by: Akia Douglas

Fiona Bloom is known as the lady who knows about everything before it happens. She has helped shape the careers of some of music’s finest, not to mention her own. Those who know her best says she is always up on what’s about to jump off whether it’s the latest music, events, or knowing people who are making things happen. She has plenty of knowledge on the many different types of music and genres of entertainment. By her peers she is considered to be one of the most important voices in the entertainment industry. The smart, confident, and determined Fiona took time out her busy schedule to give outsiders some insight on the life of an entertainment executive. She opens up about the challenges of the industry, being a woman in this business, and her personal life.

Crunk: What is the most challenging thing about your job?

FB: Knocking down doors and trying to get paid (laughing)! When you work for yourself and your independent being an entrepreneur you don’t have a safety net. I normally put in my own money for my companies. So when a artist, company, or client is late in paying me then I’m late with my bill and I can’t afford to do that, so a lot of times I have to let people go. Sometimes I get my accountant to do that and sometimes I do it myself. It’s very challenging to have to ask your clients over and over again for money because I don’t like doing that.

Crunk: As a woman, has it been tougher or easier to find success with your career?

FB: It’s difficult being a woman and always earning the respect as your male counterparts. There are two ways you can go about being a successful woman in this business and being heard. You can either be a bitch who is really hard core having high expectations and treating people like dirt. Or you can be a sex appeal type of woman who just thinks she can bat her eye lashes to get anything she wants. I’m an attractive woman but I’m not a bitch I’m kind of in between. The problem with this market being a woman you have to be one or the other. You shouldn’t have to walk over people to get to the top and get your voice heard and you shouldn’t have to take your clothes off. I don’t do either and it’s tougher that way when you’re in the middle.

Crunk: Did you always want to be an entertainment executive?

FB: Oh yes, ever since I was five. I’m a musician; I started playing the piano when I was four. I told my mom when I was young I wanted to be famous and play music all around the world. Music has been my life I am in love with music, I don’t know anything else. I always knew my path would be in the music industry in some way shape or form even if I did other things I always knew music would be the core of everything.

Crunk: Who are some of your favorite artists?

FB: Common, I love everything he does. I love how he has matured as an artist and I love what he’s doing with the Common Ground Foundation for Kids. I just have a lot of respect for him as an artist. Another one of my favorites is Jasmine Sullivan because she gets knocked a lot in this industry. People say she’s not a good performer or her album sounds like too many people tried to write her stuff but the thing about Jasmine is that she is still so young. If we give her five years this woman is going to be a superstar in creativity, talent, voice, and as a woman. Her voice is powerful. If I go back a little I would say Marvin Gaye, Prince, Sting and even The Police just to name a few.

Crunk: What advice do you have for people looking to get into the entertainment business?

FB: The advice I tell everybody is if you have a dream or goal you shouldn’t let anyone discourage you. It is very easy for people to tell you no and that your dream isn’t going to happen. I tell people don’t listen to those people. If you believe in yourself that this is what you want in your life then you will do whatever it takes to get there no matter how hard it is even if you can’t pay your bills. The struggle is the best part that builds your character. You have to stay positive and keep a winning attitude.