Ricardo Sebastian, a Chicago native who launched Luxury Management ( LUX MGT ) eight years ago while the student president at Robert Morris University, has shined ever since—with some celebrity sparkle along the way.
"One of my favorite success stories is with Julius LaCour, [who] I met in 2011," Sebastian said of the fashion designer/creative director. "We created a four-year plan, which included getting his collection in the Millennium Park tent for Chicago Fashion Week in 2013 and moving his label to New York by the spring of 2014."
Both goals were accomplished, and so many more, Sebastian said proudly.
Another career highlight centers around singing sensation Steve Grand, who Sebastian met when Grand was a bar-back at minibar Ultra Lounge and Sebastian was the event manager.
"At the time, Steve was known as 'Steve Starchild' on YouTube," Sebastian said. "I originally consulted with him on his wardrobe and then he asked me to help him launch 'All American Boy.' We met at The Library Bar in PUBLIC Hotels and he played 'All American Boy' for me for the first time. I agreed instantly.
"For the launch of 'All American Boy,' I was brought on as a wardrobe stylist, but Steve really leaned on me for advice and direction throughout the project. Looking back, that is a huge honor for me. I told him that he needed to drop the stage name and embrace his real name because I knew that the song and video was going to re-define the LGBTQ culture. I also told him that we needed to launch the video right before the 4th of July because it would guarantee a much stronger reaction from the public. I was right."
LUX MGT is a project management and production company. The production part primarily focuses on events, while the project management side is much more eclectic. "It isn't industry or service specific because my team and I have many different interests, and we like to keep it interesting," he said. "When it comes to taking on new clients and projects, I have one rule: we won't work on something if we don't whole heartedly believe in the client, company or brand.
"I think a lot of times people will endorse something, or sign onto a project, because of the paycheck factor. That's just not me and it isn't what I want my company to stand for. We have the privilege of picking and choosing what kind of work we do. So much of life is spent working; I just want to enjoy what I'm doing and who I'm doing it for."
When not working, Sebastian splits his time between church work, family, friends and volunteering. "I have been on this incredible spiritual journey that began about two years ago," he said. "Growing up Catholic, God and faith have always been a huge part of my life. I left my family's church when I was in high school because I didn't feel the connection I was looking for. Over the years I tried different churches, denominations and religions."
In late December 2012, Sebastian and his family were in Mexico, and "it was then that I decided that I needed to take my faith more seriously."
A year later, he bumped into an industry peer at a small house party. "She had just come from church, [and] I was so surprised to learn this about her. She invited me to City Church Chicago, which is a Christian church. The following week I came to [an evening] service. My time with City Church Chicago has redefined my spirituality and relationship with God. I'm so grateful for this."
Sebastian also serves as the youth board president for the Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity, and has helped grow the group to 20 youth board members.
"I am privileged to work with some of the most outstanding young professionals Chicago has to offer. Together we have raised over $30,000 this fiscal year—the most that has been raised in the history of the youth board," he said. "We only had one project when the youth board launched. Since my reign as president [started], we have added six programs and have been able to reach over 1.7 million people through our work."
THE STATS
Age: 28
Residence: Berwyn
Job title: Founding President, Luxury Management ( LUX MGT )
Favorite TV show: House of Cards
First job: In a discount retail store, as a stock boy
Quoting Ricardo: "I wouldn't be the person I am today if the people in my life didn't give me another chance. So I just want to say thank-you to everyone who took a chance on me. I love you and will make you proud."
