Building a brand based on trending topics and news can be tough, but Janee Bolden (Bossip), Stephanie “Eleven8” Ogbogu (BallerAlert), Talia Oliver (The Shade Room) and Rea Davis (AllHipHop) are living proof that being yourself while doing what you love can turn your life into a success story.
Boss women in media are hard to come by. Elite roles are predominantly given to males, at times overlooking and overshadowing capable women.These individuals have proved they can hang with the big boys through persistence and by staying on top of their game.
Staying abreast of what’s trending, while competing with other publications reporting the same thing can be hard, but what makes these women stand out and have their audience coming back for more is their perseverance and originality. This is part three of our four-part series.
Meet Rea Davis, reporter at AllHipHop.com.
How did you arrive at this career choice? Was it a deliberate decision or a gradual and natural evolution?
Since I was a little girl I knew I wanted to be a music and entertainment journalist and simultaneously work behind the scenes in music in some fashion. My mom was also a journalist so I grew up shadowing her and wanting to be the next Diane Sawyer, Larry King, Barbar Walters, Donnie Simpson on to you AJ and Frees! My mom was also a music journalist and my grandparents lived close by with their music store sized music collection. I was glued to BET, MTV, and VH1 as a child. My parents will tell you I always wanted to be a music journalist and VJ. I was obsessed with Donnie Simpson, Sway, La La, Bill Bellamy, AJ & Free etc.
What separates you from others in your field? What is unique to the experience that you create?
My interviews separate me from others. I’m an extreme music enthusiast and a research fanatic. There is so much daily music and entertainment research that I’ve done over the years to present day that so much preparation goes into my interviews, but I can also always think on my feet. I make those being interviewed feel comfortable, and even cause comedic moments. As a result people always open up to me thus giving fans a greater interview.
Please define your personal brand.
I’m an entertainment and music journalist as well as a budding music executive. I’m a reporter and staff writer at AllHipHop.com, a contributor to ThisisRnb.com, and I’m tapping back into entertainment television correspondence again. I also work with many mainstream artists, producers, and record labels to develop and promote new talent and new music from some of our veterans and legends. Basically, God has blessed me to interview all of your favorite celebrity’s favorite celebrities!
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
-Plan to succeed; seek to inspire
-Co-create your life with your actions
-Do not exist; live instead
-Celebrate excellence
-Push the envelope
-put yourself in the position to receive opportunity or create your own
-Be epic
-Know your next move
-Train yourself to see the positive in every situation!
What does it take to be iconic? In your estimation, who has achieved that status?
Incredible unparalleled success and achievement as well as impacting culture as a whole. Being known for distinctive excellence. Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Prince, Oprah and many more even in other respective fields.
What keeps you inspired?
Knowing that God didn’t bring me this far to leave me, knowing I didn’t come this far to only come this far. My passion. My goals. There’s nothing else I’ve ever wanted to do, and I don’t quit or give up on anything.
Boss women in media, part 1: Meet Janee Bolden
