The IEMC

Media Mogul In The Making: Meet Njera Perkins

Media mogul in the making, Njera Perkins, writer and publicist.

This week’s featured media mogul in the making is writer and publicist, Njera Perkins! Her work has been featured across many platforms including AfroTech, The Demo Tape, Daily Rap Facts and BLUNTIQ Magazine. Learn more about Njera’s journey below.

You are a multi-talented individual dipping and dapping in a bunch of other expressive fields. So, what was it about journalism or media that piqued your interest?

“Thank you, I honestly never saw myself having a career in journalism or media. Growing up, my teachers took note of my talent for writing but I never took it seriously. At the time, I wasn’t well-versed in media and communications so I didn’t see a real future in it. I had goals of going off to school to become a doctor so I set my sights on that. It wasn’t until my senior year of college that I started taking steps to pursue a career in journalism. My love for music is what initially piqued my interest, but it introduced me to a whole new world I didn’t expect to immerse myself in. I would submit job applications for positions at magazines, talent agencies, and media companies religiously, any way to get my foot in the door. I waited to hear back from companies for months, but I wasn’t having much luck so I spent more and more time writing and eventually discovered my love for it. I think of myself as a storyteller which is why I chose to pursue careers in journalism and PR – they’re both flexible fields that allow me to merge my passion and skills together.”

How did you get your start in the media field? Did you study communications in college? Internships? Hobby writing?

“So halfway through my sophomore year of college, I switched from being a Kinesiology major to study strategic communications and public relations. I was looking to fill a void and my first writing gig with Blackaphillyated – a local entertainment publication – helped me find my purpose. The pro-bono work I started with helped me realize I wanted to turn journalism into a full-time career. I worked several internships in communications, PR, and marketing throughout college and joined organizations on campus related to communications, while still writing on the side. My writing hobby led me to other opportunities with publications such as The Gumbo, BLUNTIQ, and Daily Rap Facts as well as The Demo Tape and AfroTech, where most of my work lives online. Three months after I graduated from college, I moved to New York to work a full-time internship at a boutique PR agency. All my previous job experiences helped me secure a full-time job at my current agency and staff writer position at AfroTech. In the last four months, I’ve received a tremendous amount of exposure for my spotlight and news pieces for AfroTech that have expanded my network, especially with New York-based media professionals and influencers.”

Tell us how you built up your platform. What’s your mission/goals? Who’s your audience?

“When I first began my career as a writer, I treated it as a hobby but I invested a lot of time into my craft. I’m where I am today because of the people I’ve met along the way. A Black woman gave me my start in this industry and Black women have continuously showed up for me in most of my career opportunities that I’ve been afforded. I started at the bottom of the chain and quickly worked my way up the ladder because my mentors saw my drive and promoted me to positions where I could continue to nurture my skills.

My mission has always been to keep the integrity in my work. For me, I’m happy to get the recognition, but my work is bigger than me. The messages in my work are attached to a bigger cause and I always aim to start or continue those larger conversations. There are thousands of talented writers in this industry, so instead of turning my writing into a competition I’ve made my work so unique that no one can compare my style to anyone else’s. For those who have been following me since the beginning know that my work has tremendous range – my articles can go from hard news stories to op-eds to cultural think pieces. I knew coming into this if I was going to make a name for myself, I had to set myself apart from everyone else in this space to make sure my voice was heard loud and clear.The biggest compliment I get on my writing is my ability to bring new things to the masses and sincerely cover stories with a kind of skill most news outlets lack. That’s why I do what I do.

My work is of course for all to consume, but I write for the little Black girl who didn’t know she had such a powerful voice. At the end of the day, it’s not all about the amount of clicks and retweets I can get for a piece. Knowing I’m doing the work of the people is enough recognition for me.”

So far throughout your career, what has been your proudest personal media moment?

“I feel like I have so many at this point because I never imagined I would be in this field, much less get as far as I’ve gotten. I’ll give you two since they’re somewhat related. 1. Getting a chance to interview one of my idols, media personality Mouse Jones. It was a full circle moment for me because I’ve been following his career for the past three years. I missed my first two chances to interview him in person, so when he surprisingly reached out to me I knew it was meant to be. 2. My accidental interview with journalist and cultural commentator, Ivie Ani – one of my role models in journalism. I originally reached out to her to get a brief quote for a story I was working on, but she didn’t get back to me in time before I published the article. However, I didn’t want to pass up the chance to pick her brain so I asked if she was open to a full-blown interview for a profile story and she agreed. That interview turned out to be one of the most insightful pieces I’ve written to date.”

What advice would you give aspiring mediapreneurs looking to enter the field?

“Do the work and don’t doubt yourself. For years, I suffered from imposter syndrome because I thought I didn’t belong in this space, but I realized I’m where I am because of how hard I work. People see that and they show love. No one gets anywhere in this industry looking for a handout – you have to show that you have ambition. Every opportunity I’ve been granted was never by chance, but always based on the work I put in. When I packed up and moved to New York, I only dreamed of making a living doing what I love and I’m happy to say that I’m doing that. Even though I’m still not where I want to be, I’ve come a very long way. Stay the course and people will eventually catch on. If you sincerely follow your dreams then the rest will naturally fall into place.”

Connect with Njera Perkins on Instagram and Twitter to keep up with her!

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Media Mogul In The Making: Meet Natalee Gilbert

This week’s featured media mogul in the making is entertainment journalist, Natalee Gilbert! While her work has been featured across many platforms including The Feature Presentation and FM Hip Hop, she’s building a quite a buzz with blog, The Fresh Finds. Learn more about Natalee’s journey below.

You are a multi-talented individual dipping and dapping in a bunch of other expressive fields. So, what was it about journalism or media that piqued your interest?

