Los Angeles-based Chandler Poling has honed his craft working in the fashion and entertainment business as both a producer and publicist. As Vice President for CW3PR, Chandler ran two successful Emmy Award campaigns and worked second-in-command under Charley Walters to help expand the company from 3 clients to 11 clients in a matter of months, including Kathy Rose of Roseark Jewelry, couture designer Emil Gampe and Samantha Rei, America’s leading Lolita fashion designer. About six months ago, Chandler opened up his own shop, White Bear PR, to provide PR in the fashion, entertainment and music industries with a focus on social media marketing.
How did you get started in PR?I started by promoting a friend’s brand, Blasphemina’s Closet. I felt she had amazing potential and apart from our friendship, I knew her designs were incredible and that I could help her reach her PR goals.
I love working from the ground up. I enjoy spotting raw talent, harnessing it and molding it into a form that is digestible to the public and watching the client excel into a solo-venture career where fashion supports them 100%.
The amount of time it takes. Typical PR campaigns don’t see high end results until 2-3 years later.
A lot of power has shifted from major magazines like Vogue to online hits like Women Wear Daily. I think the balance of influence is needed so one company doesn’t control what is chic and what is not.
An ideal client would be someone who has great designs, is a self-starting work horse and has a modest budget towards PR (p.s. PR is not free)
I only work with people I like. I don’t have time for divas or attitudes. Great clients have goals and stick them out to the end.
I used to work for NBC on the show “Heroes” where I did a lot of product placement. However in that circumstance, I rarely worked with apparel except one deal with Nike in Season 3. Currently, I pair up my fashion clients with my film/tv clients so their designs can be seen in beautiful photoshoots or red carpet events.
When they start their own trends instead of following what’s hot.
I buy every magazine on that niche at the newsstand and devour the subculture so I can better understand what the market is looking for in that niche.
I always tell them to be proactive and interact with individuals. It’s important as you are starting out to build strong relationships with long term clients. A first time client who buys your designs is someone who could buy items off your next time. Keep in touch with them through Social Media and events and never underestimate them.
Get in touch with Chandler on Twitter.
