Today we’d like to introduce you to Krishane Lee.
Hi Krishane, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story started back in 2006 when I was in college at UNC Wilmington. I switched my major from Marine Biology and was trying to figure out what’s next when my Aunt Diane suggested Public Relations since I was already doing things within the field such as hosting events at local nightclubs. I had been working on sets in various capacities for t.v. shows and films in the area. One of those jobs being tons of extra work on “One Tree Hill” which connected me with some actors who later became my clients. I had reached out to the management company of an actor/rapper that I was a fan of via Myspace (Aubrey Graham), before he really took off and landed a job as the Assistant to the Owner and Drake’s manager Terral Slack aka “T. Slack”. That influential time in my life and career holds a special place in my heart.
From there, my story took off in terms of working in talent booking and publicity. I was still in college and also began working for a semi-professional basketball team the Wilmington Sea Dawgs. My mentor De’Neia Whitted taught me everything about event planning and how to operate a basketball team. I was fortunate enough to take on her husband Kevin Whitted (Former NBA Player, Nike Skills Trainer, etc.) and skills development company (Kevin Whitted Basketball Services) as my own publicity clients.
By the time I graduated college I had started my own events company with a friend, become the Assistant Director of Operations/ Player Relations Manager for The Wilmington SeaDawgs, and worked in Talent Booking and Publicity. That’s why my background is pretty heavy in music, film, television and sports (particularly basketball).
Upon graduating college in 2008 I moved back to Charlotte, NC and continued my publicity endeavors. I started a public relations company on my own and worked with upcoming music artists, actors and music producers. Including, but not limited to Dominic Santana (Actor/”All Eyez on Me” and “Unsolved”), Smallworld (rapper), TK-n- Cash (rappers), Verse Simmonds (artist/producer) and Boi-1da (producer) based on previous connections I had made. I also began to work with a cancer charity in the city that was making a great impact on cancer research fundraising through music.
Fast forwarding a little bit, I moved to Los Angeles in 2014 and wanted to hit the ground running in publicity. I waited tables like most at first and met someone who became a very dear friend and a great client, Howard Henley. Howard is an actor and Television Correspondent (“Reality Check”, Fox Soul). One of my first big events in Hollywood was executing his premiere party for the CW’s “Truth or Dare” created and hosted by Howard.
I have to give a shoutout to Sham “Sak Pase” Joseph (and his family) for taking me on as his personal assistant as well! He’s produced some of the biggest songs in music and is amazing all around.
The next milestones in my life are working with clients on major studio releases such as 2017 Lionsgate film “All Eyez on Me”, USA Network 2018 limited series “Unsolved” both with Dominic Santana. BET’s 2017 hip hop anthology series “Tales” with the talented actor Sean Baker. Continued success working with Howard Henley. I was also blessed to work with Amanda Jaros and James Landry Hebert on the 2021 Paramount+ show “1883”.
My path has changed from publicity to project management as I head into my 40s, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s all thanks to God as he’s brought me here and gave me the desire to pursue the path that I’m on. I’m lucky to have a great church home here in Burbank as well (Story City Church). I come from a strong, hard working, tight-knit family. My mom is the best and she inspired me in a lot of ways. Special thanks to my Mom, Norma and my Grandma Ivy, all my family in the Carolinas, my cousin in Nebraska and family in Delaware. To-my Grandpa looking down from Heaven and all the family in the USVI and BVI.
Currently, I worked for NBC Universal as an IT Creative Project Manager where I get the opportunity to oversee building projects like Super Nintendo World, Halloween Horror Nights, the new upcoming Fast & Furious coaster as well as our food and retail venues. My favorite thing is that on any given day I can see the joy our guest’s faces and see first hand that my work made a difference.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My road hasn’t been smooth, but I’ve been blessed. I’ve been lucky enough to work with amazing people throughout my career and try to keep those top of mind compared to some of the negative sides I’ve experienced in this industry. I never forget where I came from, where I started and those that took a chance on me to help me excel. I’ve have my fair share of clients that didn’t pay, clients that forgot I was first one to believe in them and it sucks, but I always tell anyone looking to get into public relations, never let that dash your dreams and stifle your talents.
Publicity isn’t just the glitz and glam people think or see on television. It take a lot of hard work, networking and for me truly believing in the talent I’m working for. I took a long break from public relations years ago and then dove back into it, but my life was shifting and the my path was changing. I really had to decide if I was going to stick with that path or follow the new path God was leading down which was heavier into youth ministry. I started the youth ministry at my church and in order to have time to dedicate and be a consistent fixture in the youth’s lives I stepped back from entertainment and leaned into my current job which provided me with more stability in my schedule.
It’s a choice I still don’t regret to this day!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started Fortitude PR because I’ve seen first hand what truly believing in an entertainer does. My passion started out as a hobby that turned into a dream and I was lucky enough to chase it! My speciality is entertainment publicity.
I’m proud of the work I’ve done over the years and that fact that I’ve stayed true to myself and run an honest business over the years. I’d say I’m known for my strong work ethic and the passion I have for the clients I took on.
Now, I mostly do consultant work when asked or provide advice to others trying to get into the field.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Public Relations has changed so much over the years. The shift will continue to be virtual and will most likely have A.I. in the mix sadly. The art of public relations is still needed and I always believe having a person that believes in the talent is better than someone just chasing the money. Social media has changed the landscape with more access to broader audiences, but the traditional “golden outlets” as I call them still require that connection.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krishanelee/
