Today we’d like to introduce you to Coco Michelle.
Hi Coco, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a publicist and I moved to Atlanta from Indianapolis about a year and a half ago. I have always been interested in public relations. It wasn’t until 2013, while I was attending my alma mater, Central State University, that I was able to actually learn the need of PR. I was the Public Relations Chair for Student Government at Central and also worked in our school’s Public Relations office. As a communications major, I was granted the opportunity to intern with companies that taught me marketing, social media, and account management. Which is a side of the PR many don’t see us play.
I moved back to Indianapolis after graduation and started missing that PR drive. I wanted more than what was around me at the time. I didn’t want to just go through the motions of life. So, I packed my car and moved to Washington D.C. with $300 in my pocket. I slept in my car the first night there – my mom still has no clue, sorry mommy. My close friend who lived in South East D.C. at the time offered his couch for the next four months, let’s talk about eye-opening. This wasn’t like college when I went away. I was an adult living in the real world. My now business partner Mampz of Mampz Management had heard I moved to D.C., which is when she presented the idea for me to work with her developing R&B artist, Asia Karin from Baltimore, MD. We then picked up a second artist by the name of Nouvel. Our hands were full and we were ready to submerge into this industry life.
Working with artists helped me realize that PR is an important element to the music industry. The PR courses I took in school were for corporate and non-profit organizations, this was something new for me. I loved it. I love music, so to me it was a perfect marriage. I then got a chance to work with Andrea and Erica Hamilton of Theory Communications, out here in Atlanta. I drove to Atlanta from D.C. to assist with A3C and with an album release party for a high-profile celebrity. At this point, I knew Atlanta was where I wanted to further my career. As I began to prepare to move to Atlanta, the pandemic hit and my plans were put on hold and I moved back home to Indianapolis to be with my family. But, I decided this virus was not going to stop me. July 2020, I moved to Atlanta because I wanted to learn the music business and develop my skill more in the music industry.
Since being here in Atlanta, I have been able to work with several different artists and organizations. When people from my hometown ask “How am I doing?” I simply answer, “This is the most exhilarating adventure yet. Hard, but exhilarating.” My mentors have always advised that I shouldn’t limit myself, including music. And with that advice, I have been able to work with companies like; Intel Media Group, Go Off Sis, Gang Gang, Playhouse Boutique, and The Trap Music Museum, Media Girls Network, BAM! Creative, Moolah Mobile, Culture Wireless, Project H.E.L.P. and B the Buzz PR to name a few. My journey is only beginning and I have no clue what’s next, but I am excited! My days are not always easy, but they are always worth it. I live by this motto: “This train stops for no one,” something I was taught when I pledged to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. This phrase stuck with me because life, “be lifing”, but we can’t stop because of inconveniences. I have aspirations of being my nieces and nephews goals but also getting the key to my city. Showing everyone that if Coco can do it, they surely can do it. Typically, if one leaves Indianapolis, they don’t return because of the lack of resources. My mission is to provide those resources for my city in whatever way I can. I believe that we live our lives to help our community excel and propel to higher levels.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! This has been a challenge. Some days, I have wanted to quit, but then I talk to my friends and family and they won’t let me fall. It’s been a year and a half of ups and downs, more downs than ups, but if it were easy, would I really want it? The biggest struggle has been imposter syndrome, feeling like I’m not “good enough.” I have proven to myself time over time that I am not an imposter and that I am doing exactly what I want to do and where I want to be in this point of time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As a public relations firm, I work with brands and business to help build awareness and bring awareness. Everyone I work with, I truly believe in their vision. I feel it’s important for me to believe in my clients because I have to push the narrative of their existence. I am proud of what I do and truly do it for the love of making others succeed. I tell my clients, I am not here to take your money and it’s not about clout for me. I don’t win unless they win, so together we have to work to build and grow to blossom.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in God, I believe in blessings. I believe you will get everything and more when you are obedient to the universe and how you treat others on your journey to success.
Contact Info:
- Email: Coco.Michelle@CocoMichellePR.com
- Instagram: @Coco_Michelle__
Image Credits:
Main Picture(Personal Photo) – Event: Trap Music Museum Pop-up Art show at Underground Atlanta Photographer: FIRE Media Group (IG: @FireGroupATL) 1. Pink Dress – Event: Garden Pardi hosted by: Be Nimble Co Foundation Photographer: Not Credit 2. Purple Dress with Blonde locs (sitting) – Event: Go Off Sis: Sister Social 2021 Women’s Brunch Panel Photographer: Brandon Wright (IG: @Mr.Wright) 3. Full Panel discussion – Event: Go Off Sis: Sister Social 2021 Women’s Brunch Panel Photographer: Brandon Wright (IG: @Mr.Wright) 4. Pic with black and white coat – Event: Culture Wireless gives tablets at Shaq’s Toy Drive Photographer: Catt Hamlin (IG: @CattEyeMedia)
