We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cristala Poole Dorsey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cristala below.

Cristala, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Is there a historical figure you look up to? Who are they and what lessons or values have you learned from them?

I don’t really count these particular people that I’m about to name as “historical figures”, but prominent figures within the Black entertainment community. Those people are Debbie Allen and Clarence Avant. Now, for years I have always said that I want to be the Debbie Allen of Houston – like, years. And the thing is….she IS from Houston. She and her sister Phylicia Rashad are right here from Third Ward, TX. It’s just the work in all of her magnficance that she has done as a black woman in this industry. From her humble beginnings as a student at Jack Yates H.S., then going on to NY and starring in F.A.M.E. to producing and directing shows such as “A Different World”, “Grey’s Anatomy” and more. All of the honors and recognitions she has received. Then there is the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and her foundation…I seriously desire to be like her. A dancer turned powerhouse in the entertainment industry. Her grace, beauty, and drive just intrigued me as a dancer in going beyond dance, and she is admired so greatly the world over. She said, “Hey…I’m more than an eight count, baby, I can do THIS too!” Well, that’s me. I see me in her. Can someone call her up and tell her that, please! LOL!

Now, Clarence Avant. Many people don’t know who Clarence Avant is. Look him up. He is known as “The Black Godfather”. Legendary. A record executive that was such (and still is) a quiet force within the music industry – and beyond – tv, sports, politics. He began his career in the 1950s, and has gone on to help so many Black artists and label CEOs get to where they are now…and never asked for a dime from them. It was his pure authenticity. He was genuine. You could tell he was being blessed in so many ways. In his current 91 years of age, you mention his name to professionals in the entertainment industry, and this greatness follows behind it. He was the problem-solver and the deal maker. He wasn’t in search of being this great music executive…he just happened to become this person because he was always good to people. And I think that’s what it was about him. He didn’t have to do artists wrong, or undercut people. When he believed in someone, he did what he could out of the kindness of his heart. People recognize that and therefore desire to continue to work with you. This is me. I’ve gotten this far because others have said, “Hey, talk to Krys. She’s great at what she does. She gets shit done….AND, she’s super cool.”

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I got my start in this as a professionally trained dancer. I think I realized the power I possessed when I was an undergrad at Ole Miss (University of Mississippi). I was the first tenured African-American dancer there. Dixie was still the fight song, Colonel Reb was still the mascot, and the confederate flag was still a part of the state’s flag and a prominent fixture at games. Did it bother me…no. You learn to value the historical fabric of this nation, and appreciate how far we have come as Black people. Therefore, it makes you push even further. As a Black trained dancer, I just saw the gaps when it came to talent of color and “the others” working as a professional dancer. In my mid-20s, I knew that I wanted people to know me. Not just as this amazing dancer, but as a prominent figure in the things that I did in my community. Yes, I could have moved to L.A., Atlanta, or NYC, but I feel like everyone flocks there. I wouldn’t have been seen the way I wanted to be seen. I wanted to be a shot caller. So, something told me to stay in Houston (God, of course), and I found every which way I could to learn the industry and make a name for myself here. My philosophy was, that as long as there were planes, I could fly anywhere and come back to the “H”. In 2012 a high school friend of mine, a former NFL cheerleader, got together and established HeartBEAT Houston Dance and Fitness and HeartBEAT Performing Arts Charities. The studio was the beginning. Pouring into the lives of young dancers and talent of color. Ohhhh the dance life…Lol! Gotta love it. Even in the midst of being an Artistic Director all of these years, I still pushed to work in other areas of entertainment – radio, tv, theater….you name it. I will say that my first big opportunity was working for World Of Dance as their Houston Representative. This was all before the NBC show. After that, opportunities just kept falling in my lap and you keep learning and pushing. Now, the agency came out of a random conversation I was having with a woman one day. I don’t even remember her name. We were just sitting and talking. She said, “Well, you do so much in helping and mentoring all types of talent, why don’t you have your own agency?” I didn’t know a thing about running a talent agency. Not…a…thing! But, that didn’t stop me. I started researching and making phone calls to California and New York, and five years later here we are. So, who is Upward Artistry?

Upward Artistry Talent Agency is a Black-owned, and female-led, full-fledged agency in Houston. Actually, we’re the only of our kind in Texas. Most of our talent are artists of color ages 18-55. We represent actors, music artists, screenwriters, personalities, dancers and other creatives within those realms. Our artists are union and non-union, and we have talent located not just in Houston, but L.A., Canada, Austin, and Dallas, and therefore work with companies from all over the U.S. As to continue to elevate our talent, we’re always looking to expand our network of filmmakers, production and media companies, and organizations. Afterall, we serve as advocates to artists of color in providing them a creative space and platform toward breaking personal barriers in furthering their careers. We are dedicated to promoting and creating opportunities for artists of color who represent multiple nationalities and races in the services that we provide. We provide everything from audition preparation, to coaching, gig opportunities, and other extended entertainment services. Although we do seek to find talent working opportunities, our main area of expertise is artist development. How do we make that actor, music artist, dancer, screenwriter better at what they do? In what ways can they be placed in front of people who at any other time would overlook them? That’s what we seek to do, and we do it all at an affordable price, and with a network of industry professionals, resources, and tools. We never want to deny anyone, or burst their bubble of a dream based on affordability and/or other demographics. Because of all that we stand for, this is what tremendously separates us from others. Something to be proud of – that’s for damn sure!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

This is simple. Being genuine. Staying authentic. Being on your shit at all times. Executing things as a Black woman in this industry in the highest manner. Maintaining my grace and essence as a woman. Being kind to people – always – no matter what they do to you. And never forgetting my Christian principles and values. People have always seen that, and said, “She’s THAT person to work with.”

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I wouldn’t say books. I would say my parents and their businesses. I suppose it was already in me growing up. My Dad has a decades-long reputation for high-quality work and being just good people. Fun fact…my Dad used to come into Beyonce’s mom’s beauty salon all the time as an electrician. He would see Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, and the other former members of Destiny’s Child all the time. My Dad was THAT guy…and still is when it comes to his business.

My Mom has been recognized in Houston for her business by the NAACP Houston chapter and being selected as the Top 30 Influential Women. Entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy were already in me. In due time, I just paved my own way.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.upwardartistrytalent.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/upwardartistrytalent
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/upwardartistry
• Other: http://www.upwardartistrytalent.com/creativedirector