HOW TO: FASHION & BEAUTY PR

I had the pleasure of talking to Ellen Kelly, the lovely lady who is Account Manager at one of my dream work places, Label PR.

What made you decide to take your chosen career path? 

I studied journalism at university but decided it wasn't a career for me. We studied a PR module as part of the course, which really interested me and became the industry I wanted to get into.  I started working in consumer PR after graduating, and quickly moved into fashion, which is the area I'm most passionate about.

How did you get to where you are now? 

- Studied Journalism at Liverpool John Moores University from 2006 - 2009

- Started my first PR job at Manchester agency Mason Williams in March 2010, working across consumer accounts including beauty, haircare, hotels and restaurants

- Moved to Label PR in October 2010 to work across fashion and beauty brands. I was the first employee at Label and watched the PR team grow along with its portfolio of clients

- Became Account Manager at Label in October 2012, overseeing our team off Account Executives and working across a range of fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands

What 5 tips would you give someone wanting to get into the position you're in now? 

1) Live and breathe the job. Read all the mags and blogs religiously so that you're up to speed on who wore what last night, what the latest trends are and who the next big stars are.

2) Experience is invaluable. We really value interns who work hard and are more inclined to take on talent that we've nurtured and trained along the way as permanent members of staff.

3) Be dedicated and prepared to go the extra mile. PR isn't always a 9-5 job, and making sure that Grazia get your clients' samples for their fashion shoot, or that A-list stylist gets one of your brands' red carpet dresses for their client's big premiere sometimes involves going above and beyond your job description.

4) Be personable and approachable. Networking is key and cementing good relationships is crucial to successful PR.

5) Use social media. We're constantly tweeting to interact with brands, celebs and press so it's important to have a good tone. Employers will also check out your presence across social media and blogs.

Favourite people to follow on Twitter? 

@TheFashionNetUK - for the latest news, events and jobs in the fashion industry in Manchester

@Rumineely - the blogger behind FashionToast.com

@Adulescent - one of the Daily Express fashion girls, who does a hilarious running commentary of every week's Made In Chelsea

@FshnPRGirlProblem - a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek Tumblr account dedicated to the daily trials and tribulations of those working in fashion PR