Meet Brook Larios | Co-Founder, CEO & Food and Lifestyle Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brook Larios and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brook, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Jumping into public relations from journalism was a mild risk, but the greater was deciding to go all in while still struggling with self-loathing over transitioning to what was commonly referred to as “the dark side”. When I abandoned that silly narrative by embracing my role in helping clients I believe in, I proudly and relentlessly became personally invested in the businesses I served. Each time I shifted into a new career position, I was taking a risk: in one case, the role paid less but would stretch me and grow me further. In another, the position was above my expertise, but I was gritty and successfully grew within it. Wise risk taking is so integral to what we do that we declare it as Hoyle right on our website: we’ve proven that calculated risks reap big rewards for our clients. Many of them expect it. They recognize they’re getting something special, creative, exclusively for them. It lights us all up.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
PlainClarity is a team of storytellers who connect brands with those who will love and support them. The boutique firm specializes in media outreach, forging and leveraging uncommon connections, marketing, social media and other methods of connecting the dots for businesses of all sizes. I graduated college with a degree in psychology with a medical background and a minor in visual performing arts, but found my passion in writing and communications. It’s no wonder that, as a child, my teachers commonly referred to me as chatty on my report cards. I worked as a reporter out of college, covering both hard news and features and soon became a food writer. Through grit and tenacity, I entered the world of pr. It was a natural progression, but I built an incredible amount of sweat equity on the road to owning my own agency. The PlainClarity team represents clients in which they can become personally invested. We work authentically, unearthing and shaping our clients’ stories to resonate with their audiences. Many of PlainClarity’s clients are in the lifestyle/hospitality sectors, but we also represent startups and established corporations across the board. I say this to anybody considering entering into the field of pr: do this only if you truly love people — love interacting with them, learning about them, helping them. I make connections not solely for the benefit of PlainClarity and our clients, but also because I deeply enjoy engaging with our clients, press and others in the community. Also, give. Give give give, generously, but not to the point of depletion. Giving will always come back to you. I serve on the advisory boards of two organizations I’m particularly proud of: Think Dignity, composed of housed and displaced citizens and focused on basic human dignity — and the Berry Good Food Foundation, giving access to local, sustainable food to more of the local population.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve often said I’d enjoy being a personal concierge. I find myself being the go-to for people planning itineraries for families and friends coming into town. I’d take them to Wrench and Rodent and adjoining sister The Whet Noodle for an unparalleled fresh sushi omakase experience with noodles and other izakaya dishes. The restaurants, along with The Plot, down the alley, specialize in full product utilization and sustainability and the food at all three is to-die-for. We’d be remiss not to head to The Plot the next day for the mouthwatering polenta. We’d spend time, walking around Oceanside — hanging at the beach, shopping at the cute local shops. We’d have to grab food from Chef William Eick at Mission Ave Bar and Grill at some point, too. Maybe do a Matsu tasting menu there. I’d sweep my group off to Steady State Roasting for a truly pleasurable cup of coffee. Steady State roasts in small batches using responsibly sourced beans grown on small farms. The owners know and invest in these farmers. They’re doing some really cool things with roasting. Next up: San Elijo State Beach for some bodysurfing (or even a private surf lesson) at the Pipes break. Pizza at East Coast Pizza, also in Cardiff, and an acai bowl from Sambazon Café, all enjoyed at sunset. Spend a night at the campsite above and most definitely take said friends through the Self-Realization Fellowship Gardens. At some point, catch an outdoor show at CSU San Marcos, presented by the California Center for the Arts, Escondido and, when it reopens, take them to one of the two longstanding concert venues at the center; the acoustics are incomparable. While in Escondido, we’d have to grab chicken soup at Lourdes or dinner at Cenote Grill, followed by donuts at Peterson’s Donut Corner and paletas at Paletas Aztecas (two desserts; why not?). Wine and dinner one evening at Valentina in Encinitas. Of course, I’m back to food. Heading south, we’d get ramen and chicken karaage at Rakiraki off Convoy and then chase it with beer at Societe Brewing for craft beer of the gods. We’d grab lunch at Mama’s Bakery in North Park at some point during our week together, get ice cream at Stella Jean’s and visit museums in Balboa Park. We’d be on the lookout for the obscure, throughout. I embrace hole-in-the-walls and funky, eclectic, quirky — even downright weird. I can’t possibly list everything here, so ask me personally.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I”m ever on a journey and enjoying the process. In other words, I haven’t landed and never will! There are many people and circumstances I want to thank for diving in with me as I support others through smart public relations, marketing and via unexpected connections. I was asked to name one, but will name two. Joe Larios has quietly implemented so many tools within PlainClarity to aid in efficiency for ourselves and our interactions with clients. So much gratitude. PlainClarity was born of the idea that we could be different: give clients and team members a different experience. Go rogue! (Take risks!) A shoutout to Barbara Schiffler, who was a student teacher, specializing in writing, at CSU San Marcos, where I attended college. She turned my perspective on writing on its head. I still can’t pinpoint how it worked or what she did, but my writing and confidence in writing made a quantum leap or three after completing a class with her. Unrelated, I must note: I’m proud of my team, all of whom help brands and people connect with those who will love and support them. We give voice to our clients’ distinct stories for deeper impact, elevating what’s possible in their companies.

Website: plainclarity.com
Instagram: @plainclarity
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooklarios/; https://www.linkedin.com/company/2094241/admin/
Twitter: @plainclarity
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plainclarity/
Youtube: youtube.com/plainclarity