“Journalism intrigued me because of the freedom to express that came with it. I was very interested by the way others often worded their opinions of another’s music through different structures and heavy research. Two blogs that really pushed me to pursue music journalism is DJBooth, which I commend for their unique approaches to different topics and artist pieces. Pitchfork also pushed me toward music journalism because of their ability to describe music and make one feel as if they’ve heard the songs already. They also aren’t afraid to be honest so that’s another plus.”

How did you get your start in the media field? Did you study communications in college? Internships? Hobby writing?

“I started through Tumblr. I never studied journalism or was apart of any internships but I had a strong desire for writing and underground music growing up. One day, I had the epiphany to delve into the industry when I attended a music festival called The Meadows in New York City. From then, I wanted to help artists tell their stories and get more exposure for themselves.”

Tell us how you built up your platform. What’s your mission/goals? Who’s your audience?

“I build my platform through Instagram, an app called Shapr and going to underground events. As the saying goes, it’s really who you know. I also tried my best to find any platform that matched what I wanted to put out. The first one I seeked for (outside of my own blog, The Fresh Finds) was a company called Kulture Hub, who I found through an Indeed ad. My ultimate goal is to have my own hub with Power 105.1 and expand The Fresh Finds. I really want people to enjoy reading my content about artist who are on the rise and I want the artist to like it it too. I’d say my audience is mostly hip-hop or R&B lovers.”

So far throughout your career, what has been your proudest personal media moment?

“I’d say my proudest was earning my internship with DJ Suss One’s The Feature Presentation. Before then, I’d apply to companies like XXL or Complex just to be shut down. But DJ Suss One and Amber really believed that I had what it takes.”

What advice would you give aspiring mediapreneurs looking to enter the field?

“Do your research and listen to music for your leisure or else it starts to feel like a job. But most importantly, keep pushing. This industry is hard to get into but I guarantee your work ethic will get you there.”

Connect with Natalee Gilbert on Instagram to keep up with her! Be sure to follow The Fresh Finds on Instagram.

Media Mogul In The Making: Meet Empress Lanice

Empress Lanice by Dajeanius — CEO of Tha L. Spot, Empress Lanice. Photo by Dajeanius.

This week’s featured media mogul in the making is the media boss of all media boss, Empress Lanice. From public relations, event programming to interviewing rising talent, Empress Lanice does it all. As the CEO and owner of media platform, Tha L. Spot, Empress is a driving force behind the independent entertainment scene. Learn more about Empress’ journey below.

You are a multi-talented individual dipping and dapping in a bunch of other expressive fields. So, what was it about journalism or media that piqued your interest?

“Thank you! I’ve always had an interest in journalism and it heightened when I went to college for public relations. As a publicist, we have to know how and what to pitch to journalists, and with the courses I took it encouraged me to start my own website thalspot.com (currently thalspotonline.com). The website was for me to become a better writer as well as, to promote my friends then it grew into something bigger. Ever since then, that changed the direction of my life.”

How did you get your start in the media field? Did you study communications in college? Internships? Hobby writing?

“I went to Hofstra University to study public relations which of course includes learning about the various forms of media.”

Tell us how you built up your platform. What’s your mission/goals? Who’s your audience?

“Oh wow. This question is a good one. First, to clarify, when I started Tha L. Spot as a business in 2012 it was both a media and public relations company. In 2017, I decided to take out the public relations department and create a new business for it called Empress Lanice Public Relations Agency. In 2012, when I started, I had a vision and I just took action. It first started as writing, then I added the public relations (once I received my degree), then I added media correspondence, then added music concerts and fashion shows, then it expanded to a television show. And, I ended up doing all of the above. In 2018, I did put Tha L. Spot in hiatus because I felt overwhelmed. You all are now seeing the rebirth of it in 2020, and a lot has changed from when I started. However, our mission has always been to provide an additional platform for entertainers and entrepreneurs to share their art or business, and for them to connect with each other. Over the years, I have seen partnerships from those who either were featured on my website, tv show, attended my events, or who were my clients. I’ve seen their careers grow to new levels from their connection to Tha L. Spot. I’ve also seen readers, viewers, or attendees become fans/supporters of these individuals.

I am personally an advocate for entrepreneurship and for entertainers to see themselves as entrepreneurs not just performers chasing checks or opportunities but creating their own checks and opportunities. Also, in connecting with each other to expand themselves.

If I sum up our audience, it’s entertainers and entrepreneurs between the ages of 21 – 45 years old. This age group is the same for our viewership, readership, and attendees, and most of these people are those who enjoy being edutained (educated + entertained).”

So far throughout your career, what has been your proudest personal media moment?

“Oh wow! There were so many whether if it was me being a journalist or a publicist. If you don’t mind, I’d like to give two: 1. My proudest moment as a journalist or content creator was creating my cable television show, Tha L. Spot Show, which is still on the air today on Brooklyn Free Speech on Saturdays at 1 P.M. EST. 2. My proudest moment as a publicist was all the media placements I got for my clients over the years such as BET, The Source, Power 105.1 FM, Caribbean Life Newspaper, Brooklyn Daily Newspaper, News 12, and so much more. For both of these experiences, it was amazing to see a vision turn into reality, and just going after what you want.”

What advice would you give aspiring mediapreneurs looking to enter the field?

“My advice I would give is to not second guess yourself and take action. It’s okay to make mistakes that’s a part of the learning curve. However, if you want to avoid A LOT of mistakes then do your research and find a mentor. One more thing, don’t limit yourself. Always find ways to create and tell the story of others or a current event. Anything is possible and new ways can be created. You have to be able to discern the space you are in so you can know what steps to take to move forward.”

Connect with Empress Lanice on Instagram and Twitter to keep up with her! Be sure to follow Tha L. Spot on Instagram and Twitter.