Can you plot and plan with out understanding the industry you are apart of?
I feel it is so important to do your research on what the ins and outs of your chosen area of interest and strengths in an industry and how it works today.
I have found that much of the information I have obtained over the years about Indie Arts & Entertainment is the same but the presentation is different.
Industry mover & shakers are not just looking at talent, they are looking at your social media interaction and real following.
They want to see the work you have put into you public presence and if you have the ability to fill a venue or sell product.
Social Media is a huge factor in how those with the capability to open doors of opportunities will be looking at.
Another question to ask yourself, if someone was asked what they know about you and think, what would they say? Do you know?
Learn about your industry and what you need to understand to level up. Do your research.
I recognized at a young age, the importance of communication. I suppose a lot if comes from the fact that I was surrounded by elders in my life that we effective and valued communicators (even though at the time I didn’t know that is what they were about.) I also now recognized because of who I was raised by my parents, god-mother and their friends, colleagues and associates we business or influential people, as an adult that is the type of interactions that I am drawn to. Yes, I can fall into the chit chat and I do believe that even chit chat serves a purpose in connecting with others…but my soul craves conversations of what I call substance, interactive, thoughtful, though provoking, challenging, inspiring and feel good.
The past couple of years I have spent time learning and understanding Autism. This has been an eye-opening experience and I have learned so much about people and styles of communication or the understanding of the feeling of disconnect. You can look at a person and not realize that they honestly may not be getting what you are saying but try their best to act like they do. This does not just stem from Autism but a variety of people who we maybe communicating with on a regular basis. So, I would encourage you to be mindful when you interact with others, they can honestly be family and friends and you just never took the time to understand that they are not trying to be funny, but they may not understand what the meaning of what you are saying. People on the Autism Spectrum do not read body language or grasp the tone of your voice…so they may not react appropriately to you or others.
I also believe that the environment that we come up in sets the standards of what we understand and how we communicate. Think about it….how did or do the people in your family communicate, along with those in your community and friends?
I believe that some people are naturally good communicators and I also believe that good communication skills can be learned. Sometimes life is about being an actor and knowing the role to play depending on the situation you are in…some might think this is being fake, I see it as adapting to your circumstances to have a favorable outcome. My god-momma raised me that you can talk slang out there with your friends but I was never to do it with my parents, her or my elders. I respect that… But I am up in a home and community were respect was given from the adults we witnessed to we as the youngest had to fall into place. So maybe I was raised in an unusual influential environment that I took for granted. I have always felt that I was a good communicator and thoughtful in listening and responding. But then Vegas happened and I have at times felt like I was an alien and speaking a foreign language, exploring what I could have said differently or why the miscommunication was happening.
Despite the challenges I have experienced, I do recognize the importance in people skills and learning to maneuver amongst a variety of people and having the understanding of how to connect. I also understand that when being apart of Team for a Creative Soul, sometimes they are not the best in communication with potential opportunities and need to appoint someone that represents them in business dealings. In a situation like this, it’s important to be honest with yourself on your people skills and when you need help.
I would encourage everyone to stop and take the time to evaluate their communication styles/people skills and where your strengths and weakness are. I have take the time in this area during the Pandemic and have identified areas of they own strengths and weakness are,
HowsYourPeopleSkills Do You Know? #EffectiveCommunication #CanYouSealTheDeal #AreTheyListening #AreTheyResponding #YourApproach #CanWinOrLoose #DoYouFitTheMoment #KnowHowYouComeAcross You Maybe The Problem #Welcoming #Tone #EyeContact #Approachable #FollowThrough #Prepared #Sell #ChoiceOfWordsAreImportant
I would love to hear from you and your thoughts on People Skills/Communication Styles…feel free to share your own challenges or ones that you witness in your world.
Going on 7 years ago, Facebook forced my name to be changed from Lady Flava to my birth name, Susan Koshi. I went around and around with them on proving my business name, business card, website and all, what mattered to them was the name on my driver’s license. Yep, Susan Koshi…I have a personal Susan Koshi page which is for the people in my life that have known me as Susan…Family, friends, school mates, church family, neighborhood folk and so on.
