November 17, 2014 |
Unlike their European counterparts, Los Angeles PRs don’t offer kisses in the sign-offs of their emails.
Sanjar is no exception to this rule of immediate affection being a bit of a no-go area. And yet the indication that her heart and soul are poured into everything she does for her boutique agency, La Chambre Public Relations, is immediate, describing that it’s essentially all about, “Honesty, kindness, integrity and working very, very, very hard.”
How long have you lived in LA?
“My entire life.”
Why did you move to LA?
“I actually grew up in a beautiful city called Palos Verdes, but for professional reasons we had to move into the city. Running a fashion-PR firm on the bluffs of Palos Verdes isn’t so easy – although doesn’t that sound heavenly?“
What’s your favourite thing to do in LA?
“There is so much LA has to offer. Some of my favourite things are this great hip-hop class – Groov3 – in Echo Park, driving down the coast, spending time outdoors because of the beautiful weather. There are great restaurants. The list goes on.”
How would you define yourself?
“I think I am defined by my family and the agency I run. Love, hard work and laughter.”
Why did you decide to do what you do?
“I ask myself that question every day. Just kidding. I love working with brands and gaining exposure for them. Starting my own firm was inevitable because I wasn’t that girl you could dictate things to. You could direct me, but nobody was going to tell me what to do and how.”
What would you say are the essentials to becoming well known in your profession?
“You must also find peace with the fact that you won’t always be given the credit you might want or think you deserve. But what we do isn’t about that. It’s about building others.”
What do you do to relax?
“I retreat to Palos Verdes and disappear for the weekend.”
What do you do for fun?
“Laughing with my friends. Movie night. Game night. Family time. Sitting on my couch in the dark, watching bad television. Fun!”
Is there anything you would like to do but never seem to have the time?
“Actually properly explore the places I get to travel to for work.”
What is the most ridiculous rumour you’ve heard about yourself? Is it true?
“I haven’t really heard any rumours about myself.”
Have you “arrived”?
“I guess I will believe I’ve made it once I hear a rumour about myself.”
Have you been to Disneyland? What was your favourite ride?
“Let’s just say I am an annual pass holder. Space Mountain or bust.”
Photographer: Maria Ziegelboeck
By Vincent Levy
