Meet Stephanie Casola | Founder of Prologue, a PR, event and content marketing firm

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Casola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

Work-Life balance wasn’t the sort of thing that was modeled to me growing up. It wasn’t part of my experience in my professional career. It was a buzzword that agencies seemed to throw around during interviews as I rose through the ranks in public relations. It sounded fantastic. But was it possible? I wasn’t sure.

I was raised by two tremendously hard-working parents. They taught me to take my education seriously, study hard and work for what I wanted to achieve in life. I am grateful for it. But it also meant I had to adjust a lot of my thinking and approach to my profession years down the line. It wasn’t until years into owning my own business – Prologue – that I could begin to understand how to achieve a balance. And 7 years after founding my PR firm, I can say I still struggle to put my own needs ahead of my professional abilities. But I know how to walk the link in a much healthier way.

My father used to say if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything. I think of that often. Gone are the days of forgetting to eat for hours on end, choosing work over regular visits to the gym or time with friends and family.

I still have to draw those lines distinctly for myself. I literally schedule in time on my calendar to make a healthy lunch or take a walk. I remind myself to slam a laptop shut for the weekend or disconnect when possible on a trip. Balance is crucial. I am better equipped to handle my work and run my business when I have taken time away. But let me tell you, that guilty feeling never completely fades when you’ve been taught that working 24/7 is necessary to survive.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Established in 2016, I always say we are public relations and digital marketing professionals who grew up in a newsroom. There’s something specific about working as a journalist that trains you to meticulously handle nearly any unexpected crisis that comes your way – and do it on a tight deadline. I worked in journalism for more than a decade before translating those skills into a PR and digital marketing career and finally founding my own business. Re-invention wasn’t something I would have anticipated going into my journalism career, yet it’s become a necessary skill.

Of course, starting a business wasn’t easy. I held off the idea of it for years thinking I couldn’t manage the budgeting and uncertainty. As it turns out, those challenges exist in every kind of job. By working for myself, starting my own business, I was able to gain control over the kind of work I do. I could focus on the creative professionals whose missions and visions aligned with my own.

That’s where the best kind of work can be found. Success will follow. I had to learn to stop worrying and stay focused on my own professional goals. I truly believe that’s the key to achieving anything you want in life. Where you put your energy, you will see results.

I based Prologue on my long-held belief that every individual – every business – has a story. That’s what Prologue helps our clients seek out, define and share. We work in tandem to uncover those stories. Then, we strategically plan and connect with media on the platforms and spaces most suitable for each client to help achieve their specific goals. We work primarily in the art, design, food and beverage spaces.

We have seen time and again that we are stronger when we are authentically ourselves. From sustainable winemaking to fostering an employee-first philosophy to creating art meant to connect us to one another, our clients are paving their own paths – and it’s been a joy to see them thrive.

Prologue earned its name because we often work with businesses as they are starting up, launching a new product or restructuring in some way. It’s a new starting point and the perfect time to think about how that work will be received by a larger audience. Our services include: Public Relations, Media Relations, Community Relations, Branding, Event Promotion, Consulting, Content, Editing and Digital Media Advising.

I am proud to say our clients have stayed with us for years and we are honored to be part of their growth and success. We occasionally take on smaller projects but our core is retainer-based, long-term work. Unlike other PR agencies, at Prologue we often stay under-the-radar. We would rather shine a spotlight on our clients – and diligently work to share their stories – than seek the spotlight for ourselves.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Metro Detroit is the kind of place where you need a host or roadmap to seek out the best the region has to offer. And you’ll be delighted you did.

Here’s a list of some must-see places I might recommend to any visitor in the area:

Where to stay: Shinola Hotel in Detroit or The Daxton Hotel in Birmingham – both offer luxury stays in a walkable area where you can explore.

Where to dine:
We’re quick to name Hazel’s in Birmingham – the only restaurant we know that changes its seafood menu seasonally to create a coastal experience that mirrors the best menus from Maine to San Diego, New Orleans to the Low Country.

Farther north, Sylvan Table puts the farm in Farm-to-Table dining.

In Detroit proper, we love places like Freya, Folk, Grey Ghost, Ima, Barda and newcomers like Bar Pigalle and La Supreme.

Experiences:
Grab coffee and donuts at Yellow Light and drive over to Belle Isle for a hike, bike ride or casual beach day in the summer. It’s an island park on the Detroit River that overlooks the city and our neighbors in Windsor, Ontario Canada.

Spend a day in the museum district with visits to the Detroit Historical Museum, Motown Museum, Charles H. Wright Museum and the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA).

See a movie at the DIA’s Detroit Film Theatre or Redford Theatre and indulge in Detroit Style Pizza at its original home, Buddy’s Pizza, or opt for thin crust at Supino’s.

Start a Saturday morning biking the Dequindre Cut or running along the Detroit Riverwalk and plan a stop at Red Hook – Greenway for coffee and treats before heading back to Eastern Market, an historic farmers’ market where you can find fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables and locally-crafted goods.

Spend a day shopping some of Detroit’s best stores – Coup d’Etat, Urbanum, El Dorado General Store, Third Man Records, City Bird, John King Books and All Things Marketplace – then sip a glass of wine at The Royce or grab a beer at Batch Brewery or 8 Degrees Plato.

Catch a game at Comerica Park or Ford Field – or a concert at The Majestic or El Club.

Meet up with friends at Spot Lite or Ladder 4 Wine Bar in Detroit or at Urbanrest Brewery in Ferndale.

Marvel at the architecture inside and outside The Guardian Building, then wander up to Campus Martius Park with its fountain and flurry of activities – ice skating or a sandy beach, depending on the season, then walk by the Spirit of Detroit and around Hart Plaza along the scenic riverfront.

Want something sweet? Don’t miss stops at Warda Patisserie, Cannelle Patisserie, Sister Pie and Bon Bon Bon.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

There are so many people who contribute to my success in journalism, public relations and now as a business owner. The idea to dive into entrepreneurship wasn’t mine – it was suggested for years by many people I trust.

A turning point came when my close friend Stacey Davis Sims chose to hang her own shingle as the Law Firm of Stacey Davis. She broke the news to me in an unforgettable way – we met up for high tea at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. It was infinitely inspiring to see her take all she’d accomplished in entertainment law and see her working on her own terms.

And she’s so much more than a trusted lawyer – she’s an accomplished writer, film producer and director, a fantastic friend, wife and mother of two. She never hesitates to go full speed ahead with a new endeavor. Backed by strong morals, talent and drive, I knew she could achieve anything.

A year after she started her firm, she served as my advisor and my inspiration as I took the first steps to starting my own PR firm. There would be no Prologue without her. And my life has so completely transformed since those nervous first days as a business owner in 2016. Thank you, Stacey.

Website: www.prologuedetroit.com

Instagram: @prodetroit

Image Credits
Photographer Marvin Shaouni