Exclusively Interviewed by London Summers
Tish Taylor Searcy, powerhouse manager and mom to actor/singer and The Chi tv show star Jacob Latimore and Brand Fetish Agency CEO; is a style icon redefining beauty, fashion, full service marketing, personal branding and talent management.
Tish wears many hats as the mother/manager of superstar Jacob Latimore, to multi- hyphenate entrepreneur and style icon. London Summers connects with her for an exclusive Hype Hair interview about her journey, her brand, and what it takes to balance family, career, and life in the entertainment world.
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HH: Your style is always on point, what’s one beauty or fashion rule you absolutely never break?
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Thank you! I have always had a love for fashion and beauty. In my late teens to early 20’s I honestly thought my career would lead me into the Fashion Buyer lane for a big department store. I attended the Illinois Institute of Art and got my degree in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising. I have always been fascinated about the world of fashion.
To answer your question, one beauty or fashion rule to never break starts within really and that’s having confidence! Wear the clothes, don’t let the clothes wear you.
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HH: You’ve worn a lot of hats as mom, manager, entrepreneur, and style icon. Which of these roles do you feel most defines you, or do you see them all as part of one journey?
First let me say I don’t even consider myself a style icon, so I’m flattered that you say this and to anyone who appreciates my style. I can for sure go from one lane of super tomboy, to basic girly, super cute- cute girly to club sexy. No matter the lane, being comfortable is very important to me.
I think all the titles and hats I wear are different touchpoints that lead to the same story. That story is my brand overall, which I would say is confident, classic, authentic, and approachable.
HH: What inspired you to take on managing Jacob’s career? Was it something you always knew you’d do?
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After I pivoted my career from Fashion to Music and Consumer Packaged Goods Marketing, I was leading marketing campaigns before managing Jacob. Jacob was very young when he decided his career path. With that I had no choice but to support him and be with him until he turned 18. The great thing is he had a mom, “me” who had lots of industry and marketing experience vs. a parent in the business trying to figure it all out 1000%.
HH: Many mothers start out as ‘stage moms’ . What advice would you give for transitioning into a full-fledged talent manager and business owner?
There is no difference. When you’re a Talent Manager you are a business owner. You’re running a management company or agency, depending on how you want to title it. Being a Talent Manager requires having systems, operations, accounting practices, ect in place like any other business owner.
HH: Working with your son Jacob, how do you balance being both mom and manager? What challenges have you faced wearing both hats?
Being a Talent Manager was always easy for me. A Talent Manager is a Marketer at the core. I am a Marketer first.
The job of a Talent Manager is to sell and increase the value of his or her clients to buyers, producers, directors, consumers, fans, and potential partners. Honestly, the title should be changed to Talent Manager and Marketer.
The Manager part comes in because the job requires being the Project Manager of the clients product(s) and project (s), being the Chief Operating Officer of the clients business(s), and Chief of Staff to the clients ancillary partners.
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Some of my challenges in the past were having ancillary partners overstep boundaries and their job description. We don’t give too many chances because Hollywood does not give “us” chance after chance. Anyone who feels like they are bigger than the program must go.
As for challenges with my client/son, nothing too big of a deal. Mainly small creative differences.
As for balance, that all comes with good communication. Keeping track of each other’s schedules and setting meeting times.
HH: For someone just starting out in talent management, what are the most important first steps they should take?
I have a product bundle called The Scoop that can be purchased at Marketing Mini Mart by Brand Fetish (www.marketingminimart.com). The Marketing Mini Mart is an online convenience store for small business ceos. The Scoop bundle includes the replays of my 1-hr webinar called Co-Manager and a 2.5 Hour masterclass called Call My Manager that details absolutely everything you need to know about being a Talent Manager/Talent Marketer.
I would say the first step is to establish your business legally, and simultaneously do your due diligence to learn every part of the business your agency will manage talent in. If it’s music, dance, sport, or the creator world; learn the ins and outs, laws, to how you get paid. Second, find talent you 1000% believe in. Third, have a ton of patience and hustle.
HH: Tell us about Brand Fetish, what inspired it, and what makes it stand out in today’s entertainment and branding space?
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Sure, thanks for asking.
Brand Fetish is a comprehensive brand visibility agency turning “WTF!” marketing moment into clear visibility, value, and advocacy driven marketing strategies. We service all industries and individuals requesting assistance to raise brand awareness and value.
Our mission is to achieve brand relevance and relationship through traditional, innovative, and influential marketing campaigns and plans, personal brand consulting and offer curation, full service talent management, and thought leadership products through our e-comm footprint the Marketing Mini Mart. www.brandfetishagency.com
For the management division we are very meticulous about who we want to work with and it depends on the level they are in their career. We are not in the business of beginning stage development like we were in the past.
HH: Your style in hair, fashion, and glam is so iconic, where do you get your inspiration, and how does your personal style influence your work?
Thank you again. I still have to get used to the iconic label in this interview, lol.
I pull inspiration from a variety of places and feelings. Some of the places could be from specific time periods. I love classic vintage pieces. I like to purchase items that are timeless and that I can keep forever. You probably won’t catch me in prints that feel “for the moment”.
When it comes to feeling it’s honestly what my mood is for the day. I could have in my head “Ok, I’m going to wear this tight dress with a cute heel”, but if it is gray, gloomy or the hormones are saying different, I’ll quickly switch it up!
I’m also inspired by anyone who is confident in their own style. I like to pull that inspo into my own spin and play with what could work for me.
To name a few familiar names I love Tracee Ellis Ross and Rhianna’s style. The way Rhianna will throw on a fur coat in 90 degree weather – makes me so happy, because she does not give af first and second she is making sure she is comfy. Tracee’s balance of classic, fun, and risk taking is on another level and I absolutely love it.
As for my hair, I do a lot of wigs. Depending on the mood and what I am wearing, I can go from bob to a mid length wave; to long bouncy girls. I typically have my wigs styled every 2 weeks.
HH: Aside from managing JL, What new projects are you currently focused on?
While the Brand Fetish Agency is flourishing. I am in the process of relaunching my coffee brand Bossy Coffee.
HH: If you could give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
One piece of career advice I could give my younger self. Continue to stay in your lane and intentionally be an eager learner.