Julie O. Griffith has spent over 20 years behind the scenes, shaping the public images of major brands and personalities.
As CEO of J. Griffith Public Relations, she’s built a reputation as a strategic storyteller and brand-builder, working with iconic names such as Ford, American Airlines and ESSENCE. But when she looked around Houston’s business and creative community, she saw something missing. In this space, Black women could come together, share resources and be celebrated for both their brilliance and their hustle.
So she created it.
Griffith is the founder of Champagne & Melanin™, a social-good platform that brings together Black women founders, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, influencers and creatives. Every month, she curates events that blend networking with learning, providing women in Houston with a community of their own.
“Part of the reason I started Champagne and Melanin is because I was going to Atlanta, DC, Chicago — all these great cities where there were these women’s workshops and organizations,” Griffith said. “I knew we had that groundswell in Houston, but nobody was bringing it together. So I said, you know what? We drink a lot of champagne, we’re melanated and we’re all entrepreneurs, influencers, all corporate women trying to figure it out. Why don’t I just start my own group and find my tribe? And that’s exactly what I did.”
Building community
Griffith hosts her Champagne & Melanin events on the last Wednesday of each month at standout Houston venues. Each gathering is built around a theme designed to address real-world challenges her audience faces — whether it’s personal branding, scaling a business or understanding the impact of new technologies.
“We’ve helped with Pivoting workshops, working with technology and more,” Griffith said.
Her events are equal parts networking mixer, workshop and safe space — a blend that keeps women coming back and bringing friends along.
“This is much-needed,” said Bobbi, owner of Klips Hair Company, who attended the Prepare & Pivot workshop. “To be able to be among like-minded women is just what I need to build my business. As a new business owner, you’re always trying to market to whomever. But you have to find your tribe and events like this help pull people in.”
From publicist to powerhouse
Before launching Champagne & Melanin, Griffith had already carved out a career as a powerhouse in communications. With a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Florida A&M University and an MBA in marketing from Rice University, she’s become a trusted consultant for C-suite executives, senior leadership teams and organizations seeking to better connect with diverse audiences.
“I’ve been behind the scenes for 20 years. I finally decided to step out in front of the camera — and this is what I was meant to do.”
Julie O. Griffith
Defining success
For Griffith, the mission is both personal and professional. She’s not just helping women find their footing in business — she’s carving a pathway for herself, too.
“Success for me looks like big stages, speaking engagements, my book that’s coming out called Don’t Be Boring: How to Build a Killer Brand from Scratch, and also financial freedom,” she said.
When asked what she’d tell Black women struggling to find their niche, Griffith doesn’t hesitate.
“ I know a lot of Black women are struggling right now,” she said. “Three hundred thousand women have lost their jobs. I know a lot of Black women often feel like they’re alone, but we’re not alone. We’re turning those corners, closing those doors and opening new ones, riding high and low with what’s going on.”
Through her monthly gatherings, her upcoming book, and her decades of experience in PR and brand strategy, Griffith is proving that success isn’t just about personal achievement — it’s about creating a space where others can thrive, too.
Fast Facts about Julie O. Griffith
- Title/Role: CEO, J. Griffith Public Relations; Founder, Champagne & Melanin™
- Experience: 20+ years in public relations, communications and brand strategy
- Education:
- MBA in Marketing, Rice University (Jones Graduate School of Business)
- B.S. in Public Relations, Florida A&M University (FAMU)
- Champagne & Melanin™: Monthly women’s empowerment and networking events, last Wednesday of each month, at premier Houston venues
- Mission: Empowering Black women entrepreneurs, creators, and corporate leaders through community and authentic communication
