We have good news for you. You can have a cool career and make a good living. No need to choose between loving your job and paying your mortgage. The following profile, part of the BlackEnterprise.com Cool Jobs series, offers a peek into the nuts and bolts, perks and salaries behind enjoyable careers.

The It Factor: As the executive vice president of Blue Flame Agency, it’s safe to say that Dia Simms is the go-to lady for all things Sean “Diddy” Combs-related in terms of brands. She oversees the strategic execution of all brands under the advertising agency and the House of Combs. Proving that any job can eventually lead you to your passion, Simms comes from a diverse career background. After graduating college, Simms worked at the Dept. of Defense, negotiating defense contracts while contemplating attending law school. After being transferred around within the department and becoming bored with her job, Simms took on a radio job in Maryland upon the recommendation of a friend. While there, she honed her passion for marketing by launching a marketing company with friends. She continued her career in radio as she headed to New York to work for Clear Channel Communications before taking on a job working for one of the biggest entertainment moguls in the world.

The Process: “My days are dramatically different depending on what’s priority,” says Simms, who’s in charge of developing marketing and brand strategies. From the recent launch of AQUAhydrate to working on a new and exciting Sean John campaign, Simms knows what it takes to create a winning product. “We have to be pretty much ready for anything and make sure we are the absolute best at what we do,” she says.

Go-getter Goals: Despite Simms working on the globalization of several brands, one of her most proud moments to date is her work with Ciroc Vodka, helping move numbers from $75,000 to over $2 million. “I like to see a brand that people once never heard of grow,” says Simms, who’s greatly inspired by Combs’ entrepreneurial savvy. “I’ve had an amazing experience to date, but would truly like to see 100% ownership [with my own company in the future].”

Winning Advice: Simms advises young professionals to start working hard the minute they step foot into any job, even if it’s not their desired position. “It really goes to just being excellent wherever you are,” she adds while also saying there have been times where she’s been in Home Depot and paid attention to the person at the cash register who is moving the fastest. “You may not be at the position that you want to be, but you really never know who’s watching.” In addition to hard work, Simms also warns young professionals to never be blinded by the glitz and glam of the industry and to always keep business first. Even if you are on a million dollar yacht, Simms says “you need to treat it like business and take it seriously and understand the business before you understand the entertainment aspect.”

As a board of director for the organization Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), this marketing executive also advises that one of the best ways to have a career in entertainment is to break into it yourself. “Some of the best examples are people who are self-starters and still doing well years after years,” says Simms. “It’s their own company which gives them a different level of accountability.”

AQUAhydrate Launch Attracts 2 Billion Media Impressions in 48 Hours!

LOS ANGELES (March 5, 2013) – Actor/producer Mark Wahlberg and entertainment powerhouse Sean “Diddy” Combs have turned the beverage industry upside down with the launch of their newest venture, water brand AQUAhydrate. Kicking things off with a press conference packed wall-to-wall with top media, Wahlberg and Combs continue to prove they have what it takes to stop the world in its tracks for a new brand launch. Having secured 2 billion media impressions through countless press hits and a virtual “take over” of social media, AQUAhydrate has quickly secured its place as a serious contender in the bottled water category.

“We are here to make an impact and show the world we are serious about AQUAhydrate, says Combs. “When I commit to something, I put everything I have behind it. Mark and I are very passionate about AQUAhydrate and the balance it brings to our lives. Mark my words, we will be number one and I challenge anyone to find a better product!”

“I have believed in this brand from day one, so I am thrilled with the overwhelming response,” says Wahlberg. “This is what happens when you’ve got the right product and the right team behind it. We are excited for the future of AQUAhydrate and where we will take things next.”

Wahlberg and Combs will continue to be very involved in the management of the company, marketing strategies, and key retailer visits. The AQUAhydrate executive team is more than pleased with the outcome of the launch and has many plans to stay top of mind for its consumers.

