Michelle Mackel

Q. Thanks for Interviewing with us.

Tell everyone who you are and where you’re from?

A. My name is Michelle Mackel, and I’m the CEO of Plugstar

Entertainment, which is headquartered in my hometown ofLawton, OK. I’m also a motherand a proud military veteran.

Q. What made you want to work in the field of public relations?

A. I had dreams ofworking in the music industry when I was young, but motherhood and the

Army took me down different paths. Upon realizing that it was likely too late for me to become a successful artist, I decided to be a part of the business in a different way: by helping others. What appealed to me about public relations work is that it entails shaping a client’s story and using the media to provide them with pathways for growth.

Q. Can you tell me in your own words whata publicistdoes?

A. The job involves seeking opportunities to promote clients, their brands, their talents, and their projects. However, at Plugstar, we believe that it’s important to first educate our clients about the way in which the entertainment industry works.

In doing so, we can help them reach theirmaximum potential and avoid some of the pitfalls.

Q. What else can you tell me aboutyour company?

A. At Plugstar Entertainment, we represent music artists, actors, authors, models and more, “plugging them in”to opportunities like interviews, magazine features, television appearances, modeling contests, social media campaigns, public appearances and radio play.

We also coach our clients on developing a business plan that includes identifying a personal brand, trademarking it, and both marketable and financially sound.

Q. Tell us aboutsome of the challenges you’ve had growing your business in PR?

A. Sadly, there are a lot of scam artists in the world, and those trying to break into the entertainment industry often fall prey to them. Understandably, they become wary of again hitching their wagon to the wrong horse. So, the challenge has been finding clients that are willing to let me earn their trust and do right by them. I accomplish that by explaining how what Plugstardoes is different so that they’ll understand both the value of it and ourworth.

Q. What is one thing you love and one thing you dislike about being in PR?

A. I enjoy seeing my clients grow and have theirdreams come true as a result of an opportunity that I orchestrated. The excitement and the look of pride and accomplishment on their faces is everything! One of the more difficult aspects ofthe careeris when clients mistakenly expect instant results. Some don’t understand that building a brand is a process — it takes time. I would add that as is the case for many professions, there are also additional hurdles to overcome as a woman in the field. I constantly have to prove my credibility.

Q. What is one of your proudest moments being in PR?

A. I’ve been able to get free nationwide exposure for artists with no budget and no name recognition via the BETnetwork. I count that as an accomplishment because I believe that you’re nevertruly successful until you give back and bless others.

Q. Tell us about some of your other hobbies?

A. Another way that I like to give back is via involvement with nonprofit organizations like Creative

Imaginationz [Editor: Please link to: https://www.facebook. com/Creative-Imaginatio nz-1022549447807581/], the tutoring, arts and counseling program for students for which I serve as Former

Vice President. I also support my community by volunteering at food banks, and I’ve been PTA president ofmy children’s school. When not working, I can frequently be found shopping (it’s an addiction that I’m not likely to overcome) and traveling to explore random places with my family. I believe that life is short, so you’ve got to make it your own and see what you can, while you can!

Q. What are some things you’re working on for 2020?

A. We will be launching a new streaming branch called Plugstar

TV that will focus on music from every genre, music education and the latest in entertainment news.

We’re also working to add additional corporate affiliations and new PR services that will furtherour artists’development.

Q. Tell us one thing you think needs to change in the PR world?

A. I look at PR like I look at everything: Teamwork makes the dreamwork! We are stronger together than we are apart. To that end, I’d like to see PR reps interact more so that we can decrease the competition and instead achieve the common goal of helping our respective clients. We might accomplish that by building camaraderie via empowerment retreats and networking events.

Q. Where can the fans follow you?

A. Instagram: plugstar_socialclub Facebook: plugstar socialclub Business inquires: info@plugstar.net

“ I had dreams of working in the music industry when I was young, but motherhood and the Army took me down different paths. ”