May 21, 2019

Conversations with the Inspiring Paula Whittle

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Whittle.

Paula, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When you think of fashion and entertainment in Atlanta two words come to mind—Paula Whittle. She has managed to defy the impossible, and has become a legend in the city of Atlanta by creating her very own fashion and entertainment powerhouse. Paula is also a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor, and developer. She continues to help young girls in Atlanta through her Fashion Apprentice mentorship program. Paula’s tremendous work ethic and vision have helped her evolve and become the phenomenon that she is today. She began as a highly sought after entertainment manager to producing global fashion events annually. What inspired Whittle to start her own premier fashion week one might ask, “Fashion is the heartbeat of style and the driving force of our society. Aspiring designers, models and enthusiasts needed a platform and outlet for networking, promotion, and presentations. Then entered the concept of the Atlanta International Fashion Week, a vision of bridging the gap and connecting continents through fashion”, says Paula Whittle. As the Atlanta International Fashion Week enters its 13th year, she has fulfilled that need and created one of the largest fashion events in the U.S.

Paula began her career as a radio personality, after being exposed to the music industry that helped launch her career. Shortly after, Whittle moved to Birmingham, Alabama to pursue a degree in Business Administration at the University of Alabama. In the year 2000, as Whittle was emerging into corporate America, she received a job offer in Atlanta where she pursued her dreams of advancing in the entertainment industry. A few short years later, she used her combined corporate experience and business savvy to become an entrepreneur and establish her own company United Imperial Entertainment.

Over the last 15 years her partnerships were just as impressive as her clientele which she has developed marketing strategies for such as BET, VH1, McDonald’s, Alabama State University, Tuskegee University, NASCAR, The Black Women’s Expo, AKON, Lionsgate, Columbia Pictures, Bad Boy Records, Radio One, Vibe Magazine, Mercedes Benz, Warner Bros, CNN, Usher’s New Look, Marlo Hampton and Cynthia Bailey Eyewear. Adding to an impressive resume, she has also planned, produced, and executed major events and conferences as well as developed strategic marketing campaigns for major corporations. Paula has received proclamations from Governor State of Georgia, Atlanta City Council including annual support from Atlanta mayor and Atlanta Development Authority.

Later, In 2003 after first appearing onto the fashion scene as a model agent typical Paula Whittle style, she decided she couldn’t just be a part of the fashion industry—she had to re-invent it, hence the creation of Atlanta’s premier fashion event, the Atlanta International Fashion Week. Through her annual Atlanta Fashion Week, Paula produced over 50 fashion shows and featured over 350 notable designers such as Roberto Cavalli, Kenzo, Balmain, Balenciaga, Maison Margiela, Trina Turk, Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole, Juicy Couture, White House Black Market, Sean John, Dereon, BCBG, True Religion, Akademiks, Ecko, Rocawear, and international designers. With past national and international partners such as the World Fashion TV, Bravo, Columbia Pictures, Nordstrom, Warner Bros., SkinnyPop, Comcast, Mercedes Benz, Paul Mitchell, W Hotel, Smartwater, Revlon and more. AIFW has featured NBA star Dwight Howard, Kim Kardashian, Sean “P.Diddy” Combs, Dallas Austin, RHOA Cynthia Bailey, Gospel Superstar Kierra Sheard, several members of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, Heavyweight boxer Floyd Mayweather, R&B artist Monica, and hosts of local celebrities and industry professionals.

With all this, Paula has been a speaker at University of Georgia, Bauder College and Stephenson High School. She has been featured in countless publications such as Atlanta Tribune and Rolling Out Magazine. Whittle is determined to create a legacy in Atlanta, and an international presence with AIFW. From entertainment executive, to fashion mogul, to PR maven, to event extraordinaire, to marketing guru, to television producer, entrepreneur, to mother, teacher, visionary, and community leader, Whittle, her brands and expertise have quickly acquired national and international acclaim.

Paula went from being homeless to now a fashion media mogul. She is ‘self’ made with financing her own business ventures including AIFW. Also, self-taught in production, PR, graphics, finance, accounting, music, real estate, mergers & acquisitions, after quitting college. She continues to give back to the community including makeovers for homeless women and kids.

