THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS

Antoinette Love Ransom is a true testament of no matter your circumstances in life focus, ambition, and determination can lead to a better future. This is someone that’s been a leader since she was a child. Growing up in Kansas City, Missouri was no cake walk but taught her the value of working hard. Growing up in a household with limited means, a future in entertainment was far from becoming a reality. Both parents worked, while she raised her four siblings. Her parents enrolled her in a private Catholic school, called “St. Martin De Porres” when she was 12 years old. Antoinette knew for first time it wasn’t for her and transferred to a public school the next year. The breakthrough moment that changed her life was her involvement in a local theatrical school an hour away from where she lived. At 14 years old, her mother enrolled her in theatre classes two days a week. This was something the family couldn’t afford, but her mother knew how important it was, because Antoinette’s ultimate objective was to become an actress. Antoinette impressed her acting coaches and landed a few parts in big stage productions such as “A Christmas Carol” and “The Wizard of Oz”. Those were pivotal productions that lead to local commercials. She started teaching acting classes in her church with kids under the age of 10.

At 16 years old, she was very busy in high school with activities such as being a running back on the girl’s football team, and head of the Thespian Club for 3 years. She was also nominated to participate in “Miss Teen Missouri” and placed third runner up at the time. At 18, she became a “ring side” girl for the boxing events at Harrah’s Casino (showing more skin than she was comfortable with). At 19 years old, she landed a dancing gig for P. Diddy during his Victory Tour in 1996 (very short lived). She continued to dance for a few other well-known celebrities until 2003, unfortunately she tore the ACL in her knee and decided to focus on fashion instead of choreography. In 2004, she enrolled in the fashion program at the Art Institute, while simultaneously taking some specialized costume design courses at a local university. During this time, her talents started to shine, and she later landed a guest spot on the “Tyra Banks Show”. At that point, Antoinette found herself in dilemma of “what’s next”? After graduating with her BFA, she decided to move into a loft and make custom designed clothing for business executives and local celebrities. She did land a couple of Carl’s Jr. commercials and Playboy gigs (bartending) that were able to help her sustain a comfortable lifestyle in Los Angeles. But working 15-16 hours a day is not foreign to Antoinette, this is her work ethic she developed very young.

She was a production assistant for Mercedes Benz/IMG Fashion Week in Los Angeles and New York during 2007-2009. Her job changed daily from focusing on backstage production, assisting with PR/Media, running the celebrity gifting rooms, assisting designers, and coordinating the sponsors. This is where she learned everything about what it takes to put on a successful fashion production. Simultaneously during this time, Antoinette was really inspired to start her own entertainment production that would cater to unique artists. She wanted to start a trend on recycled and reusable fashions, and that’s when she developed her production company, Exhibit Ambush. This was a multi-diverse production company that would give fashion designers, artists, musicians and models a platform to showcase their unique talents. For example, there were fashion designers that made their entire collection out of trash bags, cardboard, newspaper, food, or second-hand clothing. It was all about “Recycle-Reuse-Renew”. She successfully developed a loyal team of 30 volunteers that stood by her the entire 10 years she had the production company. She was proud of the fact she was able to change so many lives. In addition, she and her team got so many artists and designers the right exposure to gain employment and media opportunities. This was a production company that was in alignment with multiple local nonprofit organizations. Donating artwork and fashion designs were
a great way to grow their audience and attract corporate sponsors.

Towards the end of 2009, there was a huge downshift and economic crash that led to home foreclosures, national job loss, and lack of anyone really spending or doing anything creative. This was another pivotal time Antoinette had to shift her focus and make some hard choices. Due to lack of her phone ringing, and no clients for months she decided to do something quick. She drove to San Diego late one evening and ended up at a small Indian reservation casino called, Valley View Casino. That night changed everything for Antoinette. A one-night visit at the casino, turned out to be a new job opportunity. A week later, she was hired as a dual rate Pit Boss and started the following month. Making the shift from the entertainment industry to the casino industry was challenging. This was not a simple move, but something she had to do to stay in California and keep a roof over her head. She enjoyed the family atmosphere in the casino; something she was looking for and needed at the time. This was a position where she really focused on building morale and perfecting her leadership skills. During this time, she still had her production company, but on hold due to the declining economy and lack of opportunities in the entertainment industry.

