Tamar Juda of Last Word PR

Tamar Juda is a woman with a voice, a vision, and a message. Born and raised in Bethlehem, PA she is currently living in what she refers to as "the best city in the world" New York City aka Manhattan. She is not only the founder and president of Last Word PR located in the city that never sleeps, but one of the sharpest publicists in music.  Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Tamar Juda directly about life, liberty, and music. Here is what she had to tell me...

(Q) Hey Tamar. How are you? Tell me a little more about Last Word PR...

Hey there – I’m great! Last Word PR is a full service public relations firm, specializing in music and entertainment. I rep all facades of the music business including producers, rappers, DJs, singers, songwriters, etc.

(Q) Let's talk inspiration! What inspired you to create Last Word PR?

I’m really fortunate that my family gave me the encouragement to go out on my own when I wanted to back in 2008. They all said, “You got this! Go ahead and take the leap…” and ya know what, they were right. You need to listen to your gut (and your family in my case for the extra push) and just go for it when it feels right.

I think it’s important for people to do what comes naturally to them, and working in PR/being a publicist came naturally to me from the start. I knew that I would probably want to start my own company one day; I just didn’t realize that day would come as early as it did in my career. It also didn’t hurt that I had loyal clients.

(Q) Why do you love working in the PR industry?

I love being a publicist and the various aspects that come along with the job. I enjoy the fast pace world of PR, pitching, writing, the creativity, thinking on my feet and helping to usher my clients’ projects out there to the fans in both new and classic ways. It’s incredibly gratifying to pitch something for months and finally open up a magazine and see the feature you secured, or turn on the TV and watch your artist perform – it never gets old for me!

This job and industry isn’t for everyone, but I’ve been fortunate to work with so many incredible artists (and their teams), producers and DJs. It’s a constant grind and finding new ways to challenge yourself to always be better than your last placement. I find it to be an honor to have access and work with great writers and editors, print media, websites, blogs, TV shows/production companies as well as huge corporations that want to collaborate with my clients.

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t remember that there is a younger version of myself just waiting to take my place, and I’ll tell you something, that alone is enough motivation for me to give my clients my very best everyday.

(Q) Who are some of your clients? Currently, what has been happening at the agency?

I rep Lil Jon, SKAM Artist (a DJ booking and management agency), 8ky 6lu (of LMFAO) as well as singer Mahogany LOX. I’m incredibly proud to work with all of my clients…they’re doing big things and making amazing music.

Folks are usually astounded that I’ve worked with Lil Jon since 2005. I’ve learned a great deal from him [and his team] by working on his various projects and business ventures. I’m lucky because he gives me the space and trust to let me do my job and I think that’s why it’s worked so well all these years. People used to ask me “Where is Lil Jon anyway?” and I always responded the same – he never went anywhere, and frankly he’s everywhere! He’s been DJing around the world (including a DJ residency at the Wynn/Encore in Las Vegas), he was a fan-favorite both times he was on NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice and of course has had tremendous success recently with “Turn Down For What” and “Bend Ova.” I’m honored to be on his team and we’ve got some new exciting things in the works!

Sujit Kundu started SKAM Artist and it’s grown a lot with a roster of over 65 DJs & hosts. It’s a powerhouse agency and I’ve had many DJs ask me how to get Sujit’s attention because they want to be a SKAM Artist. I can honestly say I don’t think I know anyone who works harder than Sujit! That man is a machine and very dedicated to every single person on his roster [securing DJ residencies, booking gigs, coordinating, etc.)…he’s a great example of passion being the catalyst to success.

8ky 6lu is a gem and so talented! That man can write, produce, rap/freestyle and I can’t wait for everyone to hear his new music. One of the special things about 8ky is that he truly is a team player…he listens and respects the feedback he gets from everyone [on his team]. He’s an artist who defines success not just by his own accomplishments, but also by his whole team (Big Bad University) reaching new levels together. His sister [singer] Mahogany LOX is on Big Bad and wait until you hear what she has coming out! She’s already a social media star with millions of followers and also opened up for 5th Harmony on tour DJing. Let me tell you, she’s off to a fantastic start.


(Q) What is the Golden Rule of good PR?

I’m not sure there is one “Golden Rule” of PR, but you’re reputation and ‘word’ are everything. Follow through and do what you say you’re going to do for both your client and the media. It also doesn’t hurt to get an internship early on and be persistent!

(Q) Who are some of your favorite music acts right now?

It’s funny, I remember being told about how talented Big Sean is back in 2008, so I’m loving that he’s doing his thing right now and being recognized for it.

I also like that DJs [in general] are getting more of the respect they deserve in the last few years. They have become the new rockstars! A good or bad DJ can really make or break a night in the club or a party, etc.