Now, to be on Facebook as Susan Koshi when my Industry Name and Brand was Lady Flava…slowly at first my brand drifted away. And I will be honest, this hurt my soul…The connection to Creative SoulZ lessened and I felt like I was craving to be acknowledged as Lady Flava who’s Purpose and Passion is Supporting Creative SoulZ.
With my move to Vegas and my name change on Facebook, more and more people call me Susan when they see me out at a show. It felt like a stab in my heart (I know that sounds dramatic.) I want to tell everyone, please call me “Lady Flava,” but I just smile and greet them in return. Yet, the frustration was present in my soul, what happened to being recognized as Lady Flava?
I had a conversation with someone, I don’t even remember who it was, but they say, “at least the are calling you something.” 🥸. Was that true, I guess my presence was being acknowledged, right?
I have pondered and ponder over this for years and had conversations over and over too. With no real resolve what makes sense to my comfort zone.
My day job took over my life along with Covid. Less and less I felt like Lady Flava and Susan was fully present with remnants of Lady Flava hanging in there. My job drains me, as I work at a rehab hospital with so many personalities and energies coming at me 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. The challenges of the life of an Empath is my life… So, I live life as Susan, craving the life of Lady Flava… Yes, two different personalities in a way 🤔
How important is your Brand Name to you?
For me, being identified as Lady Flava in association to my Brand as been so important since Facebook forced my name change. And I saw the dwindling of connections to creative soulz becoming nonexistent (that’s not true, but drastically less.)
Does the change in my name and industry lessen my purpose?
I would love for you to chime in with your thoughts on this. 😊
There is much more to Vegas than I realized. Check it Out! 😁
Being a person who lives in Vegas, people in Vegas and those who are coming to Vegas, ask me, “What’s Happening in Vegas this week, this weekend or when I come.” If you live in Vegas, has anyone ever asked you too?
I did some research to see if there was sources to find out what was happening in Off Strip Black Events. I googled, and found nothing. So I started to go through the different social medias that I am apart of. I became excited to see there was much more to Black Events in Vegas than I realized. I talked to an industry colleague about my thoughts and was encouraged to do it.
As, I was drawn to the challenge of exploration on what I would find…I saved fliers and uploaded them to my “What’s Happening in Vegas” calendar page on Lady Flava News. This is fun for me. I began advertising the page and offering to post events if someone wanted to email it to me.
I have come across events that I wanted to explore. Events that I would never have known about if I had never chosen to take on this self designed project 😁
Now, I invite you to explore what’s happening in Black Events (People of Color) in Vegas.
Have you every thought about the conversations that you have with people? Personal, professional, love, life…conversations. Sometimes we fall into conversations with no purpose and meaning, they just happen. Then there are the conversations that can go on and on exploring and then nothing. Then there are the conversations that move your spirit and motivate your whole being. Think about it, the conversation really matters. At least this is what I feel.
Different people have different goals in lift and you can tell by what they talk about and what they do. If you want to achieve things in life, you need to have conversations with people that are achieving. If you want to be in love and make a relationship work, you need to talk to those in loving and healthy relationships. If you want to create, you need to have conversations with people that love the arts and will support you in being a creative soul. You get the picture, right?
The conversation really matters. As I continue the journey as Lady Flava and thinking over my life in Vegas, the conversations are so very different with people around Vegas Entertainment and with people explore what it is to be Indie and creating their own authentic artistry.
That has been my problem in Vegas, the conversations… Indie Entertainers and Indie Artists have a very different conversation. In my opinion, one is trying to up the next and who is doing what and who is going to their shows and the numbers, vs creating a surprise and intrigue. They do master the sound of their genre and have created a following from the locals to come out for the experience of the music and what appears to be the experience of being social and seen. I’ve come to realize that this is valuable and truly serves a purpose and that is not a bad thing.
