Today we’d like to introduce you to Kri Peck.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2015, I moved to Atlanta from a small town in North Carolina, called Shallotte. I moved because I knew the small town I was from had little to offer me. While I love where I’m from, most people end up selling drugs, working at dead-end jobs, or in jail. I vowed that I would beat the odds, so I scored myself a scholarship at Georgia State University to pursue a degree in Public Relations.
Attending college was never a true dream of mine, it instead was a stepping stone to get out of my hometown. The transition was difficult because I picked up all of my belongings and moved to a city that I had never even visited before. Not to mention, I had no family or friends in Atlanta. Shortly after the move, I began working as an assistant for the top entertainment publicist in Atlanta, Vaughn Alvarez. Working as an assistant had its perks, but I wanted more for myself. So, I utilized the contacts that I found through Vaughn and essentially made a way for myself. I went to every event, big or small. I networked until I couldn’t network anymore, and before I knew it, people were beginning to associate me with entertainment PR. It was a great feeling to be recognized for something positive. I owe it to God that I’m in such a position to work with such talented artists, actors, and companies.
Has it been a smooth road?
As a child, I had it rough. I didn’t quite fit in with the other kids and I never understood why. I was often bullied for being the skinny, black boy with the high-pitched voice. It was so bad that I attempted suicide several times. I would always ask God, “Why is this happening to me? Why can’t I just fit in? Will their harsh words ever stop?” Despite my trials, I always wanted to be in the spotlight. However, parents can be the biggest dream killers without even realizing it. When I was 6, I told my mother about my dream of becoming an actor. She told me that it was too far-fetched and that it would be hard to accomplish. This crushed me on the inside and I gave up my dream for several years. I believe that what is meant for you, will truly come to you because the fire and passion I have to be an actor never left my spirit. Atlanta is a hub for film and I realized that through PR, I had multiple contacts in the film industry. You know what they say, a closed mouth won’t get fed. So I reached out to all the actors and casting directors I knew, and before I knew it, I was a working actor! I didn’t understand why I went through what I went through as a child, but now I realize that God was just preparing me for where I am now. If I would have never dealt with bullying and the harsh words people sent my way growing up, I wouldn’t be able to handle the criticism from directors or the negative comments from people on social media. God works in mysterious ways, but he works!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Cr8 Agency story. Tell us more about the business.
I am currently a managing partner at the Cr8 Agency, a strategic public relations, and marketing firm. I essentially am responsible for getting clients media placement, handling crises, and managing activations. This is the core of what I do and what most people know me for. On the flip side, I’m an actor and full-time student at Georgia State University. As you can imagine, it is quite difficult to balance all of these things at once, but when you know something is truly for you, you don’t complain, you work. I think this mentality is what sets me apart and what keeps the blessings flowing in.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I notice that many publicists do things for clout, or for what is hot right now. I’ve never understood this. Things that are trendy fissile out. I want to create longevity in my career, so I don’t always follow what’s popular or works with clients that only have a big following. Sometimes taking risks is important to creating wealth.
I would like to see the industry change in the way that it limits people from certain markets. I was told that I couldn’t be an actor AND a publicist, but yet here I am, thriving in both. I want people to help others without looking for something in return. Before I broke into the industry, I reached out to several black publicists and actors for work but got denied and I still don’t understand why. I hope that the industry can shift to a place where we can help each other achieve our goals. There is enough food on the table for us all to eat together.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cr8agency.com
- Email: kri@cr8agency.com
Image Credit:
Amadeus Purcell, Alston Media
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