Patty Hughes is a well-known television personality and lifestyle expert with a diverse background in the fashion, editorial, interior styling, and television industries. She has worked for over 30 seasons as the Coordinator of Volunteers at the prestigious New York City Fashion Week, where she collaborated with college students, shaping and guiding their careers.
Patty’s experiences and exposure during New York City Fashion Week led her to venture into the editorial world. She launched her CurvyGirlStyle column with Seventeen Magazine, focusing on showcasing innovative products, unique talent, and women, particularly women of color, in their best light.
In addition to her work in fashion and editorial, Patty also delved into interior styling. She styled executive offices at Viacom and assisted with interior photoshoots for Bride’s Magazine. Her keen fashion sense translated well into creating visually appealing and stylish spaces.
Patty’s television career includes hosting lifestyle segments on popular shows like “The Rachael Ray Show,” “The Wendy Williams Show,” and being a personality on the “Food Network.” However, Patty had always aspired to produce and host her own television series, but she grew tired of the television executives constantly rejecting her ideas. In response, she founded her own television production company called PH Productions/CurvyCaravan INC.
At her production company, Patty focuses on creating branded content series, which serve as excellent forms of advertising. She values working with like-minded individuals who share the same goals of creating entertaining programming that provides valuable information and takeaways for the audience. The atmosphere on set is characterized by professionalism, happiness, and laughter.
Among the series produced by PH Productions/CurvyCaravan INC. is “Patty Finds It For You,” a magazine-style chat show with a retro vibe where Patty discovers and showcases innovative products and unique talents. The show also aims to shine a spotlight on women and women of color. Another series is “ReEVENTing Outdoor Spaces,” a landscaping show that incorporates fun and entertaining twists into ordinary outdoor makeovers. Additionally, Patty collaborates with acting coach and theater producer Paul J. Michael on “Delicious Laughter,” a cooking series that pairs influencer chefs with well-known comedians for a fun blend of elegant food and laughter.
Patty’s ambitions extend beyond television, as she plans to launch a podcast called “Patty’s POPcast.” The podcast will feature conversations with her favorite entertainment writers, performers, directors, and entrepreneurs, where she aims to learn their stories and share them with her audience. Patty’s podcast will have a bubbly and poppy tone, reflecting her personality.
FWM: What led you to a career in entertainment?
I’ve always been obsessed with television, especially classic Hollywood TV series. I would watch retro television shows with a passion – and still do! Shows such as “The Dick Van Dyke Show” , “That Girl”, “Julia” and “The Doris Day Show” I liken to all the female characters! On these shows life is wholesome, love is joyous and the wardrobes are fabulous! These shows feed my movie matinee mentality.
In Buffalo where I grew up there was a late night classic movie show. The show was filmed in black and white. The hosts were playing beatniks at a pretend coffee house. “Off Beat Cinema” The films were super cheesy, e g. “Plan From Outer Space” (trust me it’s worth Googling) The selection of films and the entire series was really campy and I thought “I need to be on this show!” I made an appointment with the Executive Producer, John Di Sciullo, he invited me to a taping of the show – and I never left.
I ended up becoming the Entertainment Reporter for the series. I had never been on television before, however through vim and vigor I carved a niche for myself. The Executive Producer gave me an opportunity and I took it with tenacity! From there I thought I could do the same thing in New York City for others for shows. I packed up my hair dryer and moved to Manhattan! I truly thought it was that easy, I never thought “I can’t do that” To me it was pretty simple, move to New York City. In Manhattan I would take freelance gigs in television and fashion. I thought it best to work near my goals.
FWM: You are a well-known television personality and lifestyle expert. Who has inspired you the most during your career?
Oprah inspired me most. She was likable, intelligent, a woman of color and curvy! She “looked like me.” I had met her at an inclusive event in New York City. I attended the event without knowing she would be there. She was so gracious when I was introduced to her. I asked her what’s the best advice you can give me as I venture into a career in television? She said, “Be yourself.” And my reply “I can do that!”
