Kiki Ayers: From Homelessness to Multi-Million Dollar PR Firm
In a remarkable tale of perseverance and entrepreneurship, Kiki Ayers has transformed her life from experiencing homelessness to running a successful public relations firm projected to earn $3.7 million this year. Ayers Publicity, founded during Ayers’ most challenging times, has become a testament to her resilience and business acumen.
Ayers’ journey began when she moved from New York to Los Angeles for a job with a musician. After leaving that position, she struggled to find work, leading to a period of homelessness where she sought shelter in friends’ houses, hostels, and even hotel bathrooms.
Undeterred by her circumstances, Ayers began freelancing as an entertainment reporter. Recognizing an opportunity in the numerous PR pitches she received, she taught herself the art of pitching to clients. Starting with a modest fee of $500 per month, Ayers slowly built her client base and saved enough to rent a shared apartment with her brother.
A pivotal moment came in 2018 when Ayers unexpectedly became pregnant. Rather than viewing this as a setback, she used it as motivation to expand her business. She increased her rates from $1,500 to $3,500 per month and saw her business thrive, earning an impressive $160,000 in the last four months of her pregnancy.
Ayers’ business strategy evolved as she shifted focus from celebrity clients to the more lucrative business and tech sectors. This move allowed her to secure $200,000 annual contracts and expand her client roster, necessitating the hiring of additional staff and freelancers.
The company’s financial success is evident, with revenue reaching $3 million in 2024. Ayers attributes this growth to her financial prudence, firm pricing strategy, and willingness to invest in expert help for tasks outside her expertise.
Beyond her business success, Ayers is committed to giving back. She has founded MyBestKidLife, a nonprofit focused on education, disaster relief, and supporting low-income families, inspired by her own experiences with adversity.
Kiki Ayers’ story is not just one of personal triumph, but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs facing seemingly insurmountable odds.