In a world where most women are constantly struggling to maintain the balance of "acting like a lady, but thinking like a man," there are still some women who are able to preserve their feminine allure while effortlessly capturing the attention of even the busiest of male entrepreneurs. Many times, these types of women fly under our radar, choosing to pull the strings from behind the scenes rather than screaming their talents to the world, and why would they need to to? Their confidence in their talent and work speaks for itself.Detroit-based record label, Muzik 4 Life Entertainment is proud to boast such a woman in their business manager, Vina Poole. Throughout M4L's history, the team has landed features and collaborations with some of Detroit's hottest and most talked about artists and deejays including P8tience (signed to Obie Trice's label), DJ TJ (rapper Jay Electronica's deejay) and Nikki Brown (of popular hip hop female duo, Dueces Wild), but it wasn't until Vina signed on, that the business side of the label began to emerge and turn a profit. Her short stint with the M4L has seen the erection of a recording studio, performances at various venues, and increased publicity and networking for the entire team, and this is only a small portion of Vina's talents. She is also a skilled audio engineer and writer who only takes a break from her love for music and entrepreneurship to spend time with her two school-aged sons. Meeting Vina was truly a joy and blessing for me, and once I was introduced to her huge accomplishments and even huger personality, I couldn't wait to interview her. Check out my interview with Vina Poole, business manager of M4L Entertainment after the jump....
Nicki: What is your full name?
Vina: My full name???? (Vina jokes, and I laugh with her.) My full name is Davina Poole.
How old are you?
I’m 25.
(Again, I am taken aback by the maturity of my First Ladies in relation to their young age.)
Wow! You look so young! What part of Detroit are you from?
(Vina blushes before continuing.)
Actually, I’m not from Detroit. (She grins slyly, and the team and I exchange confused glances.) I’m from Chicago, the south side. I moved to Detroit in September 2007. I have family here, but they’re not really confined to a side. We’re all over the city.
(The team signs in relief, realizing that Vina does indeed live in Detroit.)
What is your educational background?
(Momentary hesitation while Vina pulls her thoughts together.)
I flopped around a lot until I landed at what I wanted to do. I have an Associates’ in Business Administration from Wayne County Community College, and I graduated from Specs Howard’s Radio, Video, and Film program in early 2011. So on top of being the Operations’ Manager for M4L, I’m also an audio engineer. I originally wanted to be a news reporter, but I realized my skills were greater in writing. That led me to starting a book, sort of like a bio. I’m still working on my book.
(I smile, again impressed.)
Could you describe yourself for our readers, please?
Um, let’s see….I’m a talker!! (We share a laugh.) I am meant to talk to and be around people. They call me “the voice” or “the mouthpiece” of the group. I also have a short attention span so I need to be in an industry where I can move around and network. I would describe myself as friendly, witty, funky, crazy, motivated, serious, and calm….all wrapped up in one.
Your diverse personality seems like it has taken you pretty far. How did you get into managing?
It was actually through Jay. (Nasir "Jay" Rahman is the C.E.O. and creator of M4L Entertainment). We met at work, and I would often give my opinion on things he and the group were working on or just share my own story. I was also around a lot to motivate. Eventually, I started promoting for them, but moved into management in order to keep the chaos in check.
In addition to motivating and keeping the chaos in check, what other characteristics do you feel you need to succeed as a manager in this business?
You definitely have to be driven and determined. You have to have patience. You can’t rush success or someone’s learning process. As a manager, you can only do your best to cultivate and assist your artists in learning and flourishing. You work hard at your job, and success will come. Also, you need to be able to get people’s attention and sell your brand or in my case, your artists.
Interesting that you mention marketing and selling! That is such a big part of the industry. What potential did you see in M4L that made you want to work with them specifically?
I see the dream. I believe in their dream, and I want to see it manifest. Jay has so much passion, ambition, and drive. I could just feel it. I wanted to offer myself and my talents. I wanted to help them make their dream come true. In addition to that, the artists on the label are excellent!
Speaking of the artists, in your opinion, what separates M4L from other artists in the industry? What makes them unique?
So just to clarify, there are three main artists on our label, Buuk-Gee, Bully-be,and Queenda. We are also closely affiliated with Tay, a rapper from the east side. He actually just dropped his mixtape, "No Handouts." What separates them from the rest of the industry is their authenticity and unwillingness to conform. No one in M4L wants to be commercial. They don’t want to fit into a box. They don’t want to change their style.
I can definitely respect that, however, I know it can be hard to succeed when you’re going against the grain. What has M4L accomplished so far that you are most proud of?
(Both teams are completely silent now as Vina thinks.)
I know it may sound simple, but I am most proud of the group for staying together and remaining grounded and focused. We have had so many trials…artists coming and going, financial troubles, family issues, but it only made us stronger. We are still here.
Yes, you are still here and still accomplishing! What goals do you hope to reach in the future, not only for the group but also for yourself?
I want to see the group produce top quality material. I definitely want to build their fan base and ensure that they are doing professional shows at well-known venues. My personal goals? I would also like to build my own network and become an established, well known manager. Eventually, I would like to manager more than one team.
Do you have any advice for kids or even adults who are looking to get into managing?
Understand that this type of job is not a walk in the park. There are definitely worthwhile rewards, but it is hardly any glitz and glam when you’re just starting out. Consider your job strongly and be prepared to work. Pick a good role model and study their attributes. I look up to strong, black women who are really getting their hustle on. Women who have two or 3 jobs but still manage to hold down a family. I’m motivated by women who are power players or front runners.
Being a strong, black woman yourself, are you ever intimidated as a female manager in a male-dominated industry?
Actually, yes a little, but only in my mind or when I’m alone. When I’m out here handling business, I take over the scene. I do me. No one can ever say they’ve seen me sweat.
One more question before you go, and I ask all my First Ladies this. What is your opinion of the Detroit music scene, and where do you see it going?
Not being a native Detroiter and coming from a place like Chicago, I can honestly say that Detroit has a sound here that is better than anything I have ever heard before, but people just immediately dismiss Detroit. I have been to open mics, showcases etc. I see the talent here and I believe in it, but you only know the talent in Detroit if you live in Detroit. We need to change that. M4L will be changing that.
Finally, does M4L have any upcoming projects or releases that we should be looking out for?
(Vina lights up.)
YES! Buuk and Bully will be releasing the Inauguration Mixtape on May 1st, 2012 and Queenda will release her mixtape, “Pussy Power,” 2 months later on July 1st. Buuk, Bully, and Queenda have been working late nights and early mornings in the studio. I can’t wait for the public to hear the finished product. Also, please continue to support Tay's project, "No Handouts."
For updates on Vina and Muzic 4 Life Entertainment, check back with Alius Magazine or follow them on Twitter, @MissVina313 and @M4LEnt
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