About US... Lydia Esdaile began her career in Financial Services where she gained experience in marketing, event planning, corporate communications, and training. Her career took an opportune turn when she was recruited as the Community Relations Director with The Hartford Stage Company. There she presented performance artists, writers, and directors such as Don Cheadle, Phylicia Rashad, Kenny Leon, Jesse L. Martin, Pearl Cleage, and Marina Sirtis, to the community via the media, workshops and special events.
During this time she also founded a non-profit mentoring organization for college athletes, The National Collegiate Athletic Educational Program (NCAEP). She was advised by sports professionals such as NBA legends Michael Jordan, Kevin Johnson, Charles Smith, NFL Coach Bill Belichick and long time mentor Colin Campbell, The Ford Foundation.
As a result of this project and the rapport she had developed with sports professionals, she was recruited as the Public Relations Director for Ray Allen Enterprises and the Ray of Hope Foundation. As PR Director, Lydia played a key role in promoting and developing NBA All-Star Ray Allen and his projects. During her tenure the Ray of Hope Foundation sponsored the largest, most impressive celebrity weekend in New England. She was instrumental in recruiting celebrities such as Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Denzel Washington, Brian McKnight, Sinbad, Alonzo Morning, Suzanne Douglas, Branford Marsalis, Eric LaSalle, and Vince Carter, to participate and contribute to this charity event. After several successful years and a desire for new challenges, Lydia joined a partnership which created Heart Mind and Soul Entertainment (HMS). HMS was designed to service the business and personal management needs of new artists. This individualized approach was unique in the music industry, and soon, people took notice of this dynamic trio. Their artists appeared regularly at popular venues in NYC such as Soul Café, Nells, and Café Wha and performed on BET, HBO, and NBC.
HMS also networked with industry movers and shakers like Jamie Foxx, Marcus King, D L Hughley, Candy Tookes, Producers Andre Harris & Vidal Davis, and Karl Browne. Then, in the tradition of Soul Café, they created a showcase to highlight their clients. Bringing the music industry to Connecticut, they developed Hot Chocolate Soul. The production features Musical Director Karl Browne, and hosts Melanie Daniels, Cheryl “Pepsi” Riley, Darius Booker, Chico DeBarge, and Ron Grant. Industry executives like Maria Davis and Troy Oliver are also regularly in attendance. .
Firmly establishing her contacts in the areas of Sports and Entertainment she accepted individual projects in the areas of Event Management, Promotions, Marketing, Image Development, and Community Relations. Ms. Esdaile created a her company VISIONS Public Relations | Lydia M. Esdaile " I have created a business that supports and encourages dreams. I believe that your passions are what truly motivate you;get you up and moving each morning. Whether it is a unique event, the business you have always wanted, the film production of a lifetime, or a spot on the red carpet, we can create a path towards your goals." Lydia M. Esdaile, Principal VISIONS
Client: Director Jeff Craddock Connecticut Celebrity Classic Client: R&B Singer Darius Booker |