Today we’d like to introduce you to Devyn Howard.
Devyn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I had always wanted to be an on-camera reporter/host but felt intimidated and overwhelmed by how competitive the industry is here in Los Angeles. I put off pursuing my dream career because of fear. Then one day, in the summer of 2017, while I was working a full-time job that wasn’t in line with what I truly wanted to do, I decided it was time I stopped wishing for that on-camera job, and start working towards it.
I left my day job and within a month and a half, I booked my first on-camera job. It was a six weeks shoot hosting a music competition reality show for the Isina Music Academy. I was so thrilled. I loved going on to set each day, interviewing the contestants, rubbing elbows with the big wigs in the music industry. My work there was inspiring and creative, and I felt excited about waking up each morning to go to work. Once that shoot started winding down, I received an audition for my dream job: entertainment news reporting at Hollyscoop–and I booked it. I’ve been with the company ever since, and now even host for their sports vertical, The Fumble. That leap of faith that I took in the summer of 2017 was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Working in a competitive industry like the hosting/reporting world is always difficult. I’ve gotten so excited about auditions and potential roles, only to receive the soul crushing news that I didn’t book the gig I really wanted. Dealing with rejection is a huge part of being a host. I learned to recognize that though I may feel a job is perfect for me, if I didn’t actually book it, it simply wasn’t mine. This mentality has helped me a lot in this field. You enter dangerous territory when you start feeling jealous of friends who book the work you want–it’s imperative to remember that sometimes, a role is not meant for you, and it doesn’t take away from your skills or talent as an on-camera personality. Basically, don’t take rejection personally; that’s the biggest challenge to overcome.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a Producer & Reporter. I focus on celebrity and sports news. I’m known for offering opinionated coverage on all things entertainment and sports. I’m proud of my versatility as a host. When I first started pursuing this career, I had my sights set on entertainment news. A year into my job working as a celebrity news reporter and producer, I was given the opportunity to try out sports reporting. I never in a million years pictured myself covering the latest NBA games or NFL trade rumors, but I said “YES!” to that opportunity. I loved it so much that I continued doing it. I’m always open to trying something new, even if it seems daunting or unfamiliar, and I think my willingness to give anything a solid go makes me unique.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have started pursuing this career straight out of college! I wouldn’t have let fear and anxiety hold me back as much. I delayed diving into this industry for 2-3 years before really applying myself and going for it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/devynhoward
Image Credit:
The picture of me in the white dress with the ferris wheel in the background is by @eliasphotographyco
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