Check Out Kiara Byrd’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiara Byrd.

Hi Kiara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I think my journey is the perfect example of pivoting and falling in love with a new passion. Before my media career, I studied zoology as an undergraduate and received my MBA in 2020. In 2017, I was working at a STEM nonprofit and noticed my mental health was declining. As a form of therapy, I created a blog called ByrdSeeds to write about my mental health journey and the lessons I’ve learned about myself along the way. When the pandemic happened, I was seeking community and decided to join the xoTribe through the media platform xoNecole. During the summer, they had a contest to write an article, and I decided to give it a try. I ended up winning the contest, and the editorial team decided to hire me as a contributor for the site. I wrote for xoNecole for 2 years before I ventured out to other platforms. Since I didn’t have a journalism background, I made it a priority to learn the craft, find my voice, and understand the true art of storytelling. Since then, I have written for 10 platforms, including ESSENCE, Revolt, and Business Insider, just to name a few. With my experience, ByrdSeeds transformed from a blog to a media portfolio and now a media company. Through ByrdSeeds, I lead the new Unboxed series on ESSENCE’s digital site, media relations consulting, literary projects, and more.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Initially, it was a bit challenging to understand the ins and outs of media journalism on my own. With no prior background, I didn’t know who to connect with, how to market myself, or how to credit my work compared to journalists who have been in the game for years. But I figured it out along the way through trial and error. I used the power of friendly cyber stalking, researching publications, attending networking events, and cold emailing anyone I could think of. With so many no’s, I am thankful for the few yes’s that have come my way. I am also lucky enough to have met some amazing journalists who have been nothing but supportive and who have given me advice whenever I needed it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Outside of media journalism, I work a 9-5 as a Project Manager in advertising. The thing about having a 9-5 and running your own media business is that you are busy. By day, I am helping creative teams develop campaigns for brands, and by early morning or evening, I am scheduling a zoom call interview with a celebrity or traveling across the country to cover a story or event. I have covered lifestyle, entertainment, beauty, health & wellness, business, and culture-focused stories. The days can get long, but it’s all about time management. As a Black woman, I am truly proud of the Black and Brown stories I get to tell. It is so important for us to own our narratives. I love connecting with people who really make an impact in culture or the community. I think what makes me stand out the most from other writers or storytellers is that I didn’t look for this career; this career found me. I used my mental health struggles to manifest into a way to share stories across the globe. I also believe that because of my journey, I encourage others that there is space for anyone in whatever industry, no matter the background. A Black girl from the south side of Chicago, who grew up watching Animal Planet, became a talented storyteller all because she was willing to try something new during a very hard time in her life.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories are when my siblings and I would perform choreographed dances to our favorite songs at the time. I used to dream of being a backup dancer and traveling the world with a famous artist. Dancing has always been a hobby that makes me feel free and great way to experience music. Keep that body moving.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byrdofparadise_/
• Other: https://alittlebyrdietoldme.substack.com/subscribe