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

Hi Suzette, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I always evaluate my “why’s” and “why nots.” If there’s not a reason why not to do something, or if the “why’s” outnumber the ” why nots,” then why not do it? I believe a passion is placed in your heart because it’s already been assigned to you from the higher power. That burning feeling of chasing your dream and not feeling comfortable in your current state, is the motivation to just go for it. We often set invisible time clocks and imaginary obstacles that limit us. We say things such as “I’ll do it when I have this much money,” or “I’ll do it when I’m this old.” Before you know it, time is gone. I saw an opportunity do things that have been rarely done, to be inspiration to others, to bless others, and be living proof that dreams do come true no matter where you come from.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been modeling and acting for quite some time now. I am signed with Ursula Wiedmann Models in Atlanta, M.I. Talent is also in Atlanta, Dorothy Combs Models in Miami, and most recently, LA Models in Los Angeles. It’s interesting because I was somewhat of a tomboy and I always wanted to be a wrestler. I trained in it, and I learned cameras at church because I also possessed this deep passion for film. Writing was my escape when I was a foster child. The confidence, poise, self love, and poise that came with modeling plus the ability to morph into anything I want while acting, won me over as well. It’s not easy. Especially when your heart is being dragged in all these different directions. You try to figure out your purpose. When you’ve experienced things like homelessness and foster care, you wonder if you should play it safe and go to college, or be brave and invest fully into your dreams. I left South Carolina and knocked on every agent’s door until I got a contract. I built my portfolio and got additional representation. I got headshots and gained acting experience, I studied others and used their success as my motivation, then did the same thing to get a talent agent. I practiced and never stopped believing. I got to the point where I was able to teach both and travel the country for national projects.. During the pandemic, I started Victoria Productions and really focused on my craft of filming and directing small projects. I felt like I found my purpose, yet my first love was still calling: wrestling. My history with the sport and its influence on my family made me do something crazy.. I started a wrestling promotion. By the beginning of 2022, Hit Club Pro was born.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a tough one because its SO much to do in Atlanta. I’m adventurous so I’m squeezing in EVERYTHING. Tell me when to stop. Lets start with breakfast/brunch at Flying Biscuit or drinks at Cafe Intermezzo (although I would like to try Toast on Lenox, Barney’s, and Roc South.) To simplify it, brunch at Ladybird then rent scooters on the beltline. There we go. I would check out the aquarium and the High Museum (haven’t done either! ) Andretti for some arcade and bumper cars. Rent a boat at Lanier or check out Margaritaville. Pop in an acting class or make them experience being an extra on a major movie. A Lady Named Pearl throws amazing fashion shows. Then grab a hookah at Sivas or a drink at the Skylounge for the view. The Garden Room looks like fun. The Bellyard has a nice rooftop. Puttshack is attached to the building and would be a nice evening outing. I’d try to squeeze in a hike at Stone Mountain, Hit The Bando for some wings, a show at Fox Theatre, Pasha for dinner, Sugar factory or The Yard for desert. Walk through Edgewood. If they’ve never been to Atlanta, they’d naturally want to go to Tongue and Groove or Gold Room. I’d take them to Luv 2 on Buford Highway for some international vibes. Depending on the day, take them to a wrestling show like Southern Honor Wrestling or BattleSlam.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to shoutout Lady Ola. She’s a television producer, artist manager, marketing/branding consultant, event strategist, sorority founder, and overall boss. Watching her take her talents from Jersey to Atlanta and grow in the nightlife, music, and now the film/television scene is a huge inspiration. Her practices from writing goals, to building teams, to creating her own seat at the table is extremely encouraging. She’s a supportive person all around, and dedicates her time to mentoring and bringing women together. So to you, Lady Ola, I’m giving you your flowers!

Website: HitClubPro.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/SuzetteVictoria

Image Credits
Alexis Armstrong/FortyThree North, Heather Houston Peymac Media

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.