Whitney Lee: Turning True Stories Into Global Influence

Women Story
17 minutes ago
2 min read

She built a leading PR firm without ever stepping inside an agency.

When Whitney Lee launched True Story in 2013 from Phoenix, Arizona, she wasn’t following the corporate ladder she once imagined. She was creating her own path. Today, her award-winning agency is internationally recognized for shaping the way hospitality, travel, and tourism brands connect with the world.

Whitney Lee’s Agency Behind Big Brands

Her firm, True Story, partners with some of the most respected names in the industry: Hilton, Marriott, Holiday Inn, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and Tropical Smoothie Café.

From PR campaigns to crisis communication, the agency is known for crafting compelling narratives, building strategic partnerships, and amplifying visibility to ensure brands reach the right people with the right message.

Whitney’s Edge: The Flexible Approach

Unlike many PR firms, True Story adapts to each client’s needs. For some, it is a fully outsourced PR team managing strategy and execution. For others, Whitney steps in as a Fractional CMO, guiding internal teams and contractors while shaping long-term direction.

This personalized model has become her competitive edge in a crowded marketplace.

Building Without a Map

Whitney admits the journey wasn’t easy. With no prior agency experience, she had to figure out every detail—contracts, pricing, hiring, payroll, and operations—from scratch.

That trial by fire became the foundation of her resilience. It’s what allows her to lead today with both empathy and expertise.

The Trust Factor

At the heart of Whitney’s work is trust. In her own words:

“Businesses can hire cheap labor for tasks. What they can’t easily find is a trusted advisor who helps navigate decisions.”

And her clients agree. One hotel executive noted:

“True Story is the best marketing agency I’ve worked with. Their efforts resulted in the highest revenue experienced by the hotel in its past 55 years.”

Whitney’s Advice for Women Entrepreneurs

Her message is simple yet powerful: earn trust, answer the phone, and always show up with authenticity. In a digital-first world, genuine connection remains the greatest asset.