In the last three years, Paula has been diagnosed with chronic illnesses Scoliosis, arthritic spine, degenerative disease, and neuropathy causing mobility issues and a grave disability but that doesn’t stop her from moving forward with her vision. Paula hopes to inspire other women to become entrepreneurs and pursue their dreams like she did. She now encourages and empowers women through her platforms. “Being a female entrepreneur, there is unlimited potential in the business world and it all begins with a thought, an idea, and a solution to a problem. First, believe in yourself then build your brand – your unique concept and then they will come. Being a female entrepreneur – a matriarch of business means the birth of a nation by providing and supplying the needs of a community. An entrepreneur, is not just a business owner, we are global leaders determined to change or enhance commerce” says Paula.

Today, Whittle is at the forefront directing one of the most innovative fashion and entertainment events of our time. Additionally, Paula Whittle owns a progressive Fashion Creative Agency, challenged to lead brands in cutting edge innovation and visual communications. With such a demanding schedule she finds it imperative to keep God first and attributes him to her success. From working with some of the biggest names in entertainment, to planning the catwalk for Atlanta’s largest fashion affair, Whittle is driven to expand into other countries and global spheres. When asked, “What are her plans for the future?” She replied confidently, “AIFW will allow me to fulfill my ultimate goal of becoming one of the world’s most inspiring humanitarians.” Whittle’s story is a story of hardship, faith, innovation, and triumph with chapters still to be written. Many doubted her capabilities, but through faith and determination, Whittle accomplished in a short period of time what would take most years. With God on her side, she is able to look at the impossible and see possible.

Has it been a smooth road?
Anything worth having is not easy to obtain. Hard work, determination and faith has been my driver for the success of my businesses. The struggles were the failures which were learning lessons. In the past two years, I have experienced a painful journey of discovering that I have a chronic disease which is a disability, but maintained as I continue to work towards my brand, visions, and goals.

Advice to other aspiring Women Entrepreneurs: You are your only limit. There is unlimited potential in the business world and it all begins with a thought, an idea, a solution to a problem. First, believe in yourself then build your brand – your unique concept and then they will come. Being the matriarch of business means the birth of a nation by providing and supplying the needs of a community. An entrepreneur is not just a business owner, we are global leaders determined to change or enhance commerce.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Atlanta International Fashion Week story. Tell us more about the business.
Atlanta International Fashion Week is engineering the global fashion experience and attracting industry influencers with a passport to arts, culture, fashion and entertainment. The destination is fashion with a journey through art and an encounter with style. The proclaimed Atlanta International Fashion Week is bridging the gap and connecting continents through fashion! Fashion is the heartbeat of style and the driving force of our society. Aspiring designers, models, and enthusiasts needed a platform and outlet for networking, promotion, and presentations. Then entered the concept of the Atlanta International Fashion Week, a vision of bridging the gap and connecting continents through fashion. What sets AIFW apart is the injection of global concepts, innovative workshops, and community programs along with providing opportunities for all.

Now in its 13th year and with a worldwide following of over 110,000, AIFW has received proclamations from the Atlanta City Council and State Governor. We have featured over 430 notable designers from around globe and major brands such as Roberto Cavalli, Balmain, Balenciaga, Kenzo, LK Bennett, Trina Turk, Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole, Juicy Couture, Rock & Republic, White House Black Market, Sean John, Dereon, BCBG, True Religion, Akademiks, Ecko, Baby Phat, Rocawear. With past international partners such as the Nordstrom, World Fashion TV, Columbia Pictures, Smartwater, Comcast, Mercedes Benz, Paul Mitchell, W Hotel, Paramount Pictures, Usher’s New Look, Delta, Revlon, SkinnyPop, LK Bennett London and more along with special appearances by Kim Kardashian, Sean “P.Diddy” Combs, Cynthia Bailey, Floyd Mayweather, R&B artist Monica, Marlo Hampton and hosts of corporate buyers and industry professionals.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Yes. When I was young and still in high school I began my career in radio and also in business administration. I grew up with an entrepreneurial spirit and surrounded by a family of strong believers.

Contact Info: