Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cristala Poole. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Cristala with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic comes from watching my parents. Both of them have their own respective, recognized, and successful businesses. Watching them over the years from childhood, I saw their mindset. Looking back now, it’s the “Poole mindset” that we all possess as a family unit. We don’t back down. If we’re told “no”, we find another way. You figure it out. You stay the course, and don’t let anything get in the way. If something does get in the way – you pivot and get yourself back on track.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Leading the way as Creative Director for Upward Artistry – the only Black-owned, full-fledged talent agency in Houston specializing in serving artists and creatives of color in the entertainment and performing arts industries – I redefined the agency’s purpose by providing a platform for talented individuals throughout Houston to inform, empower, and engage artists and creatives who are seeking guidance and opportunities within all aspects of the entertainment industry. For not only Black creatives, but artists of color and those who are not blessed with “resources”, I have personally seen how much harder it is to break into the industry based on demographics, accessibility, and how much money a person has alone. This serves as a disadvantage for those extremely talented people. Therefore, found a way for talent in Houston to thrive and receive in-house services at lower costs to propel their artistry.
Through the agency, I’ve worked with a countless number of talent and industry professionals within film, television, music, theater and dance from L.A. to Atlanta, to NYC with a nurtured relationship from representatives with HBO, Columbia Records, Live Nation, Universal, Londyn Town Pictures, 26th Street Pictures, Carnegie Mellon University’s prestigious theater program, and other media, performing arts, music, and production companies large and small as I work tirelessly representing, managing, and developing up and coming music artists in Houston and beyond by providing them platforms, opportunities, and connections. For me, I want to bridge the gap and connect exceptional talent to my network- IF they have done the work.
It’s important to know that although one may consider themselves an artist or talent, you must continuously train and develop your artistry. Paying to perform in a showcase, or uploading videos all day to social media doesn’t equate to the much-needed artistic and professional development. Therefore, I do as much as I can to serve as a mentor and leader to many, and really provide the framework for talent to be successful in their own ways under my wing. It’s about mindset, and to me, social media has many “artists” and creatives jaded.
The excitement that I have about the future of Upward Artistry and myself is that I am becoming (well…have become) the “go-to girl” to oversee various projects, live events, artistic direction, coaching, and more providing my expertise and services in an exceptional and high-caliber manner when it comes to the performing arts and entertainment industry within Houston. My network is steadily growing, and I have become a brand within myself. My next accomplishment in my journey is receiving my Master of Arts in Live Entertainment Management from the University of Miami. I begin the program this Fall, and I’m fully embracing this next phase of my career in entertainment.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
To be educated…to be steadfast…to be diligent. These are three key areas – amongst many – that will make someone successful in their journey. Now, I’m not saying that everyone needs to be accepted into a top program at a university and receive a degree, but it helps with navigating the industry and providing the soft skills needed to have professional conversations with industry leaders and representatives. It’s having the proper “know-how” from formulating a proper email, and having a solid resume albeit an actor, singer, dancer, comedian etc., down to knowing how to address to whom you’re speaking with properly when you approach an industry professional. I’ve seen the pitfalls of artists and creatives not possessing these soft skills. Also, do your research. How did “the greats” break into the industry? By “the greats”, I mean the OG artists and industry professionals dating back to the 50s-90s who paved the way for us. What grassroots tactics did they possess? What are all of the moving parts within the industry? The industry is highly intertwined and knowing the various aspects of it is crucial. Mind you…these things take time to learn, but by doing your due diligence and staying steadfast, one can succeed.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
On a professional level – if it’s another industry professional – we both have similar mindsets. They also have a network that I can tap into. I’m an opportunist – in a good way. You have to be in this industry. So, if I see a connection that is advantageous to me that will yield something tangible that will thus grow my brand – I’m going for it! On a talent level, I will only work with talent who have done “the work” already. Basically, they’ve done their due diligence over the years and can produce the content and the resume in whatever shape or form to show me that they are worthy of my time and expertise. You can’t put your artistry in the microwave for 20 seconds and expect all of the opportunities and pay to come to you. That is not how it works….sorry! Those who continue to build on their craft in a multitude of ways, be patient with themselves, and don’t look to social media to shape their mindset will fair well within their artistry and talents.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.upwardartistrytalent.com
- Instagram: @upwardartistrytalent
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/upwardartistry
- Other: Personal Bio: http://www.upwardartistrytalent.com/creativedirector
