Read Pamela Reaves' dynamic interview with Rodney Wayne Branche CEO/Founder of Copa Style Magazine and the COPA Group of Companies.
Photography by Renee Wilhite
Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine
~ Publisher/Editor-in-Chief ~
By Pamela Reaves
Copa Style Magazine Contributing Columnist
Pamela: Hi Rodney. It’s an honor to finally interview you. Personally, I know that you live, breathe, and eat Copa Style (smile). So before we get into the nuts, bolts, inner workings, and culture of Copa Style, let’s talk about Rodney Wayne Branche, the man.
Where are you originally from?
Where are you originally from?
Rodney: I was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Washington, DC when I was three years old. I continue to visit New York regularly. I consider myself a Washingtonian since I've attended school and college here since Kindergarten and operate two businesses here in the city.
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Pamela: Tell me about Rodney, the man, without mentioning Copa Style.
Rodney: Well, I'm the type of guy that loves life, people, travel, food and music. Also I believe that I'm a fair person and treat others the way I wish to be treated. In my view life should have action, adventure and a dash of suspense! (One should also maintain 'flair for the dramatic' to loosen things up to think.) |
The following recordings reflect the sound of New York nightlife for young people. At this time the trend was TRUE Disco, experienced in the 'Big Apple' at the time. The dance was the "Hustle" and Salsa New Yorkers took this quite seriously at the time. These recordings are just a small sampling of what we danced to on the weekends in the popular Discos in Manhattan and Brooklyn. You will possibly see where the origins began with many young people of today would identify as 'House Music.' The following selections is a typical example of what we experienced on Friday or Saturday night in 1976 and 1977 in New York. For those of you who remember we wish you to enjoy these wonderful times of spectacular days of excitement and adventure!(Please wear your headphones for the full musical effect)
Let's begin with this popular song at the time by Cissy Houston. (Whitney Houston's Mother)
Let's begin with this popular song at the time by Cissy Houston. (Whitney Houston's Mother)
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Pamela: In what ways have your past experiences shaped you into the man you are today?
Rodney: I guess they all started by working in New York as a photographer immediately after graduating from Coolidge High School in Washington, DC. While in the 11th grade I began shooting photos of girls around school and the interesting architecture around the city. During my 12th grade year; I spent half of the day attending the Penn Career Development Center half of the day to study Commercial Photography, Studio Lighting and photographic film development. The center was located about one block from Mc Kinley High School in Northeast DC. While in New York I studied under some remarkable fashion photographers and made extra money during the weekends by shooting models portfolios. This was the height of the Disco era of '76, and '77 so I really enjoyed the music, dancing the 'Hustle, Salsa and all of the vast culture you could experience in the 'Big Apple" during that period Living in New York made me eager to seek new adventures around the world. When I was a little kid my brother would take me to see movies like "Jason and the Argonauts" and "Mysterious Island." I figured that there was no better opportunity but to join the Navy and see the world -so I did. What a great adventure that was, I loved electronics and weapons systems after watching "Star Wars" the year before so the Navy sent me to school to learn what they called the Naval Tactical Data System. This machine was the merging of computers, graphics and radar navigational systems. While traveling around Europe I spent a lot time dining at various restaurants, enjoying the local delicacies and museums. I have always been a great lover of Jazz but I discovered my love for Classical music and great wines. After completing my service the US Navy I enrolled in The University of the District of Columbia and Majored in Electrical Engineering. After working in sales and marketing for a few years as a dedicated Entrepreneur I felt a need for another adventure. Later, I traveled to Atlanta in 1994 to experience working in a town that was expecting the 1996 Olympics. While in 'Hotlanta' I trained to become a Chef and learned more about the industry of hospitality services which included event planning, and setting up entire events. 12 years later, I learned that Barak Obama had won the Presidential election and I moved back to DC for the big change. After a few years I established Copa Catering and later Copa Style Magazine. Pamela: Now let’s move on to Copa Style. The brand name sounds sexy, but I believe it’s much more than that. What does “Copa Style” mean?
Rodney: C.O.P.A. is actually an acronym: a Collaborative Organization of Professionals in Action. |
Early photos from High School, Spring 1976
(Model: Constance Britt) 
US Navy 1978
USS Caron DD-970 (Destroyer)
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Pamela: I think that "Copa Scientific" is an interesting concept. Explain how that came about, and what do you want readers to come away with in regards to Copa Scientific?
