With a God-given talent to create laughter and two decades of hard work, Rickey Smiley has built his own formidable media empire. As this Birmingham-born jester creeps up on superstardom, he opens the doors to his sprawling home, and also his heart, speaking candidly about his struggle, his rise and the loves of his life in our cover story The Mogul Next Door.
Check out this video and more behind the scenes images from the cover shoot after the jump.
Stylist Provi Fulp-Ramphal; Assistant to Stylist Iman Aziz Groomer; Will Hudson; Make-Up: Denise Tunnell
Post-Production Bianca Carosio; Videographer: Mustafa Mahdi; Assistant to Mr. Smiley Angie Price
Suit (custom), Shirt, Shoe: Suit Supply; Pocket Square: Stylist’s own; Glasses: Smiley’s own
Tuxedo and Bow Tie: Suit Supply (custom); Shirt: Tom Ford; Shoes: Top Shop UK; Pocket Round: Smiley’s own; Glasses: Tom Ford