Jessica Huie

Background

Huie was born in Paddington (London, United Kingdom) to an English mother and Jamaican father.

Career

Huie"s first role in the media sector was at the age of 17 when she began working as an office junior for Connie Filipello Publicity. In 1999 Huie joined Max Clifford Associates as a press consultant, completing an internship while studying a degree in journalism, and then joining the firm as a public relations consultant - a role she held from 2004-2008. Huie has worked as a freelance reporter specialising in entertainment news for a variety of organisations, including British Broadcasting Corporation London Radio (Amina Taylor Show), Choice FM (Dave VJ Show), Pride Magazine and the Sunday Mirror / Daily Mirror.

In 2006 Huie founded Color blind cards - the first greeting card company to supply mainstream greeting card retailers in the United Kingdom with cards that celebrated racial and ethnic diversity.

In 2009 Huie expanded the presence of the business into South Africa, and then in 2013 the business also expanded into the United States market. On her departure from Max Clifford Associates in 2008, Huie founded JH Public Relations - an agency providing public relations services to celebrities, entrepreneurs, and high profile brands.

She was part of a round table on enterprise with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. She was a franchisee of Forward Ladies.

Huie has performed a number of public speaking engagements and was presenter of the Precious for women of colour in business 2010-2012.

Huie is an active public speaker and ambassador for youth, enterprise and social mobility, giving her time at numerous schools, entrepreneurial organisations and charities. In 2014 JH Public Relations partnered with Kruger Cowne Talent Management agency, whose clients include Sir Bob Geldof, Boris Becker, Lily Cole, Amanda Wakeley and Emmanuel Jal.

Achievements

• Glamour Magazine "Power List" March 2011 Courvoisier Future 500, June 2009 Winner of Daily Mail"s Enterprising Young Brit, November 2007 Red Magazine ’35 under 35’ 2010 Evening Standard Inspirational Entrepreneur, January 2007 Precious Entrepreneur of the Year, November 2007 Best Start-up, European Federation of Black Women Business Owners, December 2007 Observer"s Entrepreneurs to watch, January 2008 Became Fellow of the Republic of South Africa 2013 National Diversity Award 2013 Administration Member of the Order of the British Empire 2014.

Membership

She was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (Administration Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2014 Birthday Honours for services to entrepreneurship and positive influence on community.