Read a recent career book about public relations and its author will state in its introduction that the gift of gab is a characteristic of the profession. Ketia Fequiere realized she definitely possessed this gift. In doing some self-exploration, she knew she also enjoyed attending events and connecting people together. She had always loved music and the arts, and so in 2010, she established KPR Solutions, her entertainment publicity firm.

Fequiere has a vision-oriented approach in working with her clients. One of the most recent campaigns the PR strategist worked on was for a fashion show for trendy fashion store Mimi’s BoutiQ. Fequiere killed it; she created buzz for the show that resulted in a full-house. Her efforts yielded plenty of post-event buzz on social media for her client.

Kreyolicious: One of your favorite quotes, is this quote that has been attributed to Bill Gates: “If I had one dollar left, I’d spent it on PR”. Why, however, do you think that, for some acts, that’s the last thing on their mind?

It’s hard to say, but I think it’s because some acts do not know what public relations can do for your career. My job as a publicist is to expand awareness to clients and build their brand. An artist can have talent, but no one knows it because [a public relations program] is not available to him or her and [therefore] do not know who they are.

Kreyolicious: What would you say is the most stressful aspect of your profession? 

There are many stressful aspects of public relations. Some of them are: keeping clients content, executing a seamless event, unanswered pitches, just to name a few. The most stressful aspect to me is that public relation is poorly understood. Not many people understand what my job as a publicist is. Some people think I’m a manager, a booking agent, an assistant, you name it, I’ve heard it all before. One of the first questions I ask at my initial meeting with a potential client is: “What is your definition of public relations?”

Kreyolicious: And once they give you their definition, you—

Once I am given a definition, I would then explain what is really public relations. Most of the time their response is completely wrong. After I explain it to them we move on to what their realistic goals are for public relations and marketing services.

Kreyolicious: Did internships play a role early in your career?

Yes, I did intern for an entertainment publicist in the beginning of my career. I believe having hands on experience is always great to have, especially in public relations.

Kreyolicious: I’ve heard of graduates working up to a year as unpaid interns at PR and digital agencies in this economy. What other advice would you give to new graduates besides doing internships?

Some advice I would give to graduates and individuals wanting to be in public relations are to read tons of books, join public relation groups on social media, and practice your writing. I am constantly reading and researching ideas. I am a member of a public relations group named Women in Public Relations. They hold many webinars, workshops and tons of important things that you need to know when you are a publicist. Writing is very vital in public relations. Maybe start a blog or be a contributor on a blog site or for a magazine.

Kreyolicious: What’s the most memorable campaign you’ve ever worked on?

One of the most memorable campaigns I worked on was a sponsorship package for a clothing line by the name of Zoe Beautee. I started out as a fan and purchased a few items from them. Later on, I introduced myself as a publicist and the owner Carline Smothers told me about a benefit fashion show she wanted to put together to donate to a non-profit organization named “Help us Save Us”, which provides a safe and steady source of clean water for their facilities in Sant. Raphael in Haiti. It was memorable to me because I was able to help with a great cause. My main goal in life and in business is to be able to give back and with assisting Zoe Beautee with their sponsorship package, I was able to do so.

Kreyolicious: What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in the field?

I don’t even know where to begin. I have learned so many lessons even with the short time I’ve been in this field. I will make a list. Lessons that I have learned in public relations: Believe in yourself. Just go for it. Believe in your craft. Never give up on your dreams. Mistakes happen, learn from it and move on. Don’t be afraid to fail! Don’t work harder—work wiser.

Visit Ketia Fequiere’s KPR Solutions Website to learn more about her firm| Connect with the PR maven on Twitter| Connect with the PR maven on Instagram and on Facebook|

Carel Pedre’s work ethic pushes him to create original content seemingly around the clock. His Chokarella radio show has morphed into its own brand, the same way its creator has grown into a separate brand. Pedre introduced a show called “Lunch Break”, in which he has lunch in a posh restaurant in Haiti with a local celebrity. “Lunch Break” is a chance for the radio king to explore possibilities beyond radio, while giving people of Haitian descent living abroad an introspective view of life in Haiti.

Carel Pedre with actress Vicky Jeudy. Photo Credit: Dave

The past and future of media is video, it’s been said. To that end, Pedre has amassed a collection of content on the Youtube platform, and conducts Facebook Live streamings that get thousands real-time viewers—not to mention later time watchers. He gets ideas for content series the way real estate developers get ideas for new gated communities. “Personality of the Week”, one of the segments he’s introduced on that platform, explore the life and work of Haiti’s cultural icons. Done in Haitian Creole, these egments introduce viewers to vibrant personalities that have made considerable impact on Haiti’s cultural landscape.

Like the Chokarella entertainment news segments, they’re a break for those who could care less about political talk and disheartening news bulletins, and would rather see the lighter side of Haiti. The fact that Haitian Creole is the language of choice in these videos make them appealing to those who have no knowledge or limited fluency in French, Haiti’s other official language. Those in other French Caribbean countries, can also relate to Chokarella’s content, though there are major variations in the other islands’ Creole and Haitian Creole.

One of the most striking aspect of Carel Pedre’s content is his penchant to explore and give a platform to entertainment industries like stage theater that are not as heralded as other forms of entertainment, as well as health activism, such as a cancer awareness march he and his crew covered.

Pedre has launched a personal vlog to chronicle his life and career and give his viewers a more in-depth look about his work. The Port-de-Paix born media professional is also putting the finishing touches on what is bound to be Haiti’s first major podcast network. Pedre had previously begun a successful experimentation with the podcasting platform, first with “De Tout de Rien” (Everything and Nothing), a podcast with DJK9, a Haiti-based disc jockey. He’s since added Krik? Krak? hosted by Tina, that celebrates and seeks to revive Haiti’s storytelling tradition, as well as Woy podcast, in collaboration with singer-activist-media mogul Miss Talie, a social talk podcast that is parts Black Girls Pod, Black Girls Nerds, and even a bit of American Serial.

Pedre is the baseball player who goes to the field with multiple bats. He wants to hit all the bases. He breathes content marketing, drinks video strategy, and lives personal branding.

| CLICK HERE TO VISIT CHOKARELLA | CLICK HERE TO VISIT CHOKARELLA ON YOUTUBE

Did you miss the first part of this article? CLICK HERE to read it!

This has been another episode of STRAIGHT OUTTA HAITI in which your fave chick Kreyolicious discusses talents and people emerging out of Haiti, and assorted things.

CLICK HERE to check out other episodes!

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.