With a name like Rahru Reggae Arceneaux, it was pretty much written in the stars that this dynamic entrepreneur would chart a course toward a career that involves branding and name recognition.
Arceneaux’s boutique social media PR firm, Haute Choc’lat Multimedia Group was born out of her ability to create strategic relationships and accelerate brand recognition for her clients.
Educating musicians and helping clients navigate the confusing world of social media and public relations is Arceneaux’s passion. Through her master class, S.A.T.S. (Strategic Artist Training Sessions) she empowers musicians and music industry professionals that want to know more about the unique branding challenges intrinsic to the entertainment industry.
Arcenaux is a 2010 YGEA Award Nominee for “Go Getta of The Year” and a 2010 nominee of the 7th Annual Black Essence Awards. Her knowledgeable and inspiring voice can be heard on “The Prayzefest Gospel Hour Radio Show,” where she serves as co-host and producer.
Rahru recently took time out from her busy schedule to talk with ro about her Atlanta-based company.
When did you get bitten by the entrepreneurial bug?
Back in 2001, I had been working for a production company and was laid off. A friend of mine won a radio contest at Howard University and had two tickets to Aaliyah’s album release party. I remember stepping in the room and instantly feeling like I belonged there. At the time, I was thinking I could do PR as a freelancer. We met Aaliyah, and I was amazed at all that she had accomplished, and we were the same age. After signing my autograph she said to me, “You were born to do this … chase your dream.”
Did you always know you would be your own boss?
I did. I am the oldest of four, so it’s almost instinctive. I like to think my leadership style is similar to King Arthur and his round table —everything being fair and just; but when I need to rise to the occasion, I can certainly handle the task at hand.
What do you love most about your work?
Meeting new people and helping them to bring their vision to the public at large. Our talents are all so uniquely different, but at the end of the day we all want the same three things, love, respect and validation.
The name of your company evokes warm, sweet, delicious imagery. How did you know Haute Choclat was the best name for your business?
When I moved to Atlanta I noticed that people would refer to me as being a “pretty choc’lat girl,” and when I had my daughter they would say the same about her. As I was shaping my company, I noticed that women of color do not get a lot of love in the industry, so primarily they were my target group. I also knew I wanted my firm to be boutique in style and couture in service thus the play on the word “haute.” It definitely is a conversation starter.
Is Rahru the name you were born with? Is there a story behind it?
I was born with the name Rahru. In Swahili it means “cut off the old cloth” or, loosely translated, “first born.” My mom saw the name in an African Baby name book and then saw that Sidney Poitier’s Movie “Band of Angels” had a character by the name Rahru, and she was sold on it. My middle name is Reggae — it means truthful music — that came from my dad; and my last name is Louisiana Creole.
When you lay your head on your pillow at night, what about your day makes you feel you’ve been successful at your career?
My PR firm services musicians, actors, authors, corporate, and nonprofit, which is a cross section of many different types of clients, but at the end of the day human is what we all are. I am successful if I actively engage my clients and meet them where their needs are.
What do you envision for the future of your company?
Being a Christian I know that my steps are divinely ordered. A couple of months ago I began publicity on my first feature length movie, Echo At 11 Oak Drive. I am amazed at the talent of the film’s Producer and Director, Dianne Ashford and Crystle ‘Clear’ Roberson, and the wonderful opportunity they have given me. I am awestruck by how God orchestrates everything. When I was five years old, after watching a movie with my dad, I was reading the credits and asked him, “What is an executive producer?” After he explained it, I quickly told him, “That’s what I’m gonna be.”
Words have power, so I envision that I will continue to create and produce to help make people’s dreams a reality. –kathleen cross