The the indie artists works on and tweaks over and over that they are creating, sharing ideas and seeking advise not from just anyone, ones they trust to share with. Dreaming, plotting and planning and exploring the next move, then taking action even if it doesn’t work. Coming up with a design, exploring what the next move should be, reaching out and reaching out in hopes for a response to share what they have created. There is a risk and that moment of holding your breath to see the reaction…will the people get what you spent so many hours of working on before bringing it public. The anticipation of that moment…
I miss the plotting and planning with Indie Artists and all that goes along with it. I spoke to my Seattle business partner, Jace ECAJ of Black Stax Soulful Hip Hop duo with Felicia Loud and just in 45 minutes I felt heard, valued and alive. My mind starting dreaming a little and visualizing the possibilities a little. Conversations like this, I crave and need in my life. I clearly have been away from home for too long.
I have experienced the wrong conversations in Vegas, and I should have stopped them before they did damage to my spirit. It was one of the hardest decisions I had to make in my life, but I was dying with the conversation of someone who did not see me and my worth. I need more out of conversations like healthy back and forth dialogue where there is support and feedback for betterment and growth. Laughter and peace was missing. I cannot do one sided conversations, how about you?
So, I challenge to think about the conversations that you have and do they bring value to your life. Everyone is different and everyone has different needs in life…seek out what makes sense and close doors on wasted conversations if you need to. In your personal world and in your professional life there is always a way to change your perspective and put the conversations where they belong. This is a lesson that I am learning. Not all doors need to be closed, just limited for what the value is and purpose in your life.
Again, in my opinion…The Conversation Really Matters. Define what is missing and seek out those that can provide you with what you need. The other thing is, know yourself and what you bring to the table…I do believe we attract where are spirit is. We can always better ourselves and make the needed shifts…so that we can attract the right conversations.
Back in the day on my radio show, a topic of conversation would come up, “Are You Googleable?” This was a fun, yet challenging conversation to have with those in the Independent Artist Scene. It made people think, including myself. How Googleable was I, I was blessed to come up on the first page on Google. People in my creative circle started paying more attention to what shows up if anything when putting their name into Google. The challenge was on and we noticed an increase in posts, certain verbiage and always identify a post with their public personality name.
As time has past, I didn’t think much about it until recently. I came up with a project that I am calling, “Tell Your Story with Flava.” As I am compiling my list of people I want to feature, I started googling them…some are Googleable and others are not. It has made me wonder why…
When I was being schooled in the indie industry from literature to music…Branding was identified a the number one thing that was crucial to being recognized in person and over the internet. The more you are out there, the bigger your following is, the more opportunities you will have to created real followers/fans which can turn into the ability to fill venues, sell product and tickets.
Speaking for myself and those I have talked to over the years, internet presence, marketing and promotions is so very time consuming with slow results. I try to post something everyday that keeps my brand out there and I try to be engaging as much as possible, which helps.
How do you feel about your brand and do you even have one? What is the pros and cons to your social media presence. Has your following grown or are you at a standstill? I think these are important questions to stop and ask yourself. It is never too late to shift your direction or tweak what seems to be gaining momentum.
If you are a public personality and or small business…I challenge you to search your name on Google and see what comes up on the first page.
Are You Googleable?
9/16/21
With the passing of my grandson’s father, I googled him and this is what showed up and more.
I’m excited and blessed that God directed to start my new series, “Tell Your Story with Flava’ with a man that I have known, worked with and supported for many years as an amazing seasoned Artist of Music, Abstract Artist along with being my colleague, business partner and dear dear friend. Take a listen to his story and you will hear why his story is valuable to hear. Black Entertainment at it’s best.
Working with and sharing life from long distance, I recognized how serious Marc VanClaggett is about being a perfectionist when it comes to all aspects of professionalism in Arts & Entertainment. Learning, rehearsing, mastering, listening, watching and tweaking so that the final product is pleasing for others to experience. He is very serious during the process and poised as the show comes to life or music is shared.
