Category Archives: On The Rise

On the Rise: Stephanie Scott

Posted in Beauty, On The Rise by

Industry: Public Relations (Beauty)

Hat: CEO & Communicator-in-Chief at First and Last PR

School: Spelman College

Major: Sociology

IMG_4301It was an unpaid internship at Essence Magazine and also the magazine’s beauty closet that set it all off for Stephanie’s Scott career in beauty. Once she discovered what her interest was, she pursued it wholeheartedly. This opportunity not only led her to create her own PR Agency but also to be a mentor to young women interested in the field of communications. As a member of the Board of Directors of New York Women Communications Inc, Stephanie teaches us that opportunities are everywhere, we just have to recognize them. Check out my interview below

1.What lead you to the beauty industry?

It was my curiosity but also my wanting to be a vessel for those who were not properly represented in the beauty industry. In fact, it wasn’t until I started interning at Essence Magazine that I realized that the beauty industry had more opportunity than I thought it had.

2.   How do you start your day?

Very simple actually, I start by checking the weather to see how cold it’s going to be. I may or may not check the news, and have a healthy breakfast. However, when I first started working I used to check my work email first thing in the morning, but I realized early doing so would throw off my schedule and potentially make me late (or grumpy) so I focus on me time in the morning.

3. You started your own company, what are 3 mistakes you’ve noticed that entrepreneurs make?

– They over spend their money upfront when starting out. When you look at successful companies such as GlamGlow and Apple, they all started out in a basement. A lot of us when starting out spend so much energy and focus on being something ( Keeping up with the Jones’s) instead on focusing on the product.

– Not keeping their profitability scale in mind.

– Not having a good public relations and marketing plan to differeniate and grow your business. I know of a great one if you’re looking (not so shameless plug).

4. How has social media helped the beauty media?

Social Media has helped the beauty industry tremendously from chat groups to 15-second tutorials and much more. The consumers have many more outlets to get reviews from.

5. Do you use your client’s products before working with them?

That’s a must! When I believe in the brand it helps me to tell their story better.

6. What’s next for First and Last PR?

We just completed a makeover on our website. Next up are two new projects that I’m super excited about: The Iconoclast Dinner Experience June 6 and the Be Beauty-Full event on Saturday, May 9th.

7. Do you have any advice for someone who wants to work in the PR Beauty industry?

Get your toes wet and work really hard. There’s an opportunity in every work environment. Don’t focus so much on where you should be, embrace where you are and make the best out of it. Meet people, dive in, join committees and be involved. Go for It!

Quote that gets you going throughout the day.

“Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says ‘shit, she’s up’”

On The Rise: Christopher Barnes

Posted in Career, Empowerment, On The Rise by

Industry: Music, Entertainment

School:   Georgia Southern University, Bethune-Cookman University

Major: Master’s Recording and Digital Art, Bachelor’s Music,  Concentration Piano Performance

999426_817348146435_613582581_nChristopher Barnes, introduction to music isn’t at all a coincidence, in fact he describes it as God’s purpose in his life.  At the age of two, Christopher had experienced the legendary Michael Jackson live in concert during his 1988 Bad Tour. In fact it was then, he fell in love with music and decided to pursue it wholeheartedly.

Twenty seven years later, Christopher is a Grammy nominated music producer and songwriter who has work with music talents like Musiq Soulchild, Ledisi, Marsha Ambrosius and Tamia just to name a few. I caught up with Christopher to learn more about his path as a producer and also songwriter.

 

1.Where were you six months after college?

I was working on Ledisi’s and Marsha Ambrosius album. In fact, how this came about is definitely God’s intervention. The last week of graduate school, I was curious about Musiq Soulchild next album release ,so I was researching on all major music sites. One thing lead to another, I find myself on Musiq Souldchild’s producers page, the talented Carvin & Ivan. Without thinking much of my action, I decided to reach out to them by leaving  my resume on their comment section. The following week, I was invited to their home in New Jersey.

2. What effect did the music and art had on you growing up?

Music gave me confidence, structure and taught me how to be persistent. It has had a big influence on me, as far as how I dress, treat people and how I view the world. Music affects the heart and mind and it communicates for us when we can’t.

3. What is the creating process for you like?

It’s very simple actually, before producing or writing I play some of Michael Jackson’s and Stevie Wonder’s albums.

4. What type of impact would you want your music to leave on the industry?

I want my music to be remembered as powerful, thought provoking and entertaining. I want it to penetrate people’s heart and motivate them to do better and be better.  I want my music to be medicine to someone. I believe that’s why Michael Jackson influenced me because his music came from his heart. There’s a generation of artist who are more focused on being money hungry then focusing on the matters of the heart. Music is suppose to be soothing and inspiring

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5.Is there an artist or producer you want to work with that you have not yet had the opportunity?

Actually there’s a few, De’ Angelo, Dark Child, Tricky Stewart,Timbaland and Liana La Havas.

6.How do you balance navigating your morals and ethically challenged industry?

Prayer, the music industry isn’t for everybody, you hear so many things if you are not spiritually grounded you will lose yourself. Just be prepared and have a mindset and have that connection with God. Another thing that I’ve learned is not being afraid to ask questions.

7.What do you like to do for fun outside of working on music?

Every week I make sure that I go to the movies, it’s a great way for me to separate myself from reality and also be inspired. I also enjoy cooking and working out.

8. Do you have advice for young people who want to become music producers/ writers?

Yes, there’s a few things I want to share because a lot of people won’t give you what you’re worth, they will give you what you negotiate.

