Community Highlights: Meet Melissa Keklak of Contact Mgmt.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Keklak.

Hi Melissa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my career in public relations working at agencies on a variety of brands before becoming the Director of Public Relations at Casio Electronics, where I oversaw brand portfolios including G-Shock and Baby-G. In that role, I helped position the brands within the music, sports, and art spaces, building strong relationships with artists and working on major partnerships, including collaborations with Kanye West and Kesha. From there I moved to Los Angeles to work with legendary artist Mister Cartoon/SA Studios, collaborating with major brands like Nike and Mountain Dew. That experience led me to launch my own PR agency, where I worked with independent artists, labels such as Empire, and brands including Hurley and Nike. Over time my work naturally evolved into music management, where I managed West Coast artist Problem and later Memphis rapper Blac Youngsta. Eventually I wanted to build something of my own, which led me to discover and begin managing KenTheMan. Around that time I returned to school to earn my sports management degree and launched Contact Mgmt, a women-owned talent management company that bridges music, sports, and entertainment with an all-female roster. I’ve worked with Ken for the past eight years, and her success has played a major role in shaping Contact Mgmt. into what it is today. Currently our roster consists of KenTheMan, Parker McKenna Posey, SHERIE and our first athlete, Jordan Brown.

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?
Never. Just like the diagrams we see on social media, there is no straight line to success, it looks messy and all over the place to get to where you dream of going. My biggest struggle was launching my business and the business side of owning your own platform. The processes involved with registering your company, establishing payroll, etc. it was all the things I didn’t know and had to learn as I went.

I would also say that personally the confidence is such a struggle at times when you are figuring it out and “in it” at the same time. The amount of belief you have to have every single day can be hard on your mental health so I am an advocate for weekly therapy sessions, especially for business owners. It has been something that has truly helped me navigate when I did not think I could.

Most of the work is unseen. The late nights, early mornings, silent sacrifices; real success doesn’t start on the stage, it starts when no one is watching and at times it can feel like the biggest struggle to keep showing up even when it/you feel invisible. But my advice to everyone out there is to keep refining your craft when nobody claps. One day, everything you did in silence, the moments you were filled with self-doubt will speak for you, and the world will finally see what you’ve known in your heart all along – you were built for this.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Contact Mgmt. ?
Founded by a woman, our management agency stands as a beacon at the crossroads of sports and music, offering an unparalleled level of expertise, influence, and access within these dynamic industries. At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to empowering women, both within our team and among our clientele.

Specializing in the management of music talent and athletes, our roster exclusively comprises female talent, reflecting our core belief in the importance of elevating women in traditionally male-dominated fields.

In the realm of music, we provide comprehensive management services tailored to the unique needs of each artist. From strategic career planning to brand development and performance bookings, Contact Mgmt leverages its extensive network and industry knowledge to propel our clients to new heights of success. Whether they’re established stars or rising talents, we are committed to fostering their growth and amplifying their voices in the ever-evolving music landscape.

On the sports front, our holistic approach to management encompasses endorsements, sponsorships and personal branding, ensuring that our clients not only excel on the field but also thrive as influential figures off it. Through our guidance and support, female athletes are empowered to assert their presence and effect meaningful change within the sports industry.

What sets us apart is our dedication to the intersection of sports and music, recognizing the powerful synergy between these two realms. Whether it’s facilitating collaborations between athletes and musicians, organizing charity events, or leveraging our connections to secure unique opportunities, we capitalize on the shared passions and interests of our clients to create impactful partnerships and experiences.

At our core, we are more than just a management agency – we are a community united by a common vision of empowerment and excellence. By championing the talents and ambitions of women in sports, music and entertainment, we strive to redefine industry standards and inspire future generations to reach for their dreams without limitation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.contactmgmt.us
• Instagram: @contactmgmt_us