We recently connected with Khalil Miles and have shared our conversation below.
Khalil , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
As a creative, being part of the entertainment industry is everything to me. It’s not just a career, it’s a calling. But it’s also a long road to earn the respect and trust of others. You have to prove your worth, show why you belong in the room. It’s challenging, no doubt—there are constant obstacles, rejections, and moments of doubt. But the rewards are worth it. For me, a regular 9-to-5 job was never an option. The idea of wearing a suit and tie and being stuck behind a desk never appealed to me. I’m someone who thrives on real, in-person connections, the vibe of being present and expressive. Being able to wear what I want, work on my own terms, and have a flexible schedule has always been a priority.
That being said, I want to emphasize that there is absolutely nothing wrong with having multiple jobs —it’s actually a smart and strategic move, especially in today’s world. Early on, I didn’t fully grasp the value of diversifying my income streams, but now I see how rewarding and essential it is. While there’s no shame in having a traditional job, that path has simply never been part of my journey or has ever fulfilled me. My passion has always driven me toward creative pursuits, and I’ve embraced the challenges and opportunities that come with them. My career is a reflection of my commitment to this industry, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Khalil , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I began my journey in the entertainment industry fueled by a passion for music and storytelling. After graduating college with a major in Journalism and Communications, I moved to Los Angeles in 2018 with the dream of carving out a space for myself in the entertainment world. I knew I wanted my career to involve music in some capacity, though I wasn’t entirely sure how it would all come together.
Fortunately, I had family connections in LA who introduced me to colleagues and friends who would later become instrumental in my career. Through these connections, I found my footing in Public Relations, specifically in the realms of Music and Lifestyle PR. From the beginning, this career has offered me limitless experiences and opportunities that I once could only imagine.
I proudly call myself an ARTIST ENTHUSIAST | TEAM PLAYER | RELATIONSHIP BUILDER | COLLABORATOR. Skilled in various aspects of publicity, music, media, and artist management, I hold a BS in Journalism & Mass Communications from North Carolina A&T State University.
One of my career highlights was being chosen to partner with the CEO of The Purple Agency, where I led the successful curation of the first installment of #MomHonors. This event celebrated mothers, artists, creatives, and executives who balance work life and motherhood, giving them their well-deserved flowers.
Being exposed to major record labels, including Def Jam, Republic, J Records, and Young Money Cash Money, has honed my natural ability to liaise effectively. I’ve had the privilege of overseeing artists such as Yung Miami, Summer Walker, Mya, Kiana Ledé, Shelea, Common, Adam Blackstone, Candiace Dillard Bassett, and more. Working as a team player within these campaigns and projects, I collaborated diligently with marketing, management, production, and social media teams, sharpening my publicity skills.
My glowing personality and natural affinity for collaboration have opened doors to work cross-functionally with industry record labels such as Universal Republic, RCA, Eone, Bravo, and Quincy Jones Productions and more. I’ve also worked with various media outlets, from local radio to prestigious publications like Billboard, Rolling Stone, Essence, Complex and more. Additionally, I’ve nurtured relationships with sponsors like Hennessy, RedBull, Fashion Nova, Pretty Little Things, as well as photographers, journalists, writers, and venue personnel, all to gain optimal media coverage for artists and clients.
Being a publicist is a dynamic role that requires a blend of strategic problem-solving and strong attention to detail. My clients rely on me not just for guidance but also for honesty. They trust me to amplify their projects, highlight their goals, and ensure their stories reach the world in the most impactful way possible. It’s a responsibility I carry with pride, knowing that my work helps bring their visions to life while staying true to their unique voices.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of my career and creative journey is witnessing my work and projects unfold and come to life. There’s a profound sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from seeing an idea transform into reality, knowing the effort, creativity, and collaboration that went into bringing it to fruition. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that the stories I help tell and the platforms I help build create meaningful impact for my clients and their audiences. These moments of realization remind me why I chose this path and fuel my passion to keep pushing boundaries and achieving even greater milestones.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I believe that many people outside the creative industry don’t fully understand the hard work and dedication required for this job. The long days, constant communication, meticulous coordination, and inevitable challenges can be overwhelming. As creatives, we often share our achievements and successes, showing only the polished results of our efforts. What isn’t always visible are the struggles, setbacks, and relentless determination behind the scenes.
Working with high-profile, A-list celebrities demands resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. It’s not for the faint of heart, as these clients often have high expectations and require a great deal of attention and care. I always strive to remind people that what they see on social media is just a fraction of the story. The reality includes trials, tribulations, and countless moments of problem-solving and persistence. My hope is that non-creatives can gain a deeper appreciation for the work we do, recognizing the balance of challenges and triumphs that define our journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khalillmiles/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalil-miles-b82764b5/
Image Credits
Jon Dailey – @jondailey_