The Source Magazine Interviews Karen Civil About Branding, Kanye, Oprah Comparisons, & More

Recently Karen Civil was able to sit down with The Source and share her thoughts on branding, Oprah comparisons, her influence, and more.

Karen Civil is a jack of all trades, as she has gone from managing artists like Mary J. Blige, Young Jeezy, and Lil Wayne, to running her own business called Always Civil Enterprise, she is a very well-rounded woman.

The young marketing mogul has often shared stories of her life back in New Jersey. She makes it her duty to keep integrity in her work, surround herself with family, and develop exemplary client relationships; many women look up to and aspire to be just like her.

In her interview with the magazine, she reveals her thoughts on brand influence, Oprah comparisons, Kanye West, independence, and more:

1.) Engaging people and pointing them towards brand awareness for products and artists you represent is your specialty. What do brands need in order to spark other entities’ interests, like yourself, to want to work with them.
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A. Its all about having a connection with the culture. The best companies work with the right people. People that follow me are really relating to either this or that. It’s who you know your connecting to, and making it organic as possible.

2.) It seems the independent route is the only route for artists today; they don’t want to compromise their brands. What is key for young aspiring artists out there trying to get their product recognized?
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A. You don’t have to stay independent. Understanding who you are, as long as you don’t step over a dollar to pickup a nickel, is most important. We live in a society, were I call it the fast food mentality. Things come so quick, and we simply consume it without knowing what was last, or next. sometimes you need to tell yourself. I’m gonna pass this up to wait for something bigger and better.’ its okay to pass up to wait for something else to fall in place.
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3.) Oprah drew people to topics, and gave out products. You represent the product and create the discussion. What do you say to those who make the Oprah comparison?
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A. I’m not gonna lie… those are hard shoes to fill. When you think Oprah you don’t think pretty, or vanity. You think Oprah. One woman who is powerful and who does it all. No boundaries. So, yes – it is humbling, and empowering, because I don’t want to be seen as a women or for my looks first. I want to be “shes living her purpose and she’s getting it done.” My works and passion for it is what you continue to see first.

4.) You’ve become a source for developing relationships that have made you a credible voice of opinion. Now, with your Living Civil website, your shedding light on topics that also benefit a mentality to go with the lifestyle. What do you want young men and woman to benefit from your overall message?
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A. Finding inner strength. Living your purpose. Making the first step isn’t easy. We try to fit in the mold society forces upon us, but if you love it – whatever it is that you want to do – dig in your heart to find how to do it. Then take the next step to moving towards that goal.

5.) When it comes to marketing… what do you think about Kanye West?
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A. See the thing about Kanye is… he goes off on the very things that has help create his wives empire. So its, “I don’t want any this or that,” but then his music ends up in a commercial. We have come to terms that Kanye is Kanye… Passionate person that doesn’t fit the norm mold. Respect to him.

6.) You’ve called yourself an anti-social person in a social world. What do you have to say to those young woman looking for their own voice?
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A. Remember its our voice. It’s what you think will suit you. What you think makes you happy! Too often when we are searching , we are looking for what our counterparts or what celebrities are doing, as opposed to looking at ourselves. When you see “Karen” – there is no, oh there goes this influence, or there goes that.” Its just Karen.

7.) Lastly, give your 18 year-old self words of advice.
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A. Stay away from the people who continually live in your past and don’t let you grow. As we grow, there will be people who wont allow you to change. As you figure out the place you wanna be in life, we’re gonna make mistakes, and no-one should hold that against us as we navigate in life. no-one should be dictating our lives.

As Karen is challenged to move into a new phase of her career, she is taking her influence to new heights. I personally love Karen Civil’s work and look up to her myself, and there’s no question that she is undoubtedly respected!

Candice Nicole
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