Rodney: Since I was a small child I always loved science. My parents would buy me kites, model airplanes and spaceships. My older brother Glenn had a great comic book collection and many of the stories were about space travel and incredible machines. This was during the "Silver Age of Comics" around 1963, as a matter of fact I learned to read well because of the Marvel and DC Comic books of the time, such as Iron Man and the Fantastic Four were saying something of interest to me and I wanted to follow the stories. As time moved forward I followed the NASA Gemini and Apollo Missions including the landing on the Moon. At that time I was nine years old and loved science fairs and clearly understood the concept of electronics, radios, TV and the Solar System. I truly believe that more people should make an effort to understand science and engineering and how they affect everything around us that we take for granted...well at least before a loss of power in your house. So to answer your question I would like the readers of "Copa Scientific" to remind themselves that science IS a major part of their lives EVERYDAY. I started "Copa Scientific" four years ago on Facebook. A "Food & Fashion" video produced and directed by Copa Style Magazine at the Oceanaire Seafood Room in Washington, DC.
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Pamela: I know that currently under the Copa Style umbrella there are several concepts. What was the first Copa Style concept? How many are there now and what are they?
Rodney: There are actually four concepts. The first was part of a feasibility project, "Copa Fine Food, Wine & Fashion," "Copa Style Fan Page," "Copa Catering, and "Copa Scientific."CopaStyle.com is a digital publication, we now reach about 140,000 readers in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area (DMV). Our complete social media network has many more readers. 
Copa Scientific Logo
Copa Catering Logo
Another "Food & Fashion" feature video produced and directed by Copa Style Magazine at the legendary B. Smith's restaurant.
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Copa Style Magazine cover Crystal Couture 2013.
Copa Catering promotional video from 2012
Pamela: What did you envision for Copa Style Magazine at its inception, and has it met or exceeded your expectations?
Rodney: Before I started Copa Style Magazine, I was writing "Food & Fashion" articles in "All Things Fashion DC" (another popular digital publication) for a few months. The stories were about interesting people in the fashion and society world of Washington, DC as well as the food and restaurants they loved. I would write about the subjects, contact the restaurants and then write food reviews. In essence they were dual articles in one. Next month, I will continue with this feature in Copa Style Magazine.
Later I figured I could do a much better job with my own publication if I used my knowledge of fashion, marketing, sales, photography, culinary skills, management and writing. It took some time to get things going so yes...Copa Style Magazine has moved above and beyond my expectations. We still have a long way to go on our business plan.
Rodney: Before I started Copa Style Magazine, I was writing "Food & Fashion" articles in "All Things Fashion DC" (another popular digital publication) for a few months. The stories were about interesting people in the fashion and society world of Washington, DC as well as the food and restaurants they loved. I would write about the subjects, contact the restaurants and then write food reviews. In essence they were dual articles in one. Next month, I will continue with this feature in Copa Style Magazine.
Later I figured I could do a much better job with my own publication if I used my knowledge of fashion, marketing, sales, photography, culinary skills, management and writing. It took some time to get things going so yes...Copa Style Magazine has moved above and beyond my expectations. We still have a long way to go on our business plan.
Pamela: The Copa Style Logo is interesting. Explain it.
Rodney: The Copa Logo was created by a talented woman by the name of Robin Shipp. The concept is to place emphasis on style, fashion and entertainment in a "James Bond" sort of way. As you can clearly see a champagne flute, bow tie, and a fashionable woman's shoe. This creates the atmosphere of a formal setting and leisure.
Rodney: The Copa Logo was created by a talented woman by the name of Robin Shipp. The concept is to place emphasis on style, fashion and entertainment in a "James Bond" sort of way. As you can clearly see a champagne flute, bow tie, and a fashionable woman's shoe. This creates the atmosphere of a formal setting and leisure.
Copa Style Magazine original Logo
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Copa Style Magazine's new Logo.
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Pamela: You have interviewed some really interesting, powerful, and high profile people. How do you decide who to feature in each issue of the magazine? What strategies and methods can you share with us that you believe are responsible for your success in getting high profile interviewees to agree to be featured in Copa Style Magazine?
Rodney: First of all, you must maintain great content for your perspective candidates to review that would enhance their profile. The subjects we interview have a clear understanding of what Copa Style Magazine stands for, locally and nationally. I often say to our staff that we seek average people who are amazing and amazing people who are fabulous! We keep it simple with our interviews by creating a relaxed atmosphere of simple straight forward non stressed communication.
Rodney: First of all, you must maintain great content for your perspective candidates to review that would enhance their profile. The subjects we interview have a clear understanding of what Copa Style Magazine stands for, locally and nationally. I often say to our staff that we seek average people who are amazing and amazing people who are fabulous! We keep it simple with our interviews by creating a relaxed atmosphere of simple straight forward non stressed communication.
Pamela: What is your organizational structure? By that I mean how many writers, photographers, interns, marketing, advertising people do you have on staff?