  •    Work hard, do your research and study your craft.
  •    Look at prolific songwriters and producers.
  •    Teach yourself about the business side of the music industry.
  •    Research laws, copyright and learn how to market yourself.
  •    Utilize KickStarter, and social media to your advantage.
  •    Know your music but most impotrantly know your worth and your business

9. What do you think about the lack of funding in the music & arts, how does it affect you and the future generations?

It’s heartbreaking, I hope there will be a change soon. Art is as important as math and science, in fact there’s been studies conducted that shows that music enhances motor skills and also helps cultivate better thinking skills. Kids need balance and also an outlet to express themselves and that’s why art should be a priority on every school curriculum.

10.What would you tell your younger self?

Dear Christopher,

It will be alright, just continue to be focus on your craft. Remember that God put you there to affect people in a positive way.

Stay connected with Christopher

YouTube|Twitter| Instagram|SoundCloud

On the Rise: Clifford Owusu

Posted in On The Rise by

Industry: Entertainment

Hats: Entertainer, Promoter of Happiness, Human Resources Manager

School: SUNY Buffalo State

Major: BA, Human Resources Management

Mission: “To promote happiness, laughter and positive thinking through my words, videos and posts.”

IMG_4280Clifford Owusu  is like a breath of fresh air and a shot of inspiration for anyone who underestimates the meaning of happiness. In a world where “ hate” has been more advertised than happiness, it is great to see young individuals who go out of their way to share happiness with others especially while balancing a professional career. Over the past few months, Clifford,  a Ghanaian comedian, entertainer and YouTube dance sensation, has captured the hearts of many around the world through comedic performances, which have been featured on Good Morning America and BuzzFeed. With a focus of promoting happiness through comedic displays of his culture, Clifford’s videos are not only uplifting, but culturally-enlightening. I recently caught up with Clifford to discuss his path as an entertainer, however, this young professional had much more than dancing moves to share; as an HR Manager he also shared some insights for recent graduates entering the job market.
1. Where were you six months after college?

I was interning at the place that I am currently working now in the HR department.  I’m lucky and blessed to say that I didn’t go through the long period of job search unlike  some graduates. After couple of months of interning I was  fully hired.  The majority of college graduates are going to be hit with denial, I was one of them, however my advice to them is to trust the process,network and do internships during and even after graduation because that’s the only way to get your foot in the  door.

2. Describe in 3 words how dancing makes you feel.

1- Happy* 2- Energized 3- Free

3. When did you realize you were funny?

I have been a clown my whole life ever since junior high school. I used to do a lot of parody, write songs and even rap. Growing up the only two people I considered celebrities were Michael Jackson and Eddie Murphy. So knowing that you can see why I mashed both my love for comedy and dance together in my YouTube videos.

4. Who supported you to do a video and share it on YouTube?

Before sharing my videos on YouTube, my friends and I used to post them on Facebook.However, after college in 2007, my friend Nana, now my manager, videotaped me dancing to a Ghanaian song and put it on YouTube and  next thing you know it blew up.

5. How do you explain to your parents your new-found hobby?

It took them some time  to embrace my talents but they eventually came through and are my biggest supporters. As soon as I graduated college,  it didn’t matter what I did because I gave them what they wanted;  a degree and by that time I had a good paying job. Growing up they made sure that my only focus was my education.That’s why I spent a great majority of my time hiding my CD’s and blasting music on my headphones. I would lie and tell them I’m going to my best friend’s house when in actuality I was in the studio recording. I wanted to become a producer like Diddy.

6. What do you do in your spare time?

There is no spare time, I’m always writing for my next project or traveling or sleeping because the body needs rest.

7. How do you balance your comedic career with your career as an HR specialist?

The good thing is that I’m a hard worker and I don’t like to procrastinate. From Monday to Friday I am strictly focused on my job, but as soon as I get home I’m drafting,thinking or editing videos.

8. Where do you get your inspiration?

Well, making people happy inspires me the most.  The fact that I create and write most of my scripts keep me inspired to be original. I try not to watch other people’s stuff because when you’re a creative person you want to be original and once you start looking at other’s work you’re going to focus on what they’re doing.

9. How did you cultivate your fans base?

I don’t like to call them fans, they are more like my friends. Think about it, I invite them every week to my house, but to answer the question I  don’t cultivate my fans base;  they just come and that’s when you know it’s a blessing from above. That’s one of the questions I love to answer when I hear it, because it amazes me to see how much  people love and support my work. For example if you say something negative on my page, my followers will defend me to the point the person will delete the comment and I think it’s because I keep my videos clean, funny and professional. Anyone can relate and watch the videos.

10. What are some of the things you’ve noticed about this generation?

This generation is very entitled, which is a good thing because it means that they are ambitious and want to go far in life. What I’ve noticed  being that I’m from the HR side is that a lot of young professionals don’t settle for jobs that don’t fit their values and where they want to be. If they don’t believe in the brand they will most likely leave. Our parents were not  like that, they showed loyalty to the organization and made it work. For example my dad worked for the same company for 37 years, our generation wouldn’t even make it to two. * Laughs

11. Do you feel like you’re branding Ghana through your videos ?

I  feel like i’m branding the African culture, especially our music. People are finally embracing our culture and I’m glad to be part of this movement.

12. What advice do you have for the class of 2015?

They have a whole semester to start planning, so start right now. Feel free to attend  college career fairs, meet with recruiters  but also make sure you do the following:

  • Network ( classmates, neighbors, counselors)
  • Connect with an HR manager on LinkedIn
  • Work with a recruitment firm
  • Know your craft

13. What would you tell your younger self?

Dear  Clifford,

Don’t stop, there will be time when you will want to quit but don’t. Allow yourself to see the bigger picture.Nobody will start supporting you, even your family until strangers starts supporting you. *Don’t stop, keep going, they will come around.

Regards,

Clifford Owusu

Stay connected with Clifford

YouTube|Facebook| Instagram