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

Hi Lucky, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea to start my company actually started after I left my band. We had a long great run but I was ready for something new and I felt as if we weren’t growing as a unit and it was time to move on. Thats when I realized I acquired unique skills from years of trial an error working magic behind the scenes for my band. I booked our shows, I made sure we got paid, I created the flyers, I promoted the shows, I sold tickets door to door and anything else my band needed at any given moment. I even taught myself how to write HTML code to build our websites and social media presence. With all of these amazing skills I realized I could be a publicist or a consultant for other artist and help them achieve their dreams while avoiding costly mistakes I made coming up in the business. I was also a little jaded from working with publicist who never really delivered on their promises and I wanted to be the change I was seeking. Thats when I decided I was going to be a publicist but not in the traditional sense. I saw myself as a consultant who does publicity and that’s how I approached it. I don’t believe in cookie cutter services one size fits all. I wanted to get to know my clients and truly understand their vision while building a plan that fits their personal business style and goals. I believe in a more organic process that helps clients grow and learn how to be self sufficient while empowering their team and themselves.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When it comes to Public Relations and consulting, I am unorthodox in every way. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter services, and the one size fits all approach to business. As a former entertainer myself, I understand that all artists, companies, and brands have a unique DNA that requires a plan designed for them to achieve their goals and see real growth. I approach each potential client as an individual, and I curate projects according to their personal needs, vision, expectations, and budget. I have a consultation process that I live by, and every client must have a mandatory initial meeting to discuss their work, what they’ve been able to accomplish before meeting me, what they loved about their previous team, and what they feel the last person they hired lacked, and what their expectations are moving forward. This allows me to fully understand where they are mentally, financially, and structurally as a brand. I utilize this information to determine what I feel they need to reach the growth goals we’ve discussed, and I build my retainer fee around the scope of work so I can give my clients honest expectations according to the budget. Although brands and creatives can be passionate about their business, they aren’t always realistic regarding how business works beyond their expectations to be instantly thrust into the limelight.

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?
This is a great question, and considering how much I love Atlanta, my list of places would be endless. Yet, if I had to narrow it down to a few places, this would be my starter package for anyone new to the area. First, I would take them to some of my favorite restaurants. All of my friends know I am a foodie, and I love to eat. My go-to eatery is Apt 4B. OMG, the food and environment are incredible. Good food, music and every time we go we dance until the place closes. The Turkey wings are my absolute favorite, but you can’t go wrong with any of their amazing dishes. Another great place to eat is Le Colonial. This place is an experience, and the drinks will have you twerking in your seat if you’re not careful. My favorite dish is a soup called “Sup Ga Cay,” and you will be thanking me later once you taste it for yourself. Their Pho Bo soup is also phenomenal and reminds me of my wife’s mom, who always makes this soup for me when I visit her home. My favorite place for brunch is Ms. Iceys Kitchen, and I always get catfish and grits. How can you go wrong with that? I have also tried other dishes, and they were all delicious, but that catfish transports me to my grandmother’s kitchen and makes me feel right at home. Ok, I think that’s enough food for now because I can eat all day if you let me. Another one of my favorite places is the High Museum of Art. I am a huge art fan, and I always have an unforgettable experience in the midst of their magical exhibits. On the flip side, I love the Trap Museum. If you want to be transported into your favorite ATL rapper’s world and feel like you’re a gangster for the day, this is the place to be. You never know what celebrity may pop in while you’re there. Always have great vibes and fun when you’re at the Trap Museum. Another must-see is Magic City. Yes, I know it’s the famous strip club, but it’s also an incredible place that has become a deep part of ATL culture. I honestly go there for the wings. Yes, they are as good as you’ve heard. I recently saw a fashion show there hosted by Steve Harvey’s son Jason Harvey, and we had a blast.