Rodney: I function as CEO and Editor-in-Chief. We have three photographers on staff, five writers two marketing and sales managers that handle the Washington, DC office.
Rodney: I function as CEO and Editor-in-Chief. We have three photographers on staff, five writers two marketing and sales managers that handle the Washington, DC office.
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Pamela: Is Copa Style local to the DMV area, or has it expanded into other markets throughout the country? Is there a chance that Copa Style may become global?
Rodney: In January of 2017, we have activated a team of Correspondents in CHICAGO, NEW YORK, and ATLANTA. These three cities in addition to Washington, DC comprise our digital network also know as the "Copa Lifestyle News Network." (CLNN)
Rodney: In January of 2017, we have activated a team of Correspondents in CHICAGO, NEW YORK, and ATLANTA. These three cities in addition to Washington, DC comprise our digital network also know as the "Copa Lifestyle News Network." (CLNN)
Rodney Wayne Branche interviews star of "The Real Housewives of Potomac," Karen Huger.
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Pamela: Who is the Copa Style reader? Who are Copa Style clients? How does Copa Style impact the lives of its interested parties?
Rodney: Interesting question, the Copa Style Magazine reader is an upwardly mobile individual who enjoys an upbeat lifestyle, wishes to read about like minded individuals who keep up with current events and fashion and makeup trends. We constantly have special features on business and health and fitness information to keep our readers on top. We continue to maintain a growing list of interesting advertising clients who seek to grow their businesses with our readers who may express an interest in their products and services. Since we are a digital publication we have the ability to switch and change the appearance of our advertising at a moments notice. Also we provide special advertising campaigns that include video and animation that can be crafted specifically for any purpose.
Rodney: Interesting question, the Copa Style Magazine reader is an upwardly mobile individual who enjoys an upbeat lifestyle, wishes to read about like minded individuals who keep up with current events and fashion and makeup trends. We constantly have special features on business and health and fitness information to keep our readers on top. We continue to maintain a growing list of interesting advertising clients who seek to grow their businesses with our readers who may express an interest in their products and services. Since we are a digital publication we have the ability to switch and change the appearance of our advertising at a moments notice. Also we provide special advertising campaigns that include video and animation that can be crafted specifically for any purpose.
Pamela: How is Copa Style different from its competitors?
Rodney: Copa Style Magazine puts our readers and clients first with the most content that includes fashion style, movie reviews, travel information issues and even new features on political analysis for Washington, DC.
Rodney: Copa Style Magazine puts our readers and clients first with the most content that includes fashion style, movie reviews, travel information issues and even new features on political analysis for Washington, DC.
Pamela: Share with us one piece of advice you received, and that advice has been an integral part of Copa Style’s success.
Rodney: The best advice I have ever received from anyone was be different, dance to the beat of your own drum and not worry about the competition getting ahead of you. Always continue to learn and grow. Be relentless while forging ahead! Also making sure that people on your team are knowledgeable, trustworthy and ethical. One final thing, you should NEVER forget...learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all!
Rodney: The best advice I have ever received from anyone was be different, dance to the beat of your own drum and not worry about the competition getting ahead of you. Always continue to learn and grow. Be relentless while forging ahead! Also making sure that people on your team are knowledgeable, trustworthy and ethical. One final thing, you should NEVER forget...learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all!
Pamela: Is there anything new we can expect from Copa Style in 2017?
Rodney: Yes indeed. We are presently negotiating with contacts in the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and parts of Africa. Being a digital publication has it's advantages by moving information rapidly. We are only limited by our imagination and I have a VIVID imagination.
Rodney: Yes indeed. We are presently negotiating with contacts in the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and parts of Africa. Being a digital publication has it's advantages by moving information rapidly. We are only limited by our imagination and I have a VIVID imagination.
Pamela: What can we expect from Rodney Wayne Branch the man? How do you plan to grow with CopaStyle?
Rodney: The sky is the limit. I love kids and wish to truly inspire them to trust their imaginations and arm themselves with the proper knowledge to achieve their goals. We have plans to establish a non-profit for Arts & Sciences for Middle School to High School students to prepare them for their future. As for me, I just wish to inspire others by continuing to grow, learn and experience the magical situation we call LIFE!
Rodney: The sky is the limit. I love kids and wish to truly inspire them to trust their imaginations and arm themselves with the proper knowledge to achieve their goals. We have plans to establish a non-profit for Arts & Sciences for Middle School to High School students to prepare them for their future. As for me, I just wish to inspire others by continuing to grow, learn and experience the magical situation we call LIFE!
To contact Copa Style for advertising or any one of our services:
Phone: 202.706.8855
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @CopaStyleMag
Twitter: @CopaStyleMag
