PR for the People Spotlight: Visadora Villacarlos
This is a series of interviews with participants in PapaLoDown’s ‘PR for the People workshop’. Hear first hand from amazing people and organizations, who are learning how to amplify their stories in the news, grow their visibility and attract new opportunities.
Meet Visadora Villacarlos, college student and future owner of the historic 7 Mile House restaurant and bar.
What is your background and experience?
My name is Visadora Villacarlos, but I go by Visa mostly. I have grown up in the restaurant industry for 17 years and have worked in it for 9 years at my mom’s establishment, 7 Mile House. I have gone from potato peeler to floor manager throughout the years and have developed an eagerness to learn all parts of the business to eventually own and manage the restaurant myself.
What Public Relations (PR) campaigns were you able to work with during your apprenticeship?
We celebrated our 164th year of the business growing from a humble toll booth into a successful and constantly adapting and thriving bar and family restaurant. During the event, we will be appreciating the business’ history and the patrons who have been supporting us through the ups and downs over the many years we have been open.
What goals do you hope to accomplish through this PR campaign?
I have heard a countless amount of people who have told me that they’ve passed by 7 Mile House many times and have never taken the time to sit down and dine with us. I want to develop that into people being intrigued with our story and our mission so much, that they want to go to 7 Mile House tomorrow. I hope the recognition of our 164 years of business is able to inspire other entrepreneurs to not give up and become stronger coming out of every obstacle especially during these interesting times of the pandemic.
How has the experience of pitching and working with media to amplify the stories in your PR campaigns been like so far?
Pitching and working with media during this campaign was, honestly, a bit nerve wrecking because of the rejection that you might face. However, it was a dilemma I quickly learned to face and triumph over. It taught me that there’s always rainbows after rain. I wound up with more press than I expected for the anniversary. I was amazed by the turn out, proud of myself for being able to get 7 Mile House more known to the public, and forever grateful for PapaLoDown Agency’s guidance to make all of this success possible.
What are a few things you know now about PR that you didn't know before you started?
I realized that it is very important to be persistent with editors. The more they see your name, the more you’ll get recognized in their inbox when you’re getting ready to pitch. To get the most out of your pitch, you have to interact with editors outside of emailing them your pitches. It is necessary to make them familiar with you and your client through their social media accounts and being aware of other articles they publish. I noticed that pitching to TV and radio stations over the phone a day before the event is key to the PR process. I truly believe if I didn’t do that I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere near as much press I did.
What other projects are you working on that we should have on our radar?
7 Mile House will be celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander History Month this May. We have an ube-colada drink now which is absolutely scrumptious with more specials to come! So keep your eyes open for updates on our Facebook and Instagram @7milehouse.