Meet Antonio Santoro | Publicist/Public Relations Professional

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

Hi Antonio, what is the most important factor behind your success?
One of the most important factors of success behind my business is my authenticity as a successful publicist. My desire is to lead with love, meaning, as I innately love to encourage, cheer, and support others, my intent is to do the same for my clients. As a public relations professional, it is my responsibility to ensure my clients’ stories shine in the spotlight it deserves. My authentic passion to see others win provides much fulfillment. I believe we find our success by serving. It is an honor to serve my clients for both their, and my success. Finally, and ultimately, my authenticity is found in my faith in God, which allows my business to prosper. The same God that brought me the vision, resources, and strategy for my business is the same God that provides the clients and success. I am willing and obedient to God, therefore, I succeed. He establishes my work with great success, for which I am tremendously grateful.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a public relations professional. I strategically storytell my client’s brand story and properly position them in the spotlight they deserve. We all have a story. Who is telling it? It is my job to support my clients in telling their own story so others don’t have to. I maximize the message of my clients.

What sets me apart as a publicist is my passion. I innately love to see people win. I support, encourage, and push others to greatness and am great at it. I get excited to see my clients win. To me, winning looks like greater awareness by engaging with their audience on another level. I am also fulfilled when my clients aren’t only simply looking out for their own gain, but rather, seeking the impact they make in the marketplace – being values driven. One client of mine did that as she landed a spot on an international media outlet, sharing the startling statistics of domestic violence during the pandemic and her solution with the services her organization provides.

I have grown into this position…and continue growing. When I first launched into the publicist world, and knowing that building a network is pivotal, I connected with fellow PR Pros. I was favored to consult with these top-notch professionals and glean from their knowledge, insights, and experience. While doing this, I realize that, “if it’s brought to me, it’s meant for me.” Therefore, I am intentional on maximizing moments and capitalizing on no more missed opportunities. I intend to overcome insecurities and insufficiencies because I have a strong faith foundation.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is “support is a seed”. I have been on the stage of BET’s Sunday Best, released a gospel album that reached #17 on iTunes Christian charts, released a book, among many other accomplishments. I realize that I could’ve hyped my personal brand ALL THE WAY UP. Yet, I do that for others. Just like seeds produce harvests, I believe, so does support. I call myself an Expert Encourager. I encourage, support, and truly believe in the talents, abilities, gifts, and skills in others – whether they are my client or not. We find our success by serving others, and that, I do well! I am a supporting servant.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I am a North Carolina native and recently moved to Atlanta (July 2021). So, one thing about me, we will have a good time! I, too, am exploring the endless expanses of Atlanta.

Atlanta’s food scene is top tier, from what I hear. I have had an amazing taste of different foods since being here. El Tesoro and Coyoye’s Mexican Grill (Decatur) are two Mexican restaurants that would definitely be on the list. For the pasta lover, of which my Italian heritage is, I would indulge in the lasagna of Grant Central Pizza. Finally, ice cream at Morelli’s is a must!

As someone who thrives off of people (hence why I love being a public relations pro) and interactions, my friend and I would hit up the beltline. We would stroll from Krog Street Market to Ponce City Market enjoying the people watching experience.

Finally, since being here I have noticed there are always festivals or something going on at Piedmont Park. Piedmont Park is a staple for walking around and enjoying the downtown, yet, serene feel. The Dogwood Festival, recently, was a fun experience that would engage any of my friends with a good time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Knowing “it takes a village to raise a child”, so it does a successful entrepreneur. With service being a pivotal part of my industry as a publicist and a major part of who I am, I must acknowledge one of the greatest servant leaders I know, Ronald Godbee. He has instilled the importance of prospering by being in position.

Additionally, Stephanie Caudle, a fellow PR Pro awakened the (what I thought was a) dormant gift of PR within me. She saw abilities, talents, and skills within me and literally provided a blueprint, of which she then pushed me out of the nest and encouraged me to fly! I am grateful for her initial push and confidence in me.

Finally, I have gained a beautiful network of professionals that continue to sharpen me as a professional: Karlet Hewitt, Pauleanna Reid, Candice Mackel, Xaviette Pointer-Kincy, and Patrice Tabon, just to name a few. I am grateful for this ever growing and evolving “village” that seeks to support others to greatness.

Website: www.AntonioSantoro.me

Instagram: AntonioThePublicist – https://www.instagram.com/antoniothepublicist/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/antoniomsantoro

Twitter: www.twitter.com/IAmTonySantoro

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAmAntonioSantoro