Jennifer Heyward-Champagne is the owner and senior publicist of Success To Stardom. She gave birth to the company when one of her clients, impressed with the exceptional effort she put into her branding and marketing, inquired about additional assistance. Jennifer is also currently the author of Business, Branding & Bull*#&$, an e-book based off of her experiences in the marketing industry and as an entrepreneur. When she’s not not working, you can find Jennifer enjoying her beloved Charleston area to the fullest and dining at the local eateries with her wife Cez. The Champagnes pride themselves on family values and community involvement.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My roots have been planted in Charleston since 1795. My family is based in the Edisto Island and Hollywood, SC areas. When I am not spending time with my little family, I am working on my second business Geechie Girl Geneaology.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
When I decided to open this division, my main goal was to get exposure for my clients. I used my managerial skills and contacts that I had made over the years to ensure the success of my business. In September 2014 I started with just two clients and have since expanded to over 300 clients for my two divisions, STS Magazines and STS Sports. Our online magazine STS MAGAZINES has net over 22.1 million views. STS has also expanded into higher-end marketing and public relations. . I have worked with numerous publicist within the industry, and my clients have been endorsed by Candace Carey, Florina “FLO” Kaja, Jewel Tankard, and Naja Rickette to name a few. Additionally, STS has had its work featured on many platforms, and we have worked with BET, WETV, MTV, VH1, OWN NETWORK, and TVONE.
I have an associates degree in business management and a bachelors in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship. I also hold a masters degree in business administration and marketing. Supplementing my education, I have over 18 years of experience in the PR, event management, and marketing industries.
Before STS, I owned and operated a successful event planning business and a daycare and provided business consulting to several businesses both small and corporate. Currently, I am also a certified event planner and co-owner of HCG Rentals and NuMentality Skillz Training. My most immediate project for the future is the relaunching of my e-book, which is slated for an early 2022 release.
What I love about what I do is getting to know my clients on a personal level. I have had the pleasure of working with tons of celebrities in the industry that I now have personal relationships with.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My wife and I love dinning at Waters Edge, Rappahannocks , Bohemian Rooftop Hotel, and Charleston Crab House.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I am a born and raised geechee girl with strong roots in the African American community here in Charleston. My family helped build Edisto Island.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I would say Eartha Robinson. She too is a native of the Edisto area. She is a famed choreographer who has worked on the tv shows FAME and A Different World.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
My goal is to actually make it to Africa to discover my ancestral roots.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Favorite movie would be Clueless and favorite TV Show is Finding Your Roots.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Live the life you deserve not the life others want you to live.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Make a million dollars.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Earth, Wind, and Fire.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Hardes on Spring Street. It is no longer there, but my mom used to live there before they turned it into a Hardes.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I actually have had the pleasure of working with celebrities, but my all time favorite person would be Kim Kardashian. I would love to take her to Shem Creek to see the vibe of Charleston.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
History– without this I wouldn’t have been able to piece together my family tree.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Living on the beach with an amazing net worth, LOL.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love crime shows, and I have actually reached out to assist with finding “missing” victims.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Botany Bay on Edisto Island
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
September, Christmas, my birthday
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My brand
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family. They keep me moving when I want to throw in the towel.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Chanel No. 5 and Jimmy Choo Perfumes– never leave home without it.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, happiness, and love
