WBM Features: Ariel Goode of Leira PR

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
-Thomas Edison

As with many of the outstanding features that have graced the pages of Why Blue Matters, there's something common to all the reasons that allow this platform to be and continue to become what it is. And while preparing you for our current feature is when the observation began to materialize and make the most sense. WBM is without a doubt the "color of choice." Why the "color of choice"? Well that's simple.

Each and everyone whom WBM featured has despite any difficulty or setback has taken steps toward their individual personal goals, dreams, and aspirations to make some type of impact on the world and the world around them. This demands at times an insurmountable amount of courage which isn't always the easiest to exhibit. Wielding courage requires one at times to be creative and transcend traditionalism. However to even begin taking that step, as many of our features have, it all begins with choice.

Ariel Goode of Leira PR and our next WBM Feature is another great model for choice. She despite traveling paths laid down by family members stepped into the blue and decided to be at the forefront of her life's journey while forging a path that has allowed her to create and develop one of the hottest online PR Firms in the country.

So with some time to discuss choice, her role in PR and how her efforts contribute to impacting the lives of others, Ariel Goode share with us a little more about her.


[As Told To Why Blue Matters]



Who is Ariel Goode?

Arie: I am one of the most eclectic people you will ever meet. I love everything, lust nothing and can easily hate it in the next breath. [Laughing] I'm a firm believer life is what you make it and every opportunity no matter how perceived has the potential to be of great benefit.

Where from?

Arie: I'm from Boston, Massachusetts. Roxbury to be exact. I currently reside in viva Las Vegas.

Interest(s)?

Arie: I love anything that can keep my attention. That even goes for people, once I'm bored, you've lost me. Like I mentioned I have eclectic taste so I enjoy everything from museums, ski diving, concerts (best seats are back stage) [laughing] sleeping, traveling, painting, mentoring at risk youth and everything in between.

Explain for those who may not know what you do for clients:

Arie: I make and keep amazing talent relevant (In a nutshell). PR isn't marketing. You can't pay for the exposure a great publicist will get you. I personally help my clients build a solid foundation when it comes to how they are perceived in the media and by the public. Even if it's their "down time", it's important to stay relevant to the people who support them and new fans who discover them everyday. Remember, what's "old" to one is "new" to the other.

Why PR as opposed to anything else?

Arie: Great, question. I've always been told I would make a great lawyer and should follow in my mother's foot steps. Who knows (Kanye shrug). You can live a million life times in one. But for now I'm the CEO of one of the hottest online PR firms.

What do you like most about being involved in PR?

Arie: Knowing that I'm helping someone achieve their dreams. And it's not to bad when I see my words all over the world [laughing]

How long have you been involved?

Arie: Seems like a life time, even though I'm only 26. My company Leira PR has been around for 5yrs.

How did you get involved in the industry?

Arie: It tripped me and I fell in. [Laughing] and it hasn't let me go yet.

How important are relationships and credibility in what you do?

Arie: The entertainment industry, no matter what position you hold is not for the weak in confidence, strength, most important mental stability and relationships. Especially for those of us behind the scenes; everything isn't always glitz and glamour. I spend 98% of my time behind a computer. You have to strive very hard to earn the respect of your peers and MAINTAINE it. But one bit a great advice I received from my mentor "never screw your friends, everyone else just has to keep up."

What inspires and motivates you?

Arie: The infinite possibilities of what's to come next.

Biggest accomplishment?

Arie: It's hard to say because, everyday I accomplish something great. So today I may feel like WOW I just ran a 2,ooo person event. But the next day that natural high is gone and I'm on to the next. [Laughing]

What would you do if you weren't involved with what you're doing currently?

Arie: I don't know, I think that what proves to me I'm doing what I'm suppose to be doing. Cause I don't see a plan B. WAIT! I lied.... My long term goal is to start a non-profit for at risk teen girls. But that's when I'm like 40something [laughing]

Where do you see yourself 5 yrs from now?

Arie: Laying by a pool watching my pool boy clean! [Laughing] J/K. Not sure, but where ever I am hopefully it's happy and healthy. Oh yeah and wealthy cause pool boys need to be paid! Or (small pause) maybe married w/ kids... Which ever comes first!

What's next Arie?

Arie: I would like to venture into on air correspondence. I'm very opinionated and quite a character. I'll just have to work on my lack-of-a -verbal- filter. And learn to control my "blank stares" when someone says stupid crap! [Laughing]

What type of impact would you like to leave with your involvement in PR?

