This Black Media Mogul Teaches Brands How to Grow Their Business Through Public Relations

Today we’d like to introduce you to Francheska Felder.

It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?

Greetings, I’m Fancy, and I am the founder/publisher/ and editor-in-chief of SwagHer Magazine & Media, LLC. My business duos as a publication and PR and marketing firm for small Black owned businesses and creatives. SwagHer Magazine was inspired by the stories of Black women older than myself who did not mind tell me about the struggles they endured to get where they are today. I was so moved by their stories and wisdom, I wanted to share them with other Black women so that they know they are not alone. Then I began to see the challenges Black business owners and entrepreneurs faced more clearly and how PR is often overlooked in our community. I’ve always had a passion for PR and it was my major, so I began to also offer those services along with branding and the marketing services we already offered. We’ve built our platform solely through hard work and connections, and it was no walk in the park. I’m also a mom of two teens and an adult son. My three children have really helped to keep me focused because I wanted to provide a better life for them, but that was not easy as a single, former teen mom with two parents that are convicted felons.

I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?

Funding used to be our biggest challenge, since I started out with my own money, which was next to nothing. Initially, I was too afraid to market my own business and I went a year without selling any advertisement. The money grew over time, especially after getting a marketing representative, who is now our VP of Marketing, but my kids and faced homelessness several times. At one point, I moved to Atlanta with nowhere to stay, so I stayed by an associate and worked out of the McDonald’s from the time they opened until they closed. It was lonesome without my kids and I realized the city was much faster-paced than a country girl like myself was used to but I did make some great connections that are still around to this day. Plus, my story and the magazine received lots of exposure.

Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?

Aside from the advertisement services we offer, we also offer PR and branding services. I am a PR strategist that loves assisting Black businesses and empowering them to be leaders in their fields. We make certain they effectively get their message across. Our services are creative and affordable for those on any budget, but most importantly, we teach our clients to use the tools and resources they already have to make something worth celebrating, and we do everything with love. Our clients are more like family to us than accounts or brands that we assist. The fact that we started with nothing keeps us hungry as speaker and coach Les Miles would say and makes us relatable to those we are working with.

What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?

Following your passion can be difficult, but it’s well worth it. Do the things that make you happy and the work you enjoy doing. We spend too much time in our lives working to be at a job that makes a miserable. It may mean you have to work at a dream for years before it becomes a reality and sacrifices will have to be made, but the journey and self-discovery are two of the most beautiful parts. Properly planning for your success goes a long way.

Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?

It definitely includes financial freedom but also happiness. I struggle from bipolar disorder so happiness and peace of mind are possibly my first priorities, but as my journey has been rough, success looks like thriving and not simply surviving and making an impact. I am only as successful as those that I have helped elevate because they are a reflection of my work. I like to them I am a source of light, inspiration, and empowerment.

What’s next for you?

I host a podcast called “Theories & Thoughts” with my co-hostess, Arnya T.M. Davis, and she and I recently tried our hands at producing and directing our own tv show, “Theories & Thoughts Deep Dive” for the What’s Your Super TV Channel on ExposureNetwork TV. The show is about us evolving as friends, businesswomen, and Black women. We have deep discussions but also take field trips to Black-owned businesses and attractions. The network liked the show so much they asked us to hold off our release until they do their official launch, so we are waiting on that for our debut. We will be shooting season two in June in Dallas and season three in July in New Orleans.

Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more.

Definitely visit http://swagher.net and we have a contact form there, but I’m also on social media as @fancyswagher across all platforms. My website is linktr.ee.com/fancysthoughts.