He has an ear that hears music in a way that many will not notice with our novice ears. I have had the opportunity to witness him put sounds & words together, and in those moments I learned more about the process of creating music. I have witnessed long distance and in person the process of what it takes to put a polished, professional show together.
With 40 years + in the Arts & Entertainment Industry, Marc VanClaggett is one of the reasons that I was compelled to put this project together. I was hesitant in doing this project myself, but now that I have finished Marc’s Story…I know that God meant for me to do this.
Take a listen to Marc VanClaggett’s story on “Tell Your Story with Flava’ and let us know your thoughts.
Marc VanClaggett is also an Abstract Artists and has been doing his beautiful style of art for many years. You can find some of his work on Instagram @vanclaggett
You can also experience this feature on the following social media sites:
In Marc’s retirement from Entertainment, he will be continuing his Abstract Art along with creating Jazz and R&B music.
Thank you Marc VanClaggett for allowing me this opportunity to share your story, and being my guinea pig in learning how to put this all together. We didn’t do too bad and we make a great team!
I know at times people don’t understand who I really am and what I do. In my early days on social medial we all came up together as we felt our way through, what this engaging online experience was all about. Many of us started this online journey, going back to the days of MySpace.
My followers back in the early days, pretty much understood who I was and my interest in the independent creative soul. In 2008 I joined Facebook and had no interested in having tons of people following me or I them. So I thought 200 people was a doable number, as my brand grew and as I became involved in a variety of areas of the arts and entertainment industry, it was suggest that I move towards going for the maximum on Facebook, which the theory was I would open myself up to have more “real” followers. What a challenge that was and still is when I am trying to build a brand for myself as Lady Flava, while trying to figure out what people were buying into. But I kept trudging through the social media challenges and intrigue. I became known as the Independent Artist Cheerleader nationally and internationally going back solidly to 2007. I started doing online radio shows which I changed the name several times, with the last show being called FCH206 Radio on BlogTalkRadio featuring only music from Indie Artists to Featured Interviews with Indie Artists on The Leopard Carpet with Lady Flava.
One thing I came to realize early on, is that I am a person who thrives on supporting others. And through my coffee house Flava, I found my love for the arts and creative souls. My Daddy, Rev. Peter T. Koshi who now has passed, told me several times, “Susan, your Ministry is with Artists, it won’t be easy but it is your calling.
Let me share with you some of my background, so you can have a better understanding of my brand as Lady Flava in the Arts and Entertainment industry:
Owner/Operator of Flava Coffee House-Seattle, WA 2003-2008
I was involved with hosting an even in 2004, Grown Folks Cruise on The Spirit of Puget Sound as a member of a group, known as One Tha One Producitons.
At Flava Coffee House (2003-2008) I showed my support to local music by playing it during working hours to eventually selling it at Flava.
From MySpace I became connected with a variety of independent/self-published authors and soon found myself being drawn to reading their books.
2006 started working with Spoken Word Artist, Lamont Carey who is now a national speaker, mentor, facilitator, activist for at risk youth and prisoner re-entry, author and of course spoken word artist.
I became a book reviewer for the Literary Review Team, APOOO BookClub.
Founded Flava Coffee House Book Reviews 2007
Hosted Wagfest National Literary Conference 2008
Closed Flava Coffee House 2008
Found FCH206 Radio in 2009 with LA Johnson (It was know as The Mosaic Show with Flava & LA)
Started working with Black Stax Hip Hop Soul Group-Seattle, WA in 2009
Dope Emporium Seattle Hip Hop Festival Team 2010
2011 started working with recording artist and global entertainer, Marc VanClaggett of Marlex Records
2012 became Business Manager of Marlex Records and then VP of Marlex Records/Marc VanClaggett’s business partner
Director of A&R for Spectra Music Group National and International R&B/Hip Hop/Jazz 2012
2012 started FMarlex Artist Consulting business, now known as Lady Flava News Artists Consultation and Coaching business.
