From Dublin to Hollywood: How One Woman Built a Red Carpet Empire Behind the Scenes

There are few people in the entertainment industry who can say they’ve curated talent for red carpets from Harry Potter to Hamilton, worked with Hollywood’s biggest studios, and still spend weekends off-grid in upstate New York. But for the founder of Parish PR, that blend of high-glamour and grounded grace is exactly what has defined her journey.

From Hospitality to Hollywood

At just 18, she left Dublin and landed in New York City with little more than ambition and an adventurous spirit. “I started out working in hospitality,” she recalls. “Not long after, I joined a small, three-person accessories brand in the NYC Fashion District. We grew it into a multimillion-dollar global company.”

That early hands-on experience sparked her transition into fashion and lifestyle PR. Then, in 2003 while her daughter was just six weeks old she launched her own boutique firm, Parish PR. One of her first clients? New Line Cinema, who brought her on for the NYC premiere of Elf. “It was an incredible experience, and that event really became the launchpad for what Parish PR would grow into.”

Today, Parish PR is a bi-coastal agency, producing some of the most high-profile red carpet premieres for studios like Universal, Disney, Netflix, Sony, Amazon, Lionsgate, and Warner Bros.

Celebrity Logistics with a Side of Intuition

When asked what it’s like to work with celebrities and influencers, she doesn’t sugarcoat it. “It’s fast-paced and always evolving,” she says. “You have to be calm under pressure, solve problems quickly, and most importantly earn people’s trust.”

And trust she has. With over two decades of red carpet experience, she’s mastered the art of discretion and detail, tailoring each event to reflect not only the brand, but the guest list. “Talent knows I’ll protect their interests and make sure things run smoothly. I understand their preferences whether they like bringing their kids to events or what films resonate with them. That level of care makes a difference.”

Lights, Camera, Legacy

Her highlight reel is nothing short of iconic. “Premieres for franchises like Harry Potter, Iron Man, Avengers, Star Wars, Spider-Man, Hunger Games, John Wick, Jurassic Park, Deadpool, and Wicked have all been huge,” she shares.

But certain moments have stood out. “The Sex and the City premiere in 2008 was surreal. Walking the Swarovski-studded pink carpet outside Radio City Music Hall it felt like I’d really made it.”

Other career-defining events include Elton John’s final U.S. concert at Dodger Stadium and the opening night of Hamilton in Los Angeles. Yet, one of the most sentimental? “Flying home to Ireland for an event with Maureen O’Hara. Sitting with her over lunch while she told stories about John ‘The Duke’ Wayne—magical.”

Balancing Hustle with Home

Despite the whirlwind of A-listers and global events, she credits her Irish roots for keeping her humble. “My friends and family wouldn’t let me get a big head,” she laughs.

Being a mother also helped shape her perspective. “Building Parish PR gave me the flexibility to prioritize both my daughters and my career. We spend weekends at our house in upstate New York no TV, just cooking, hiking, reading, visiting farmers markets. It’s my reset button.”

She also serves on the board of Self Help Africa, a nonprofit working with female farmers in countries like Uganda, The Gambia, and Malawi. “Those trips remind me what really matters. They give me invaluable perspective and help me stay focused.”

The Power of the Unseen

For someone who’s spent her life behind the scenes, the magic of her work is in the unseen. “I love curating the right talent, creating buzz, and watching the energy come alive on the carpet. But what really makes it special is my team some of whom have been with me for over 15 years. We trust each other deeply.”

And when the lights go down and the red carpet is rolled up? “There’s nothing better than sharing a martini post-premiere, reflecting on what we just pulled off together.”

From a teenager with a dream to a powerhouse PR visionary, her story is a reminder that you don’t always need to be in the spotlight to make magic happen you just need to know how to create it.

IG @nicolaparish