Kayla Tucker Adams is the Chief Communications and Public Relations Strategist of KTA Media Group, a full-service public relations firm specializing in media relations, crisis communications, media training, community engagement, digital marketing, and strategic communications. Headquartered in Dallas with clients all over the country, Pretty Women Hustle spoke with Kayla to find out how KTA Media Group leverages traditional communications strategies with new media tactics to attract and engage target audiences, and expand client brands.
KTA Media Group serves some of the nation’s top companies, celebrities, leaders, and influencers, “we aim to achieve every vision in excellence. Our clients are our priority and we love bringing their vision to life. KTA Media Group orchestrates public relations for clients in various industries including entertainment and film, publishing, education, business, real estate, law, nonprofit, travel, large conferences and festivals, and women’s empowerment events.”
You have 20 years of experience in public relations. Why are entrepreneurs coming to you today?
I have been very blessed to have people refer me. The majority of the clients I work with come from direct referrals. It is a blessing to have people positively speak your name in rooms you may have never even entered. That is one of the highest compliments.
Tell us about KTA Media Group. What makes you unique?
KTA Media Group LLC is a full-service public relations firm specializing in media relations, crisis communications, media training, community engagement, digital marketing, and strategic communications. Headquartered in Dallas with clients all over the country, we are proud to be MBE/WBE/SBE Certified. Our team of seasoned public relations professionals is experienced in all aspects of public relations and has worked with clients in various industries including corporate, entertainment and film, education, non-profit, ministry, beauty, wellness, hospitality, tourism, and special events. With more than 40 years of combined public relations experience, KTA Media Group connects brands to their target audiences to drive engagement and exceed objectives. People know that when they work with KTA Media Group, they get results.
You are one of the best in the business working with best-selling authors, movie producers, celebrities, and nonprofits. What are your strengths?
I am excellent at crafting and executing the client’s strategy. No two companies are the same, so our plans are customized to meet and exceed the needs and goals of the client. I am an excellent storyteller. I am very strong at finding or creating the story, especially the news hook. My strength is also that I get results. Period. People know that when they get me, they get results. My strength is my team. My company is KTA Media Group, which indicates that it is not just me. I have a very strong team of rockstar public relations professionals who go above and beyond to serve the needs of our clients. We have public relations associates in Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, which allows us to effectively serve clients all over the country and internationally. Last, but certainly not least, my strength is my faith. I pray over not just my life and my family, but I pray over my work, my team, and my clients. God helps us help our clients.
What is your advice for entrepreneurs who are launching a business?
I would recommend that entrepreneurs who are launching businesses include public relations and marketing in their business plans. Many entrepreneurs have great ideas and concepts, but they fail because no one knows about them. Visibility is extremely important. If they can’t afford to hire marketing and public relations professionals, social media is a great way to get started.
Share a few client success stories.
Evolution Academy Charter School District is our longest-standing client. We have worked with them since before they even opened their doors in 2002. When we first started working with them, their goal was to enroll 100 students. Through grassroots marketing and target public relations, we helped Evolution Academy open its doors with 250 and a waiting list.
We have continued to work for them for many years. One of the biggest success stories for this client was telling the story of triplets who were 1, 2, and 3 in the graduating class at Evolution Academy. Additional research showed that this was historic as there were no previous stories, locally, regionally, or nationally, where triplets graduated in the top three spots in their class. We then developed key messages, drafted and distributed press materials, and trained key spokespeople for media interviews. The execution of the public relations strategy resulted in more than 105 local, regional, national and international media placements with a reach of more than 16 million and an ad value nearing $300,000.
We also worked with a national non-profit, Minnie’s Food Pantry. They hired us to raise awareness, pitch, and secure local, regional and national media, and manage the red carpet at its 10th Anniversary “Feed Just One” Fundraising Gala featuring Oprah Winfrey. We also secured a television media partner who conducted interview features and ran commercials to promote the event. We packed out the red carpet, pitching securing, and managing more than 75 local, regional and national media outlets, along with a host of a-list celebrities including, Oprah Winfrey, Joel Osteen, Floyd Mayweather, Mark and Roma Downey, Emmitt Smith, Brely Evans, Israel Houghton, Kenny Lattimore, and Donnie McClurkin. We created and led a 12-week strategic public relations campaign that resulted in a sold-out gala, and more than 300 media placements including Entertainment Tonight, EBONY Magazine, Good Day LA, Los Angeles Times, Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, Nasdaq.com & others, with a reach of more than 62 million & a value exceeding $1.27 million.
I highly recommend Kayla. She is the #BossLady of public relations. She exceeded my expectations, delivers results and is easy to work with.
Tarsha Polk Hearns, Director, Liftfund Dallas/Ft. Worth Women’s Business Center
Fabulous………No Phenomenal! Kayla Adams is an exceptional speaker and a dynamic motivator. Her poise and driven desire to connect with her audience is without reservation outstanding and immeasurable. The message that she delivers is phenomenal and speaks to the hearts of the true meaning of being true to self and reaching for the stars. Just recently, she spoke to my church youth group and her words not only captured the children, but also grabbed the adults. Did I say she was fabulous…I meant to shout phenomenal!”
Robyn Dean, True Believers Community Church (TBOC) Children’s Ministries Director
What is the proudest moment of your career?
The proudest moment of my career was being named 2022 Woman of the Year by the Greater North Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club. I work very hard on behalf of my family, my church, my clients, and the community organizations I serve. I really do bring my best to the table and it’s humbling to know that other people are watching and inspired by my contributions.
Beyond the awards, accolades, and wins that I’ve been able to garner for my clients, my proudest moments in life have been knowing the positive impact I have been able to have on other people. When my nephew’s mother, a single parent with two kids at the time, was graduating with her bachelor’s degree, I asked her what inspired her to go back to college. Her response was, “You did.” I was moved to tears. That is just one story. I am blessed that people often share the way I’ve impacted their lives. That’s my true legacy.
Philanthropy is very important to you. Please share the charities your support.
I am currently a board member of the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of March of Dimes and That Girl is SMART Youth Mentoring Program. I am also a member of the Public Relations Society of America, the National Association of Black Journalists, the fundraising chairperson for the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists, and a charter member of the Chi Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. They are all very near and dear to my heart. My daughter was a one-pound premature baby so I am personally connected to the mission of March of Dimes. We were told she only had a 10% chance of surviving. She is now 15. We are beyond blessed to have our miracle girl and grateful for the life-saving work of March of Dimes that helped contribute to her survival.
I love working with women and girls, so working with That Girl is SMART is very fulfilling. It is also a pleasure to work alongside other brilliant community leaders to positively impact the communities we serve.
Instagram: @KaylaAdamsPR https://www.instagram.com/kaylaadamspr/
Facebook: KTA Media Group – Kayla Tucker Adams | Facebook
Twitter: @KaylaAdamsPR
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-tucker-adams-85065aa and @ktamediagroup
