Don't let the picture fool you - Colleen Lippert is more than just the World's Okayest Publicist. The owner and founder of Anchor Publicity has made quite a name for herself here in Music City, with over 100 artists of all genres on her growing roster. She was named a "Rockstar Publicist" by Authority Magazine in January, she was awarded the title of "Best Publicist" from the Young Entertainment Professionals (Nashville division) in March and she's currently nominated for her first Josie Music Award for "PR Company of the Year." The awards are set to take place at the Grand Ole Opry this October and tickets can be purchased here.
We recently had the opportunity to chat with Colleen over some coffee. We wanted to ask her a little bit about her career, but we really wanted to get to know the person behind Anchor Publicity.
Hi, Colleen! It's great to finally meet you. Can you explain a little bit about what a publicist is and what you do at Anchor Publicity?
Thank you for inviting me! A publicist is essentially in charge of ensuring a client is positively written about in the press, both locally and nationally. We organize interviews and TV/radio appearances, create press kits, write press releases and bios, monitor press coverage...sometimes we even join our clients on tour and run meet & greets. There's a lot of planning and scheduling involved with being a publicist. I personally enjoy being behind-the-scenes.
Congratulations on your Josie Award nomination! The official website states that out of the 52,442 submissions, only 1.8% received a nomination. How does it feel to be part of that 1%?
Thank you! Wow! It's very humbling...and completely unexpected. I didn't even know I was up for a nomination until a friend of mine called me and told me. I'm honored, but I am so incredibly happy that some of my very talented female clients (Allison Asarch, Justine Blazer, Kendra & the Bunnies, Carrie Cunningham, Stephanie Rabus) are nominated for several different awards. I feel like a proud mom and they are already winners to me.
You opened your company in 2016. What have you learned about yourself over the last six years?
Life doesn't always go as planned and sometimes you have to make decisions quickly. I've learned that I'm a lot tougher than I thought I was and I trust my instincts more.
At the same time, I think I've also learned to let my guard down a bit. I've realized that not everyone who comes into my life is going to hurt me and it's okay to let people in. My clients have really helped me realize this through their music and I'm constantly learning from them.
Do you remember who your first client was?
Yes! Abbi Scott. I had known her for a couple of years while I was working for another firm. She and her mom reached out when I first opened my company and hired me for PR. I will forever be grateful that they took a chance on me and I just love them for that.
Can you share one of your favorite memories you have as a publicist?
One of my most favorite events to work is the City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game here in Nashville. We've had some big stars participate and it's always an exciting day. It's just so fun to let loose and support a great cause. Working with Brett Michaels at the game was definitely a huge career highlight for me. I was actually still an intern at the time, but he treated me so kindly and was just so down-to-earth. I have always been a big fan of his, but now I'm an even bigger one.
There's a lot going on in the world right now. As a publicist, what advice would you give to artists who are struggling right now?
Give yourself some grace. Disable your comments on social media. Reading the opinions of others can be mentally draining. Avoid talking about sensitive topics on your platforms. Keep writing. Find an outlet that you can channel to escape from the world for a bit. Whether it be a new hobby, reading a book, going for a walk or talking to a friend...do whatever you need to do to feel better. There is so much uncertainty in the world and we are all trying to navigate our "new normal." Just remember that people only post the good things on Facebook and Instagram. We are all on this rollercoaster ride right now and we are all learning together.
Ok, time for some fun entertainment-themed questions. Do you have any celebrity crushes?
Oh, this is fun! Growing up, I was totally in love with Tony Danza and wanted to marry him. It became this running joke between my friends and they loved to pick on me for it. All of my yearbooks have something about Tony Danza in them. I actually got the chance to meet him a couple of times when I was in high school and I completely froze both times. How embarrassing...
Now I really like David Muir. Every night, I get to relax a little bit and watch him on the news. I'm a huge nerd and like to know what's going on in the world. David is able to make everything seem like it's going to be okay, even during the scariest times. I'd just love to have a conversation with him about some of the events he's covered and the people he has met. If you have any connections, let me know!
Has anyone ever said you have a celebrity look-alike?
Ha! Yes. Back when she was campaigning and in the news more, I got Sarah Palin ALL the time. Now, people usually tell me I resemble Laura Prepon. I loved her in Orange is the New Black, so I'll take it!
What was the last book you read?
Chelsea Handler's "Life Will Be the Death of Me" - highly recommend!
Can you tell us one thing that people might not know about you?
I collect dresses from the 1940s and 1950s. My dream closet would include all of the costumes worn in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I feel like I belong in that era.
If you could compare your personality to two different TV characters, who would you choose?
I've never been asked this! How fun! I'm probably a mixture of Angela Bower from Who's the Boss (my favorite show) and Stevie Budd from Schitt's Creek. Angela is a really career-oriented business owner that works in a male-dominated field, which I can relate to. Stevie has a dry wit and she prefers to stay in her own little bubble, like myself, but she's very loyal to the people she loves. Both characters are kind of introverted and shy in their own ways...like me!
Last question. Let's change things up a bit. Do you speak any other languages?
Yes! I speak German. I've lost a little bit of it from lack of use and can probably understand it more than I can speak it now, but I'd be able to find my way around Germany if I ever go.
For more information, you can visit www.anchorpublicity.com and connect with Colleen on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.