Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Walker-Leidy.
Hi Andrea, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always loved stories—hearing them, telling them, and seeing how they connect us to each other and the world around us. Even as a kid, I was the one listening closely, trying to understand what made people tick. I really believe stories are what drive change, empathy, and understanding.
I started out in journalism as a local newspaper editor, which gave me such a front-row seat to people’s lives. When I began freelancing, I noticed something that stuck with me—so many amazing businesses and nonprofits were doing incredible work but had no idea how to share their story. That’s what led me to start Walker Publicity back in 2015. I wanted to help people and organizations tell their stories with purpose and clarity so they could connect and make a real impact.
And over time, I realized storytelling isn’t just about what you put out into the world—it’s also about how you show up in it. That’s why I created Look On Purpose, my personal branding and styling brand. It helps people align who they are with how they present themselves every day, so their outside matches their purpose inside.
At the heart of everything I do, it’s always about helping people share their story—intentionally, authentically, and with heart.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I don’t think it’s supposed to be. The bumps have shaped everything I do. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve faced the challenges of building something from the ground up—figuring it out as I go, juggling the highs of creative work with the realities of running a business, and learning to trust my instincts even when things felt uncertain.
But honestly, the hardest part has been personal. My own journey with mental health has deeply influenced who I am and how I lead. It’s given me empathy and perspective, and it’s a big reason I’m so passionate about empowering others—helping them see that they don’t have to have it all together to make a difference.
And at the heart of it all, I’m also a mom. That role grounds me more than anything. I want my son to grow up knowing that women are strong, capable, and important in every part of life and business. I want him to see that building something meaningful doesn’t mean being perfect—it means showing up, using your voice, and creating space for others to do the same.
That passion runs through everything I do, whether it’s public relations, nonprofit storytelling, or personal branding. I want people to know that their story, even the hard parts, matters—and that showing up as their full, authentic selves is not only enough, it’s powerful.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Walker Publicity, we specialize in storytelling that moves people to action. We’re a boutique PR and communications firm that helps businesses and nonprofits share their stories with clarity, authenticity, and purpose. Our work blends strategy and heart—we don’t just get press; we help people connect to the why behind the work. From media outreach and communications planning to social media strategy and brand positioning, our focus is always on elevating stories that matter and amplifying voices that are making a difference.
What really sets us apart is that we lead with empathy. We take the time to understand each client’s mission and community before crafting a strategy, so the story we tell actually feels like them. I’m especially proud that our team has become known for working with nonprofits and small businesses that are creating meaningful change in Michigan and beyond.
Then there’s Look On Purpose, which is really the other side of the same coin. It’s a personal branding and styling brand built around helping individuals align who they are with how they show up in the world. It’s about confidence, intention, and authenticity—helping people see that personal style is storytelling, too. Whether it’s through closet consults, branding sessions, or memberships, it’s all about empowering people to express their purpose visually and unapologetically.
Across both brands, the mission is the same: to help people share their story—out loud, online, and in person—with confidence and intention. I want readers to know that what we do isn’t just about marketing or fashion. It’s about helping people and organizations find their voice, own their story, and show up like they mean it.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The PR and branding world is evolving faster than ever, and honestly, I think that’s what makes it exciting. Over the next five to ten years, I see a real shift toward deeper authenticity and intention in how people and organizations communicate.
For Walker Publicity, that means storytelling will continue to be the heartbeat of connection—but the tools around us are changing. Technology and AI are transforming how we share and measure stories, which makes understanding your why more important than ever. You can’t automate authenticity. The more digital the world becomes, the more audiences crave something real—emotion, purpose, humanity. I think the best PR in the future won’t just inform; it will connect and build trust in ways that feel human.
For Look On Purpose, the same idea applies on a personal level. As technology continues to shape how we present ourselves, I believe people will focus less on creating a perfect image and more on aligning who they are inside with how they show up in the world. Personal branding and style are becoming less about trends and more about truth. Your story, your energy, your intention—those things can’t be filtered or faked.
At the end of the day, both brands share the same mission: helping people show up on purpose, whether that’s through media, storytelling, or personal expression. As the world gets louder and more digital, authenticity will always be the thing that cuts through the noise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://walkerpublicity.com
- Instagram: @lifeofawalker
- Facebook: @walkerpublicity
- LinkedIn: /walkerpr