I have always set my goals with intention. I enter into everything with an open heart and immense positivity. I loved watching Rachael Ray; she had a welcoming energy. I set my intention to be on her show!
In my early days of freelance gigs, I worked at MTV. I happened to meet a production assistant Micheal Newborn who later became a producer for “The Rachael Ray Show.” He knew how embracing I was for fashion, especially the Curvy world of fashion. And Racheal Ray being a Curvy, he thought this could be a good match. He asked me to pitch a Curvy fashion segment to host. He took my idea to Rachael on a Thursday by the following Tuesday I was on her show! She was so generous and kind to me. She asked me back several times to host more segments and even at one point cook with her! Being on her show was a wonderful experience! This only fueled my “can do attitude even more.” However, I was a naive how business works. I wasn’t represented by an agent at the time, I didn’t realize I needed an agent to handle a contract for me with the show’s production company. This was just another life lesson I needed to learn, handle the business of things first.
FWM: When did you decide to go out on your own and launch your own television production company, PH Productions/CurvyCaravan INC.?
My biggest goals have been to host and produce my own television, just as Oprah did. I had pitched several shows to production companies and television stations only to be told “We are not interested.” I was fed up with being told no! I gathered up some of the best professionals in the industry I knew and said, “Let’s put on a show!” I launched my production company PH Productions/CurvyCaravan INC prior to the pandemic.
Needless to say, the process had been halted due to the current climate. Forming my own television production and producing my own creative is a way to be recognized in the business. In addition, I control the narrative. I no longer need someone’s “permission”. I set out to work with industry friends and kind people. That has been a great approach! Working with kind and friendly people can make all the difference in creating a positive and enjoyable production experience for everyone involved. It’s important to prioritize the well-being and happiness of the staff, team, crew, and clients, as it can directly impact the quality of the final product. When people are happy and enjoying themselves, they are more likely to be creative, innovative, and productive. It’s a thoughtful and intentional approach to production, and I’m sure that it will lead to a successful and enjoyable experience for all involved.
In order to get my shows on the air, I still had to pitch my show ideas to CBS affiliates and to the cable service Spectrum. I needed to be viewed as proficient in the field of television production. I made sure my shows were professionally executed, thanks to my producer and director. Tyler Milliron of Milliron Studios served as my Director of Photography and producer Laura Koski both who had worked in television and were able to capture my vision, understood my brand and my style of hosting.
Another lesson , surround yourself with industry professionals who believe in you! They will be vested in making sure you are presented in your best light.
My first show launched was “Patty Finds It For You” – I find what you need before you know you need it!
The show has a “magazine style format” which is thematic. The show has an amazing cult following! I receive emails on a continual basis from viewers who want to be on the show or be my best friend – how cute is that?! I love it! The audience inspires me as much as I inspire them and that is the best feeling. As with all of our shows, the goal is to entertain, bring joy while viewers are having fun and learn something new!
“Patty Finds It For You” originally aired on CBS Affiliates in Los Angeles, Denver, Detroit and The New York Tri-State Area. One episode aired and received rave reviews! My station contacts asked if I had more episodes. Unfortunately, the airing was right before the pandemic hit, so many television production teams had to shut down. Now, we are elated to announce the show will be on Spectrum in syndication and selected CBS Affiliates later this year.
My production company is in pre-production for a cooking series with a fun twist. The title says it all “Delicious Laughter.” We have Influencer Chefs with wonderful personalities and informative cooking takeaways!
Nothing beats good food and laughter!
Meet the Chefs.
Celebrity Chef J. Jackson is a successful private chef based in Brooklyn, NY. His personal style mixes his love of food with that of techniques from some of the best chefs in the country and beyond. Jackson has been a self-taught chef for 10 years, is a regular culinary contributor on ABC, Fox & CBS morning shows.
