From Top 100 Entrepreneurs To 1 In Adult Industry Marketing – Exclusive Interview With Braeden Rhys
Updated: Mar 10, 2024
Braeden Rhys, the multi-award-winning entrepreneur, celebrated CEO, and visionary founder behind one of the world's Top 100 Business Growth Agencies, Axis Global Co. Braeden Rhys is a multifaceted marketing and public relations professional, recognised as one of Australia's Top 100 Entrepreneurs, recognised 40 Under 40 Australian CEO and Founder of two of the world's leading agencies Sweet Release Agency, the 1 Adult Industry marketing and public relations agency in the world with an enviable international award-winning reputation and Axis Global Co one of the Top 100 Growth Marketing Agencies in the world.
Braeden Rhys, Australia's Acclaimed Business Growth Expert
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
Hello, I'm Braeden Rhys, but you might know me as Jett Black. I've been fortunate to wear many hats, including being recognized as one of Australia's Top 100 Young Entrepreneurs and making the Top 40 under 40 list. I'm the proud founder of Axis Global Co Pty Ltd, home to brands like Soiree Cabaret Productions and Sweet Release Agency. I come from a loving and supportive family, and I'm based in the vibrant city of Sydney, Australia.
My life is a blend of adventure and creativity. I'm passionate about exploring the world, immersing myself in diverse cultures, and savouring new cuisines. I thrive on pushing my boundaries and venturing outside my comfort zone. Music is another love of mine, and I express myself as Kara Zmatiq, renowned as Australia's Best Live Singing Drag Queen and Cabaret Entertainer.
As a creator, innovator, and a leader in the Queer Community of Australia, I'm dedicated to making a difference in the world of marketing, advertising, and public relations. My journey is about embracing life's opportunities, fostering creativity, and sharing my unique perspective with others.
What is your business name and how do you help your clients?
Known for my prowess in international marketing, advertising, and public relations, working with diverse mainstream industry clients, including heavyweights like Tourism Australia, UBER, and AfterPay, among others; I launched Axis Global Co Pty Ltd, respected amongst the Top 100 Business Growth Marketing Agencies in the world. In addition, I have made a significant impact in the adult industry through Sweet Release Agency, heralded as the world's 1 Adult Industry Marketing and Publicity Agency. With over 5,000 clients globally, we provide unrivalled expertise in adult PR, media, business strategy, and digital communications.
Complementing these ventures is Soiree Cabaret Productions, where I showcase rising stars of stage and screen in immersive cabaret shows. Here, I step into my alter-ego, Kara Zmatiq, a Live Singing Drag Queen and Cabaret Performer, who's graced the stage of 'Australia's Got Talent.'
Across all these brands, my mission is clear: to help businesses, brands, services, product creators, and entrepreneurs reach their full potential. I challenge the status quo, empowering clients to discover their authenticity in their respective industries, allowing them to thrive and unleash their full potential in both business and life.
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
My greatest career achievement is undoubtedly the ability to navigate the intricate landscape of owning a thriving international company with multiple brands. It's an achievement in itself to see these ventures flourish. However, if I had to pick highlights, they would undoubtedly be the moments when I was recognized and humbled with prestigious titles.
Being named one of Australia's Top 100 Entrepreneurs in the Business News Awards and securing a spot in the coveted Australia's Top 40 under 40 Entrepreneur list in the Business Elite Awards have been monumental milestones in my journey. These accomplishments serve as reassuring feathers in my cap, affirming that I'm on the right track. They signify that the work I do in the business world is not just impactful but also making a positive difference in the lives and businesses of the incredible individuals and companies I have the privilege to work with worldwide. Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
One pivotal moment in my life stands out as the catalyst for the remarkable journey that has brought me to where I am today. I originally started my career as a Youth Minister in the Anglican Faith, a path that I embarked upon with a sense of devotion and purpose.
However, it was during this time that I faced a profound internal conflict. Society and the church community I was a part of conveyed that being gay was wrong, a sin. I was confronted with a choice – to deny my own true authentic self or embrace who I am. It was a challenging and soul-searching period, but I ultimately chose authenticity and self-acceptance.
This decision led me down a different path, one that I wholeheartedly embraced. I transitioned into a career in the adult entertainment industry, where I became one of the most successful gay escorts. It was during this journey that I discovered my true passion and calling, not just in terms of personal identity, but also professionally.
I evolved into one of Australia's most influential and respected dark-horse entrepreneurs, excelling in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship. I founded brands and companies that have been transformative, making a positive impact in diverse industries worldwide. These ventures empower businesses and clients to thrive and reach their potential, one step at a time.
In retrospect, that pivotal moment in my life taught me the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself. It was the catalyst for my transformation into an individual who is passionate about making a difference, both in the business world and in the lives of those I have the privilege to work with. It's a journey that has been deeply fulfilling and has given me a profound sense of purpose.
