We had the good fortune of connecting with Rafael Pena and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rafael, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Originally I was an independent rap artist from New York City in the 2000’s and I toured Europe and the states by using Myspace and marketing myself all over the internet. Some could say I was successful on my own but when I had a son and a family to feed, music no longer became my priority but I always wanted to stay in the music business. When I was at the height of my rap career, I always knew I lacked all the right connections. And that’s what inspired me to create Levels Management. It initially started out with networking mixers to introduce artists to executives and journalists from major brands and then it evolved into facilitating connections and developing marketing strategies for artists and indie labels. Then the same strategies I was applying to the music business I was eventually encouraged to use my skills for all types of other businesses outside of music and entertainment. “Mom and pop” shops who needed exposure, real estate agencies who wanted to do pop ups or grand openings, I was touching all kinds of businesses in New York City and really excelling within the niche I developed for myself.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I run a firm called Levels Management, where we help brands and creatives develop and execute marketing strategies to propel their business and attract more people within their respective target audiences. Initially, I was an independent recording artist in New York City and during this time of my life I realized what I lacked most was the proper connections and the right people around me to acquire industry insight. Hence, when I got older I created networking mixers such as the Entertainment Industry Mixer, where I convinced journalists and music executives to network with up and coming talent of all fields. Eventually the popularity of the event gave me enough visibility to build relationships within the music industry and this is where Levels Management was born. From there I would produce single and album release parties, connect artists to press, and offer consultations to artists and businesses on their music, marketing strategies, and recommend resources for entities to use to fulfill specific needs.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First off, I would start the mornings taking them on a hike to one of the nearby mountains. Either Stone Mountain or Arabia Mountain just so they could see the balance and beauty Georgia has to offer. Secondly, I’d plan to grab some lunch on or near the Atlanta Beltline, probably some tacos or a custom salad from one of the shops. After some eats, I’d continue the exercising by taking another little hike over to Piedmont Park. Relax in the park for a bit before heading to the house to regroup and get ready for some evening fun. One of my favorite places to grab a bite and some drinks is Divan, they have some of the best lamb chops I’ve ever tasted and this place also has Hookah. Another great strip is Edgewood Ave, where theres plenty of happy hour bars and eats with plenty of music and people to meet.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Terrell Blair of Hood Life Movement

Website: levelsmanagement.com

Instagram: thebrunchxgod

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/levelsmanagement

Twitter: thebrunchxgod

Other: My business instagrams are : @lvlsmanagement & @brunchxgods

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.