To singer-songwriter Mickael Music, Mia Lopez is the blueprint in the world of PR in the Haitian music industry. “I trust her taste in music,” says the singer. “She has a good ear, so it’s not just about money and business. I feel like she works with brands she would listen to.”
Above: Mia Lopez takes a breather during an entertainment event. Photo Credit: Kompa Magazine.
Mickael says she has worked extensively with the publicist, more recently for the song “Viens Avec Moi” with fellow singer-songwriter Wanito. “A lot of people just work with anyone who’s paying them,” points out Mickael. “I don’t know for fact, but I feel as if she does her research and if she vibes it she will work on it…a lot of people will just work with anyone paying.”
Nick Jean of KalePwa.com sees the founder of MIA Media Inc as not merely a model publicist, but also a digital space pioneer. Jean says that as a kid, he often went on Sakapfet, a website Lopez helped found, to acquaint himself with Haitian music and events. “She created a product that helped many young Haitians connect.”
Ask singer-songwriter Mickael Music to talk about working with the publicist, and she goes into a gush-fest. “You can always count of her if it’s a rush job,” says the singer. Mia is always clear on what she can and can’t do with deadlines given to her. And if she says it will be ready by Monday, it’s ready by Monday. One of the most important things she offers is the respect she is given in the business. In a male-driven industry that can be hard to come by.”
In the first half of the interview with the publicist, we discussed how she got her start, and establishing her PR firm. Now follow along as we discuss her career.
Kreyolicious: Do you have any career regrets?
You know, I don’t regret anything in my career or in my life. I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. Good or bad, it sets you up for your destiny one way or another. And honestly, I haven’t had any bad experiences in the Haitian music industry. I have been able to build great relationships with all of my clients and continue to be the Haitian music industry’s biggest cheerleader because my love for Haiti runs deep.
Kreyolicious: What would you say are the top three most influential books you’ve ever read in your life?
You know my first answer is gonna sound really cheesy right but the Bible is one of the books that has been a permanent inspiration. It’s amazing to me how no matter what I’m going through in life I can pick up the bible and open it to a random page and the message and verse I find is exactly what I needed to hear to help me through that trial. The other book that truly changed my life is “One Day My Soul Just Opened Up” by Iyanla Vanzant, it’s a book of self-discovery that I read when I was 19, it’s amazing. The next one that helped propel my decision to start my own business was “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Dr. Spencer Johnson it’s a short simple book that will change anyone’s life. Once you read it you will want to pack your bags and start walking towards the direction of your dreams!
Kreyolicious: If there was one moment when you feel prouder than proud in your career…well, let’s say three moments…what would you say they were?
OMG. You are really making me sound so cheesy with these answers, but at least your viewers and followers will know I’m really goofy. [Laughter] I was honored by the Consul General of Haiti in Miami’s office as a Woman of Honor. My mother and kids were there to support me, and seeing my mother’s eyes full of pride—while I stood next to some phenomenal pioneers in the Haitian Community—made me feel like I was on top of the world. Other moments come often when people like Tico Pasquet, President Michel Martelly and artists like Orlane say my name, and I am shocked to know that people who I look up to as a music fan actually know my name. It’s still surreal!
Kreyolicious: Where do you see your career five years from now?
Wooooooowwwww…. By then I really hope that my work has influenced other women and girls to decide to take on the HMI, to work in the community and truly want to change how this male dominated game is played. I want to see more empowered women decide to use their talents to upgrade the HMI, its artists, the media and promoters. I would love to look back and say “I was a part of something amazing!”
This concludes PART TWO of the interview with Mia Lopez. Be sure to check out for PART ONE of the interview with the founder of MIA Media Inc.
