We had the good fortune of connecting with Antoinette Ransom and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Antoinette, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think I was born to take risks, because I can remember as early as five years old taking risks. Just based on my diverse creative background, I believe risks have played a part in everything. I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and as a little girl I always dreamed of being an actress, model or TV producer. My family and friends use to laugh and make fun of me, but I understand now they couldn’t see that path for themselves. We have to be careful when we judge others, we might not have the foresight they have. Having an open mind is what has helped me survive. Usually the most successful people in world take risks. From what I’ve learned to be successful you have to know what you’re doing, love what you’re doing and BELIEVE in what you’re doing. Not all risks are great and sometimes turn out to be a financial catastrophe and I’ve been there before. I do believe you learn from these mistakes and that’s the true formula to success. I’ve been a hip hop dancer, fashion designer, stylist, event producer, pit boss, insurance broker, model, publicist, Hollywood Correspondent, and now a Brand Influencer and Playmate. If I told you the risks I took behind everyone of these jobs titles it would be a five page article..LOL;) What I do know is you do take the risk of being judge by others, and constantly facing rejection of not being “good enough”. I didn’t allow that to discourage me from pursuing what I wanted to pursue. Rejection to me is like a challenge, I keep going until somebody says, “YES”. Even at my darkest moments, I never lacked the confidence to try. My biggest risk is the one I’m taking now. Reaching out to investors to fund a couple of TV projects I’m producing and I’m going to pitch. People say it’s going to be impossible to find during a pandemic, but I believe anything is possible if you’re willing to take the risk and put 100% into something you believe in. PERIOD!
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Before the pandemic hit, I was a Hollywood Correspondent for celebrity events and award shows in Los Angeles. I interviewed countless celebrities, which I really do enjoy. In addition, I was working on a reality show pilot for the OWN network. We stopped production after two tapings because the pandemic hit. At the point, the producers let the talent know that everything will be on hold indefinitely. From there I had to reinvent myself (again), and figure out creatively what I could do to make money. I started promoting local businesses and products on my social media and became a micro-influencer by accident. I really loved highlighting people, small businesses, food and new products. Once my numbers started to increase, small businesses didn’t mind paying me to post. That’s what I’m currently doing, in addition to some freelance consulting work. Since my son has been a GUESS model, people bombard my Facebook messenger asking how to get their kids into the industry. So I charge them a small fee and break it down from point A to Z what they need to do. I always get hit up by random people wanting me to help them get sponsors. So they pay me a negotiable fee and I get them sponsors for their events or projects if they need it. I’m resourceful when it comes to knowing the best agents, publicists, artists, music and tv producers, etc. In these hard times, you have to be creative and think “outside” of the box to make money. It’s not crazy busy for me, but it will pick up. I’ve been working for myself the past 6 years and it’s so rewarding to be your own boss. You have your challenging times, but those are the times you learn how strong you are.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First of all, I live in California need I say more. LOL:) When friends and family come to California to visit they are exhausted when they leave, because I take them everywhere. Day one: Get comfortable, unpack your bags. Then we head to a trendy restaurant with a unique menu like Louisiana Purchase. They have the best creole food in San Diego, CA. That’s comfort food so we would have to chill the rest of the evening. Day two. Wake up early and head to Temecula Winery for a wine tasting and immaculate lunch. I suggest Ponte Winery, because they lunch menu is mouthwatering. We would UBER to Avensole Winery and make our own wine we could take home. Rest for a bit, and enjoy some dancing on the rooftop at the Hard Rock. Day 3- Travel to LA, and show them Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. For some reason all my friends want to go there when they visit. The highlight in LA would be to hit the “Comedy Store” on Sunset for a few laughs, then follow it up and head to the Sofitel lounge and hang out with some celebs. Day 4- Hit Universal Studios and give them a tour where all the movies and TV shows are made. Day 5- Hit the Greystone Mansion for some great social media pictures, and then hit “Saddle Ranch” and try the bull ride Day 6- Take them to some of the best art galleries in Venice Beach and La Brea area Day 7- chill and edit all the video footage then post the experience. That was me all the time before the pandemic… 😉
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank the following people: Lynnette Madsen, Navid Nader, Jacob Charlot, Tracie Cobian, Thelma Sanchez, Sinoun Lor, Toni Gordon, Dianne O. Slane, Arthur St. John, Kevin Young, Yonah Eveline, Teresa Doctor, Tanya Jenkins, Jorge Chavez, Carolina Hernandez, Lorianne Aikenhead, Alexis Rhoden, Lizz Russell, Jason Turcois, Tommy Jennings, Channel 8 News-CBS, Zynada Aurelio, Jacqueline Banting, Annalynn Luu, and last but not least my MOM and DAD.
Website: www.aloveransom.com or www.antoinetteloveransom.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoinette_love_ransom/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinetteransom/
Twitter: @antoinetteloveransom
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antoinetteloveransom
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz4B44dpWRkQEGJwATspJpw
Other: www.ambushevents.com
Image Credits
Headshot by : Daniel Images