JOSEPH HAGAN TOOK HIS PASSION FOR SALES AND CREATED HIS OWN PUBLIC RELATIONS COMPANY
If you’re in school studying public relations or are looking to pivot into the industry, Joseph Hagan‘s story is one you’re going to want to tune into. From starting his own PR company to working with some of the biggest names in the industry, Joseph is a living testament that anything is possible with hard work and a solid game plan. If you want to learn how he did it, keep reading below!
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Can you share your journey into the public relations industry? What inspired you to start Streamline PR?
I initially worked in sales but always had a passion for entertainment. I felt the skills I developed in sales, like networking, client relations, and strategic communication, were highly transferable to PR. After applying for numerous positions at established PR agencies without success, I decided to take the leap and start my own company. I saw a gap in the market for an agency that truly understands the importance of a hands on approach and going the extra mile for clients and that’s how Streamline PR was born.
As a Black-owned agency, how do you see your role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the PR industry?
As a Black-owned agency, we’re not only focused on providing PR services; we’re also committed to creating opportunities for diverse voices in the industry. Whether it’s by working with Black talent or pushing for more diverse representation at events, Streamline PR actively promotes inclusion. We ensure that the brands and talent we work with reflect the diverse audiences they aim to reach. It’s important for us to challenge industry norms and create space for more people of color, not only in front of the camera but behind the scenes as well.
What unique challenges have you faced as a Black business owner in the PR sector, and how have you overcome them?
One of the challenges I’ve faced is the initial reluctance from some brands to trust a Black-owned agency with high-profile campaigns. There’s often an underlying assumption that we won’t understand the scope or complexity of certain projects, especially in luxury or mainstream sectors. I’ve overcome these obstacles by letting our work speak for itself. We’ve built a reputation for delivering exceptional results, and once we proved that we could execute on projects like Top Boy for Netflix, the industry began to take notice. Persistence and proving our value through results have been key to overcoming these challenges.
Who is your primary target audience, and how do you tailor your services to meet their specific needs?
We aim to work with talent who are looking to elevate their careers, whether they’re artists, influencers, or brands. At Streamline PR, we always ensure that the talent we work with is aligned with our strengths, and we focus on amplifying their stories in ways that are meaningful and impactful. Every client is different, and we tailor our approach by understanding their specific goals and the audience they want to reach. Whether it’s through event curation, press coverage, or social media strategy, we make sure our campaigns resonate with both the client and their target market.
Can you highlight a successful campaign that Streamline PR has executed? What made it particularly effective?
One campaign that stands out is the work we did for Top Boy on Netflix. We highlighted to Netflix that for such an iconic title, it was important to work with an agency that understands the culture of the show. This led to us being hired to handle the campaign for Top Boy’s final season. For Season 3, we orchestrated a talent seeding campaign where we gifted personalized Top Boy bomber jackets and speakers to celebrities who were considered part of the Top Boy family. I’m particularly proud of this campaign because it was done during the SAG strike, and we had to be very strategic in navigating talent involvement while respecting the ongoing industry challenges.
What trends do you see shaping the future of public relations, especially within the context of Black-owned businesses?
I think we’re seeing a shift towards brands and agencies prioritizing authenticity and cultural relevance. Consumers, especially younger ones, want to see campaigns that reflect real experiences, and Black-owned PR firms are in a unique position to offer that perspective. Another trend is the integration of technology and data analytics to measure the success of campaigns, and I believe Black-owned businesses are increasingly tapping into these tools to showcase their value in measurable ways. Additionally, brands are actively seeking to align themselves with agencies that have strong ties to diverse communities, and this is only going to increase as businesses recognize the importance of inclusivity.
How important is mentorship in your journey, and how do you support aspiring Black PR professionals?
Mentorship has been invaluable in my journey. When I was starting out, I didn’t have many people who looked like me to turn to for guidance, which is why I now make it a priority to champion other Black PR professionals. We support aspiring PR pros through internships and by collaborating with other Black-owned agencies where possible. It’s important to create a network of support, not only to uplift others but to ensure that the next generation has more opportunities than we did.
In what ways does Streamline PR engage with the local community in London, and why is this important to you?
We engage with the local community by supporting events and initiatives that promote culture and creativity, especially those that give a platform to underrepresented groups. For example, we’ve worked on events during London Fashion Week that spotlight sustainable fashion brands and have collaborated with local talent on PR campaigns that resonate with London’s diverse communities. Supporting the local community is important because London is such a cultural hub, and by engaging with it, we stay connected to the trends and people that shape our work.
What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, looking to start their own businesses?
The most important piece of advice I’d give is to stay disciplined. There will be hard days when things don’t go as planned, but it’s your ability to keep going that will set you apart. You also need to believe in yourself because if you don’t, no one else will. Your confidence in your vision is what will convince others to take a chance on you. Lastly, build a network of support. Surround yourself with people who understand your goals and can provide guidance, especially if you’re from an underrepresented background where access to resources may be limited.
What are your future goals for Streamline PR, and how do you envision the agency evolving in the coming years?
Earlier this year, I attended the Grammys in LA, which was an incredible experience. Moving forward, I’d love to work more internationally, especially in markets like the US. We recently had one of our clients front row at shows during New York Fashion Week, and I’d love to build on that momentum. I see Streamline PR expanding its global reach, working on more international events and campaigns while staying true to our ethos of promoting culture and inclusivity.
How are you disrupting the culture and breaking the norms?
We’re disrupting the culture by pushing for greater representation and authenticity in the PR industry. We don’t just follow trends; we set them. By working on campaigns like Top Boy and highlighting the importance of cultural relevance, we’ve shown that understanding the audience and respecting their experiences can lead to impactful results.
What has been the most impactful event you’ve curated, and which talent do you rep that is up next?
The LØCIi London Fashion Week party we recently curated was incredibly impactful. It garnered significant coverage and attracted high-profile guests, which really solidified our reputation within the fashion and entertainment industries. As for talent, DJ Cuppy is definitely one to watch. She’s making waves not only in music but also in fashion and philanthropy, and I’m excited to see her career continue to evolve.
TEAM CREDITS:
Interview By Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa (@princechenoastudio)
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Abeiku Arthur (@abeikuarthurhos)