2013 Representative for TRIBUTE, A Salute To The Temptations global entertainment group
2014 began making promotional flyers for a variety of artists
2015 Co-Found of the Sherry Gordy Presents Take The Stage Global Cyber Parties
2017 moved to Las Vegas to further my brand and to establish the foundation to host my own Independent Artist Showcase in Vegas
2017 established Flyers by Flava
2017 Promotions Coordinator for Vegas Entertainment Group, N’Demand
2017 continue to work behind the scenes for a variety of Independent Artists and now Vegas Entertainers doing promotions, publicity and administrative support in updating bios, fact sheets, one sheets, websites, blogs and creating EPKs.
During the years working in the Arts & Entertainment industry I have had the pleasure of working with or being connected to a variety of industry people from music producers, engineers, song writers, composers, singers and performers. Working for the major indie record label, I learned so much about what it takes to be considered for a contract signing and national and global distribution. I am also a co-owner and business administrator of a indie record label…so I understand the hard work that goes into creating and producing a quality product and the hard work that goes into promoting and marketing of the final product.
I am very big on the EXPERIENCE OF ART…So I pay attention to things that the average fan many not pay attention to. The visual and arrangement is important to me…The sound and clarity of the mics and stage equipment to the actual singing, musicianship, stage presence and crowd reaction/participation. I approach a book in the same fashion…the book cover appeal, the layout and font choice and size…to the story-line and did it capture my attention and why. I am connected to a variety of authors, publishers and literary industry persons.
Although my background in the music industry is with recording artists…I love the challenge on how to experience live entertainment in Vegas…can I judge it the same as recorded music or not? I am still working on defining this for myself.
I love the education and my continued growth through my new experience in the Entertainment Capitol of the World. It so exciting to me…not always easy, but is has truly captured my attention which as given me a new sense of drive and determination to create a lane for myself with impact.
When I step out to out to experience any form of Art & Entertainment…I see it through a different view and standards than the average audience and fan. I recognize that not all industry people, artists and entertainers are comfortable with me, along with my honest thoughts and opinions of my experience of their art or performance. Honestly, I am okay with making people uncomfortable and I am okay with being called out, and people not agreeing with me. It’s a beautiful thing to be respectful in disagreeing and trying to understand where someone else is coming from…to me this is growth!
One of my passions and part of my brand in Vegas is writing show reviews. So far I keep is kind and on a whole honest, I will not writ a review unless I can say something positive…I may in the future be more honest in my critiques as my brand grows in recognition and respect is established. Otherwise, if I cannot write a favorable review, I simply don’t write on. My main goal in Vegas, is to put the wheels in motion to host my own Indie Artists Showcase, that I will call, “Flava’s Lounge.” So, I got a job to help fund making this a reality! Stay tuned for more information. You can follow Flava’s Lounge on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/flavaslounge/
Please keep in mind I am one person and I come from my own feelings and experience when I share my thoughts. I am honest with my thoughts and opinions and try to always present my sharing from a place of integrity and fairness.
This was a highly anticipated show for me as a new person to the Las Vegas area and the entertainment that takes place here. I had the privilege of attending a rehearsal for this show and found that it was well designed from the vocals, the choreography, script to the overall presentation. This was just what I took away from experiencing the rehearsal just days before the actual show. I sensed that the show was going to be amazing.
I sensed the seriousness and commitment that Ausar and Aset Bragg founders and CEO of LVS Enterprises/The Las Vegas Stars. I understood the needed commitment and dedication that they required from the performers and stage production crew to pull off this exciting and fresh twist to a Motown Review. With a 12-14 person crew, it was clear that they put the right people together. The talent clearly was there, but you truly could feel the love and respect that each member had for one another and their individual commitment to the success of this project and show. It was beautiful to witness. Running through the rehearsal, they ended the evening with a circle conversation and updates, expectations along with hopes and desires of that the outcome would be.
