The Chicago Bulls’ playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center may have been a coming attraction in Chicago, but the heartbeat of the city was fueled by an influential visitor to the Chi.
On Saturday April 18, Charismatic Solutions and Zo Entertainment hosted a brunch at Red Kiva Restaurant in downtown Chicago. The brunch was attended by hundreds of aspiring actors, singers, rappers and writers looking to gain knowledge from respected professionals in their anticipated field.
Karen Civil, one of the most sought after figures of the new school was a featured panelist of the event. Civil wears a multitude of hats in the digital entertainment sphere as the CEO of LiveCivil.com. She was joined on the panel by influential figures in the Chi like WGCI radio personality Loni Swain, Toussaint Werner-a marketing and brand developer, Lorin Patrick-manager of Lil Bibby, as well as Jordan Brand Ambassador and artist manager Chicago Hurricane.
“I saw that people were really hungry and really willing to invest in their career,” Chicago Hurricane told The Source.
“That is something that I have never seen before as far as coming from our market. Everybody wants to sing and model and act, but nobody really wants to put in the work to actually participate in it. Everybody wants somebody to give them something. So I was really proud of my city.”
All panelists on the panel stressed the importance of planning, the importance of hard work, and establishing a vision. The topic of brand building was stressed along with maintaining professionalism in corporate America as a minority. Balancing family, friends and work was also a topical issue that the panelists stressed. “This business is a selfish kind of lifestyle,” said Lorin Patrick.
“You have to be conscious of that with your loved ones and your friends and family that truly love you and care for you. Be really conscious of that because sometimes you’re not able to be the friend to them that they are to you because you’re pulled into so many different directions. Be really conscious of their feelings and always keep God first.”
At the conclusion of the panel, the audience engaged in a Q & A with the panelists. Civil who heads a digital media company and manages Nipsey Hussle and YG discussed her growth in the business. She expressed how perception is reality and how much free education via YouTube and other platforms is readily available online. According to the media darling, the panel went quite nicely: “I think the audience gained an understanding that nothing comes overnight,” Civil tells The Source.
“Success takes time and to ultimately become successful in the career field of your choice you have to be willing to work hard for it.”
The panel was the first for Charismatic Solutions and Zo Entertainment. According to reps at both companies, another panel and brunch is in the works this summer. Of note, actor, Cory Hardrict, star of the film Brotherly Love attended both the brunch and panel. For more information on future events, visit www.charismaticsolutions.com.
Photo Credit: Ismail Calligrafist Sayeed
