Meet Angela Riggs of VIVID Lifestyle Management in Northwest Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Riggs.

Angela, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Since high school, I’ve had dreams of working in the entertainment business as a TV Producer and Director, Sportscaster, a Red Carpet Correspondent, and appearing on E!’s “Fashion Police”. Oh, and I wanted to play in the WNBA, lol. I’ve always been a good student and a free spirit, and pretty much have done whatever I’ve felt like doing. However, by the time I got to my junior year of college in 2004, my dreams faded, and I had lost my focus and direction in life. Majoring in Electronic Media and Film with a concentration in Television at Towson University and interning in the master control room at Fox45 in Baltimore, I was depressed and unmotivated. I had actually stopped going to class and spent most of my days asleep or on AOL’s Instant Messenger (Talk about a #throwback!). I eventually snapped out of my funk when I received a phone call from my Uncle “Manzy” who called me one day as I sat alone in an empty parking lot crying. After the very intense yet uplifting conversation and him transferring a few hundred dollars into my bank account, I was back to my usual happy, scholastic, ambitious self. I ended up graduating a year later than planned, but I finished!

Fast forward to 2009. I was in the basement of my mother’s home in Bowie, MD when God placed it on my heart to move. New York or Los Angeles were on my radar, but I could not make up my mind. Los Angeles seemed so far away and New York was too fast paced for me. I ended up falling asleep with the TV on one night and when I woke up, the movie “ATL” was playing. That’s when it hit me—I’m going to move to Atlanta! I got up and headed to work at T-Mobile in PG Plaza Mall, and as I was riding in my car, the first song that played was “Oh” by Atlanta’s own Ciara. (Another sign). I got to work and the line was out of the door per usual. I clocked in and proceeded to help the next customer when I noticed a lady in line wearing a t-shirt that read, “Georgia Peach”. Ok, God, I see you! I would eventually end up selling Soulja Boy, who was residing in Atlanta at the time, a phone and appeared in his documentary, “Soulja Boy: The Movie”.

That summer, I discovered that Janelle Monáe and her independent label, Wondaland Arts Society was looking for interns. The problem was you had to live in Atlanta. Still living in Bowie, MD I didn’t know exactly when I would be moving, but I applied anyway and eluded that I was already living there. (You have to speak those things as though they were!) I received a phone call from Miya Mitchell who ended up hiring me and that’s when I admitted that I didn’t live anywhere near Atlanta, GA. However, she was so impressed with my resume, she decided that I would still be an asset, and I was given the task of doing research, writing and responding to show reviews, as well as being a Runner whenever Janelle and Wondaland were in town. I will come back and connect the dots to this story, but first let me tell you about how God continued to align and order my steps…

In January 2010, I was invited to my best friend’s cousin’s birthday dinner. I didn’t want to go because frankly, I didn’t know who her cousin was, but I got dressed and went anyway. While there, I met Director/Producer Jade Holmes (now Jade Holmes-Christian), who told me she was moving to Atlanta to work on a project. To this day, I still don’t know how we got on that subject, but again, it was all God. We exchanged contact information and didn’t speak again until fall 2010.

Janelle and Wondaland made their way to Washington, DC in March of 2010 during a promo run for her album, “The Arch Android”. After running around and helping to spray paint her mic stand white, I met Janelle and band member Terrence “T. Brown” who then said I would become his best friend after just a few minutes of conversation. (God knew what He was doing!) I connected with T., Janelle and her team once more while in NY that April, and remained in contact throughout the summer.

In August 2010, I finally made the big move to the “A”. At the time, I transferred jobs at T-Mobile while looking for more work. I received a text out of the blue from Jade whom I had met in DC asking if I was looking for a job, and I swiftly responded. I did not think she would remember me, but being a woman of her word, she contacted me when she heard that a new series, “Teen Wolf” would be filmed in Decatur, GA. I got called in for an interview not knowing that she would be doing the hiring. In fact, when I arrived to the production office, I was escorted into a room where I was greeted and hired on the spot. “Teen Wolf” was the first major production I was hired to work on as a Production Office PA and I didn’t even have to interview for it! (Thanks, Jade!) To be honest, every industry job that I have gotten while living in Atlanta has been by word of mouth. I have not had to interview for anything. Since then, I have gone on to work as an Extras Casting Set PA and Audience Coordinator for many other productions such as “The Game” (BET), “Being Mary Jane” (BET), “Survivor’s Remorse” (Starz), “Memoirs of an International Assassin” (Netflix), and “Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court” (CW) to name a few.

