As an entertainment publicist, Kathy Liautaud, left her job as a paralegal to make her dreams a reality over four years ago. Since then, she hasn’t looked back. The cousin of singer/songwriter Wyclef Jean, Kathy decided to use her resources to enter into the entertainment business. Starting off as a fashion stylist, she’s found her niche in public relations. With clients, like music exec, Rich Dollaz, Next Selection recording artist, Krys Ivory, and singer/songwriter Oliva, Kathy is making a name for herself in a short period of time. Besides her hard work and determination, Kathy possesses a humble spirit and an eagerness to see her clients succeed.

HDF was excited to be the first to interview Kathy and find out what it means to be the president of your own thriving business, what it takes to succeed, and most of all her future plans for herself and her company.

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Kathy, How did you get into Public Relations?

 Actually I fell into it. I was a paralegal and I did that for about two years and just felt like I wanted something more creative. So I called my cousin, Wyclef, because his wife was starting her own clothing line. So I told him over Thanksgiving dinner. I was like “You know Clef, I’m really bored with my job”, so  I pitched him the idea and he said we could go from there. Then he ran it by his wife. I had to intern first, so I wasn’t getting paid and it took about a month for her to have me to come into the office. At first, I was a receptionist. Then she had me doing other things. She had a fashion week that I helped out with. I worked with Halle Berry, Patti Labelle, and Master P’s wife.

So when did your career in PR begin to take off?

I started with a clothing line called Crooked Inc. in 2006. But then they went out of business and I continued fashion styling. Then the same owner started another line. He called me and asked could I be the Director of Public Relations. So I did that for about a year, and unfortunately, they went out of business. So I decided to do my own thing and start my own firm.

Who was your first client?

Well my first official client was Rich Dollaz. He’s like the next music mogul. He works with Ryan Leslie and is a music exec for Def Jam and Interscope. He then gave me the opportunity to work with his new client, Krys Ivory who’s signed to Ryan Leslie’s Next Selection. Then he gave me Olivia.

What’s a typical day like for you?

I wake up at 7 am and get my son ready for school and make breakfast. Then I drop him off and come home and get on the net, on the blogs to find out what’s going on. Your blog will definitely be one that I check out from now on.

 Thank you!

So than I send emails, pitch stories for my clients. I try to go to the gym at least three times a week. But my work schedule is 24 hours. I can get an email form Rich at 2 AM to send something. So it’s not like a 9 to 5.

 So how do you feel about your work schedule? Would you prefer a 9 to 5?

I love my schedule. For the most part, I make my own schedule. I can spend more time with my son. And I have an intern, so that helps.

 And you’re self employed, which I’m sure is a good feeling.

Yes! It is.

 As a publicist, do you have to attend a lot of events for your clients?

 I go to events that really matter. Rich is always out and going to different events; but I only go to the ones that matter. Other times, I may send my assistant.

So what do you love most about your job?

I love what I am doing. It doesn’t feel like work. I’m my own boss and make my own schedule.

What do you think makes a great entrepreneur?

You have to have the heart to start your own business. You have to be appreciative and humble. You can’t start by saying “okay, next year I’m going to make a million dollars”. You have to be patient. Because in the beginning you may not make anything because you’ll be investing into your company.

 Exactly. So what motivates you?

God, my son, my clients, my family. I look up to Oprah, President Obama, and people who you wouldn’t necessarily think they would be doing what they’re doing today. Strong and intelligent people, who didn’t listen when people told them that they couldn’t do it.

What are some of your long-term goals?

Well, I want to be like Marvet Britto (a well known publicist in the entertainment industry). She is someone I look up to. I want, when people  think of PR firms, they put us in the same breathe.

 Well Kathy, thank you for taking the time to speak with me.

No thank you for asking me to be a part of this. I believe no one owes you anything and when someone does something nice for you, you should be appreciative. So thank you.