How Celebrity Publicist + Author Abesi Manyando is Redefining What Being a 'Girl Boss' Means
Have you ever watched Emily in Paris, or Scandal and wondered what it’s really like to be a communication specialist and branding strategist? Public Relations seems so glamorous on TV but as we found out there’s a lot of grueling work that goes into being a top PR Boss and strategist. We had the chance to catch up with one of the most popular and requested communications strategists in the world of PR, Abesi Manyando.
Celebrity Publicist and Writer, Abesi Manyando operates one of the country’s leading global public relations and branding firms. Abesi PR & Media is a boutique PR firm that works with a cosmopolitan mix of brands and businesses. The firm specializes in strategic communication, crisis management and the kind of PR and Brand Development that turns struggling creatives and artists into superstars.
Abesi’s roster of A list stars is a roster any communications expert would envy. Star artists, athletes, politicians, nonprofits and business owners call on Abesi’s company when they are in need of global mainstream press, visibility, brand development or crisis management. Abesi says she feels “blessed and fortunate “ to be living her dream.
As a Communication Strategist, Abesi consults celebrities, politicians and business owners, implementing viral communication strategies while protecting their brand. She’s developed brands and executed projects with a slew of clients including, former Senator, Jamilah Nasheed, Grammy winning global entertainer, Future and his Freewishes Foundation, the viral top ballet and dance school, Dancemakers, Grammy nominated artist, Lil Baby, The George Floyd Family, The Bold Exhibit Museum, The Bank Event Center, Saweetie’s Icy Baby Foundation and more.
George Floyd’s daughter, Gianna Floyd with Lil Baby & William & Ericka Platt
“I think working in PR is such an important job because Public Relations is your relationship with the public. How your brand and work is perceived is critical. The audience you captivate is important. How you bounce back from any issue or scandal is instrumental to your future. All these factors are controlled by your publicist. PR is about marketing, communication, journalism and strategy. There is a lot of work involved in public relations. It is grueling and demanding, yet strangely rewarding in its own way— if you like helping people,” said Abesi.
Abesi’s viral PR campaign for the Icy Baby Foundation was featured in endless media platforms.
Abesi lands unimaginable PR projects in entertainment, business and politics, but she is actually a very humble, laid back executive and creative. She doesn’t feel the need to attach her entire identity to her A list clients or work.
Abesi shared her thoughts about differentiating your work from your identity with us. She also opened up about her media & production company, her journey, tips for success and what makes her rare.
Abesi initially attended college majoring in pre-medicine and biology. Despite her love for medicine and healing, she switched majors by sophomore year and graduated with a degree in business management and emphasis in marketing. “Part of me still wants to be a Doctor but honestly I’m an extreme creative and artist. I’ve always loved communication, arts and entertainment but having African parents….you’re either going to be a doctor, engineer, lawyer or business executive. The choices are limited,” she laughs.
After graduating, Abesi struggled to land her dream job in St.Louis where I believe that most major brands are reluctant to hire women of color as their representatives. I know this from my own experiences. Nevertheless, she didn’t let this prevent her from pursuing her dreams. She utilized her contacts and network from living in New York to build the career she wanted. She created her own company and hired herself.
“My PR company has been a dream come true and my saving Grace. I really started with absolutely nothing but my dream. No money, no backing, just pen, paper, God and faith. It’s a real life miracle, because even I’m shocked about the accounts that I land. People will say…oh my I can’t believe you work with so and so and I’m like ..I can’t believe it too. I’m as surprised as you,” she says laughing.
“No…all jokes aside. I have an insane work ethic and drive and I’m very smart, passionate and dedicated to my projects and clients. Once I’m committed, I’m fully committed. I’m always educating myself, researching, learning and trying to master my craft. So it’s understandable that people entrust me with their brands but it's important for me to treat things with humility. I’m the child of very successful professionals so I know what it’s like to have money but I also know what it’s like to not have money. I’ve experienced both so I'm grounded enough to just be humble, do the work and treat people well. I believe God is the biggest piece of my journey and success. God, my work ethic, and a great circle of connections,” said Abesi.
“I’ve always been intentional. No matter where I’m at in life, I’m always thinking ahead. I don’t ever get too comfortable or take anyone for granted.. I work hard to stay grounded and conscious of who I am outside of my work. My soul is very important to me. I try to preserve my innate nature and hold on to my inner spirit. That’s what keeps me happy. I think it’s important to not get lost into other people’s dreams and identity, whether or not we help build and create their brands. We have to have our own identity that is separate from our work. It's not healthy to solely define yourself by your work or clients because that means you have no value without them- and that’s not me,” Abesi shares.
Abesi is also the Founder of the media and production company, 7th and Lotus, which writes and produces content. For years, Abesi’s PR company had been her number one priority but these days she is balancing self care, travel and creative projects. Through 7th and Lotus, she is able to produce and work with creatives in film, photography and television. During the 2020 pandemic, she promised herself that she would invest more time capturing and telling stories from around the world that are rarely shared with the masses. She is now doing exactly this.
No one can tell our stories better than us. There’s so much to tell and share with the world through our own lens.I’ve been writing for so long but I still have so much to create and put out there. There are stories that need to be told. I feel like sometimes in television and film we are recycling the same narrative and story, I want to share something new- both culturally and historically,” Abesi said.