About AQUAhydrate
Already voted BevNET’s Best of 2012 award for Best Product Revamp, AQUAhydrate, Inc. is a Southern California-based health and fitness water brand founded on innovative technology and science. Through a proprietary process, its water is purified to some of the most rigorous standards in the industry, supplemented with key performance electrolytes in significant amounts, and raised to an alkaline pH of 9+. It is this powerful synergy between alkalinity, electrolytes and minerals which fuels ultimate hydration, balance and performance, and which has made AQUAhydrate the water of choice for myriad health/fitness authorities, athletes, and celebrity endorsers. AQUAhydrate is available through a variety of grocery, health and natural foods stores throughout the U.S. and at www.aquahydrate.com. For further info on AQUAhydrate check out www.aquahydrate.com. Find them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/aquahydrate and Twitter @AQUAhydrate

LOS ANGELES (February 27, 2013) – Entertainment powerhouse Sean “Diddy” Combs and actor/producer Mark Wahlberg today announced a joint venture with Southern California-based fitness and wellness water brand, AQUAhydrate. Per the arrangement, Combs and Wahlberg will oversee business strategy along with CEO John Cochran, formerly President of Fiji Water. Together they will help drive the AQUAhydrate vision and be instrumental in helping secure retail partnerships for the water brand, such as their recently signed deals with Safeway, Kroger and GNC.

Already voted BevNET’s Best of 2012 award for Best Product Revamp, AQUAhydrate is a high performance water without the sugar and calories found in traditional sports drinks or vitamin enhanced beverages. The product’s combination of performance-grade electrolytes and a higher pH level of 9+ has caught the attention of elite athletes, active health-conscious consumers, and celebrities looking to perform at the top of their game, in every aspect of their life. In addition to the brand’s existing athlete roster, AQUAhydrate recently inked an official partnership with the Los Angeles Clippers wherein the product will be distributed to the team on and off the court.

“This is a truly innovative company, and I’m thrilled to be part of it,” says Wahlberg. “We all strive to do the best we can for our bodies but sometimes schedules, stress and other factors get in the way. AQUAhydrate helps me achieve the balance my body needs, no matter what. I enjoy being involved in every aspect of the AQUAhydrate brand and I’m looking forward to a very successful partnership.”

“As a brand architect, I am incredibly passionate and equally committed to every aspect of the businesses that I get involved with,” says Combs. “Partnering with AQUAhydrate and Mark is an incredible opportunity for me and I am looking forward to making history in the process. It’s important for me to be part of something that drives me and is constantly pushing the boundaries, and that’s what AQUAhydrate does. Together, we’re going to take AQUAhydrate to the next level.”

AQUAhydrate is set to have a banner year in 2013. Having secured thousands of points of distribution across the US within the last six months, the brand has big marketing plans to establish AQUAhydrate as a household name and become a torchbearer of innovation and health and wellness in the beverage category. Further to that, with Combs and Wahlberg understanding the value and brand impact of having an engaged social audience, AQUAhydrate will take its message viral and offer consumers exclusive content and fan-based promotions that underscore the values of the brand.

About AQUAhydrate

AQUAhydrate, Inc. is a Southern California-based health and fitness water brand founded on innovative technology and science. Through a proprietary process, its water is purified to some of the most rigorous standards in the industry, supplemented with key performance electrolytes in significant amounts, and raised to an alkaline pH of 9+. It is this powerful synergy between alkalinity, electrolytes and minerals which fuels ultimate hydration, balance and performance, and which has made AQUAhydrate the water of choice for myriad health/fitness authorities, athletes, and celebrity endorsers. AQUAhydrate is available through a variety of grocery, health and natural foods stores throughout the U.S. and at www.aquahydrate.com. For further info on AQUAhydrate check out www.aquahydrate.com. Find them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/aquahydrate and Twitter @AQUAhydrate

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Today Sean Combs announces his support of global non-profit, Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and empowering at-risk youth through entrepreneurship education through a multi-tiered commitment. Combs is passionate about NFTE’s mission to provide hands on education and real life skills to teach kids not only how to run their own business but to approach their whole life in an entrepreneurial way.

One component of the partnership and in an effort to spur innovation among all youth, Combs’ brand, Sean John was recently a proud sponsor of NFTE’s World Series of Innovation (WSI). The annual event sparks young people across the globe to devise groundbreaking products and services targeted at specific market opportunities and show how they would sell and market to the public. Sean John challenged youth to design an app or mobile game to help a fashion consumer interact with their favorite designer brand using social media.