In 2014, she resigned from the casino and decided to make Exhibit Ambush her full-time focus. She and her team did very well, until Antoinette decided to focus on her family in 2018. Becoming a mother was a full-time job, and she didn’t have time for 15-16 hour days anymore. She had to develop a strategy to work smarter not harder. At this point, she got her insurance license and started working independently selling life and health insurance. This was great, but Antoinette still had the creative urge to pursue her passion in production/film/television. Insurance was a great way for her to help people with their financial goals and work independently. Ironically, this
is not something she seen as a lifetime commitment like her creative endeavors.

In 2018, Antoinette started to get more savvy with social media and connecting with recognizable brands. With no intentions or focus, she became a micro-influencer gaining attention from companies like Macy’s, Starbucks, Chauo Chocolatier, Simply Delish, Daily Harvest, Maya’s Cookies, City of Delmar, and Kay Jewelers. She started getting promotional modeling gigs and creating digital content from local businesses.

At this point, Antoinette became a recognizable face on social media. This caught the attention of producers, publicists, agents, and media in Los Angeles. She was offered to start interviewing celebrities on the red carpet, and by the end of 2018 she became a Hollywood Correspondent. Her first red carpet event was the Top 100 “Ebony Gala” at the Beverly Hilton. Since then, she’s covered MTV music awards, Pitbull Concert for CBS, BET awards, Harold and Carole Pump Foundation Celebrity Fundraiser (twice), SAG awards, Emmys, and soon the Oscars.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, she was in the middle of production for her own reality tv show. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, production on this project was put on hold indefinitely. This was hard time for everyone around the world, but like so many people, Antoinette had to develop a plan to stay productive and make money. She focused on finishing her new travel show sizzle reel, and slowly building clientele for her services as a publicist, media correspondent, and creative consultant.

The end of 2020, there was a rare opportunity that Antoinette wasn’t sure if she was ready for. She submitted her headshot to a celebrity photographer, who later contacted her to offer her a feature in “Playboy Australia” January 2021 issue. Antoinette was apprehensive at first, and then later discovered it wasn’t a nude feature…it’s bathing suit or lingerie. She felt this would be a great opportunity to gain some exposure during Covid and generate buzz. She worked out hard for four months and lost 20 pounds to prepare for the feature. She stops at nothing when her mind is set on something she wants to accomplish. When the feature came out, Antoinette wanted to do a tour like most features but unfortunately the pandemic halted those plans. However, she was able to inspire more mature women to
take chances and be open to opportunities they normally would not do.

She’s currently one of the Executive Producers, for the Food Network’s “Fuller Farmer Show” with Nancy Fuller for 2023 season 7; partnered with sponsors: Purell and Hormel Foods. Antoinette is focused on becoming a full time tv/film producer
by the end of 2023. She’s already working on three digital streaming pilots, pre-production for a series on Amazon, and in negotiations with investors for an education focused Netflix documentary.

Antoinette is the queen of multi-tasking as she is the mother of two, publicist, and currently finishing her MBA at Northcentral University scheduled to graduate in 01/2024. Succeeding her graduation, she plans to open her own PR firm in San Diego, CA. She continues to be a big supporter and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, Blue Jeans Go Green, Father Joe’s, and The HOPE Foundation. Antoinette once said in an Exhibit Ambush interview on FOX News years ago, “To move forward in any career you have to incorporate a strategy to give back.” She continues to inspire and shock us all with her drive, creativity, and her perseverance. She understands to be successful you must go above and beyond. Stepping out of her comfort zone is what she does well. Expect the “unexpected” with Antoinette. Her philosophy is all about connecting the dots to help people reach their professional goals and full potential.

You can find her on IMDBPro, YouTube, Instagram (@antoinette_love_ransom), Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter. Her new website is www.aloveransom.com .