How my ‘mouthpiece’ started my career

My greatest asset is my mouthpiece. I know how to TALK! And, that is because I have never met a stranger. I get that from my dad. He has that ability to meet someone and make them a lifelong friend.?

In my career, I have turned friendships into a network of connections. For example, I met the owner of Nectar Bath Treats on a flight. As it turned out, our love for Disney became our connection. Years later she became a friend.?

And, my gift of gab has not always been a gift. I remember notes on my childhood report card that would say, “Deven is a great leader. She does great in her academics. But, we would just really appreciate it if she learned how to close her mouth.” This concept of being talkative turned into a fearlessness. I wasn’t afraid to speak up for people. It is one of the reasons why I majored in Comparative Women’s Studies at Spelman College.?

My time at Spelman revealed a career path. I wanted to be the next Oprah. I wanted to tell people, especially womens’, stories. But, I didn’t know how to get there. I learned that one avenue was public relations. And, I learned that through an internship that I gained from a special guest in my “Film History and Theory” class at Spelman. She had written a book and offered me an internship where I would help her with transcription. That unpaid internship led me working at her agency in data entry for her client, Glory Foods. And, that work led me to work in her agency’s public relations department after I graduated from Spelman in 2010. There, I learned how to write press releases, blogs, etc.

I actually don’t enjoy writing. So, in that role I had to learn that my mouthpiece needed support in the form of written word. I learned the importance of being able to articulate your thoughts on paper. And, it actually revealed a new confidence in me that has been key to my career.?

Let’s call that chapter in my life: honing. As many people do in early adulthood, I was figuring out how my natural interests and talents translated into professional skills. And, with my mouth, I was also learning when and why to reign things in. The next chapter of my life is called: capitalizing.?

After a couple of years, in 2012 I found myself at another agency. Unfortunately, while I was there they had to close their doors. In the process, one of the clients I worked with while there asked to continue working with me as a freelancer. That client was Chef Jamika Pessoa, who is now a renowned celebrity chef and T.V. host! Well, I helped her land her first opportunity as a field correspondent on the ABC show, “The Chew.”?

That one client helped me gain attention in the entertainment world. It was a world that I did not have experience in. But, I had the confidence to learn on the go! Every client helped me build my experience and led me to another client. From Chef Jamika, I helped the AIDS Memorial Quilt with a 10 city media tour with Actress and Singer, Sheryl Lee Ralph educating the community on HIV/AIDS. From Sheryl Lee Ralph, I helped the film and T.V. director, Kenny Leon, on “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner with Phylicia Rashad.” From Kenny, I helped theater director, Robert Connor, with all of the PR for his play “Black Nativity.” From Robert, I helped singer Donny Hathaway’s daughter, Donnita Hathaway, with the Donny Hathaway Legacy Project. And honestly I haven’t stopped, I've been blessed to work with so many celebrities and amazing projects. It would take me much longer than this blog to name them all but the experiences and wisdom gained still live in my heart.?

I capitalized on these relationships and paired it with my confidence and fearlessness when it comes to networking. One of the biggest lessons I learned as a freelancer was not to take “no” as an answer. There is always another “how” when it comes to getting a job done in PR.? And, I take pride in my clients recognizing that about me. Many of those conversations start with, “I was told to call you because you get it done and you have the relationships that I need.”

And, that brings me to my next chapter: selling. I was forming relationships. I understood the value of my network. Because typically your circle of people are the best place to begin with; not only for advice but also for being a part of your word of mouth. But, I also realized I had to expand my network to take my work to the next level. Entrepreneurs and business owners often get asked, “How did you get started?” Well, here is my answer: business cards. I felt that if I had that card with my name, number and email address, then my mouthpiece could do the rest! I lived by that phrase, “Always be selling.” I handed that card to anyone who would listen. And, it all paid off.

In my next blog post, I will share how I formalized my career as a freelancer! #Communications #MediaRelations #PublicRelations #DTrowers