The night of the show arrived and I found myself so excited to see how they would pull the show off in their studio…Oh, I failed to mention that this great production was going to take place in the AIP Academy of the Arts performance studio, which is also owned and operated by Ausar and Aset Bragg. I walked into what felt like a small theater. Chairs lined up in rows with club style tables and chairs up front, the stage area was set with microphones, lighting and the perfect atmosphere or should I say, ambiance. The people started to come, with those clearly with question on their faces, not knowing what to expect along with those simply settling into their spot ready for the show. The VIP’s sat up front which included Robert Gordy Jr and his guest, while other Gordy Family members sat in the back. Knowing Robert Gordy Jr and his guest, I moved up front to sit by them. This was a perfect move for me. As the show started, I found myself drawn into every song, the precision of the dance routines and beautiful customs. The best part was watching Robert Gordy Jr’s reaction as he experienced the show. He was all in by the way he responded to each act.
Here was is the line-up of acts:
Gladys Knight and The Pips
Jackson 5
Four Tops
Diana Ross and The Supremes
Temptations
Marvin Gaye
Which included some skits included throughout the show.
For me the night was magical as each act took the stage and dazzled the audience. It was not only perfect in presentation but it has what I would call an authentic and organic feel to it, that made it feel fresh and exciting. Everyone that was in attendance enjoyed the show and greeted the cast afterwards, sharing their excitement, giving their blessings and of course taking pictures. Their were some young girls in attendance and after the show they took pictures with the young “Michael Jackson” impersonator, which for me gave the feel of what Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 went through as their fan base began to grow.
I was privy to a lengthy conversation after the show with Robert Gordy Jr and of course I had to ask him what his thoughts were of the evening. Robert was thrilled, he said that it was a fresh twist to a Motown Revue. Robert Gordy Jr felt is was “fresh and exciting,” giving a true feel to how it felt back in the days of Motown when it was new and growing, taking on the talents of the artist and groups who were replicated during this evening. With the great talents, beautiful costumes, the energy from the audience and the captivating performance from the Jackson 5 and other performers…it felt like Motown all over again.
Check out the Promo Video for Motown Extreme Review
Within the walls of the AIP Academy of the Arts performance studio, Ausar and Aset Bragg pulled of a topnotch show, with the great talents and a Motown feeling which left those that attended to continue to talk about it way past the night of the show.
Showing how hard work, determination with the right team including Felton Pilate on Production and Stage Manager, Nate Bridewell, along with the committed crew of performers, LVS Enterprises did their thing. The production was so amazing to the point that people have asked over and over about this show, where is it taking place next and when could they attend a show themselves.
Now the challenge begins, Motown Extreme Review is looking for a showroom to put on this high energy and top quality show. Everyone who has experienced this production is in agreement that it deserves a showroom on the strip and that they would support it.
The Jackson 5 and Diana Ross and The Supremes
Motown Extreme Review Cast with Robert Gordy Jr and Family
3 of the gentlemen from the Four Tops and Temptation along with the Pips
Robert Gordy Jr with The Supremes
Susan “Lady Flava” Koshi with Ausar and Aset Bragg; Founders and CEO of
LVS Enterprises’ The Las Vegas Stars Motown Extreme Review
As a reviewer, I base my reviews on presentation, production and experience. I was totally blown away by Motown Extreme!
Lady Flava News Review score is : 10 Snaps out of 10 Snaps
I do advocate for this production to get a showroom or venue and I would highly recommend that all come out to experience Motown Extreme Review.
I know at times people don’t understand who I really am and what I do. In my early days on social medial we all came up together as we felt our way through, what this engaging online experience was all about. Many of us started this online journey, going back to the days of MySpace.
What a challenge that was and still is when I am trying to build a brand for myself as Lady Flava, while trying to figure out what people were buying into. But I kept trudging through the social media challenges and intrigue. I became known as the Independent Artist Cheerleader nationally and internationally going back solidly to 2007. I started doing online radio shows which I changed the name several times, with the last show being called FCH206 Radio on BlogTalkRadio featuring only music from Indie Artists to Featured Interviews with Indie Artists on The Leopard Carpet with Lady Flava.
Lady Flava News 