Tag: We Are Jersey Magazine

Media Mogul In The Making: Meet Amy Lothian

Media mogul in the making, Amy Lothian. Photo provided by Amy Lothian.

This week’s featured media mogul in the making is rising editor, host and writer, Amy Lothian. Lothian’s latest interview with recording artist and reality TV star AZIA for We Are Jersey Magazine is the curator’s best work yet! Get to know Amy and her professional 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?
“I’ve been interested in journalism since I was young. My dad loved to read and that’s something he passed down to me: a love for reading, writing, and literature. I have been writing my whole life but my passion for journalism was inspired by a desire to tell unique stories and share other peoples stories in a meaningful way and in my own style.”

How did you get your start in the media field? Did you study communications in college? Internships? Hobby writing?
“Writing was at first just a hobby and outlet for me as child. I first got interested in Media by watching early 2000s talk and news shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show. Later, seeing women like Lala and Tyra Banks making waves in reality tv showed me the potential for black women in media and inspired me to pursue a career in journalism. Throughout my schooling, I kept my skills sharp by taking any writing course I was eligible for and entering several writing competitions. In college I majored in Communications at East Stroudsburg University and also served as Editor of the University’s newspaper, The Stroud Courier for 2 years.” 

Tell us how you built up your platform. What’s your mission/goals? Who’s your audience?
“I hardly consider myself to have a platform, but I’ve built a solid foundation for myself as a writer by consistently building my resume. Most of my writing opportunities have come from putting myself out there and just taking a risk in promoting myself. My goal is to tell authentic stories and show the human elements of people in ways that inspire those that read them. I’ve always been interested in entertainment media and most of my writing now is in line with that, features of events, people, businesses, and projects, but with a personal touch. My audience is people who like to read and learn about those making waves around them.”

So far throughout your career, what has been your proudest personal media moment?
“My biggest personal media moment has been he opportunity to write for WeAreJersey magazine and this feature! I’m honored to be recognized for doing what I’m passionate about as I grow as a writer and a professional in the entertainment field.”

What advice would you give aspiring mediapreneurs looking to enter the field?
“Everyone says this but you really just have to believe in yourself. Keep your mind open new to opportunities and be flexible with your career path. Things may not always go to your plan but it doesn’t mean they won’t work out. Always work hard, network, and give 100% to everything you do.”

To purchase the latest copy of We Are Jersey Magazine featuring Amy’s interview with recording artist AZIA, click HERE. Stay connected with Amy Lothian by following her on Instagram and Twitter.

The Independent Entertainment Media Coalition is a 501(c)(7) non-profit organization dedicated to provided financial, educational, and professional resources for freelance media figures. Help in our efforts! To make a donation, please click HERE!

Media Mogul In The Making: Meet Bee Papino

Media mogul in the making, Bee “Jersey Queen” Papino photographed by David Alexander.

This week’s featured media mogul in the making is CEO of Jersey Turnt Up Entertainment and We Are Jersey Magazine, Bee “Jersey Queen” Papino. Learn more about Bee’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?

“When I first started Jersey Turn’t Up Entertainment with my business partner Daniel Banks, we had a passion for music. We threw events in Bergen County that were known to be a drama free zone for individuals to have fun while young as there were not many places for us to go. A lot of the attendees were upcoming artists and creatives. My business partner and I didn’t think much of it when people wanted us to play their music or perform at our events. We realized people needed a platform that allowed them to expand their reach and express themselves. As we expanded with our branch We Are Jersey Magazine we expanded from giving these opportunities to all niches of creatives where they could tell their story, as raw as they need.“

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

“I never studied media. I am self-taught in running my business. I felt being an entrepreneur was meant for me based on so many things I did and focused on when younger.”

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

“My business partner Daniel Banks and I started with Jersey Turn’t Up Entertainment in 2012. Banks and the two other partners at the time were DJs, meanwhile I was the marketing/graphic designer. We did events all across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and more. We Are Jersey Magazine was started September 2014, meanwhile the Jersey Diamondz models began about March 2015.  Our company has expanded to our print shop Empyre9 as well. Our mission has always been to allow and help people to be themselves in all aspects of our services. We want individuals to grow, while our audience grows with us. Our audience has expanded since first began. Previously we had a college audience, but currently, we have almost all ages. We have all ages featured in the magazine, as well as previously done work with at local hospitals and non-profit organizations.”

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

“Our proudest moment thus far has been winning the Best in Entertainment Award by NJ Black Businesses in November 2019.”

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

“Give it your all, and do what moves you.” 

Connect with Bee Papino on Instagram to keep up with her! Follow Jersey Turnt Up Entertainment on Instagram and We Are Jersey Magazine on Instagram.

The Independent Entertainment Media Coalition is a 501(c)(7) non-profit organization dedicated to provided financial, educational, and professional resources for freelance media figures. Help in our efforts! To make a donation, please click HERE!