Meet Curize Richards | Full-stack Marketer, AdWoman & Metier Mentor

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

Hi Curize, how do you define success?
I define success as living a life of contentment. Success means different things to different people. For me, I feel successful because I have everything I need. I don’t want for anything, I don’t lack anything. I have set goals that I have achieved, and some that I haven’t, but I am still content, and that equals success in my eyes. It took growth and wisdom for me to view success that way. I used to think my failures meant I was unsuccessful. But, being unsuccessful in a task, doesn’t mean we haven’t achieved success. Its all about our personal point-of-view.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Since I was a child, I’ve been in awe of music. Obsessed with it! There were two things I wanted to be as a little girl, a doctor and Quincy Jones! I was enamored with Quincy Jones because he was at the center of this thing I loved; music. And I thought, ‘in order for me to get close to music, I needed to be like Quincy.’

Fast forward to my first year of college, my dad bought me a Korg music workstation so I could learn music production. While I was teaching myself this machine, I also wanted to learn the business of music which is why I pursed an undergrad degree in business, majoring in marketing. My career goal was to be a marketing executive at record label.

Upon graduation, I had an opportunity to intern at Warner Music, or 107.5 WBLS, an adult contemporary NYC radio station. I took the internship at WBLS because I felt it was a better fit for me. I went in thinking ‘wow I got a music internship’! But, as I began to learn the business of radio, I realized radio isn’t the music business, it’s media, it’s the advertising business. That was 17 years ago, and I’ve been in the industry of media and field of advertising ever since.

Luckily, navigating this industry and my career hasn’t had much challenges. For all the challenges I did face, there was an opportunity and an advocate on the other side. Also, I’m a firm believer in letting my work speak for itself. My work ethic, creativity and God’s grace has afforded me exceptional professional opportunities. And, I think my desire to learn about a business beyond my role, and my ability to think strategically about any business is what sets me apart in professional spaces. I love solving problems, and believe there is always room for any and everything to be done more efficiently and more creatively.

One lesson I’ve learned is to consistently practice gratitude. I never take my career, my opportunities or my professional journey for granted. I appreciate all the experiences, skills and lessons it has given me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I don’t know anything about Atlanta, I am an NYC girl! So if someone were to visit me in NYC the weekend would look like:

Friday night:
Pre-theater dinner at Avra, Broadway show, post-show drinks and apps at Skylark lounge

Saturday Morning:
Coffee at Ralphs, Facials and tea at the Ritz Carlton, and late afternoon shopping

Saturday Night:
Cocktails at Brandy Library, followed by dinner at Mr. Chows (Tribeca), followed by music and drinks at Jimmy Lounge & Bar

Sunday:
Brunch at RH Rooftop, ice-cream at Aubi & Ramsa and a walk on the Highline

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents deserve all the recognition. I always say that I won the parent lottery! My dad and mom sacrifice so much for me and my sisters, and give so much of themselves. As parents they have been teachers, nurses, financial advisors, cheerleaders, advocates, investors, counselors and so much more. They taught me how to be a person of faith and integrity, the importance of serving others and the gift of knowing God. God truly blessed me with the best parents in the world.