“I am honored to partner with NFTE on this initiative because I am extremely proud of the work they do every day, helping over 500,000 young people reach their dreams of becoming entrepreneurs,” said Sean Combs . “I believe all young people should be given the opportunity to be successful and to pursue their passions and NFTE gives all kids the tools they need to be the CEOs of their future.”

Additionally, Combs himself will be hitting the auction block to support the organization’s Dare To Dream Auction in April 2013. Last year’s online auction received rousing success which directly benefited NFTE programming, as celebrity entrepreneurs including Combs, offered their expertise through a business coaching session. Once again the public will have a chance to bid for one lucky winner to be mentored by Combs and to discuss and receive feedback for their business from Combs and his senior leadership team across his family of brands.

Also, in continuation of last year’s successful initiative, Combs Enterprises will host the 2nd annual Intern Entrepreneurship Education Day. Sean Combs believes his interns have the potential to change their lives and make a difference in society through developing entrepreneurial skills and attitudes that the award-winning NFTE curriculum offers. The goal of the daylong program is to ignite these interns to tap into their own ingenuity and passion and to encourage them to create solutions within their community or within the marketplace.

“NFTE is so honored that Sean Combs has chosen to partner with our organization. His life and accomplishments speak directly to the students we serve everyday in some of the most under-resourced public schools,” comments Amy Rosen , CEO and President of Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship. “Through Mr. Combs personal commitment and the services his various companies are performing for NFTE, this partnership will help us reach our goal of instilling the entrepreneurial mindset in one million young people over the next five years.”

Furthermore, Dia Simms , Executive Vice President of the Blue Flame Agency, a full-service marketing and advertising agency amassed by CEO and Founder, Sean Combs years’ of launching iconic brands, has joined NFTE’s Board of Directors. In her new role, she will support NFTE by adding her expertise within the branding and social media arenas to propel the organization’s global youth entrepreneurship education message within the mainstream along with navigating the brand ambassadorship of Sean Combs .

States Simms, “I am extremely honored to be part of an organization focused on supporting and offering youth total access to their tomorrow. With NFTE, education extends beyond classroom walls and into the real world, and I am proud to be part of this evolution of education.”

For 25 years, NFTE is the leading global non-profit organization that brings entrepreneurship education to low-income youth. NFTE students receive hands on training in launching a business and learn the real-world relevance of math, reading and writing. The NFTE curriculum reinforces students’ critical thinking skills and provides them with tools to help them take responsibility of their futures and to think entrepreneurially.

“We are thrilled to have Dia Simms , as such a vibrant and well respected business leader on our board to help pave the way for NFTE’s work,” states Maria Pinelli , Ernst & Young’s Global Vice Chair Strategic Growth Markets and Board Chair of Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship. “With staggering youth unemployment rates, we are confident that Dia’s influential reach within the community will allow us to keep growing our programs and to empower youth to harness their entrepreneurial dreams, making job ownership and creation a reality, worldwide.”

About Sean “Diddy” Combs
SEAN COMBS , the CEO and founder of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group is a multifaceted entertainment powerhouse. Sean “Diddy” Combs was declared “One of the Most Influential Businessmen in the World” by Time Magazine and CNN. Combs, 43, oversees one of the world’s preeminent urban entertainment companies, encompassing a broad range of businesses including recording, music publishing, artist management, television and film production, recording facility, apparel, and fragrance.

About the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship
Too many young people today drop out of school and struggle to break the cycle of poverty. Since 1987, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has been inspiring young people to pursue educational opportunities, start their own businesses, and succeed in life. By providing entrepreneurship education programs relevant to the real world, NFTE empowers students to own their educations in and out of the classroom and to find their own path to success. Hundreds of thousands of students have discovered opportunity all around them through entrepreneurship via thousands of certified educators worldwide. NFTE supports active programs in 18 U.S. states and 11 countries around the world. Entrepreneurs are a powerful driver of economic growth and NFTE sows the seeds of innovation in students worldwide. For more information, visit www.nfte.com.

CONTACT:
Alyssa Miller
1-973-615-1292
alyssa.miller@nfte.com

SOURCE Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship
RELATED LINKS
http://www.nfte.com
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1A0j6)

NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2013- Fashion maven and Social media innovator Sean Combs creates another first with the launch of the Sean John Instagram fashion show. The viral event will take place today, Friday February 8 at 10:00AM ET. Combs will be posting new looks every 30 minutes from 10:00AM – 5:00PM ET. Viewers will be invited to check out images from the latest collection only available at Macy’s.

