Interview with Publicist Sharmin de Vries

Sharmin in Aruba

Interview with Publicist Sharmin de Vries.

Sharmin is a PR consultant from Amsterdam working for Linden & Barbosa, an agency specialising in marketing/PR.

She represents and services a range of high-profile clients in tourism, retail and lifestyle. Among her clients are the Aruba Tourism Authority, European fashion retailer C&A and the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel. Sharmin graduated together with Honest Mum with a BA in Media & Communications from Goldsmiths’, University of London and also completed a Masters degree in Contemporary Asian Studies.

Describe a typical day for you?
My day usually starts with a morning coffee run as I simply can’t function until I’ve had a strong cappuccino. Then I get into the office and check my emails to see if there’s anything really important or urgent that needs dealing with. Being a PR consultant & publicist means no day is the same. I could be working on a long term plan for one client and organising a stunt for another, simultaneously, or, if I’m lucky, travel to the Caribbean with journalists. It’s all about telling stories and generating positive and free publicity for a diverse range of clients. It’s fun and hectic at times. When I get a free moment I also love to blog.

What do you feel are your biggest achievements?
I feel the best is yet to come, though It’s always a proud moment when hard work pays off and your PR efforts are on the front page of a major newspaper or on prime time television. For me, my biggest achievement is not only being fulfilled and inspired by what I do but also, somehow, making a difference. Working towards a good cause. Being able to use my creativity and commercial thinking cap to raise awareness for things that matter. That is why I also started volunteering. I’m currently volunteering for an international child rights NGO: Plan Nederland working towards equal rights for boys and girls in developing countries.

What’s in your handbag?
My smartphone, purse, two shades of lipstick, mascara, lots of papers I should have thrown away ages ago, pens, keys and my Rituals gingko biloba hand cream, which I love.

What are your ambitions in life?
To be inspired and work with and for inspiring people. That means working towards both profit and non-profit objectives as giving back and doing my bit for a better world, no matter how utopian that may sound. Also, to see a lot more of the world.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Probably still in a marketing/pr capacity of some kind where I can create impactful and meaningful campaigns. Perhaps also starting something on my own. Also, if given more time, I’d love to be able to write and blog more.
What advice would you give a budding publicist?

Be creative, critical and service minded. PR can be stressful, you have to be able to juggle many projects and cater to different needs at the same time. Above all, you have to love interacting with journalists, network and generally be out there. A good sense of humour also helps.

Finally, happiness is…

Great company, good food and lots of laughs.

Sharmin works for Linden & Barbosa  and is based in Amsterdam.