With a passion for storytelling and a sharp instinct for what makes the media tick, Justine Halifax has built a distinguished career spanning journalism and public relations. From interviewing Prime Ministers and A-list celebrities to championing everyday heroes, her journey began in newsrooms, driven by a love of English, Shakespeare, and creative writing.
After a successful career in journalism, Justine took the bold step of founding Angel Media, where she now leverages her media expertise to elevate SME brands, securing high-impact coverage across multiple platforms. As a multi-award-winning PR executive, she develops and executes tailored media strategies that enhance brand visibility and client reach.
Under her leadership, Angel Media has become synonymous with strategic storytelling, powerful brand positioning, and PR excellence.
From Front Pages to PR Powerhouse
From an early passion for English, Shakespeare, and creative writing, Justine set her sights on a career in journalism while still in high school. “My journey began with a schoolwork placement at my hometown newspaper, an opportunity I secured after submitting an article for the editor’s review.” Immersed in the buzz of a busy newsroom and seeing her byline in print for the first time, she knew she had found her calling.
Her dedication led her to volunteer at the same newspaper during her postgraduate NCTJ journalism studies, following a BA (Hons) in English. This commitment ultimately earned her a trainee journalist position—an important milestone that launched her career.
Over more than two decades in journalism, Justine built an impressive portfolio, interviewing Prime Ministers, music and film celebrities, and everyday heroes. She achieved numerous career highlights, including front-page story splashes, UK and world exclusives, features in national newspapers and international magazines, and multiple regional and national award nominations. Recognised for her talent, she won awards for her feature writing, including a series of WWI centenary supplements, and took on leadership roles, such as News Editor.
As her family’s needs evolved, Justine transitioned into public relations, founding Angel Media—a pivotal career milestone. Now a multi-award-winning PR executive, she uses her deep media expertise to secure multi-platform coverage for SMEs, enhancing their brand presence and expanding their reach.
More recently, she has added another achievement to her journey: delivering media workshops for the next generation of journalists, sharing her wealth of experience to help aspiring writers hone their craft.
Strategic PR Leader, Media Mentor & Advocate for Giving Back
As the Founder and CEO of Angel Media, Justine takes a hands-on approach to delivering comprehensive PR and media strategies that help businesses maximise their reach and elevate their brand profiles. “My expertise spans social media management, content creation, strategic mail-outs, and business mentoring, ensuring each client receives a bespoke service tailored to their unique needs.” At the heart of her role is a commitment to delivering impactful PR campaigns that enhance brand visibility and drive business growth.
Beyond client work, Justine is passionate about sharing her media knowledge. She leads workshops and training sessions, both online and in person, empowering businesses to run their own PR campaigns and guiding aspiring multimedia journalists on how to break into and succeed in the industry.
Dedicated to giving back, Justine also provides voluntary PR support to select charities, reinforcing her belief that corporate social responsibility is a vital part of being self-employed.
Leadership Philosophy
For Justine, effective leadership is about inspiring and empowering others to achieve their best. She believes “As a leader, I strongly believe in leading by example, upholding integrity, and fostering a collaborative environment where creativity and innovation can thrive. Clear communication, continuous learning, and empathy are at the heart of my leadership approach.”
As a mother of two, Justine is a strong advocate for flexible working, believing that a balance between home and career leads to happier, more productive teams—benefiting both employees and businesses alike.
At Angel Media, innovation and growth are driven by staying ahead of media trends and adapting to the industry’s ever-evolving landscape. A culture of open dialogue is actively encouraged, with regular brainstorming sessions to explore fresh strategies with clients. Ongoing professional development ensures that Angel Media remains at the forefront of PR and media, never resting on past successes.
Work-Life Balance & Professional Approach
For Justine, maintaining a work-life balance is crucial for sustained success. She prioritises time management and task delegation to ensure both professional and personal commitments are met effectively. “Setting clear boundaries allows me to dedicate time to her personal passions—playing the saxophone, powerlifting, and beekeeping—which help clear my mind, enhance focus, and fuel creativity. Most importantly, family time serves as a key source of refreshment and motivation.”
In the fast-paced world of PR and media, staying ahead requires a deep understanding of clients’ industries. At Angel Media, this means conducting continuous market research, leveraging data analytics, and embracing innovative tactics and technologies. Strong relationships with multi-media outlets across the UK and a proactive approach to the evolving media landscape are at the core of the agency’s strategic success.
Advice to Aspiring Women Leaders & Future Vision for Angel Media
To aspiring women leaders, Justine offers this advice, “Believe in your abilities, take risks, and embrace continuous learning. Adaptability is key, as is leading with authenticity and integrity. Most importantly, I encourage women to support and uplift one another in both their professional journeys and family endeavours.”
At Angel Media, the long-term vision is clear—to continue delivering excellence to its loyal clients across the Midlands while expanding its reach across the UK. To meet growing demand, the agency is enhancing its service offering, with a particular focus on PR workshops.
A new online module is set to launch soon, designed to empower businesses to lead their own in-house PR strategies. This initiative will provide insider tips and techniques for companies whose budgets may not allow for external media support, ensuring they still achieve real ROI.
Beyond this, Angel Media remains committed to building strategic partnerships with talented media professionals, strengthening its network, and continuing to innovate and evolve in an ever-changing media landscape.
