The Vassallo Interviews — Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor who interviews Oxford’s and our region’s leading personalities.
Steve said, “Angie Grant has been following her passion as well as the sun her entire life. This lady reflects an air of excitement and now she is bringing the excitement to Oxford this December. For those fortunate enough to “catch the wave” their lives may never be the same again!”
HottyToddy.com — Who is Angie Grant?
Angie Grant — I am a Mississippi native and a graduate of Vardaman High School, class of ’81, and continued my education at Northwest Junior College. I spent most of my adult life in Tupelo, where I began my career in marketing. I started in cosmetics at McRae’s (now Belk) and ultimately became a store manager. I thrived in an environment where I was able to track progression, whether it be in the success of a product, or in a new and unsure sales representative’s confidence. I think that was when I first realized how vital a strong support system is and learned how to foster ideas. It was so exciting to be a part of something that relied on collaboration and dedication. It truly laid the foundation for my principles and ideas as a business woman today. In 1993, I landed my dream job with Lancome Cosmetics. So I left McRae’s, believing it was in pursuit of the couture shows in Paris. But what I didn’t know is that I would soon become a mother. And to this day, that is the most important position I have ever held. Even as a child, Allie was so passionate and enthusiastic about the arts, it inspired me to want to nurture other children’s interests as well. In 2000 I opened a model and talent agency in Tupelo. Allie and I have since moved and now live in Los Angeles.
HottyToddy.com — Your daughter has quite the impressive resume, and she is only 20. Is this a fair statement?
Angie Grant — Allie has had some incredible opportunities and we’re very grateful for the experiences she has been given. In addition to her acting she is now attending Harvard. The Showtime series “Weeds” ran for eight years which starred Mary Louise Parker. Allie played the role of the daughter Isabel from 2005 until 2010. In 2011 she assumed the role of Lisa on the ABC series “Suburgatory.” Lisa was the daughter of Saturday Night Live stars Ana Gasteyer and Chris Parnell.
HottyToddy.com — Wow! What a resume!
Angie Grant — And in 2012 she appeared in the motion picture “Struck by Lightning,” whose director, Brian Dannelly, has also begun work with Allie on a new series “Zombie Basement.” People often think that acting, or anything in this industry, is something you “just do.” But it is her career and her life long ambition. She’s exceptionally dedicated and works very hard.
HottyToddy.com — Turning the discussion back to you, what brings you to Oxford?
Angie Grant — I’ve always wanted to do something to give back to Mississippi. My favorite quote is attributed to June Carter Cash — “I’m just trying to matter.” My company, Showcase South, will be hosting a three-day event in Oxford this December. I will be bringing 5-10 talent agents and managers here from across the nation in an attempt to identify talent and future stars for the entertainment industry.
HottyToddy.com — Assuming I possessed some talent (which I do not) how would I take advantage of this opportunity?
Angie Grant — We must limit the number of participants to not more than 100 due to time limitations and individual counseling. Showcase South will take place at the Oxford Conference Center December 5-7. You can register online today by going to my website, www.showcaseoftherisingsouth.com.
HottyToddy.com — Is there a cost to attend?
Angie Grant — Yes there is. It’s $500. But we are offering an early bird special of $100 off if you register and pay in full by November 15th.
HottyToddy.com Who should consider attending?
Angie Grant — Anyone who thinks they have talent or an interest in modeling; singing; acting; or dancing. We will have agents and managers from LA and New York attending to teach workshops, watch the participants perform, and be completely accessible for any and all questions the kids and parents may have. I believe the greatest power any of us can possess is knowledge. The foundation of what we are doing is to educate and develop. This is not an event where you are being “evaluated” and then it all falls to the wayside. We’re here to connect you to the proper representation for whatever your goals and talents may be, ensure follow up, and provide you with all of the tools and resources you need before going into a larger market. We will hold your hand all the way!
HottyToddy.com — How are you planning to promote the event?
Angie Grant — We will utilize social media focusing on the states of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas and Tennessee. Social media will play a key role in getting the word out.
HottyToddy.com — Is there a certain age group that you are targeting?
Angie Grant — Absolutely. From 4 to 25 is who we are targeting.
HottyToddy.com — What can a parent of a child expect to gain or learn from participating?
Angie Grant — We will be able to confirm to them that the child actually has talent. And those who do, we will then develop a plan to open the New York and Los Angeles markets to them. The television pilot seasons run from mid January to mid April. We want to take advantage of the timing of these.
HottyToddy.com — This truly sounds like an exciting opportunity for many talented young people like Allie.
Angie Grant — It definitely is. I think people will find that it is extremely educational and a welcoming space to actually showcase your gifts. I’m confident there is serious talent to be discovered. And it will also be a great deal of fun- to be right here in the home of Ole Miss. Brian Dannelly is planning on attending.
HottyToddy.com — Has Allie ever attended an Ole Miss football weekend?
Angie Grant — She has not. For the past ten years she has been acting in Los Angeles. In fact, she has never attended an SEC game so Ole Miss will be her first!
Final Note: If any of those participating in December follow a path similar to that of Allie, the time and investment should be well worth the exercise. Everyone needs to experience the Grove, even Hollywood!
Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. In addition, he is a certified economic and community developer and currently, a highly successful leader in the real estate business with Premier Properties of Oxford. Steve’s lifelong dream has been to live in Oxford full-time. “I am now living my dream daily as is my wife Rosie, who works with the Oxford Chamber of Commerce,” Steve said. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.
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