#WIB -Q&A With Jacki McEwen Founding Partner of Eclipse Communications
1.Can you please tell us more about your business?
A. Over its 20+ year history, Eclipse Communications has evolved into more than just a Public Relations (PR) agency. Today, the agency also offers digital media strategy and execution, content creation, influencer management and relations, event management and production, and more.
The agency’s success story is rooted in an uncompromising and bold commitment to a diversity of people, skill sets, cross-functional teams and a ‘can-do’ entrepreneurial spirit – responding to clients with insights and agility.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
A. I spent my school holidays assisting at a leading Cape Town PR agency where my mother was employed. It is here that my passion for the profession was born, and my motivation to complete a Diploma, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in the field.
When investing in a 10-year endowment policy at the age of 21, I was asked what I would do with the money, a decade on. My answer was unequivocal – I would be opening my own PR agency. This dream became a reality when, at the age of 26, I opened the doors of Eclipse Communications (then Meier & McEwen) with a borrowed computer, a phone line, a newborn baby on my lap, and a great deal of drive and ambition.
Cape Union Mart, Master Builders Association and GVK were the first clients to sign up to the agency, and all remain clients to this day, two decades on. Over the years, global megabrands, the likes of Netflix, P&G, Heineken, Nespresso, Pfizer, Coca-Cola and many more have joined the agency,
3. What is your role in the business?
A. Although I consider myself to be a career publicist, my current role in the business is new business development, and strategy – with a passion for, and primary focus on consumer and entertainment PR.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
A. I studied for a Diploma in Public Relations at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (then Cape Technikon); followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations. I also have a certificate in Digital Marketing from UCT.
5. How did you finance your business?
A. Fortunately, the PR industry doesn’t require a tremendous amount of capital outlay. I started the business with a borrowed computer from one of my first and longest-standing clients, a phone line, and not much else. I was fortunate enough to have a client from day one so as to pay myself a small salary.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
A. There is no such thing as a normal day and no two days are ever the same. The only constant is that I start every day with a gym session and close every day with meditation. In between: an average day will consist of internal and external meetings; new business pitches; writing strategies and weighing in on creative work. I also make time to field calls from my team who sometimes just want an ear or to bounce an idea off.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
A. Balance is difficult; and something I am only now, 21 years on, starting to achieve, with an exceptional business partner and leadership team in place who have allowed me to take a step back from the day-to-day.
When you are growing a client-service business from scratch, the sad reality is that home life takes a back seat. I often joke that my 21-year-old son brought himself up – but in truth, I had enormous support from my family – my mother in particular.
When I step out from behind my laptop, as a creative and wordsmith at heart, I can be found painting, drawing, doing crossword puzzles and other word games, reading, dancing (not all at the same time), and travelling (with my laptop of course).
8. What drives you and inspires you?
A. I am driven by positive feedback and the knowledge that our business is constantly building and growing a team of talented, empowered people who will take the lead in the next generation of communications specialists.
My inspiration comes from the beauty I get to witness and promote in the arts and entertainment field. Visual art, performance, photography, design, choreography, and everything in between.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
A. Many of my best ideas have come to me in a dream.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
A. We have been incredibly fortunate over the years in that most of our leads have come from referrals from clients, staff and suppliers who are happy to recommend our services. That said, award recognition (especially after winning the Best Large PR Agency PRISM Award 2020); social media engagement, and a well-optimised website have all contributed.
11. What is next for your business?
A. The past few years has seen significant growth in the business; having secured the publicity, social media and corporate PR work for Netflix – necessitating separate and dedicated business units for each; our Johannesburg Corporate Centre of Excellence growing at a rapid rate under the leadership of our Johannesburg MD, and launching two new streams (a design and events stream called Collide, and an arts and entertainment stream called AMPlify). The next few years will see us continue to grow into Africa, with affiliate agencies already in place in Kenya and Nigeria, and we are in the process of launching an owned office in Mauritius.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
A. There is never a perfect time to start a business. There will always be a good reason not to. But similarly, there will never be a better time than now. If it is your dream to do so – go there. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Lean on the network you have built. Call in favours. Don’t be afraid of hard work and sacrifice. But know that you have everything you need within you to succeed. Ask, believe, and receive.
Short Bio:
Jacki McEwen is the Founding Partner of Eclipse Communications and an industry veteran, publicist and communications strategist. With over 20 years of experience in PR, Jacki has led strategy on some of the world’s leading corporate and consumer lifestyle brands including Coca-Cola, Netflix, Nespresso, P&G and many more.
Jacki is the driving force behind strategy development at Eclipse’s Cape Town offices and under her leadership, the agency has garnered several accolades.
Contact Information:
Email: info@eclipsepr.co.za
Instagram: @EclipseComms
Twitter: @EclipsePR
Facebook: Eclipse Communications
Website: Eclipsepr.co.za