Melinda’s Story

I was born into entrepreneurship—literally. Growing up in Erwin, North Carolina, I watched my parents build their own businesses from the ground up. I learned early on that success wasn’t just about talent; it was about hard work, being seen, being heard, and doing cool shit that people couldn’t ignore.

That belief led me to Campbell University, where I hardly balanced life as a collegiate cheerleader with my classes (let’s just say I cut it very close). But what I lacked in GPA, I made up for in drive, energy, and an unshakable belief that I was meant for more. That belief took me straight to Los Angeles—with $500, a car full of clothes, and a dream to work in PR.

No job. No connections. No plan. Just pure determination.

For a year and a half, I worked three unpaid internships, held down four part-time jobs, ran on five hours of sleep, and crashed on someone’s floor. It was brutal, but I knew PR was what I was meant to do. Eventually, I got my break—I landed my first agency role, and that’s when everything changed.

From Floor-Sleeping Intern to PR Expert

I spent years inside top PR agencies, managing campaigns for musicians, celebrities, and brands across entertainment, business, and lifestyle industries. But over time, I realized something: clients deserved better.

Too many agencies were offering high retainers, empty promises, and zero results. I saw firsthand how clients were overpaying for PR strategies that didn’t move the needle. I knew I could do things differently—so I did.

I launched Melinda Jackson Public Relations (MJPR) shortly after moving back to Raleigh, NC with one goal: to help my clients grow their businesses by being an extension of their team.

Now, MJPR is a trusted PR agency for entrepreneurs, executives, and high-growth brands globally. With nearly two decades of experience and a portfolio featuring GRAMMY, EMMY, and PRSA award-winning campaigns, I know what it takes to cut through the noise and get my clients noticed.

We don’t do cookie-cutter PR. We don’t send generic pitches. And we definitely don’t play small. Every client has a story worth telling, and we make sure the right people are paying attention.

More Than Just PR

At my core, I love traveling, building community, creating, learning, and hyping people up. I approach PR the same way I approached cheerleading—with full energy, zero hesitation, and a mission to make sure my clients feel like they’ve already won.

If you’re ready to go from background noise to front-page news, let’s make it happen.