We recently connected with Suzette Victoria Priester and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Suzette Victoria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

I work on two very different ends of the entertainment industry. Being a model/actress dabbling in film, most wouldn’t guess I’m a wrestling nerd. I go from full glam in heels to coordinating fights with larger than life athletes. Either way, I get to tell stories. Pro wrestling is a male dominated sport. If we’re being specific, I’d say 90% (just my guess) of those in a leadership position are older white males. Very few POC actually own a wrestling promotion, and even more rarely are they women. It’s interesting being a decision maker in an industry where, especially in the south, it’s territorial , competitive, and old school. There’s a certain way everyone is used to doing things. The majority of the wrestlers are men. There’s a lot of unwritten rules and politics. I can tell some don’t know how to approach me, but I think they like the idea of being able to come backstage and not have to code switch or walk on egg shells. I’m huge on diversity and creative freedom. I love being able to flip stigmas, push wrestlers that typically wouldn’t get certain opportunities, and book those that people in the area typically would only see on a screen. I feel as though I have a huge responsibility for the women in sports entertainment. I love being a vessel for others to get to the next level. I find joy in knowing that people, wrestlers and fans alike, look forward to working with whatever it is I have up my sleeve. Hit Club brings a new age feel. I love incorporating music, and most importantly, making EVERYONE feel welcome.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I also model and act. I am currently with Ursula Wiedmann Models in Atlanta, LA Models and Talent in Los Angeles, Dorothy Combs Models in Miami, and MI Talent in Atlanta. I’ve worked for various brands including Garnier, Ashley Stewart, Oh Polly, JC Penny, Macys, HSN, Belk, Marvel, etc. I also have my own production for short films working on smaller independent projects. I founded a wrestling promotion in late 2021. I wear many hats within this, coordinating events, seminars, distribution, conventions, and merging those from other parts of the entertainment industry with the sport. Wrestling was my first love, with it technically running in the family, it was bound to happen.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

I now both model and promote full time. I started with my mother agency in ATL, Invested in an amazing test shoot and my Miami agency reached out to them wanting to represent me. Eventually, the grind landed me in LA, and the jobs have gotten bigger and bigger. Brands reach out and you start to make money off of content and promotion. You start to teach aspiring models and actors whether it’s for events, audition help, self-taping services, non-profits, and personal seminars/workshops result in income.

Being fresh in people’s minds has worked for me. Clients/agents simply seeing new pictures or me stepping out of my comfort zone. Go to the source, take jobs big and small. Network, go to classes, follow casting directors, build your resume and portfolio. Take advantage of casting websites and building a good rep. You’ll find yourself directly booking yourself or being personally requested for roles. Over time you learn how to pitch yourself. Everyone’s journey is different. Some pop off immediately. Others take time. Consistency is key. Confidence while remaining humble is important.

With wrestling, initially it’s an investment. You build sponsors and relationships with investors even. Establish a social media following, have a street team, promote via online and through broadcasting. Collaborate with bloggers and local businesses. You find ways to bridge with larger companies. Ways to see return and profit are through ticket and merchandise sales, seminars, concessions, vending talent at various conventions, streams/distribution, content, etc.
I would say don’t get in either business solely for the money. There’s no clear cut path or stability.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

There was a time when I had a full time job in ATL and just signed with my agent in Miami. One week after signing, I had multiple castings in NYC. I had never been there, and it was a dream come true. I paid my way to go. I was hungry in every aspect of the word, and ended up booking some jobs. I had to be back in NYC almost every other week. I ran out of PTO and sick days at my desk job. My agent wanted me to post more of my journey on social media and people from work were realizing I wasn’t actually sick! I ended up getting fired right before the pandemic. I didn’t take it as a loss because this was what I prayed for. I knew God would make a way, I was right where I needed to be. I just knew I didn’t come that far to fail. It was tough, but sacrificing that job by spending almost my last to travel, had me making a month’s salary in a couple days.

Contact Info:

• Website: HitClubPro.com
• Instagram: @SuzetteVictoria
• Twitter: @_SuzetteV
• Other: [email protected] @HitClubPro on all social media [email protected]