Who knew that fashion, strippers, and wings would be a great combination? If you’re a fashion lover, I would also visit the SCAD Atlanta Campus (Savannah College of Art and Design). They have a fashion museum that will blow you away, and the campus is just beautiful in general. This is definitely a must-see when you’re in ATL. Lastly, I would stop by the Hotel Colee and visit their rooftop club. I can’t remember the name, but we always have a blast when we are there. I love the decor and the neon signs that help create extraordinary moments and content for social media. The rooftop view is also spectacular.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow, this part is fantastic because there are so many people I can thank for helping me along my journey. I believe it takes a village to build true success for us all. Yet, today I would like to honor my brother, mentor, business partner, and friend Ty Hunter who has been an instrumental voice in my personal life and career. His words of encouragement and consistent love shine light into the hearts of anyone he encounters. He is a beautiful soul and has been there for me in some of my darkest moments. He is the definition of a brother and a friend. Ty also has a book coming out later this year called “Makeover From Within,” which is available on his website ( www.TyTryOne.com ) for preorder. Beyonce and Billy Porter contributed some of their writing to celebrate Ty in his book as well. This is a major moment for my brother, and I want him to shine brighter than a trillion suns because he has helped so many people, and he NEVER asks for anything in return. He genuinely loves to see people win. Truly an Angel on earth. I also would like to highlight my dear friend and brother Terrell Jones who has been in my corner from day one. When I started in the business, Terrell was already working with heavyweights in the entertainment business, yet, he would always reach back and look out for me even when he didn’t have to. My first big opportunity in the industry was a success because he gave me access to his clients when I was consulting for Haddad Brands and the phenomenal Fran Boller. After coordinating a successful celebrity guest appearance for the fashion show the previous year with Ice T, Coco, and their adorable little queen Chanel. who also made her runway debut during the fashion show. I then presented the idea of having DJ Khaled and his family as our celebrity guest host for the next annual Rookie USA Kids fashion show, and Fran loved the idea. I immediately called Terrell to see if he thought it was possible, and he said let’s make it happen. We set up the meeting between Terrell, Fran, Nicole Tuck, and myself and the rest was history. Having friends like Terrell Jones and Ty Hunter is priceless because their support comes with a level of validation and respect that money can’t buy. They have allowed me and so many others to stand on their shoulders to reach heights we never imagined were possible. I am forever thankful for their friendship, love, and brotherhood.

There are so many people I would love to go in-depth about that have been instrumental in my career, and we would be here all day if I had to explain the depth of love and support they have given me through the years. So I will name a few more people and give some insight into how they’ve been a blessing in my life and career. My wife Vieng V is my everything and has been my ride or die for 26 years and counting. Without her love, support, and patience, I wouldn’t have accomplished so much. When my back was against the wall, she was always there to lift me up and remind me of how amazing I was. I can’t mention my career without mentioning Free “Da Dreamer” Smith and Lizzie Grubman. They gave me my first real chance and saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. They took a chance on me and gave me a position of power that changed my life for the better. I will forever be grateful for my start and growth with my LGPR family, which included my dear friends and colleagues Will Frank and Anastasia Newton Collins. Fran Boller is one of my heroes and another person who gave me a shot to be a part of her world. She trusted me to deliver during a time I was debating whether or not I was truly cut out to be in this business. Together we made history and sealed deals that were unforgettable during my career. She is another power player who helped shape my career. I can’t forget my business partner and friend Vanessa Campos who is a bright light in my life. She is a real friend who has supported me and fought for me to get opportunities I wasn’t sure I deserved at the time. She has always seen me as a winner and a leader. She never lets my crown tilt, and I love her for that. I also have to mention my mom Sharon Hayward and my sister Monique Davis. Although we met later in life as our careers were already established separately, I can honestly say their guidance and wisdom have been instrumental in guiding me through some of the most difficult situations I have faced in my career. They are both tough businesswomen who built historical careers. I am proud to be in their lives and truly blessed to have them in my corner to sharpen my skills at all times. Last but not least is my brother, spiritual advisor, and client Elliot Carlyle. There aren’t enough words to describe the impact he’s had on my life. He’s a voice of reason and helps me navigate the harsh realities of what it means to be a black man, a business leader, and a thought leader. He always reminds me of the weight we carry and why we were chosen to carry such a heavy load. He is a gift that keeps giving, and I love him dearly. As I said, there are so many amazing people I could name who have helped me become the man I am today. These are just a few, but to all of the people who have been there to help guide me through the maze called the entertainment business and life in general, I want to say thank you because I would be nothing without all of you. Thank you for being a friend….. travel down the road and back again…. The Golden Girls theme song says it all, and I dedicate that song to everyone who has been a part of my journey.

Instagram: @LuckyChurch @TalkToLuckyChurch

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucky-church-a07851a

Twitter: @LuckyChurch

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LuckyChurch

Other: @LuckyChurch (TikTok) @LuckyChurch (Snapchat)

Image Credits
Main photo: (Floating Head) Name: Gene Tolan Website: www.genetolan.com Instagram: @Gene.Tolan Additional Photos: Name: Vanessa Campos Instagram: @Vccampos999

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