Welcome to another addition to our mini-series, let’s dive in. PaSH is centered around sharing inspiring stories, breaking down stereotypes, and sharing the authentic, behind-the-scenes moments that make entrepreneurs so amazing. Let’s dive into, “What It Really Takes to Make It in PR, According to an Insistent Publicist”.
Meet Safaque Kagdi
Safaque Kagdi is a New York-based Publicist and Freelance Journalist with a career spanning over 12 years. Her PR campaigns have won international awards including SABRE Awards South Asia 2014 and PRWeek Awards Asia 2014. She was recognized as one of the Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs by Silicon India in 2018. As a freelance journalist, Safaque writes for multiple, reputed US news outlets covering startups and entrepreneurship. She is a member of the Online News Association.
Describe your brand in three emojis. Go!
📰 – News coverage / press
✍️ – Writing press releases, op-eds, other content
📣 – Announcements / promotions
What’s one stereotype about entrepreneurs that you’d love to break?
That every entrepreneur is secretly bathing in dollar bills and riding unicorns to work!
What’s your go-to mantra or quote when the going gets tough?
‘The darkest hour of the night is just before dawn’ by Paulo Coelho from The Alchemist
What’s one misconception people have about your industry that drives you crazy?
Public Relations is often misunderstood as a glamorous shortcut to fame, but the truth is far deeper. Many clients focus only on visible results such as an article, an interview, or a post. But PR is much more than what makes the headlines. It’s the unseen hours spent researching journalists, crafting the perfect angle, writing thoughtful pitches, and following up with care. PR professionals don’t charge for press mentions, but we charge for strategy, experience and persistence. Because in this field, while results may vary, the commitment and expertise poured into every campaign remains constant. That’s the true value of PR.
How do you stay motivated and innovative in your business?
I’ve always been deeply self-motivated, with a strong desire to stand on my own two feet. As a teenager, every time I asked my dad for pocket money, I felt a little uncomfortable and it sparked something in me. That’s when I made a promise to myself: I’d work hard, stay driven, and do whatever it takes to build a life where I could create my own financial freedom. That moment planted the seed for the entrepreneurial spirit I carry with me today.
Can you describe a moment when you felt like giving up and how you pushed through?
Oh, it’s happened to me not once, but three times! I’ve started from zero building a boutique PR agency in India, began again after immigrating to the U.S., and then rebuilt once more after a major career pivot. Each time felt like a knockdown, but I refused to stay down. With every restart, I came back stronger, wiser and more determined to rise higher. Those resets didn’t break me; they built the resilience, grit and vision I lead with today.
How do you handle competition, and what sets your business apart from others in your field?
I wear two hats—Publicist and Freelance Journalist. This gives my work a unique edge. I don’t just pitch stories; I understand exactly what makes them land. Because I sit on both sides of the media table, I guide clients with insider insights on what grabs a journalist’s attention and craft stories that connect with readers on a human level. It is strategy meets storytelling which is designed for impact, not just impressions.
What is one lesson you’ve learned through your entrepreneurial journey that you think everyone should know?
Think of your core skills as your business bungee cord—they’ll catch you when the market gets wobbly! Yes, learning new tricks is great, but your real power lies in what you already do brilliantly. Double down on that magic. When you lead with your strengths, you don’t just offer services, you deliver serious value that keeps customers coming back for more.
Thank you for reading this addition to our mini-series. To read more amazing Q & A’s click here or check back next month.
PaSH Magazine is a lifestyle publication. Our slogan is “all your tiny obsessions.” We are strong advocates of self-love, self-care, body positivity and supporting minorities, especially women, people of color and communities not highlighted in mainstream media. Please send pitches to southernpashmag@gmail.com. Please note that we sometimes use affiliate links. If you purchase anything from a link we have provided, we may receive a small commission. This money is used to help support our efforts at PaSH Inc. Check out our sister magazines Explore Georgia Now and www.redpashmag.com! This article may mention several of our sister brands including but not limited to: Curvy Girls Rock, AYTO, PaSH Publishing and more
