense of adventure and something new.

I also love going to random play or theater shows. The Pantages and any of the major downtown venues are always great, but my favorites are improv and small productions. If you dig, you are really able to find some diamonds in the rough with those shows, and I can never get enough of good improv — UCB and Groundlings are top notch.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Isaac Krauss, co-founder and CEO of Octopie, for being an ongoing and invaluable support system and for always lovingly challenging me to go above and beyond in all aspects of my life.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motivpr/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/motiv-pr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MotivPR/

Image Credits
Don Lupo Mari Pro