“In honor of New York fashion week we wanted to do something that has never been done before”, said Combs. “With Instagram technology we are bringing Sean John to the social media runway where our consumer lives”

To view the Instagram Fashion Show visit http://instagram.com/iamdiddy

About Sean John

Sean John, a privately held company, was created by music icon Sean “Diddy” Combs and made its fashion debut with a men’s sportswear collection for the spring 1999 season. In 2004, Sean “Diddy” Combs for Sean John was honored by the Council of Fashion Designers of America as Men’s Wear Designer of the Year. With annual retail sales in the United States of over $525 million, Sean John remains one of the most impressive full lifestyle brands in the US and around the world. In May of 2010 Sean John signed a deal with Macy’s to be the exclusive U.S. department store retailer for the Sean John men’s sportswear collection beginning in Holiday 2010. The Sean John product is available online at macys.com and in over 400 Macy’s stores across the country, with additional doors to be added in the years ahead. Learn more at seanjohn.com.

ClickZ Connected Marketing Awards are designed to recognize brands and organizations that have embraced creativity and interactivity to connect with their audiences – and drive results.

Blue Flame Agency & Say Media received an Honorable Mention for Ciroc’s Big Game campaign this past Superbowl for Best Use of Display Advertising.

Check out the 2012 awards here

Just in time for summer, The Blue Flame Agency proudly presents the CÎROC Celebration Guide mobile application in collaboration with CÎROC Ultra Premium Vodka and BlackBook Magazine.

This must-have app enables you to explore the greatest restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, shops and beauty stops in your city – all in the palm of your hand!

Prepare to revel in the unexpected, because the “Celebration Guide” is now available for download in the iTunes App Store & the Android Market

Gary Richards, a beloved Blue Flame employee, left us in an untimely passing on July 4th 2012.

As Cîroc Ultra Premium Vodka’s regional ambassador for D.C, Gary served as both a staple to D.C. nightlife and a true cornerstone to our agency.

Not only did he shine in his professional pursuits, but he was also a superstar in his personal life. Hailed for his unmatched affability, Gary had a knack for impacting any and all he encountered with an altruistic spirit and kind heart.

Gary, you will be forever missed and always in our thoughts – thanks for touching our lives and leaving your legacy.

Family and friends,

The outpouring of well wishes and support for our departed Gary has been tremendous. Gary has touched so many people, in so many different ways. He was truly an awesome individual. Many of you have expressed a deep interest in giving a financial donation to his wife, Kelley and his one-year-old son, Justin aka JC. In response, the family has established the “Remembering Gary Richards Fund.” Your contributions will ensure that J.C. has a bright future ahead of him.

To donate simply go to paypal.com and use “RememberingGaryRichards@gmail.com” Select “personal” and send as a “gift.” Please also leave a message, as we will compile all of your well wishes to share with Justin when he gets older. J.C. is too young to understand now, but we will all, collectively keep his dad’s legacy alive.

Alternatively, you can also send a check or money order payable to Justin Richards to:

Remembering Gary Richards

1498-M Reisterstown Road

Suite #226 Pikesville,

MD 21208

Any and all donations are greatly, greatly appreciated. We thank you and look forward to seeing you at the wake and/or funeral. Please be prepared to share your fondest memories of our brother Gary. It will be a celebration!

Because the two work tirelessly to shed light on those making moves towards an increasingly positive future, it’s only natural that CIROC was a present force in Los Angeles for the 2012 BET Award celebrations.

Enjoy the following choice snapshots from the after parties of Play House Night Club and Rolling Stone, featuring such notables as Rev Al Sharpton, Andre Harrell, Usher, Miguel, Nick Storm, Trey Songz, and Young Jeezy.

That’s why, at the 64^th Cannes Film Festival this year; Diddy was on everybody’s must-invite list. This short film artfully follows his escapades spanning yacht parties, premiers, Parisian streets, and clubs, reminding us that while many rappers have come and gone, “Diddy was here first”, and is still here.