Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Rendak.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My names Brittany Rendak. My life is pretty far from normal. Some might say I should have my own television crew following me around all day. Others might say I need to remember to breathe into between words when I talk. Long story short: I love telling elaborate stories.
I’ve always loved performing and being in front of the camera growing up. I realized I could take my love for arts, writing, and storytelling to get a degree in Broadcast Journalism. People tell me that I chose a perfect career because I never stop talking or asking questions. The world of Journalism offers me so much more. I want to listen to people and help them share their story with the world. My true passion is covering entertainment news because I am addicted to pop culture, fashion, and utilizing social media in stories. I don’t know if I will end up in front of the camera or behind it, but it doesn’t matter to me as long as I am doing what I love. As a blogger, Instagram Influencer, and former journalist, Brittany Rendak has found her niche in social media and public relations in the entertainment industry where she works full-time.
I started my blog “Back To Brittany” to share my own story and most importantly influence, inspire, and motivate others like me to follow their dreams. After pursuing my dream to move to LA in December 2015, my blog transitioned into a LA Lifestyle blog on surviving and thriving in Los Angeles. I share tips and tricks on how to make it here and stay, as well as all the latest going on in the city.
Fun Fact: You can normally find me singing or dancing at any given moment and I am actually not too bad. I love sharing my entertainment knowledge with other millennials.
Has it been a smooth road? It was definitely not a smooth road. I’ve had to overcome many obstacles along the way and I still face new challenges daily. After college, I made the tough decision not to accept a “traditional broadcast news reporter role” in a small city. I made the decision after telling my favorite professor I was going to accept a reporter role in Pasco, Washington and her response was “Really? You would hate it there.” It was then I realized working my way up in small cities as a reporter was not what I was meant to do. I always knew I would move to LA eventually, but I figured out the time was now and I wasn’t going to wait.
Another struggle was actually making the move. I decided to make a plan and save up money to move. I ended up getting a job before moving which is very rare and having just two weeks to move. My friends couldn’t believe how I pulled it off. A few months later, I landed my first job in the entertainment industry, as I work as a PR/Social Media Coordinator at PRETTYBIRD full-time, while side hustling with my blog and other freelance gigs.
My advice is to find what you are truly passionate about and go for it. Always trust your gut feeling, never give up, and never settle. If you don’t like where you live then move! It’s not easy taking a leap, but what’s the worst that can happen? The first step in success is having the courage to go for your dream and getting to do what you love. I actually give a lot of advice to seniors from my college who felt the same way as me and random people wanting to move to LA that find me on Instagram or my blog.
We’d love to hear more about Back To Brittany Blog. I live and breathe social media. I understand how to use it for analytical purposes and for building connections in the online world. I utilize my journalism skills and love for social media to succeed at my current role as Public Relations and Social Media Coordinator at PRETTYBIRD. I also do freelance social media work for other clients.
In addition, I have valuable experience as working as an on air reporter and anchor at KOMU 8 News. I was a daily reporter, morning live reporter, and anchor/producer for the red carpet entertainment segment weekly. In addition, I was a member of KOMU 8’s Target 8 Investigative team, where I produced captivating investigative pieces.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general? I go to many events in LA for networking and to speak with potential mentors. I use social media apps, search online or Instagram for upcoming events, or hear by word of mouth. I’ve also met friends in LA from Instagram or meeting out!
I believe it is all about who you know. I am not only kind to every single person that I meet, but I also want to hear their story. I believe people are put into your life for a reason and I always strive to find out why.
Instagram has worked the best for me. I get random messages or emails frequently from people who have found my account through a hashtag and want to talk.