Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Harris.
Hi Carmen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Well first, I am a 33-year old boy mom of two also functioning as an entertainment journalist and CEO of two companies: Unwritten Media Group and Bare Faced Naturale. I was born in Panama City, FL however I owe everything I am to the city of St. Petersburg, FL. I come from a performing arts background, a vocal major throughout middle and high school. However, I fell in love with journalism and being in front of a camera during 7th grade, so I spent my remaining school years a part of chorus, gospel choir, newspaper, yearbook, and the school news staff. I figured if becoming a pop star was too far-fetched, I could always interview one! My journalist aspirations took a slight detour when I enlisted in the Air Force August 2006, two months after my high school graduation. I served a total of eight years, first stationing in Spangdahlem, Germany then relocating to Great Falls, Montana and finishing my enlistment at home on Macdill AFB in Tampa, Florida. I served 7 months in Kirkuk, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009; and came back with an intense desire to reignite my fire and drive for being a journalist after witnessing the disparities the media placed in American’s heads about Iraq and the people. My deployment to Iraq was easily the greatest experience of my life, aside from birthing my children. Which leads to the next chapter of my life, shortly after separating from the armed forces in 2010, I gave birth to my oldest son Dyzen in 2011. Then in 2015, I welcomed my youngest son, Donovyn, into our lives. Being a mother is easily my proudest accomplishment of my life. I wanted to be the parent that set her children up for success well before they understood the concept. From 2011 to 2018, I was an employee. I suffered tremendously mentally, and sometimes physically because I knew that I wasn’t serving my best potential. I couldn’t pass my customer service positions down to my boys, so what was I wasting my time building someone else’s legacy for? With that mindset, I decided to create my blog Unwritten TV and begin writing articles on things that interested me in 2018…just like on my high school yearbook staff back in the day. My blog is how I was discovered and hired as a full-time writer for hip-hop blog Baller Alert, shortly followed by Hip Hop Weekly and On Site sites. I decided to create my own media company, Unwritten Media Group, in 2020 to foster all the creative ideas I had to share with the world and have total creative freedom behind it. Two years later, I’m still making revenue from the business and still making timeless content for those who “get” me and my message.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve faced many obstacles, even prior to the pandemic and becoming an entrepreneur, becoming homeless on two separate occasions after separating from the military. I’ve been resilient my entire life, so I don’t necessarily consider those moments in my life as obstacles but more so character development tests. I became a better person, a better mom, a better daughter, sister, friend after each experience. Although I vowed for it to never happen a third time; and I’m keeping strong to that. Pandemic-proof and all. Until July 2020. Although I wasn’t homeless, my life as I knew it was shattered by the loss of my mother, Charlotte Harris. Losing her to kidney and congestive heart failure during a global pandemic altered my sense of reality for months. I was able to accomplish a lot with her being my biggest (and loudest) supporter. I spent my entire life following the paths she felt were best for me, so to venture into my lifelong dream on my own was an act of rebellion on my part but it made her the proudest of me I feel like she has ever been. Losing her at the beginning of my career took every bit of wind out my sails. I spent almost a year and a half grieving and tapping into myself and my soul purpose. Conflicted on continuing to excel in my dream career because my #1 fan was gone. What was the point? So, if I had a challenge to overcome it would be every 24-hour period I go without my mother not calling my phone. That will be a challenge for the remainder of my lifetime. On the contrary, I am satisfied with the spiritual connection I continue to carry with my mommy, and I know she’s never too far away.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a journalist. I feel like I’ve transcended the ranks (and continue to do so) within the urban journalism lane, publishing over 1700 articles across all my former contributing platforms. I was a lead video correspondent for popular blog site, Baller Alert, in addition to creating both Black History and Women’s History Month digital series for the pub’s Baller Alert TV channel, including over 100 recorded audio presentations highlighting prominent and mostly unknown African American and Female esteemed figures. Over 15 years in professional writing, to include researching and pitching, as well as contributing freelance writing content for various platforms in the entertainment and corporate sector; my passion lies in changing not only the landscape but the often-hazy narrative of journalism and media. Throughout my career so far, I have provided press coverage for entertainment and sporting events such as Essence Music Festival, A3C, NCAA All-Star Weekend, Super Bowl LIV in 2020 and LV in 2021. I have also conducted interviews and shared intimate conversations with talent such as Yandy Smith and Jonathan Fernandez from Love & Hip Hop, actor London Brown from HBO’s ‘Ballers’ series, Asian Doll, LA The Goat, DJ Nasty, and numerous independent artists in various cities around the US southeast region. Right now, I am working on content that will educate African American children and adults alike on the history they are trying to erase in education. Who needs CRT in school when they can get it at home? I feel like that is what my life mission is. Unwritten Media Group is a media company that utilizes digital content to bridge the gap between hip-hop entertainment and black history, with the intention of educating the culture on lesser-known historical events, landmarks, innovations, and the pioneers behind them. Additionally, UMG provides media coverage, marketing strategies and brand development systems necessary to propel the Visionary’s ideas to fruition. My second business is Bare Faced, a 100% natural skin care I began in my kitchen in 2020. My brand is based on the use of three raw ingredients: African black soap, aloe vera and shea butter. My main product can be used as a 2 in 1, body wash and shampoo, and has eczema and acne formulas. It is still in the trial phases now, but it will be online and on shelves soon.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I have a few, and they all center around my immediate family. My father was a police officer and college professor, so he couldn’t spend as much time with us as I’m sure he wanted to. Every time we got to experience our parents in their child-like energy, it was bound to be full of laughter and someone getting hurt. From Busch Gardens to Disney World, to Chicago road trips, if I had to reflect back on my favorite childhood memory, it would be all the ones with my whole family. I love those folks!
Contact Info:
- Email: carmenroxanna@unwrittenmediagroup.com
- Website: www.unwrittentv.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Carmen.roxanna
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/crunwrittentv
Image Credits:
Shaune Davis – NexLevel Studios Jalisa Covington – Jalisa Marie Lens Terrol Henderson – Terrol Henderson Photography My iPhone
