Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven Paris.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My brother had told me that this online network WPB was looking for radio personalities. He contacted me with their sales rep Joi; I told her my idea of exactly how I wanted my radio show, “Love The Culture Radio” to be, and the night I aired February 19, 2015 I had over 250 people download the app to listen to me and the rest was history. People think that since you do radio, you’re going to make masses amount of money but that’s not it that just opens up a lot of opportunities for you to make more money by doing other things, you gotta hustle. The first event I hosted was actually my own event; The DMA (DMV Media Alliance). My main goal starting Love The Culture Radio was to form an alliance and build an industry here in Baltimore just how other places had there’s like New York, Atlanta & LA. The DMA supplied artists the resources that they really needed to help expand their brand by connecting them to Radio Personalities, DJs, PRS, Bloggers, Program Directors, and Managers. I began to be known by my events for bringing exposure to underground artists on my radio show, Love The Culture Radio, and by my work ethic. As my social media started growing more, I started being asked to host more events, become ambassadors for companies, and I started using my journalism skills for bigger networks such as DTLR Radio, TMZ and Radio One.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing is smooth about being an entrepreneur. There has been a lot of sacrifices I’ve made in order to pursue my passion. Starting out as an inspiring radio personality in 2015 I had turned down my first full-time job offer as a Family Advocate for a Foster Care Agency to work part-time at Sprint so I could have more time to create and build my brand. Getting my brand started, I remember the days of having to pay $350 a month for over a year to broadcast my radio show. I remember, being a part-time employer, hustling having to maintain working three different jobs at a time while also being a college student to pay for my photoshoots, marketing material, and for my events. More struggles I had to deal with along my journey was being an attractive female in this male-dominated industry and learning to verbally specify my boundaries when it comes to my work relationships. One of my biggest challenges thus far in the work field was working for TMZ; their style of interviewing is different than what I am used to. On top of that, I was outside in 10-12 degree weather for 10-12 hours a day; it definitely created a different beast out of me so I’m forever grateful for the experience.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a Freelance Radio/ Digital Media Personality: An entrepreneur, brand developer, philanthropist, hostess and promotional model. Now as a professional working in the entertainment industry for five years, I have gained extensive skills in both on set and office experiences. I produce digital content, produce radio segments, manage social media accounts for clients, I teach media journalism to middle school students and have learned how to monetize by using my voice. I have done freelance work with TMZ Live, DEF JAM, VICE, Deleon Tequila, BET, The A3C Festival, AFRAM and a host of other amazing companies. I have also made appearances on local billboards in my hometown, Baltimore; on ABC2 TV, MTV TRL, and in the Oprah Magazine, February 2018 Edition to represent my HBCU, Morgan State University. Working for TMZ was my most proud moment as a freelancer. I was hired as their first woman field producer ever and on top of that I was the first and only Black woman who was on the team; because of those two factors I was able to have certain conversations with that probably wouldn’t have spoken to TMZ on a normal day-to-day basis. On my first day, I interviewed Tyler Perry, another time Lionel Richie and I also got to interview Oprah(just to name a few) so with me being the first and only African-American field producer it was really rewarding.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is being able to take my mother, my grandmother and my aunts onto an all expenses paid trip just because they deserve it after taking their time to carefully raise me and because I am in a space where I can financially afford it. Success to me is being able to impact many young black girls who look like me to always go with their Plan A because plan B’s are nothing but distractions! Success to me will be when I open up my production space to birth the next generation of radio and media journalists! Success to me is beyond finances, it is a mindset when you feel your mission is accomplished and your purpose from GOD is being fulfilled.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theravenparis.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raven_paris
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ravenparis
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ravenparis_
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/ravenparis
Image Credit:
Yoshi Events, Taylorboynate, Watty Jay, Shot By Drice
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