Abesi is a writer and journalist at heart who has contributed to influential publications such as The Huffington Post, Forbes, Shadow & Act, XO Necole and more. She is most proud of being an advocate of children’s literacy and global gender rights, specifically for girls and women who are not afforded equal economic and educational rights in many cultures. In 2022 she traveled to Ghana and Zambia. During her travels she highlighted the importance of children’s literacy and equality for girls and women around the world. In 2021, she released her children’s book series from her 7th and Lotus imprint.
Her book, Jarvais Po (the secret adventure of a Potato) landed on Amazon’s best-selling list in inclusive education. Jarvais Po is utilized in schools across the country and centers around "a little potato's struggle with bullying and self-worth." It’s one of the few books that actually addresses children’s mental health and the impacts of bullying.
“Jarvais Po is a book about self value. It’s for any child or adult who feels different in any way. It’s a reminder to never question your worth. It explores how powerful we can be when we believe in our highest self and embrace our individuality." Abesi explained.
When it comes to her personal life, Abesi is detached and disconnected from the industry. She is very much her authentic self and enjoys her small circle of friends and key moments with her family. Her cousins are currently visiting from Lusaka, Zambia and in between her interview she’s researching places she can take her one year old niece to. She is not blinded by her own success and ambition. Rather, she is centered in her purpose, family, dreams and creativity.
“I hope that my stories and filmmaking will allow people to see that no matter where we are from, we are more alike than we are different. We all have similar dreams and fears. When I conceptualized 7th and Lotus seven years ago, I was intentional about it being more than just a media company, it’s a connecting tool that prioritizes culture, wellness and storytelling through a refreshing lens,” Abesi shared during our introduction.
The multi-faceted entrepreneur now uses her platform to be a source of learning and inspiration. Her personal story is a true testament of what happens when you prioritize yourself. In our interview, we chatted about how she got her start, the negative aspects of girl bossing, the importance of maintaining good relationships, her trip to Africa, and more. Check it out below:
You were born in Lusaka but you’ve lived in New York, St. Louis and now Atlanta. Being that you’re from St. Louis, what do you think STL artists can do to improve their relationships within the music industry?
It’s strange, because I've seen more talented people in St.Louis than the majority of cities that I've been in. I would say if people want to do better, they need to have a strong and consistent work ethic. They have to handle their relationships correctly and with care. You have to understand protocol, play your position and respect and listen to people that are in their positions. Always be respectful in real life and social media.
Why was prioritizing yourself so important during such a pivotal moment in your career?
As black women, we're always in front of the battle. We have this thing of being black girl magical, but for what? When I look at women I respect in politics, entertainment, or sports they are always at the front of the battle. They're always leading, but in terms of getting that poured back to us, that is very rare.
When I started my company, I was broke and fighting for my dreams but I’ve always felt like I had that Fighter spirit in me. . I became obsessed with work, but I had to find a balance. So when the pandemic happened, everything shut down. I had nothing but time to sit and think about what I wanted to accomplish outside of PR. Things like finishing my children’s book and getting back into painting. It just made me realize that life is too short. Once I was able to travel again, I went to Africa for five months.
Walk us through your time in Africa, what was that like?
It was the best experience. It really changed my life. I found so much joy because here we're working to accomplish our goals and dreams, that's it. Out there, people are really living their lives and experiencing joy. I was disconnected a lot from social media which allowed me to be present. I got to be present with people, enjoy their company and go to resorts and wildlife reserves. I experienced an ease and relaxation that I rarely find in the U.S which is my own fault. In America we’re always working. I had time to do the things that I love and connect with people I care about.
What inspired you to write a children's book?
Oh my goodness Asia, this is something I had been working on since I was in St Louis. I volunteered at Innovative Concepts Academy in the city. There was this kid there who said he hated himself. He said he hated who he was, and I was like, wow, that's frightening because you’re going to go into the world with that attitude and it’s going to debilitate you in so many ways.
“ The world can’t love you if you don’t love yourself. ”
So, that really inspired me to write this wonderful story about self love and courage. . It’s a personification of a potato who lives in this fruit and vegetable farm and he gets picked on because he’s a potato. He has to find his own self value and love himself to get past the bullying the best way he knows. After learning his history and self reflecting he definitely becomes empowered in who he is.
As a publicist handling your client's image, how do you have those conversations with them about ignoring criticism and dealing with online bullying?
Yeah, we definitely have those conversations about not responding right away. I think that Twitter and social media removed the power that publicists once had. If something happened before, you had time to fix it, but if your client pushes the gun and responds, it can create a bigger mess. I always remind my clients how blessed they are. They are part of the small fraction of people who are flourishing in their dreams of success in entertainment. When it comes to social media I have very strong thoughts as it pertains to everybody. You really have to watch what you say, write or post on social media. People get excited and caught up in their emotions. So think before you post because you can post something that'll impact you, your career, family, and your friendships for the rest of your life and ruin how people perceive you.
What does womanhood mean to you?
I love my womanhood, femininity, and everything that comes with that. On a deeper level - womanhood is about maturity because you're no longer a girl. It's about how you treat people, how you respond, and the impact that you make on other people's lives. I know what it’s like trying to get in the doors. There are some women who really helped me, so I try to be mindful of that with younger people by giving them direction.
What makes you rare?
I think everything about me is rare. I'm a multifaceted complex woman, an immigrant, a fighter, and a survivor but I still have joy. I've gone through a lot of tragic things but I don't carry that and I don't push that into the world and manifest it into something to treat people badly because I've gone through things. I'm on an ever-evolving journey, even with success with who I work with. I'm always very humble and I operate with humility because I know my work is a gift that God blessed me with and I try to remember that and handle my talents with care and that's rare in this business.