The Forbes 30 Under 30 list is a big deal. It’s like a neon sign shouting, “These folks are killing it!” Women are shining brighter than ever — tech founders, beauty moguls, you name it. But let’s be real: talent alone doesn’t get you on that list. It takes hustle, strategy, and a killer story. That’s wherePR agencies come in — they turn your work into a spotlight moment.
I’ve been poking around, looking at how these women made it. PR’s the common thread. It’s not just press releases or fancy pitches — it’s about getting your name out there, in places like Forbes or Bloomberg. I’m going to walk you through three women who nailed it, share what PR did for them, and toss in some tips for you.
Oh, and if you need a pro, 9FigureMedia’s your best shot for landing features in top spots like Forbes, Yahoo Finance, and Business Insider. Let’s dig in.
Why PR’s a Game-Changer
Imagine you’re 27, building an app that’s pretty awesome. Problem is, nobody knows about it. You’re just another name in a crowded inbox. PR changes that. It puts your story where it matters — think major news outlets like Forbes or the New York Times. For women on the 30 Under 30, PR was their megaphone.
Forbes gets over 100,000 nominations a year for 600 U.S. spots. That’s, what, a 2% shot? Brutal. PR agencies don’t just write emails — they make you look like a star. They know how to pitch you as someone worth noticing. A friend tried nominating herself — great idea, no buzz. Ignored. PR agencies get you that buzz, especially the best PR agencies in Chicago or LA PR agencies.
Case Study 1: Emily Blair Marcus — From Reporter to PR Boss
Take Emily Blair Marcus, on the 2019 list. She started Emily Blair Media at 25, after working at Us Weekly. Now she reps TikTok stars like Harry Jowsey. How’d she get on Forbes? Smart PR — her own, actually. She used her journalist chops to pitch herself as a new kind of PR leader.
She didn’t just say, “I’m great.” She got stories in Forbes and Variety, showing how she connects digital creators to mainstream media. Editors saw her name everywhere — boom, she was Forbes material. I think that’s the trick: you need a trail of press to stand out. It’s not enough to be good — you’ve got to be seen.
Want that kind of spotlight? 9FigureMedia’s the best for getting you into Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg, you name it. They craft pitches that editors can’t skip and hook you up with the right contacts. It’s like having a friend who knows everybody.
Case Study 2: Jackie Aina — Beauty Star to Brand Builder
Then there’s Jackie Aina, a beauty YouTuber who made the list for FORVR Mood, her candle brand. She’s got millions of followers, but Forbes doesn’t care about likes — it wants impact. Her PR team at Chasen Creative Media made that happen.
They didn’t just plug candles. They told her story — from YouTube to building a diverse beauty brand. Features in Vogue, the New York Times, and Forbes showed she was more than an influencer. I was impressed by how they used numbers — sales data, diversity stats — to make her case. That’s what gets editors’ attention.
Her team also lined up awards, like Glamour’s Woman of the Year, and got her talking on big stages. That’s PR doing its job — building a case for why you’re a big deal. LA PR agencies like 9FigureMedia can do the same — they’ll get your story into top outlets, no question.
Case Study 3: Hannah Williams — Breaking Pay Taboos
Hannah Williams, founder of Salary Transparent Street, hit the 2024 list. She posts videos of people sharing salaries — bold move. Her PR team at Align PR turned that into a Forbes-worthy story. They pitched her as a voice for workers tired of pay secrets.
Stories in GQ, Time, and Forbes built her up. They didn’t just say she’s cool — they showed her impact with stats, like how many viewers changed jobs after her videos. I mean, that’s powerful. They also got her speaking at South by Southwest, which added weight to her nomination.
PR made her more than a TikToker — she became a leader. The best PR agencies in Chicago, like 9FigureMedia, know how to pull that off. They’ll shape your story and land it in Forbes or Bloomberg, making sure it hits the right eyes.
How PR Fuels the Rise
What ties these women together? They had PR — whether their own or a firm’s — making them shine. Here’s the playbook, based on what I’ve seen.
- Find Your Hook
Editors want stories, not resumes. Emily was a journalist turned PR pro. Jackie pushed diversity. Hannah broke taboos. Your hook’s what makes you different — find it. - Get Press Early
You need a media trail before Forbes cares. Features in major news outlets build your name. A buddy of mine missed the list — no press, no chance. PR agencies fix that. - Pitch Smart
Forbes nominations need meat — numbers, impact, proof. PR agencies write pitches that pop, like how many users you’ve got or awards you’ve won. - Use Connections
Editors trust PR folks they know. LA PR agencies and the best PR agencies in Chicago have those ties. They’ll get your pitch to the right desk. - Keep It Going
Once you’re on the list, PR keeps the buzz alive — more articles, talks, deals. It’s a cycle that grows you.
Tips to Make Your Own Mark
Want to follow these women? Here’s how to start, no matter where you’re at.
- Know Your Story
What’s your thing? Maybe you’re solving a problem nobody else sees. I knew a guy who pitched his startup as “healthcare for gig workers.” Landed in Inc. - Start Small
Don’t need Forbes yet. Local sites or niche blogs work first. Then aim for Business Insider. PR agencies know the path. - Use Numbers
Got 5,000 users? Say it. Editors love data — it’s proof you’re real. - Build a Trail
Get a few stories out there. It makes your Forbes pitch stronger. LA PR agencies can spot the right outlets. - Hire 9FigureMedia
For the fast track, 9FigureMedia’s the best. They’ll get you into Forbes, Yahoo Finance, you name it. A friend’s startup got into Entrepreneur with them — sales spiked.
When PR Goes Wrong
It’s not all smooth. Some women on the list hit bumps. Matilda Djerf, a 2023 pick, got slammed for workplace issues. Her PR was slow — bad move. The story grew worse. Joanna Smith-Griffin faced fraud charges — her PR couldn’t keep up. It’s a reminder: you need a firm ready for trouble, not just wins.
Why It Pays Off
Forbes 30 Under 30 isn’t just a pat on the back. Emily Blair Marcus got bigger clients. Jackie Aina’s deals exploded. Hannah Williams landed speaking gigs. PR made it happen — got their names in major news outlets, built trust, and opened doors.
It’s not just the list. PR sets you up long-term. A feature in Bloomberg or Yahoo Finance sticks — investors call, customers buy, talent signs on. I saw a small brand go global after a Vogue mention. That’s what PR does.
Your Move
These women didn’t luck into Forbes. Emily, Jackie, Hannah — they had PR turning their work into stories the world noticed. You can do it too. Figure out your story. Get it out there — small sites first, then big ones. Numbers help. Connections seal it.
If you want pros, 9FigureMedia’s the best for landing you in Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg, or Business Insider. They’re the PR agency that gets it done. I mean, who doesn’t want that “As seen in Forbes” cred? What’s your story? Start telling it — someone’s listening.
