Meet Van Crawford of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Van Crawford.

Hi Van, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a proud DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) native, an area known for incredibly rich culture. I’ve always known that my path would be guided by creativity, but wasn’t quite sure where to begin. During my time at college, after creating my first Marketing & PR business, I knew then that I wanted to take my passion to the next level. In 2014, I left Hampton University as an extremely eager graduate, hungry for life and ready to take on anything.

My introduction to working high scale events was Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week (now it’s known as just New York Fashion Week), under IMG and CFDA. This experience alone opened my eyes up to a world, I at that point, had never knew – I tell people all the time access and exposure can make the world’s difference in one’s development. This was definitely a springboard for my professional Entertainment & Media journey. Following this, I landed my first full time job in New York, working in Sports Marketing at the time. Ironically, coming from Fashion to Sports allowed me to have such a broader view on the Entertainment industry overall.

From 2015-2021, I was blessed to call New York my home, but in 2021 I finally made the move I had been dreaming & praying about for years, Los Angeles! Living in two major markets like NY and LA were both long time dreams of mine & finally I could say it was my reality. When I first moved to LA, I came here with a LOT of expectations as we all do when coming to Hollywood. We reflect on all of the things we’ve seen on TV and try to recreate these moments. While living and working here, I’ve been reminded of the importance of organic relationship building. Current day, there are so many individuals I get to work with that I’ve been working with for years, some even from when I first got started.

Professionally, I’ve had the honor of doing so many things that were once on my bucket list – from working with A-list talent such as Viola Davis, Glenn Powell, Forest Whitaker & more! Leading several campaigns for MARVEL, Amazon/MGM+, Warner Bros., etc. Working countless red carpets events, securing major media exclusives – I’ve seen first hand that anything is possible in the city of dreams! Being respected for your work & the integrity you bring to the table is so important, it is what follows you no matter where you go. An inadvertent blessing that has come from doing Events/PR, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many amazing people from everywhere – i’s been amazing getting to know the city through my work.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Wow, where do I start?! This has most certainly not been an easy road, but it’s been worth it.

When I was starting out, one of my biggest hurdles was not having a clear pathway to break into the Entertainment industry. Coming from the DMV, government, politics, and tech were my natural given professional options. It was my Aunt, (my Mother’s sorority sister) that fortunately gave me one of my first professional marketing jobs. She was a co-host on a radio show at Radio One in Silver Spring, and I was the radio show’s Marketing & Advertising Coordinator.

When you’re not sure where to start, you try a million different ways to see what works/what sticks. It’s common that at various times in our professional growth, we’ll be conditioned to believe we can only do one thing very well or be an expert of something. It took lots of time for me to realize that is OKAY to be a multi hyphenated professional, I can be a skilled Marketer, Publicist, Event Planner, Event Producer, Talent Manager, CEO, CMO, and MORE! Truth is, there are no right or wrong ways to get to your destination either. What God has predestined for each of us – none of us can change.

Living in LA has been a great reminder why it’s important just to get to know people with no hidden motives or intentions. Get to know people for who they show up as in your life authentically, not for what they can do for you.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
For work, I work with brands/networks, and people to create indelible moments. I also have my own consulting business, VLC Consulting & Beyond, LLC, wherein I take brands/individuals to the next level through Marketing and/or PR. Whether it’s planning an incredible event, securing an impactful media placement, or anything in between – I love it all!

My career so far has intentionally been comprised of various areas in Music, TV/Film, Sports, Fashion, Tech, etc. as they have all they come into play, especially within my areas of expertise. I specialize in Event Planning, Marketing & PR Strategy, Creative Ideation, & Talent Relations. Entertainment & Culture have been my focus, understanding & leveraging the evolving landscape of both is key to success.

During my time in LA, I’ve had the honor of working on award shows, red carpets, festivals, screenings, Q&A’s, tastemaker & community events, etc. I would say I’m most known for some of my events, it’s been such a joy getting to know people through different experiences. Some of my most favorite events were in 2023, to promote White Men Can’t Jump, I planned a range of unique activations that really spoke to the core of the film being a “love letter to LA”. Another great memory is in 2025, to promote Captain America: Brave New World I planned a multi-city press tour for Anthony Mackie. While things can getting in developing great ideas, the finished result is always amazing. I LOVE when people approach me that have attended or heard of something I’ve planned & mention how memorable it was.

My journey has been nothing short of amazing, and I am forever grateful to God everyday for the doors he has opened & continues to break down for me.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I have had so much help along the way from people directly & indirectly. By just being themselves and inspiring me to keep going.

My family (Mother, Father, & Sister) has always pushed & encouraged me, often times when I’ve felt like giving up was easier they were the ones always there reminding me of how hard I’ve worked for my goals, and that God didn’t bring me this far to leave me. They themselves also have an incredibly admirable work ethic that has set a bar for me & propels me to keep striving for greatness.

My Aunt, Karen McRae, who was a co-host at Radio One who gave me my first professional marketing job helped instill skills & confidence that I continue to use to this day.

A range of people who have had significant mentoring or needed guidance moments in my life: the late Anthony Sigmon, Sr. & William Peake, Kai Wright, Theo Dumont, Kathlene Jackson, Darlene Carr, Pastor Victor Kirk, Sr., Michael Clark, Amy DuBois-Barnett, and Nicole Friday.

My friends who support me through the good & the bad, the ones I tell my crazy ideas/stories to first, the ones I can just be myself around, the ones that don’t feel like work to maintain, the friends I can just go to Outback (my fav) with.

Fellow entrepreneur friends that I’ve worked with or that just motivate me like the All Access Agency, DLMG Agency, Eight Ray Talent Agency, Good News Fitness, Conqueror Fit X, Dynamic Experiences, DJ SUPRNOVA, THFCTRY, Beam Media Consulting, ThatsArtCor, Felecia For The Win & Lectures on Tap, The HUnderGround Co-Founders, Jasmine McGill, Berchel Douglas, Joi Brown, Clarence “CL” White, and Fairley McCaskill.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vanlcrawford.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevlcrawford
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/van-crawford-961a2242/
• Twitter: https://x.com/thefreshvan
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/thevlcexperience/

Image Credits
Photo Cred (Main Pic): Monsée Wood