Finally, in October 2010, I got a phone call from T. Brown who was looking to hire a Personal Assistant, as he had been promoted to Janelle Monáe’s Musical Director. I had never been anyone’s assistant and didn’t really know what the job would entail, but I took it anyway. That experience along with a vivid dream I had would be the inspiration that fueled me to create my own company, VIVID Lifestyle Management, LLC.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The things we want most are always the hardest to obtain, and if we didn’t have struggles, we wouldn’t reach or even recognize success. In the past, I’ve had challenges with balancing my work and personal goals, generating enough income to pay my bills, health issues, figuring out my passion and purpose in life, and realizing and being confident in my gifts, talents, and abilities. Even as a perfectionist, I’ve made many mistakes. However, I rather make mistakes than make nothing at all.

With every roadblock and every failure, you will learn valuable lessons that will not only help you but others along the way, for success cannot be achieved alone. I would not be where I am today without prayer, faith, hard work, learning to trust my intuition, and allowing God to order my steps.

Please tell us about VIVID Lifestyle Management.
At VIVID Lifestyle Management, we strive to accurately assess, anticipate, and accommodate the business and personal needs of Entertainers and Entrepreneurs primarily through Project Management, Executive/Administrative Assistance, Talent Coordination, Brand Ambassadorship, and Production Services (Stage Management, Event/Set PA, and Castings).

We’ve been afforded the opportunity to work with many entertainers, entrepreneurs, productions, and brands including but are not limited to: BET Networks, Viacom Media Networks (MTV), WeTV, Facebook, Janelle Monáe & Wondaland Arts Society, Hylton Casting, Atlanta Braves, BMW, Hyundai, Naked Juice, UNICEF, Greater Than AIDS, Pop Culture Clothing, Rafael Cox of Project Runway, Marquis Boone Enterprises, Taliah Waajid, Tina Fears and Stage Ready, Charles McCree of The MCCREEPRINT, Bam Alexander, Lil’ John Roberts, All Cows Eat Grass, A$H., Casey J, and Daron Jones of 112.

We pride ourselves on being a light wherever we go and being the glue that holds everything together and keeps the machine running smoothly. What sets us apart is our dedication to providing stellar service and support, allowing you to do your job more efficiently, live life more abundantly, and turn your dreams into reality!

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would have done a better job of utilizing my resources and leveraging my network. In college, I just got by. I think if I were more disciplined and intentional about mapping out my future, perhaps I would be further along. At the same time, I believe I am right where I’m supposed to be. All of the experiences and lessons I’ve learned have helped to shape me into the woman and entrepreneur I am today, and I am always growing and evolving. If I decide that I don’t want to do this anymore, then I won’t, and I’ll move on to something else. That’s the beauty of the journey—you can start anywhere and still end up at the finish line as long as you keep moving.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least about our city?
Growing up in Landover, MD, I did not find it difficult to make the transition to Atlanta as far as the way of life is concerned. What I love about Atlanta is more times than not, you’re going to meet people who aren’t even from here, lol. Atlanta has a rich culture and a melting pot of vibrant, tenacious, talented people. I think anyone who lives here would say that they hate the traffic, but it doesn’t bother me too much. I’m just happy to come and go safely. I’ve been blessed to grow, evolve and experience so much here, and will forever be grateful for Atlanta.

Contact Info:

• Email: thevividlifestyle@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/msangiexoxo , www.instagram.com/thevividlifestyle
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thevividlifestyle

Image Credit:
Dorleans Productions, Stanley Harris, Wavyy Boogz, CREWNATION

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