Today we’d like to introduce you to Altimese Nichole.
Hi Altimese, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am originally from Washington, DC, and attained my bachelor’s degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. Three weeks after graduation, I moved to Atlanta. With two part-time roles and transfer approvals, I had no full-time job in sight—just a vision and dream to work at Cartoon Network. I worked three jobs, seven days a week, for an entire year before securing a role with CNN’s PR department, which was exactly one year from my graduation date. From there, it took me three years to transition to Cartoon Network, and it was fantastic! I loved everything about the role and had great mentors who took the time to invest in my professional and personal growth. One day, a mentor told me I must leave the organization to grow professionally. “The industry doesn’t work like us,” she said. “To grow, you’re you’re going to need to leave. Now, no rule keeps you from returning, but you may find an organization you love just as much as you love it here.” As much as I wanted to ignore her insight, she was right. The decision to leave expanded my expertise from traditional public relations and social media management to influencer marketing, event management, holistic marketing, and more. It led me to a creative agency in Bluffton, South Carolina, as an Associate Director of Social Media. I loved my role and journey. We often take the good and naively ignore the reality that unexpected things can happen.
After 2.5 years, the agency experienced an “in-house” movement. It’s when agency clients take the work back from the agency and give it to internal team members. As a result, I was laid off. The layoff was utterly unexpected, yet the most significant gift to my personal growth is discovering my grit, resilience, and ability to thrive under pressure. I went into my “side hustle” and created an agency that now spans four continents with marketing and PR professionals, serving an array of clients with empathetic human-first missions that desire to make an impact among their consumers. We do meaningful work alongside clients and partners that create work with meaning. It makes the unexpected turn of events in life worth the detours.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
The journey hasn’t been a walk in the park, to say the least! I often describe entrepreneurship as a path for those who are bold enough to believe in a vision that most people won’t understand. What they see won’t align with what’s happening, at least not for a while. The highs and lows of client lists and sales can take you on a mental or emotional rollercoaster. In such times, it’s crucial to maintain a clear focus and a deeply rooted center. For me, that center is my relationship with God. Through this relationship, I can tap into unlimited creativity, insight, and wisdom for my business, all while trusting that the process will work out in my favor.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the CEO and Founder of The Ezer Agency. We’re an MBE-certified marketing and public relations firm that specializes in helping our business partners thrive in achieving their goals while creating an impact through their mission. I’m honored that my team and I have the privilege of working with some of the best clients on the most significant campaigns for our communities. For example, we currently work with Campbell Chapel AME Church and the Historic Chapel in Bluffton, SC. After the Civil War, nine formerly enslaved people purchased the Historic Chapel for $500. The Chapel Nine built and nurtured a church congregation that is now a staple within the Town of Bluffton and federally recognized as a historic landmark within the United States. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the kick-off to the restoration project for the Historic Chapel (partially funded through a Town of Bluffton Historic Preservation Grant)! During the celebration, the community can celebrate with various festivities during the last week in June, and all are welcome! Learn more and stay connected through CCAME’s official Facebook Page or website. Having the opportunity to work alongside the church in sharing their story has been incredible. Its history is a testament to the reliance and strength of our community. I am genuinely proud of that.
Campbell Chapel AME is a proud recipient of the Preservation Grant presented by The Town of Bluffton. The Historic Preservation Grant Program is designed to assist property owners in rehabilitating, restoring, or preserving their town-designated contributing structures within the Old Town Bluffton Historic District.
What matters most to you? Why?
At this stage of my life, what matters most is that I remain guided by the purest intentions and show up daily with and in love. This means that I strive to treat others with thoughtful kindness. Whether I’m interacting with the dedicated team at Campbell Chapel AME Church or my neighbors across the street from my home, I aim to leave the residue of love wherever I go. In the pursuit of what’s best for ourselves, we sometimes forget that it’s not necessary to do so at the expense of others. If love remains our guiding principle, everything will fall into place.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theezeragency.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altimesenichole/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/altimese.nichole
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/altimesecurry
- Other: www.altimesenichole.com
