MADAME MANAGEMENT is a Tulsa-based full service Latina-owned management company specializing its focus on historically underrepresented talent. Owned by Charla Fonseca, her work has catapulted Branjae’s brand into new markets nationally and globally while simultaneously diving into film making as a producer & production accountant. After countless features, shorts and commercials for clients like Disney, Sesame Street NFL, Cherokee Film and more – she’s earned her first national Emmy Nomination for her work with 22X Emmy Award Winner Pursuit Films.
Can you tell us how and why you started your business?
I had been managing talent for well over a year, when COVID-19 locked us all in our homes. During that time, I just decided to make it official and file with OK SOS and get my EIN from the IRS.
What services do you provide within the music industry?
Talent Management, Talent Agent, Film/TV Producer + Accountant, Notary Public and Project Management.
How has your company grown to meet the needs of Oklahoma’s music industry over the last 3-5 years?
My business was the only company representing historically underrepresented talent, including black, brown, indigenous, women, LGBTQ etc. Since launching my business and brand, I have helped catapult Branjae into global markets, and expanding my up and coming clients to bigger opportunities with the state of Oklahoma. All of these efforts have helped create sustainable careers for my clients.
What are the benefits of basing your company’s operations in Oklahoma?
Being the first and only was a huge benefit. I stood out amongst the rest, and so do my clients. Admittedly, I do face quite a bit of resistance, so its been beneficial to be able to educate venues, promoters, etc on what it actually means to support artists.
What would you consider your business’s greatest accomplishment to date?
Global recognition for my clients projects
Do you have any special projects you’re working on now/next?
Branjae, Emani and Madame Zeroni are all at different phases of several ongoing projects, while I simultaneously manage a handful of film projects with Pursuit Films. So many incredible developments so far, but nothing to share with the public just yet. 😉
What is your goal/vision for the future of your company?
Expansion and exploration. I’m seeking mentorships from seasoned professionals, specifically women. I want to pay full time employees, have an actual office space to work out of, more clients and community collaborations.
What advice do you have for others who are considering starting a music business in Oklahoma?
Take it as far as you want: artistically, geographically, financially etc. This is not the easiest industry to navigate, as it is always evolving/changing (and usually not in the interest of the artist) so its important to know, that paving your own path will always be key. Utilize some of the industry standards, but never think it’s the only way for you to reach people with your art.
What opportunities do you believe await Oklahoma’s music industry in the future?
Basic necessities for all artists/creatives. Red Dirt Relief Fund is such an incredible organization, and they have absolutely been doing the work, but we can’t expect them to hold all of the responsibility. Artists need access to affordable health care, including ear protection, vision, dental, mental & physical therapy, etc., and housing and food. As someone who is originally from Austin, I can confirm there are five organizations helping fulfill these artist needs, so I’m excited to see how Oklahoma chooses to expand the necessity resources.
Each featured individual or business is given the provided questions to answer in their own voice. Other than formatting and grammar, the answers are personal to each featured voice, and are not provided by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office.