Hey Guys!
So reader Jennifer recently wrote in, saying “I am an aspiring Fashion PR guru and would love to break into the world of fashion PR. I currently live in DC and am trying to get more of a fashion world here in DC as well. Do you have any tips on how to start?”
I could think of noone better to interview than publicist extraordinaire BJ Coleman:
The DC native and CEO of Coleman Entertainment Group has represented everyone from Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons to Vivica Fox, Melinda Williams, Sheree Whitfield, and Misa Hilton-Brim. The former Teen Summit Posse member started off as Kimora Lee Simmons’ assistant and has since worked his way into the rolodexes and hearts of the glitterati. He took a break from his super busy schedule to tell his story and offer you aspiring publicists a few tips on how to break into the biz:
BJ initially had aspirations to be a talk show host, and completed internships at Maury Povich, CNN, and even the Queen Latifah show as a communications major at Boston College. He says, “I was in school and studying, and wondering what I would do if I didn’t make it as a talk show host. I told myself that if I didn’t make it as a talk show host, I’d be a publicist or an agent.” To be sure, BJ started interning at Baby Phat fashions in the summer of 1999, when Kimora first launched her hip hop glam company. By his senior year, he was her assistant.
He ended up leaving Baby Phat four months after graduation, but soon found a job as Brittny Murphy’s personal assistant, liaising with publicity contacts and celebrities for her movies Just Married and 8 mile. After, he worked for Naomi Campbell’s now defunct publicity company, NC Connect, where he worked with Dolce & Gabbana, Alicia Keys, and Esteban Cortozar. After 1.5 years, an opportunity for a position at Baby Phat opened up, and he heeded the call. He worked for them as publicity director for four years before launching his own company, Coleman Entertainment Group.
For those out there who want to follow in his footsteps, he says, “Do an internship. The first thing I always tell people is to stay in school. Education is important. While you’re in school, get an internship. If you’re in school for four years, and you do an internship every summer, that’s four years worth of solid work when coming out of college. It helps you build your resume, and helps you build the contacts you may need upon graduation. In this industry, it’s very important who you know. Who you know is key. Combine education with networking.”
He continues, “Do your best work.You can’t be in an internship sitting there idle, waiting for someone to give you something to do. You have to be a self starter. Have a good worth ethic, think fast, be quick, and be honest.”
In his experience, he’s learned “Don’t get too comfortable too soon. It’s a mistake that a lot of young people make. Know your place, stay in your lane, and respect your boundaries. Also in entertainment and fashion, a lot of people are disillusioned by the glitz and glamour, thinking it’s nothing but red carpet events. A lot of gut, sweat, and tears go into the job before you get the glamour. You have to know how to work hard.”
And what about your wardrobe? He says, “Dress like the person you want to become. If you have an internship, don’t wear jeans and a t-shirt. If you want to be CEO, dress like the CEO.” His wardrobe must haves include a black leather bomber jacket, his blackberry, a solid watch, YSL sunglasses, and a smile.
BJ, who is working on a book and a possible TV project closed with his personal mantra, “Good, better, best. Never let it rest till your good is better and your better is best.”
That’s great advice!
What do you think of today’s Breaking into Fashion subject?
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