Tatiana Read is the 29-year-old Director behind Knot PR, a communications agency servicing several notable clients. In her role, Tatiana can run the gamut from publicist to techie to boss at any given time, always handling herself with grace and an excellent fashion sense. Find out more about this young entrepreneur in today’s YEDaily.
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
Knot PR is a communications agency with a startup spirit specializing in the areas of design, fashion, hospitality, and lifestyle.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
I’ve always been inspired by entrepreneurs and helping businesses achieve their goals. I wanted to mesh my communications skill-set with my web experience. The combination of an evolving media landscape and technological innovations like the cloud allowed me to confidently leap into the world of entrepreneurship.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
On a day-to-day basis, I’m an entrepreneur, a publicist, the tech person, a human resources department, a colleague, a boss…every day I’m thrown into new situations. I feel rewarded when I get to see projects through to completion. I enjoy motivating and leading staff. I love seeing our hard work pay off. I like that when I’m inspired to move in a new direction, I can dedicate the time to pursue and develop such opportunities. I meet new people (peers, students, entrepreneurs, etc.) every week.
The challenge in all this is that my role is so dynamic that I have to be very disciplined with my time.
Image by Tierney Read.
Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
I look forward to expanding the business and building a team. The first lesson I learned as an entrepreneur was to be flexible – I have a vision for the future but I’m not relying on it. Instead, I prefer to focus on the tools and qualities that will take us there: integrity, inspiration, and dedication.
What does success look like to you?
Professional success is about enjoying what you do, and being good at what you do – being recognized as a leader in my given field is important to me. In my business, success is about creating an engaging work environment for my staff and providing above-and-beyond service to my clients.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Hiring my first staff member, pitching an LVMH client, launching a Youtube channel, partnering my client with Luminato, working London Fashion week, moving into an Adelaide Street West office, starting my business, establishing Knot PR as a cloud-based agency, being featured in the media, etc.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
I’ve always been a fan of Samuel Goldwyn’s maxim: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” It’s important to be focused, work hard, and contribute to your community.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I’m involved in a number of non-profit and charitable initiatives. I’ve been on the committee for Paws for the Cause, benefiting the Ontario Veterinary College, since its inception. I joined because I believe in the cause and the group behind it is fiercely devoted. As an Art History major, I’m a big believer in the arts. I’m co-founder and presiding co-chair of a young patron arts group with the Canadian Art Foundation – the New Contemporaries – and have been involved in their artist documentary film festival – the Reel Artists Film Festival – for two years. I plan on being more actively involved with Arthritis and Autoimmunity Research Centre Foundation, alongside my sister, who has rheumatoid arthritis.
What is Notable to you?
A space that fosters possibility.