Today we’d like to introduce you to Roanne Mesirow.
Hi Roanne, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am the Founder and CEO of Mezz Entertainment. Growing up in Chicago, I was constantly surrounded by music and art, and early on, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in entertainment. I studied business at the University of Redlands in California and lived in France for a year, working in fashion PR. After college, I decided to move to New York City with no plan. I had multiple jobs that ranged from working at a high-end jewelry store to William Morris to corporate sales to event planning at the Ace Hotel.
Moving to New York City pushed me into many different career paths, but I always found myself returning to my love for hip-hop. The work ethic and stories of artists such as 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, and Eminem inspired me to get involved in the music industry. I felt like the previous jobs I had were truly just jobs, and I wanted to enjoy what I was doing. While working in event planning, a co-worker of mine suggested I go into artist management because of how on top of my work I was. I sat with the idea for a while and decided to go for it. Without any prior experience but simply a passion for connection, I started Mezz Entertainment in 2017. Eventually, when I met my first client, it clicked because helping her with her career didn’t feel like work to me. Someone told me a long time ago that if your job doesn’t feel like work, then you’ve won.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running a female-owned business in a male-dominated industry is extremely difficult. In the beginning, I felt like I had to really prove myself because I have been looked down upon by men as if I am not capable of what they are (I still face this at times), but this made me work even harder to help get opportunities for my clients. I frequently encounter sexist remarks at events or when meeting new people, and it is awful that women still have to deal with this. I have had males want more than “just business” and it is extremely frustrating when my intentions are to simply build and create more relationships to expand my company. I have had to, unfortunately, pass on many opportunities just because of this reason but it drives me to be relentless in my efforts and to continue to empower women all over the world, regardless of industry. I want to be a mentor to young female entrepreneurs and share my experiences and journey with them. I believe it is critical that more women receive the recognition they deserve as well as be given more opportunities to advance to higher-level positions without dealing with sexism and egos.
Another struggle I have faced is finding clients who align with Mezz and the team. I don’t have a specific type of client I am drawn to; I enjoy working with everyone from DJs, producers, and performing artists to visual artists, influencers, and people who just need help establishing their brand. I do, however, only work with clientele who offer as much as I do. They must be on the same page as the company and its vision. I often tell my clients, “I am the gun, and you are the bullets; in order to shoot, I need the bullets,” meaning we must work together. We can’t execute or grow together if they don’t give me anything to work with.
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?
Mezz Entertainment is an artist management and brand consulting agency based out of New York City. We support developing, mid-career and established talent with their demands through creative direction, brand building, promotion, management, and event production. We have signed deals with Grammy Award-Winning music producers, formed brand relationships with a diverse range of high-end businesses, booked artists for performances around the United States, and coordinated interviews with radio shows, podcasts, magazines, and blogs.
We are most proud of all the different services we are able to provide such as Electronic Press Kits, Logo Design, Video Creation, Photoshoot, Production & Editing, Website Development, Music Registration Services, Social Media Management, PR, Brand Partnerships, Business Consulting and more. Additionally, we have developed an incredible internship program with over 30 plus students worldwide.
Our roster currently consists of incredible artists such as Radio Veteran, former DJ/Executive Producer of “Sway In The Morning” Sirius XM – Shade45 DJ Wonder, 2x Grammy Nom.Producer/DJ/MC/Songwriter (Eminem, Mariah Carey, Rick Ross, Jadakiss, Dave East)- Scram Jones, Sherri Shepherd Show/IHeart Power 105.1FM- DJ Suss One, NYC Street Artist & Philosopher- UncuttArt, Prominent DJ/Producer Duo- BLK.ID TWINS and more.
What does success mean to you?
To me, success is a diverse and changing idea that extends beyond monetary or professional successes. It is a life-long process of self-discovery and self-improvement, with the definition changing over time as priorities and values change.
Purpose: Having a clear sense of purpose—knowing why I do what I do. It’s about connecting my actions to my values and contributing to something bigger than myself.
Personal Fulfillment: Finding true happiness and contentment in what I do. It is about pursuing my passions, interests, and values in both my personal and professional life. It’s the feeling of living a life true to me rather than one controlled by society’s standards.
Health and Well-Being: Maintaining physical, mental, and emotional wellness. It means having the energy, vigor, and resilience to achieve my goals and fully enjoy life.
Balance: Success does not come at the price of one aspect of life in order to benefit another. Finding the balance between work, family, personal development, and leisure in a way that offers joy and fulfillment.
Growth and Learning: Success is a never-ending process of self-improvement. It entails continuing to learn, grow, and adapt to new problems and possibilities. Accepting failure as a stepping stone to success is an essential component of this process.
Strong Relationships: Meaningful connections with family, friends, and colleagues. It’s important to sustain these relationships, develop empathy, and positively contribute to the well-being of others.
Financial Security: While money is not the only measure of success, it is necessary for peace of mind and the ability to pursue one’s dreams.
Impact and Contribution: Making a positive impact on the world, whether through job, volunteering, or other ways. I want to leave a legacy that benefits others and helps to make society a better place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mezzentertainment.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mezzentertainment/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=mezz%20entertainment
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mezzentertainment/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mezzentertain
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mezzentertainment7959