Arie: Personally.... I'm a 26 year old, black or "African American" (for u politically emotional people) woman from the "inner city" with no kids or man drama whom heads an amazing self sustaining company. I want young women to know no matter what career path chosen, every thing u want and more is possible. Exceed the expectations set for you by those around you.

And when it comes to my mark in PR, I'm not sure. I mean, I don't think there's a PR Hall of Fame [laughing] I'm going to keep doing what I do and I'll leave it to my peers current and future to vote me as their queen! Joking.

For anyone looking to break into PR what kind of advice can you offer up:

Arie: Check your emotions and ego at the door. Stay true to your beliefs cause they will be tested. And most important, find out what you're great at. PR is a vast field, find out what niche you work best in and the sky's the limit.

For More On Ariel Goode:
http://www.leira-pr.com/

WBM Features: Elvie G PR

Dreams are like the paints of a great artist. Your dreams are your paints, the world is your canvas. Believe in the brush that converts your dreams into a masterpiece of reality.

-Anonymous

The timeliness of the aforementioned quote couldn't be more perfect while at the same time more suitable than for the next feature of WBM.

Elvira Guzman of California is quite the visionary who has masterfully displayed and continues to display her dreams for the world to see. What makes Elvira such an exemplary model for Why Blue Matters is that in her effort to attain her goals and dreams, she helps others obtain theirs as well. Considering she has already accomplished a great deal, this is just the beginning.

With a chance to catch up with this insightful, intelligent, beautiful and forward thinking young lady between the brush strokes of painting her reality, WBM had the opportunity to have a meeting of the minds and talk about what happened, what's now and what's next.

[As Told To Why Blue Matters]

Who is Elvira Guzman?

EG: I’m 26 years old. I’m Mexican American. I’m the youngest of 4 children. I went to USC and received degrees in Political Science and Law & Society. My background is in producing Radio & TV shows. I’ve produced for the Steve Harvey Morning Show, John Salley Morning Show, BET, MTV, UPN and WB. I’ve talent booked/stage managed/coordinated for the Hoodie Awards, BET Awards, BET Celebration of Gospel, Critics Choice Awards, Black College Expo Tour and several other special events and college events.

Where from?

EG: Covina, CA

Interest(s)?

EG: I love to hike Runyon Canyon, I love to go to the movies, I love to travel and I love to help others whenever I can.

Explain for those who may not know what you do for clients?

EG: Elvie G PR is a full service boutique Public Relations firm based in Hollywood, CA specializing in brand development for artists, comedians, actors, athletes, special events, etc. Elvie G PR is committed to heightening the clients name and profile. Solid relationships within the entertainment, advertising, and marketing industries have been an essential part of Elvie G PR’s ability to maximize client visibility.

What do you like most about being involved in PR?

EG: Helping people realize their DREAMS!

How long have you been involved?

EG: I’ve worked in the entertainment industry for 9 years and I’ve worked in PR for the last 3.

How did you get involved in the industry?

EG: I started out as an intern at a radio station. Right after my internship Steve Harvey offered me a job at his company and I immediately started producing a segment on his radio show in Los Angeles and I also worked for his production company where I produced shows for various networks.

How important are relationships and credibility in what you do?

EG: That is the MOST important thing! It’s not what you know, but who you know and how often you get together with them and network! In addition there is a lot to say about the way you carry yourself. Always carry yourself with class and dignity and others will respect you a lot more. Also as a publicist you should never promise anything you cannot deliver. That’s very important as well.

What inspires and motivates you?

EG: What motives me is to be a better person tomorrow than I am today. It’s all about self improvement. Never stop evolving!

Who inspires me is a tie between my mother an Oprah Winfrey. My mother because she always encourages me to be my best and to live life with no fear. Oprah Winfrey because she has built an empire around the basic principle of being a great human being. I also admire the fact that she acknowledges her power and she does not abuse it.

What would you do if you weren't involved with what you're doing currently?

EG: If there was no way I could do PR, Branding or Producing, I would have to say that I would go back to Law School and be an Entertainment Lawyer.

Where do you see yourself 5 yrs from now?

EG: In talks to start my own TV Network. That’s more like my 5-10 year goal.

Any future projects?

EG: Yes I just signed a few new clients that I will make public on my website soon and I will be appearing on a BET show helping one of my new clients rise to the top and expand his brand even further. Details will be on my website soon!

Any advice for those looking to pursue their Public Relations and Event Marketing endeavours?

