Spreading the word for nearly three years

It is no wonder that the PR institute of SA awarded them the title of best up-and-coming PR professional in 2010 and 2011.

Butter Knife PR was formed in March 2013 and has since managed campaigns for brands such as The Cotton On Group, The Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Grant's, iFix, Sir Fruit, Disaranno, Hendrick's Gin, Uber Flavour, James Bensen and Cointreau. Owning their own PR company by the young age of 24 and 26, the duo state that their success didn't come without a lot of hard work.

Leandi Jamneck and Marisa Logan

"There is a lot of competition in the industry and we therefore have to stay on top of what is trending and ensure we implement successful campaigns that will achieve our clients' objectives" says Logan.

Logan has been in the PR industry since 2007. She decided to start her own company at the beginning of February 2013 and when Jamneck joined her on 1 March 2013, they officially launched Butter Knife PR. Logan's motivation for opening her own company was so that she could take on a new challenge and have control of the brands that she works on as well as the people she works with.

Logan asserts "I am very passionate about the PR industry and am constantly researching global campaigns to stay inspired. Having a business partner who is also a close friend helps a lot as we are constantly motivating one another and creating a fun working environment that keeps us positive and happy."

After studying PR at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Jamneck started working as an intern at a boutique PR agency in Cape Town. Shortly after being recognised, she moved on to a larger PR agency where she met her business partner and mentor, Logan and they started Butter Knife PR with the tag line "Spreading the Word".

"Making the move from a stable job to a new business venture was pretty scary, but it boils down to commitment, expertise and results. If you are passionate about and good at what you do, your age shouldn't intimidate you, as it will only hold you back from accomplishing your true potential" comments Jamneck.

"It's so rewarding working for yourself. You have no reservations when it comes to working overtime and making sacrifices for the business. It all comes down to the satisfaction of knowing that what you put in is what you'll be getting out. And I love the fact that I have control over which clients we take on. When you work at an agency, you are often given accounts to manage that you don't necessarily relate to. Being in PR, you are an extension of your brands, so it's vital you believe in the people you represent. PR is all about creating or maintaining a good public image for either a company or an individual".

Logan offers advice to others aspiring to enter this field: "Select your first work experience wisely to determine which type of PR you enjoy, as there are various avenues you can take, from corporate to consumer, to traditional "textbook" and creative, new age PR. It's also imperative to build and maintain genuine relationships and offer media content that's relevant and of interest."

Jamneck concludes: "Chase your dreams and be brave enough to take that leap. If you are passionate about something, don't let anyone stop you; go for it."