My iPod is a hodge-podge of new and old; this and that…I can be listening to Rae Sremmurd, Ludacris and Migos one minute and then The Cranberries, Betty Who and Shiny Toy Guns the next.

(Q) Let's talk beauty! What is your beauty regimen? What are some of your favorite beauty products right now?

I’ve used Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion for years. I really like the consistency of it, I find it to be between a lotion and a gel. I’m a huge fan of Mario Badescu and use several of their products.

Recently I started using Fresh’s Rose Hydrating Eye Gel Cream after reading some good things about it. It’s really moisturizing and smells divine! Worth every penny. Cetaphil cleanser is a must - a tried and true face wash.

I am also a big fan of Bliss’ Fabulous Foaming Body Wash, as it has a fresh clean smell. Since I have curly hair, it’s important to have products that are really moisturizing. I like OGX’s Renewing Argan oil of Moracco shampoo and L’Oreal’s Moisture Rush Mask. My favorite hand cream on the planet is In Love by Lollia.

(Q) Do you have a favorite fragrance you love to wear? What is your favorite perfume?

My go-to perfume is J’adore Dior. I often get asked what I have on when I’m wearing that scent. I find it to be a really wonderful balance of being floral, but still bold.

(Q) What are your favorite makeup products?

There are some MAC products I have used for a long time now including the Eye Kohl eyeliners, their eye-shadows have great pigment (Dazzlelight and Contrast are favorites), and their bronzing powder is great (I use Golden). MAC also has really fantastic lipstick and lipgloss colors...I have more than I care to admit!

If I want a heavier look for night, I like Benefit’s Creaseless Cream Shadows (a personal favorite is Birthday Suit). Like most women out there, I have yet to find a better blush than Nars’ Orgasm. It doesn’t matter what season it is or how tan or pale I am, the color is always perfection.

Maybelline’s Rocket Volum’ Express mascara really packs a punch. It is another favorite of mine. I find that the wand really coats my lashes well. Finding a good illuminator can make a big difference in making your cheeks glow in that Jennifer Lopez-way we all want! Smashbox makes one I like a lot (Photo Op Illuminator), it’s just the right amount of shimmer.

(Q) If you could share one beauty secret, what would it be and why?

I’m a firm believer that you should never go to sleep with your makeup on. Every single night I make sure to take off all my makeup, no matter how tired I am. I also think that “less is more,” I don’t pile on or layer oils/creams/serums on my face at the same time.

(Q) What is one beauty product you have always wanted to try, but haven't and why?

To be honest, I’ve never tried a spray tan. I think I’m afraid once I start I won’t be able to stop because I do love a tan! I think for now I’ll stick to other tricks like bronzers, lotions, etc.

(Q) What is your #1 guilty pleasure right now and why?

I can’t resist a Bravo reunion or a Nike Dunk Sky Hi (wedge) sneaker.

(Q) Name 3 guests (living or deceased) you would like to have a dinner party with and why?

I most definitely would want Larry David there because that man would make me laugh the entire time. And frankly, I would love to talk about nothing with him anytime. I would also love Ryan Seacrest to be at that dinner and pick his brain about business, because that man knows what works! He’s mastered the entertainment/TV business and he also has a genuine respect for music artists, which I appreciate. And last but certainly not least, what’s a dinner party without Oprah!? She asks the most poignant questions, she’s thoughtful and isn’t afraid to “go there…” and seems like a ton of fun once she’s had some cocktails! Can you imagine a conversation between her and Larry David? One day, right!


(Q) For all of those entertainment enthusiasts reading this interview, what would you like them to know? What is next for Tamar Juda? What is next for Last World PR?

I would love for those enthusiasts to know a few things: first and foremost the entertainment business isn’t all glitz and glamour. It’s a lot of work and hard work at that. At the end of the day it’s a business and everyone had to do his or her part to keep it moving along (and successful). This industry is also incredibly fast-paced which I find helpful because it weeds-out the people who aren’t cut out for this.

Additionally, I also want young people wanting to get into the industry to know that you can do it. I had numerous friends or people in my life growing up [for which I remember every single one of them] who would roll their eyes or think I’m crazy for wanting to get into the music/entertainment industry – well, look at me now! I did it all on my own starting with internships, making connections and doing the work.

A long time ago I learned that when you think you have all your “ducks in a row” something else pops-up and you just need to roll with it. I’m not sure what’s next for Last Word PR, perhaps I’ll expand my company even more, but for right now I’m happy where it is and the extent to which it’s grown steadily since 2008.

This will sound absolutely corny (and I acknowledge this), but the success for me personally is that I get to wake up everyday loving what I do. That’s the truth…I get to be creative, I work with amazing talent/music and I get to be my own boss. Nobody handed me anything, I did the work and it paid off.

Catch up with Tamar on Twitter @LastWordPR

Comments