EG: Don’t go by the books. Don’t just rely on press releases and press kits. Go out there and network and build relationships. Get as many internships as needed to build your entertainment little black book.

Beyond Giving

Service is the rent we pay for living.

-Marian Wright Edelman

In life, we're generally only doing one of two things; either we're making deposits or we're making withdrawals. And as we experience more, I strongly recommend recognizing which one of the two you potentially do the most of. However, what happens when personal withdrawals get used to make deposits into the lives of others?

Now that's food for thought, and serving it up is no other than Georgia's own Christin Alexis. She time and time again, gives and gives tirelessly with no expectation of something in return. It's her contribution to the world. It's also something she's very passionate about. Christin gives like she breathes. Who she is, is because of what she gives.

Here, kindly with some of her time to give, Christin Alexis shares a little bit about her and some of the positive things she has going on.

[As Told To Why Blue Matters]

So tell me a little bit about yourself: Interest(s)?

CA: I was born and raised in Atlanta, my mother worked in the travel industry. So from the ages of 8 to 16 I lived in North Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee. I felt like an army brat, we traveled so much but I’m grateful and I appreciate those experiences that I had, because it enables me to embrace diversity. I love diversity & I like a challenge; as long as I’m being challenged and I’m learning something new I’m interested. But to name a few of my general interest, I like to travel, read, shop & spend time with my family and friends. And Volunteering, I love it.

What do you like most about being involved in PR?

CA: The interaction, I wake up everyday not knowing whom I’m going to meet, which happens to people in everyday life anyway. I get such gratification in helping and networking with other and being involved in PR enables me to do that. My quote that I live by or at least one of them I have two that I read and say everyday but the one that best describes me would be “Service is the rent we pay for living”. Being a PR requires a lot of service. You’re serving, meeting and helping people everyday and most of all I’m learning.

Please give some insight into BUJI Girl PR

CA: BUJI Girl PR is a Public Relations Firm based out of Atlanta. We also have partners in New York and Los Angeles as well. We specialize in Fashion, Entertainment & Luxury Brands.

What inspires you?

CA: So many different people inspire me. I know that things have to change in this world, & I can help change them, that in itself is an inspiration. The Future of our world, our youth they inspire me on so many levels. I feel like if I’ve helped someone else then I’ve helped myself. I feel like if I can just make this place down here called earth a little better then I’m happy.

What from your experience have you learned?

CA: I’ve learned that it’s not the number of years you live in your life; It’s the life you put into those years. People often say live each day as if it were your last, well I can’t do that. I just have to make a commitment to make a lifestyle & behavioral change and be a little better today than I was yesterday. That’s all I can do and realize that I too am learning and growing more each day.


Where do you see yourself 5 yrs from now?

CA: In Atlanta, having a few offices for Xtin Alexis Enterprises throughout the country, possibly 1 overseas. Definitely having a family of my own, CURE worldwide, as well as my fashion firm. Continuing to change lives and help people one day at a time.

I understand you have a foundation called CURE, can you tell some info?

CA: CURE Foundation is my non-profit based out of Atlanta. We don’t just support one cause, were not a charity, we are an actual foundation. People ask me the difference between the two, when you create and make a foundation that’s just the base, you build it strong & firm so that it’s able to hold & support any and everything that you desire to put into it. It’s like when you are building a house, they don’t just lay cement and lay wooden planks around and say okay, here’s your house. The builder builds up & out. It’s not just one room in the house, you have several and each room serves a different purpose. It’s the same thing with CURE Foundation; our foundation supports many different charities/causes.

Any future projects?

CA: I have many, into addition to BUJI Girl PR, CURE Foundation, Crawford & Rowe (my fashion firm), I’m in works now to open up a chain of luxury resorts, hotels & restaurants throughout the country and overseas (ChrisChandler Properties). I want to open a few homeless shelters, schools, which all of these will give a certain percentage to CURE and enable CURE to help others. These are just a few goals I have for Xtin Alexis Enterprises.

Any advice for those pursuing their PR or Philanthropic endeavors?

CA: I’m a PR & a philanthropist because it’s my passion. When you do what you love it doesn’t seem like work. So my advice is search and find the thing(s) that you’re passionate about and start working on them. You can know what you want without knowing who you are, while in the process of achieving what you want find out who you are; some of your wants will change. Just know that there is no goal beyond your reach. When you enjoy what you do, the desires of your heart will be granted, whether its’ fame, fortune or even money. In do time they will come!