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Erica Dias and The B Firm PR

Published on April 15, 2019, at 4:33 p.m.
by Dasia Greer.

As a teenager, Erica Dias had dreams of becoming a wardrobe stylist. Following those dreams, Dias went on to obtain a fashion merchandising degree from San Francisco City College and a cosmetology license. After graduating, she began working in television as a wardrobe stylist for several companies, including Dorito, Comcast and Macy’s. After working as a wardrobe stylist for many years, Dias then started doing freelance PR with her sister, Ashley Jernigan. They decided to merge Dias’s expertise in the fields of fashion and beauty with Jernigan’s expertise in hospitality to create The B Firm PR.

Named after their father, The B Firm PR has morphed into a boutique publicity and marketing firm with locations in Atlanta, Montgomery and San Francisco. It represents clients in a wide variety of sectors, including hospitality, fashion and beauty, entertainment, lifestyle and sports.

Dias believes being thorough in her initial consultations with clients sets the foundation for effective personal relationships and business ventures. “When consulting with clients, I want to know their day-to-day situations and how PR is going to fit into their life,” Dias said. “PR is a personal relationship. I’m trying to get to know them as much as I can in that consultation.”

Photo via Erica’s Table of 20

As an extension of The B Firm PR, Dias launched her signature networking series titled “Erica’s Table of 20” in 2015. Each Table of 20 event is hosted in a different city, and 20 people are selected to receive a golden ticket to attend.

“When I moved to Atlanta, I kept meeting the same people at the same events. I wanted to create something that I can use to network, fellowship and engage with other people in a relaxed setting while we share our stories,” said Dias. Dias celebrated her 31st Table of 20 this past summer, and the 32nd will take place in May in Nigeria, LA or Chicago.

With Dias spearheading the fashion, beauty, entertainment and sports sectors of their firm and Jernigan dominating the hospitality sector, these sisters are collectively building a PR empire.

Dias and Jernigan wholeheartedly cherish their multidimensional relationship. “My sister has been a major part of the growth and development of our firm and even my personal growth,” said Dias. “Us being able to balance having a sisterhood and a business has strengthened our relationship tremendously.”

Jernigan stands in agreement with her sister’s description of their personal and business relationship. “The triumphs and tribulations of our business have brought us closer together, because no matter how hard things get, our sisterhood is stronger than any issue.”

Dias encourages college students to intern and gain experience in their preferred fields. “Intern, intern, intern — I can’t stress it enough. With no internships under your belt, it won’t be as easy,” Dias said. “Seek knowledge through experience.”

Photo via Abbie Carter Franklin

Gained from more than 10 years in the PR field, Dias has a wealth of knowledge readily available to those pursuing careers in PR.

Erica’s words of wisdom
“Where your focus goes your energy flows. Focus on the focus. Set your eyes on the prize. If you want to master something, focus on that and everything else will fall into place.”

“Building strategic, authentic, important relationships is important in the world of PR. Be direct, be clear, be kind and be professional at all times.”

“You can’t be the Jackie of all trades and master none.”

“Know that PR is a process, not a product. Do not expect instantaneous results.”

As a result of her hard work, Dias is the PR genius behind many high-profile entertainment stars, such as Dianna Williams from the hit Lifetime reality show “Bring It.” Dias also represents corporations such as world-renowned Bronner Bros, nonprofit organizations, athletes and multibillion-dollar fashion and beauty brands.

“I credit all of my success to God,” Dias said. “Every morning when I wake up, I am ready to attack, and I have a positive outlook on my journey and what’s to come.”

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