Insights, a Groundbreaking Experience in Entertainment

• Tweet
• Pin It

Oftentimes in the Entertainment World, an unfortunate sequence of events causes a change in plans. Case in Point, the death of FAMU Marching 100 Drum Major Robert Champion as a result of alleged hazing by fellow band members. At this year’s Atlanta Classic and other FAMU games, the “100” was not in attendance due to an indefinite suspension. Since the band is considered “The Greatest Show on Earth” to many spectators around the world, one force to be reckoned with utilized its capabilities in order to make the halftime show of the FAMU Games remain a must-see performance.  This “Force” was Insights Marketing Firm. Persuade Magazine sat down with the company’s CEO Ms. Keshia Walker, the very catalyst behind this marketing Giant.

Persuade Magazine: In your own words, who is Keshia Walker?

Keisha Walker: Avery blessed and successful entrepreneur who has a talented team, supportive family and client base that has made me the strong, confident and always grateful woman that I am today.

Persuade Magazine: What is “Insights” and how did you get the idea to start it?

Keshia Walker: Insights is a double minority owned and MBE certified marketing and promotions company that specializes in corporate and sports marketing, promotions and special events to urban, ethnic and professional segments via new product launches, non-traditional market research, sponsorship activations, brand messaging, celebrity alliances and partnerships, sampling and live demonstrations.

Persuade Magazine: How were you able to acquire such lucrative sponsors as: Coors Light, Jack Daniels, Brown Forman, etc.?

Keshia Walker: COVERGIRL and Crest Whitestrips set the stage over 10 years ago when we launched new line extensions & the brands to the AA consumer.

We deliver unique events & the hottest talent from celebrity hosts & DJ in non-traditional venues to their desired consumer and we deliver results.

Persuade Magazine: Explain the concept of the “Reunion Tour” and how you got so many huge names in the Hip-Hop Game to get down for the cause.

Keshia Walker: Classics and the Professional conferences are the times when you reunite, a REUNION with former classmates, co-workers, sorority sisters and fraternity brothers and most importantly friends.

It was important to bring back talent that we listened to during undergrad, grad and as we started and pursued our careers. So 14 years ago I reached out to the legends of Hip-Hop to create an experience like none other and it gets bigger and better every year.

Persuade Magazine: As a result of the unfortunate death of FAMU Drum Major Robert Champion allegedly due to hazing, the FAMU Marching 100 and other HBCU bands are on suspension.

With this void, I hear that at some HBCU Classic Games, many of the artists from your Reunion Tour are performing at half time. Did your company bring the idea for these performances to the table and who are the acts participating in this Old School Vs. New School half-time concert?

Keshia Walker: Yes in partnership with Liquid Soul Media we came up with the concept of bringing live performances to FAMU’s half-times and Old School vs. New School DJ & fans battles in the stands during the game.  Future, Joe Bullard (The Voice of the FAMU Marching 100 and a renowned Tallahassee Disc Jockey), DJs Demps & Neaux entertained over 17,000 fans during FAMU’s first home game and we have MC Lyte, Biz Markie and Doug E. Fresh performing at upcoming games.

Persuade Magazine: Were you the product of an HBCU (or HBCUs) and if so, which ones and explain anything that you may have learned there which added to the success of Insights?

Keshia Walker: Yes, I’m a PROUD Two-Time Graduate of Florida A&M University’s School of Business & Industry (SBI). FAMU & SBI taught me how to network and gave me the opportunity to meet and come in contact with CEO’s from the World’s Largest Companies and fellow classmates that are now trailblazing in their respective industries. It was an amazing journey and is definitely one of the main reasons for my success today.

Persuade Magazine: You’re an attractive, young, and successful woman. With this in mind, is there anyone special in your life right now? If the answer is no, would you say your role as the CEO of Insights Marketing Firm helps or hinders your social life?

Keshia Walker: Thanks so much. There’s not. Being President, definitely means long hours, but I’ve had some great relationships over the 14 year history of my business. When the time is right GOD will send someone else special my way.

Persuade Magazine: I read somewhere that you promoted Beyonce Knowles Carter’s baby shower. How did that promotion come about?

Keshia Walker: Actually, it was a Birthday party for Lady B’s cousin. One of my former classmates is a member of Beyonce’s power team, and he called and asked during their trip to Atlanta and the kickoff of the “Watch the Throne” tour, could I create an intimate and exclusive event that they would never forget.

Persuade Magazine: What was your most prominent project that your company has brought to fruition thus far?

Keshia Walker: That’s difficult to answer. We’ve been fortunate to have had a number of prominent projects:

* 9 year Relationship with COVERGIRL Queen Collection

* 2011 & 12 Essence Music Festival Day Dream Weekends

* Getting over 10,000 people tested for HIV in one day in partnership with Abbott & Magic Johnson Foundation

Persuade Magazine: What are some new projects that you have planned for the future of your Brand?

Keshia Walker: International Tours & special events with our celebrity and sports clients in London, China, Singapore & Hong Kong. The launch of Planetmogul.com

Persuade Magazine: If there is anything extra that you’d like to add that I may have forgotten, please feel free to speak on it.

Keshia Walker: Please follow Insights on twitter: @insightskw and on facebook insightsmarketing.  Also I will be launching a new sports blog with interviews of some of the hottest athletes in sports. Stay tuned on our website.

Persuade Magazine: Thank You for your time and information Ms. Walker!

• Tweet
• Pin It