He has also made appearances on ABC’s The Chew & Dr Oz and accomplishments include “Crowd Favorite” at The Travel Channel’s Fiery Foods Challenge and a contestant on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay & Cutthroat Kitchen.
Chef Brendan Jay Sullivan is an author living in NYC. His team won the first Michelin Star in the United States, 7 James Beard Awards, and a starred Review
in the New York Times, ‘Best Restaurant in the World.’” He also opened his own place with his best friend in the Caribbean–far away from any food critics and it is still #1 on Trip Advisor. He runs the @Pizzas Tiktok where he has over 100 million views.
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Tashea Young is a talented addition to our on-camera Chefs. She’s a personal chef and caterer in New York City. She has a deep passion for cooking and was able to turn her passion into a very successful business. Not only has she cooked for world-renowned recording artists and athletes, she’s created one of a kind luxury private dining experience called “The Honcho Club”
FWM: What are the benefits for advertisers?
Branded content on television shows can provide a number of benefits for both the network and the brand. Some of the key benefits include:
🔸️Increased revenue: Branded content provides an additional source of revenue for networks. By featuring branded content within a show, networks can charge brands for the exposure and integration.
🔸️ Enhanced brand awareness: Branded content can help to increase brand awareness and exposure. By integrating brands into a show, viewers are exposed to the brand in a more natural way, rather than through traditional advertising.
🔸️ Improved brand perception: Branded content can help to improve brand perception. By integrating brands into a show, viewers may perceive the brand as more relatable and trustworthy.
🔸️ Increased engagement: Branded content can help to increase engagement with viewers. By integrating brands into a show, viewers may be more likely to engage with the content and share it with others.
🔸️ Enhanced storytelling: Branded content can help to enhance the storytelling of a show. By integrating brands into a show in a creative and meaningful way, the branded content can add to the overall narrative of the show.
🔸️Overall, branded content on television shows can provide a win-win situation for both the network and the brand, as long as it’s done in a tasteful and organic way that doesn’t disrupt the viewer’s experience.
Tell us about your new show, “ReEVENTing Outdoor Spaces” and your vision.
“ReEVENTing Outdoor Spaces” is our new television show. Through our unique approach to landscaping and entertaining, we aim to create a memorable experience for everyone involved, including our sponsors and their target audience. Our show is all about creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces that are perfect for entertaining. We focus on bringing out the personality of each homeowner and incorporating their unique style into the design. We believe that outdoor spaces should be an extension of the home, and that they should reflect the homeowner’s personality and lifestyle.
With Michael Fitzgerald’s experience in film and television set design, we bring a fresh perspective to the world of landscaping. We incorporate elements of drama, excitement, and beauty into our designs, creating a truly unique experience for our homeowners and viewers alike. Our crew and homeowners are all carefully selected to ensure that we have a positive and enjoyable experience throughout the production process. We believe that working with kind and friendly people is key to creating a successful show.
As for our sponsors and brands, we are committed to providing them with an effective way to reach their target audience. Our show offers a unique platform for advertising, allowing sponsors to showcase their products and services in a creative and engaging way. We work closely with our sponsors to ensure that they are getting the most out of their partnership with us.
Overall, “ReEVENTing Outdoor Spaces” is a show that is all about creating beautiful, functional, and entertaining outdoor spaces. We are committed to bringing joy and excitement to our homeowners, viewers, and sponsors alike, and we look forward to sharing our unique approach to landscaping with the world.
FWM: What lessons have you learned through your successful career?
The lessons I have learned in my career to share:
🔸️Research and learn everything you can about your desired career choice.
🔸️Find a mentor, an industry person who you admire. Speaking with a mentor will prepare you for challenges you might encounter. However, be mindful your experiences might be varied.
🔸️Have every detail in place before you launch , details are very important.
🔸️Remain positive and never ever give up! You might run into obstacles, which is part of the process. You have to keep your focus on the end result!
And remember the payoff is worth the pain.
