Briahna Jenais Gatlin Architect of Influence: How One Chicago Publicist Built Swank PR into a Cultural Powerhouse

Chicago — In the frenetic world of entertainment publicity, where trends flicker faster than social media feeds and headlines blur into noise, there are few voices with the clarity and conviction of Briahna Jenais Gatlin. As the Founder and CEO of Swank Public Relations (Swank PR), Gatlin has quietly — and consistently — shaped narratives, championed artists, and positioned brands at the intersection of culture and commerce. What began as a passion project in the mid-2000s has become, over nearly two decades, a legacy etched into the city of Chicago and beyond.

From Journalist to PR Innovator

Gatlin’s journey into media began long before the age of Instagram announcements and viral press drops. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a degree in magazine journalism, she cut her teeth in editorial rooms — writing for The Source, XXL Magazine, Mass Appeal, AllHipHop.com and the RedEye Tribune. Her early work ranged from artist biographies to concert reviews, pieces that honed not just her writing but her instinct for cultural nuance and timing. 

Her editorial sensibilities weren’t academic abstractions — they were a foundation. Internships at VIBE Magazine, Impact Magazine and N’Digo Magapaper taught Gatlin how media ecosystems worked at their core. She saw firsthand how narratives were made, how influence propagated and — critically — how individuals became brands. It was in these formative years that her goals began to shift. Gatlin realized that her love for music could be married to her instincts for storytelling, but not from the reporter’s seat — from the architect’s. 

Swank PR: A Boutique With a Big Voice

In September 2007, Gatlin launched what would become Swank Public Relations, a boutique agency rooted in Chicago but built on globally relevant strategies. Her vision was simple: tailor campaigns, narratives, and media engagement not as a formula — but as a culture conversation. 

Swank PR quickly became known for personalized, full-service publicity: artist branding, media placement, event coordination, strategic partnerships, and image consulting. But what distinguished Swank wasn’t the services — it was the philosophy. Gatlin treated PR like art. Not merely exposure, but expression — a medium through which identities could be shaped with intention. “PR is having a creative mind,” she told Vocalo Radio, emphasizing that publicity is not a press release but an artwork of strategy and influence. 

Making the Roster — Artists, Icons, and Cultural Catalysts

From its earliest days, Swank PR’s clientele reflected Gatlin’s deep roots in music and culture. She has aligned her firm with some of the most impactful names in entertainment:

• G.O.O.D. Music affiliates
• Jay-Z and LeBron James via Eighty81
• Lupe Fiasco Foundation & Chance The Rapper
• Raekwon and Wu-Tang Clan affiliates
• Mos Def and Chrisette Michele
• Sway Calloway (MTV), Complex Magazine, and New Era Cap Brand
• Grey Goose, Hennessy Black, and national lifestyle brands  

These names represent more than resumes — they define a cultural bridge between grassroots artistry and mainstream recognition.

Gatlin’s reputation was solidified in 2013 when she was named Music Publicist of the Year by Chicago notable Mary Datcher and Global Mixx — recognition that wasn’t just about volume, but impact. 

Beyond the Press Kit: A Community Builder

Swank PR did more than place stories — it curated ecosystems. Gatlin’s leadership extended into community initiatives and cultural festivals. In The TRiiBE, she shared her ambition to bring back the block party — social, inclusive events rooted deeply in neighborhood culture — through the Purple Block Party in Garfield Park. With family-friendly wellness zones, live performances from West Side talent, and a commitment to accessibility, Gatlin translated her PR ethos into experiential community engagement. 

This was not a pivot into events as an afterthought; it was a deliberate expansion of Swank’s influence into spaces that matter — where stories are lived, not just reported.

The Woman Behind the Brand

Ask Gatlin about her work ethic and she won’t speak in buzzwords. Interviews reveal a relentless drive built on resilience: the long nights chasing coverage, the mentorship lessons, the lean years when Swank existed on grit and reputation more than profit. In a candid profile with Shoutout Atlanta, she said the toughest part of her business was maintaining momentum — not for fame, but for survival. And survive she did — for 15+ years in an industry where longevity is rare. 

She credits family — especially her mother — for not just moral support but practical investment, reminding us that behind many entrepreneurial success stories are caretakers willing to bet on belief. 

Setting the Standard — and the Next Chapter

Today, Swank PR stands as a testament to what thoughtful, durable publicity can accomplish. It’s not the loudest voice in PR that wins — but the most strategic. Gatlin’s continued involvement in media consulting, mentorship, and industry panels at events like SXSW and A3C signal that her influence extends beyond client rosters and press clippings. 

As the media landscape evolves — faster than ever — Gatlin’s work challenges a core principle: influence is not a moment, it’s a movement. In the crowded storytelling era, she’s chosen to build narratives that last.

And in Chicago’s cultural corridors — from West Side streets to global stages — her story is one that refuses to be quiet.