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Courtney "O.C." Smith

The Branding and Artist Development Queen

By Tammy ReesePublished 3 years ago 5 min read
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Courtney "O.C." Smith

Courtney “O.C.” Smith is a passionate woman who enjoys helping people from all walks of life through various endeavors. Growing up, Courtney was immersed in arts, culture, politics and introduced to entrepreneurship through her family. Courtney tried her hand at many career paths and majors in College before deciding that she had what it takes to do this on her own. Through her own research, Courtney then secured contracts with lobbying firms, real estate firms, and telecommunications companies. None of which truly allowed her the freedom she longed for. Organically, Courtney began to amass a network of friends who were artists, actors, and public figures.

Courtney has worked with and on projects with a host of mainstream brands and artists such as Future, Young Thug, Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg, Taylor Gang, BET, Empire Distribution, Virgin Music, Universal Music Group, Love and Hip Hop, and Lifetime Television.

Though Courtney loves being involved with household names, she understood you cannot be legendary until you CREATE!!! Courtney relentlessly set out to break an Artist. Developing and breaking an Artist is not an easy feat. After a few attempts and learning the ropes, Courtney connected with “Yung Smilez.”

Then, at the time, Courtney was hired as a Public Relations Specialist for Yung Smilez. Eventually, Yung Smilez asked Courtney to come aboard as his Official Manager. Throughout the years, Courtney would hear about a young kid making waves based in Miami named Worldwide Wednesday. Worldwide Wednesday took a chance and sent Courtney a FULL Proposal about why she should work with him. Courtney immediately respected Worldwide Wednesday’s determination and creativity.

Though she was and still is new to Artist Management, Courtney decided to become Worldwide Wednesday’s Official Manager. Courtney lovingly is known as “O.C.” by many in the Public Relations arena. Courtney never intended to stay in the Public Relations field (nor any particular field at all); she truly follows her heart and is known to wear her heart on her sleeve. However, after amassing thousands of contacts across industries, she decided to create a Public Relations Firm, “Bracey & Co.”

Bracey and Company currently has a staff of five professionals and growing. Through the firm, Courtney is able to service countless brands and artists. Bracey & Co. is truly dedicated to empowering young talents and emerging brands through development and strategic vision.

All in All, Courtney started these endeavors to create financial and lifestyle freedom for herself. Courtney enjoys taking her social media followers along her journey through work-life balance. Outside of work, Courtney daily enjoys going on dates, spending time with her family, checking off her excursion bucket list, spending time waterside, collecting new and vintage designer accessories, cooking, meditating, home decor, self-care rituals, and laughing with her close circle of girlfriends.

As Courtney continues to explore her multitude of passions in life, she wants to spread joy, love, and generosity. Courtney “O.C.” Smith hopes to inspire many people to follow their dreams!

Vocal readers, please enjoy our interview!

How did the name "O.C." come about?

Courtney: O.C. is an acronym for Original Clique . I'm from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area originally which is a really "cliquish" society . Some girlfriends of mine and I joined forces , if you will, back in ninth grade . Other girls began to want to be apart of our clique but the nucleus was 4–6 girls …. "The O.C."

Soo that was my name on Twitter was @ocleadinlady and I started to gain a following of influence on Twitter. A guy who later would become a friend of mine, BT Kingsley, began to call me "Ocean". From there everybody shortened it back to O.C. , ironically.

You have had an epic career so far working with mainstream brands and celebs. When you first began to pursue your career, what impact did you intend to make?

Courtney: My main goal has always been to help people. I have a strong passion for that. My helping people and hanging out with my friends whom happen to be of influence turned into a "career ". The mission is to help people on a mass scale …expect to see more of this in the VERY NEAR future.

How has the pandemic made you a better person and professional?

Courtney: During the pandemic what I realized is my life is already "socially distanced" (laugh).

I was able to focus Soo much on myself ,my love life, and my family I love it here. I'm never coming back out of "quarantine" to be honest.

Professionally, 2020 during the height of the pandemic was my highest earning year in Public Relations to date. I have a reputation for being able to accomplish almost anything virtually and I did just that . After checking that goal off my list, I moved onto Artist Development and Management. 2021, I really focused on developing a team that can support my artists and clients .

I'm now focused on "more life " and creating the arena to help the community en masse.

We understand that you are Yung Smilez manager, what has it been like to work with him?

Courtney: I actually manage Yung Smilez and Worldwide Wednesday. Yung Smilez is the first artist I developed. Developing an artist truly has helped me learn to think and feel outside of myself. I've had to pivot on the fly a lot of times.

It's been trial and error a few missteps. We both experienced several life changes but we continue to push through. I care a lot about Smilez as a whole, we really took this journey together. Even if I weren't his manager Yung Smilez is more than welcomed to be apart of my life .

What do you enjoy most about being in the public relations industry?

Courtney: I enjoy most owning a public relations firm. I am more effective building relationships and managing the team.

What do you think is missing in media and public relations?

Courtney: Authenticity. Yup, that's it.

Who are some of the most important people in your life?

Courtney: Snoop Dogg said "I wanna Thank Me" (laugh). The most important people are my loved ones.

What are you looking forward to?

Courtney: I am looking forward to nothing. I'm in a space where I'm taking life as it comes, and I love that for me.

What advice would you have for anyone who wants to follow your career path?

Courtney: Do not worry about how you have to get it done , just get it done. I'm such a big picture person. I focus on results!

Keep up-to-date by visiting @ocleadinlady on Instagram.

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About the Creator

Tammy Reese

Tammy is best known for her legendary interviews with Sharon Stone, Angela Bassett, Sigourney Weaver, Geena Davis, Morris Chestnut, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Laurence Fishburne, Omar Epps, Joseph Sikora, and more.

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