Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Reed.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Danielle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I originally created Reed Limited Entertainment (RLE) to be a platform for my talent. I never knew this is what I would end up doing, but I remember always loving the opportunity to give feedback, create and motivate people, plus I always wanted to work in television and entertainment. At age 23, I became a Talent Manager. Being born and raised in Atlanta and after traveling the world, I understood that there is truly no talent like the phenomenal and unique talent found in Atlanta. I started off managing models, actors, a producer in LA, and a Canadian rapper in Atlanta.
My degree from Syracuse University and 2016 and 2018 interviews at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and United Talent Agency (UTA) in New York City definitely helped me get to this point in my career. My experience working as a journalist and reporter at Time Warner Cable News, now Spectrum in Syracuse, also spurred my interest and passion for communications management, talent relations and public relations.
But with the creation of the platform came obstacles when I was managing in Atlanta. More and more talent sought management from me and assistance, including a variety of other requests so I knew I had to create a company and a bigger platform that could process and meet the demand of the market. In 2018, I moved to Washington, DC and pivoted my business to PR, social media and talent development consulting. Consulting was a breath of fresh air and has allowed me to expand my services and represent more clients.
Has it been a smooth road?
There were definitely struggles along the way. One of the reasons I no longer manage talent anymore is because I’ve had clients steal from me. Being a Black woman in the music industry or in the television and film industry is tough because you are always the minority, as a woman, working in a majority male industry, whether its music, film or media. In addition to being questioned and doubted, people will underestimate you or assume you don’t understand the business of the industry. I have definitely grown thicker skin after three years of working in this industry, but I love it. The rewards are worth it when I get a chance to make a client’s dreams come true or tell a story that would not have otherwise been told.
We’d love to hear more about Reed Limited Entertainment (RLE).
RLE is a public relations consulting company, which means that I consult clients on the best ways to attract and maintain publicity, interviews and positive, public exposure for their brand or business. With over eight years of experience as a journalist and media personality, I’ve written for my high school newspaper, the Blue & Gold, produced news packages in newsrooms, been on live shots with reporters in the field, and in 2018, I was selected to attend NCBUniversal’s 4th Annual TV Hosting Workshop in Los Angeles, California. I specialize in representing clients in the TV, film and entertainment industry, hence the name Reed Limited Entertainment.
I am most proud of my first two placements, which occurred in Atlanta in 2017, while I was still managing talent. I placed my clients on Sister Circle Live with Kenya Freeman from Project Runway, and my clients and myself on an episode of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta. I was also very proud of RLE’s first official event, ‘NYC NIGHTS’ in November 2017. Music artists from Atlanta and New York performed. My goal is to plan more RLE events and showcases like this in Atlanta next year. RLE clients can currently choose from the following three services: Social Media Management & Marketing, Press & Publicity or Talent Development & Booking.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta has always been a mecca for music artists, creatives and entertainers. I don’t think I could have ever achieved what I did in my very first year if I did not start in my hometown of Atlanta. The A just has a special way of moving. People here are attracted to energy, ideas and confidence. People will believe in you if you believe in yourself. I know that sounds cheesy, but Atlanta doesn’t like the fake. We can spot the “fakers” a mile away. You have to be genuine, know yourself and know your talent to make it in Atlanta.
As for the music and entertainment industry in Atlanta, there are not as many big labels, TV and entertainment companies here if you compare to major cities like New York and Los Angeles, but you can still find some. They exist but you have to know where to look and who to know. I aspire to create a media empire like my idols Tyler Perry and Will Packer, who are keeping Atlanta’s Black entertainment industry alive with their projects and studios. I hope to see more investment and growth for the “Atlanta” entertainment businesses, entrepreneurs and small businesses, not just the bigger Georgia companies.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.reedlimitedent.com
- Phone: 6784855731
- Email: reedlimitedent@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reedlimitedent/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReedLimitedEnt
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReedLimitedEnt
Image Credit:
Photographer: AJ Sneed of Sneed Snap Shots
Handle: @oops_i_sneedzd
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