PR Agency in Toronto for Lifestyle Brands

Q: What makes Chimera different from other PR agencies in Toronto?

We're senior-led with no junior hand-offs, and we run our own content studio, so PR and content work as one loop instead of being outsourced to separate vendors.

Chimera Collective is a boutique PR agency in Toronto that believes PR and content are two sides of the same story. We earn the media coverage that builds credibility, then turn every moment into content that keeps your brand in the conversation. It’s a more flexible, senior-led alternative to the traditional agency model — and it’s how we’ve helped a long list of blue-chip brands tell sharp, shareable stories.

PR, content and experiential—working as one

The strongest brands aren’t built through a single touchpoint. They’re built through stories people read, content they share and experiences they remember. At Chimera, we bring PR, content and experiential marketing together from the outset, creating integrated campaigns that generate attention, deepen engagement and keep brands part of the conversation.

A multidisciplinary PR agency for brands shaping culture

We partner with brands where reputation, aesthetics and storytelling matter. Whether you’re launching a fashion collection, opening a hotel, introducing a beauty product or scaling a tech startup, we create communications strategies that generate attention and sustain it. We’re also a lifestyle PR agency in the truest sense: we tell the stories of how people eat, travel, move and live.

Senior communications specialists. No junior hand-offs.

Because we’re a communications collective, we assemble the right specialists for every engagement—giving you senior expertise across every discipline, all under one roof. Our services include:

Media Relations & Corporate Communications
Brand & Editorial Strategy
Influencer Marketing
Events & Experiential
Creative Direction & Copywriting
Content Production

A PR agency with its own content studio

Here’s what sets us apart from most Toronto PR firms: we have our own Content Studio in Prince Edward County. From turnkey content packages to studio rentals for brand photography, headshots and events, we produce the assets your campaign needs in-house — no scrambling for vendors, no disjointed creative. It’s the part of our model that turns a traditional PR and communications agency into a true content partner.

Media training & crisis communications

Build confidence before the spotlight—and protect your reputation when the stakes are highest. We prepare executives and spokespeople to communicate with clarity through media training, message development and interview coaching, while providing strategic counsel during reputational challenges. From proactive preparation to real-time response, we help organizations communicate with confidence, credibility and care.

Why brands choose Chimera

Senior by default — no junior hand-offs
PR and content under one roof
A flexible, responsive model that scales to your needs
Specialists in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and hospitality
A certified Diversity Supplier via WEConnect International

Frequently asked questions

What does a PR agency in Toronto do?

A PR agency manages how the public and the press perceive your brand. At Chimera, that spans media relations, brand and editorial strategy, influencer marketing, events, and the content production that ties it all together — earning coverage and then amplifying it.

Do you work with fashion, beauty and luxury brands?

Yes. Fashion, beauty and luxury are longstanding strengths, but they’re part of a broader portfolio that includes lifestyle, hospitality, travel and consumer brands. Our experience with clients such as Reformation, Yves Saint Laurent, L’Oréal Paris and St. John Knits has given us a deep understanding of how to build relevance in highly competitive, image-driven industries.

What industries does Chimera specialize in?

We specialize in integrated communications that combine PR, content and experiential marketing to build reputation and keep brands part of the conversation. Our experience spans fashion, beauty, technology, lifestyle, hospitality, travel and consumer brands, with senior specialists who tailor every engagement to the needs of the client rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

What makes Chimera different from other PR agencies in Toronto?

Two things: we’re senior-led with no junior hand-offs, and we run our own content studio. That means PR and content work as one loop instead of being outsourced to separate vendors — a faster, more cohesive alternative to the traditional agency model.

Do you only work with Canadian brands?

While we’re headquartered in Toronto, we work with clients across Canada and internationally, with senior team members based in both Toronto and Montreal. Our national footprint allows us to bring local insight and coast-to-coast perspective to every engagement.

Let’s make your brand part of the conversation

If you’re looking for a Canadian PR agency that thinks in stories and delivers in content, we’d love to talk. Get in touch.

Meet the team

Courtney Khimji, Founder & CEO (Toronto)

Courtney founded Chimera Collective with the belief that communications should be strategic, creative, and deeply connected to business outcomes. With two decades of experience, she has advised global brands across fashion, beauty, technology, travel, consumer goods, and healthcare, helping organizations build reputations, navigate complex communications challenges, and create work that earns attention for the right reasons. Known for her calm, creative approach, Courtney is a trusted advisor to C-Suite clients navigating high-stakes issues, crisis communications, and reputation management. She holds a Master’s degree in the Humanities from the University of Chicago and serves as a Board Director for Visit the County, Prince Edward County’s destination marketing organization.

Fraser Ballard, Vice President, Strategy (Montreal)

Having worked across global agency networks and boutique consultancies, Fraser’s expertise spans editorial, corporate communications, integrated marketing and agency leadership. He helps organizations define their positioning, craft compelling narratives and translate business objectives into communications strategies that deliver measurable results. Known for combining strategic thinking with operational excellence, Fraser has built and led high-performing teams, advised executive leaders and overseen communications programs across a diverse range of industries. He brings clarity to complexity, anticipates challenges before they arise and helps clients navigate change with confidence.

Signe Barlow, Vice President, PR & Communications (Toronto)

Signe is a seasoned communications leader with extensive experience developing integrated campaigns for cultural and consumer brands, with particular expertise in the culinary and hospitality space. She brings deep experience in media relations and strategic partnerships, helping clients navigate both everyday opportunities and high-stakes moments with confidence. Known for her meticulous eye and unwavering commitment to quality, Signe is the teammate everyone turns to for honest feedback, thoughtful perspective, and the final polish that takes every deliverable to the next level.

Maddie Whittaker, Director of Public Relations (Toronto)

Maddie specializes in media relations, brand storytelling, and integrated communications. With a background in both agency-side and in-house roles, she develops thoughtful, results-driven PR strategies that help brands earn meaningful coverage and build lasting relationships with media, creators, and industry partners. She has experience across beauty, lifestyle, retail, and consumer brands. At Chimera, Maddie is the go-to source for trend forecasting, new brand discoveries, and the perfect recommendation—whether it’s a restaurant, a product, a partner or the next big thing.

Sophia Huang, Senior Account Manager (Toronto/London)

Sophia is an experienced communications professional with a talent for bringing complex campaigns to life. She manages integrated public relations, influencer, and social media programs with exceptional organization, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach that keeps projects moving seamlessly from strategy through execution. Sharing her time between Canada and the U.K., Sophia brings a global perspective to every engagement and is often our first stop for international trends, travel inspiration, and cultural insights.

Megan van der Baars, Director of Influence (fractional, Toronto)

Megan van der Baars is a senior communications strategist who lives and breathes influencer marketing. She has advised leading hospitality, wellness, lifestyle, and consumer brands on integrated campaigns that build awareness, foster meaningful connections, and deliver measurable results. At Chimera Collective, Megan provides senior strategic counsel and leads influencer outreach across a range of client engagements. A Florida native and our daily dose of sunshine, Megan brings deep roots in the health and fitness community, an extensive network of creator and influencer partners, and a relationship-first approach to every client partnership.