Lisa R. Jenkins on Wednesday deemed it necessary to pause and briefly pay homage to arguably two of the most influential individuals with whom she’s ever crossed paths.
Her father, Larry Jenkins, and her godmother, Sheila McNary.
By and large, is it because of these two beloved persons that Jenkins — with God, her Helper, leading the way — is steadfastly walking in her divine purpose.
“(They) have each been small business owners for almost 20 years,” Jenkins told longtime journalist Andre Johnson. “So I have to say they have both been my biggest inspirations. In general, I have always admired people who started their own businesses on sheer passion for their craft.”
As it pertains to one fortifying passion for his/her work, it’s safe to assume that Jenkins undoubtedly has a strong admiration for hers.
A longtime Communications professional and freelance reporter, Jenkins is owner and chief executive officer of KRA Communications.
A Chicago-based full service public relations firm that is a little more than a month removed from its much-anticipated inception, KRA Communications is dedicated largely to providing small businesses and entrepreneurs a vast array of services, most notably content creation, event planning and management, press release generation, social media composition, cover letters and resume updating, as well as other writing or editing services as needed.
“I have always been one who functioned by the beat of my own drum and have always really enjoyed expressing myself through writing,” Jenkins, a former competitive long distance runner, said while explaining how her competitive drive through sports helped propelled her to start a business. “I pursued many industries before I realized communications was my calling though.”
Her distinctly unique and divine calling, to her credit, ultimately gave way to her longstanding mission for such a time as this, for such a God-ordained harvest season at this elevating, progressive stage in her life.
Surely, it had been a long time coming. Fortunately for Jenkins, though, her much-anticipated entrepreneurship breakthrough has finally come to pass.
“My personal mission is to bring awareness, create interest, stimulate demand and reinforce the culture of the brands of my clients,” Jenkins explained. “Public Relations isn’t simply promoting a person or a service. It takes your business or your brand and puts it in lights. This helps create an image of your company and the possibility of well-rounded patronage.”
A native of Chicago, Jenkins still resides in the Windy City, where she had emerged as a fixture in the Communications industry long before the birth of KRA Communications.
LOG ON RIGHT NOW: www.kracommunications.com.
Having been raised in Chicago’s historic Hyde Park community, Jenkins attended nearby Kenwood Academy. Consequently, she enrolled at Chicago State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism.
Aside from managing and overseeing the day-to-day operations of KRA Communications, Jenkins is a frequent contributor for Gazette Chicago, an award-winning, monthly newspaper that serves the greater West/Tri-Taylor, University Village/UIC South Campus, West Loop, South Loop, West Haven, Bridgeport/Armour Square, Bronzeville, Chinatown, West Town, and Heart of Chicago communities of the third most populous city in America.
Currently, Jenkins said her business has amassed clients in Chicago and New York, a clear indication that KRA Communications’ biggest and brightest days are well ahead of them.
“I think that an ounce of inspiration goes a long way,” Jenkins said. “Having someone believe in an idea you have can give you that extra push you need to try something new when you are doubting yourself and afraid of failure. A perfect example is I have talked for the past few years about wanting to go into PR, but fear of the unknown stopped me. For the past three years, I have watched my daughter Kayla push through adversity while she pursues her Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management.
CHI TOWN’S FINEST — A longtime Communications professional and freelance reporter, Lisa Jenkins is owner and chief executive officer of KRA Communications. A Chicago-based full service public relations firm that is a little more than a month removed from its much-anticipated inception, KRA Communications is dedicated largely to providing small businesses and entrepreneurs a vast array of services, most notably content creation, event planning and management, press release generation, social media composition, cover letters and resume updating, as well as other writing or editing services as needed.
“She is my daily motivation and six months ago I decided to go back to school to pursue a Professional Certificate in Public Relations in the digital world,” Jenkins continued. “After I was accepted into Loyola University’s Continuing Education Program, I started looking for jobs in PR. During that pursuit, I was pushed by a friend to start my own business instead, and KRA Communications was officially born.”
All of which sums up why on Wednesday, she deemed it essential to pay homage to arguably two of the influential individuals with whom she’s ever crossed paths.
“Since then, I make it my mission to be an inspiration and support to others,” Jenkins said.
All while displaying her customary signature smile in the process.
For more information on KRA Communications, call 708-426-8920, or send email to: [email protected].
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.
Andre Johnson is a senior writer for MemphiSport. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send an email to memphi[email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.
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