Men Empowerment Spotlight: Kri Peck, Managing Partner of CR8 Agency

Kri Peck is an entrepreneur, publicist, advocate, and actor. From humble beginnings in Shallotte, North Carolina, Kri moved to Atlanta at the tender age of 18 to study Journalism & Media Management at Georgia State University. His passion for entertainment and media landed him a Publicist position at CR8 Agency in 2017, where he worked with some of today’s most notable celebrities. Kri also works in the film industry as an actor. He began taking acting classes with the legendary Tasha Smith in 2016 and has recently signed with CGEM Talent Agency.

He debuted in the CW’s Dynasty & is currently filming a secret project. Kri is passionate about educating and helping others. He partnered with HIV.gov to raise awareness about the epidemic. He starred in the “Ready, Set, PrEP” commercial which aired nationally on television and syndicated radio. In the commercial, Kri advocates for sexual health, and he even tells his experience with losing friends/family to HIV/AIDS. Kri is also a health and beauty guru. He’s launching his own skincare line titled, “KRI SKIN.” His skincare line is focused on targeting acne and problem-prone skin, to give it a natural, blemish-free complexion.

How did you and Vaughn Alvarez’s business partnership come to fruition for CR8 Agency?

Kri: I met Vaughn at a coffee show (laughs). I started out as his assistant and he was so amazed by my work ethic that he made me his managing partner. It’s truly an amazing story. I really lucked up meeting him.

CR8 Agency was recently honored at Black Media Honors, what has that been like?

Kri: In an industry where recognition, pat on the backs and notoriety is almost non-existent, it feels great to be crowned ‘Agency of The Year’ by the Black Media Honors. We don’t do what we do for awards and accolades, but it sure feels good to finally get it! We are honored to have received that recognition.

From your experience, how has CR8 Agency made an impact in the public relations sector?

Kri: I think Vaughn and I are very good at working smarter, not harder. We’re always thinking of ways to be time-efficient, because it honestly seems like there just isn’t enough time in the day sometimes. Prior to the pandemic, we had already implemented virtual press conferences, and virtual interviews. So it was interesting to see how so many other PR agencies kind of took that same strategy. They were rusty trying to figure out how to work out the kinks of using ZOOM and SKYPE, but we did it effortlessly because we had been doing it for so long already.

We’ve definitely made our mark in the industry. People across the nation know our name and our agency’s name and it’s such a great feeling. It puts us in an honorable position to pour into young PR professionals that want to do what we do.

What are some of the most memorable moments in your career so far?

Kri: I always say that my life should be a reality show because I’m always shocked by the amazing, comical, and sometimes unbelievable things that happen to me on a daily basis! I can’t think of one defining memorable moment, but I can say that working with such amazing people that I grew up watching on television — it’s a dream come true. I still can’t believe it!

What is a quote that you live by?

Kri: The Puerto Rican Princess Joseline Hernandez once said in her viral record, “Do it like it’s your B-Day baby”. It’s such a funny thing to say, but I honestly live by that mantra. I want the best things out of this life. I know that I deserve them and I’m not ashamed to say that. So I live each day walking in that mantra. Getting the best things out of the life that was given to me.

Not only are you a publicist, advocate, and actor, you also have your own skincare line. How has business been during the pandemic?

Kri: Fortunately for my business, a lot of people were introduced to the idea of self-care during the pandemic. I had already been working on my luxury skin care line, KRI SKIN years before we were hit with COVID-19. I noticed that people had an opportunity to reflect on themselves and focus on their own imperfections so I made sure to get it out to the world as soon as possible. The response was ridiculous. I sold out of so many of my products so quickly! I’m grateful that people are loving my products and gaining the confidence in themselves that they didn’t once possess.

How has your line of work made an impact on you personally?

Kri: It has shown me that I can do anything that I want to do. I know that sounds like such a cliché, but I come from such a small, country bumpkin town. My grandparents had a farm with cows and everything. To come from that to red carpets, flying across the world, developing a formula that eradicates acne, and being a sexual health advocate is very empowering, to say the least.

What do you believe is your sole purpose?

Kri: I always knew that I was placed on this earth to help others. I always have, and that’s what I will always do. That’s what I do at the CR8 Agency. I help people bring their vision to life for whatever project they have going on. That’s what I do at KRI SKIN. I help people feel good about themselves. That’s what I do with HIV.org. I help people understand the risks that are out there and the different avenues you can take to protect your body. I just don’t understand how people can go out of their way to not help their fellow man. Nonetheless, I’ve made it my mission to be of some assistance in any way that I can.

What’s next for you and the agency?

Kri: Our agency is booked throughout 2022. I can hardly believe it. We are working with major television networks including Lifetime, BET, Zeus Network and so many more. It’s truly a blessing. Keep up with us on social media at @cr8agency and @thekripeck to see behind-the-scenes footage, how to connect with us, and attend our events.

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