Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Nelson.
Ryan, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I got started in journalism in an unconventional way. Although I come from a media family, this wasn’t my dream growing up. To give you a short summary. I was a freshman in college trying to figure out what I wanted to do but kept running into majors that didn’t really inspire me.
At the same time I was also starting my relationship with God. The funny thing about submitting to God is the more time I spent with him the more clarity I got about my future. Next thing I know he opened a huge door for me as a sophomore in college. I had the opportunity of being the official correspondent for TV One at the American Black Film Festival and we haven’t looked back since!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not always been a smooth road but I called these growing pains. Initially, pursuing journalism in college was a great experience that offered good exposure to internships, relationships and professional connections.
Once I left college and started my job search that’s when things got rough. A lot of companies loved my free labor but when it was time for paid opportunities, that’s when things got hard. I felt as if a few media outlets thought I wasn’t good enough to be paid or wanted to low ball me with low salary. It was a tough pill to swallow because I always knew I had talent, I just needed the right opportunity for someone to see that. Nonetheless, through prayer and grace, I got past this season.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
As a freelance journalist, I try to cover as many events as possible to report on what’s going on, whether it’s for my personal brand or a certain media outlet. There are a few things that I’m proud of.
#1. I that I never let culture sway how I approach people or events in the industry. I know humble people don’t go around saying, “I’m humble!” But I try to shake every hand in the room when I go somewhere and always thank whatever PR firm helps put me in a position to cover a certain event.
#2. Bringing my faith into “my workplace”. God plays a huge role in what I do. I wouldn’t want someone to meet me and not see God’s character but myself also as a regular human being. It’s being authentic. I think my interview with Lamar Odom is one of the best examples of that.
#3. My Dwyane Wade interview was special because that was one of the first moments in my career that my friend Keijon and I said, “we can really do this, we belong here on this red carpet with all the other major outlets because that opportunity didn’t come from a big name outlet doing me a favor it was us. We did it independently.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
2020 has already been really good and filled with a lot of blessings. I’ve finally gotten a brand manager that’s helping me get more organized and sees my potential. God willing in the next few months, you should be able to see a project that I’m working on with Abebe Lewis that’s really going to turn heads in the media world! Stay tune!
Contact Info:
- Website: RyanNelsonHQ.Con
- Phone: 2135372293
- Email: info@ryannelsonhq.com
- Instagram: Instagram.Com/RyanNelson23
Image Credit:
Keijon Milliard – @keis_Photographer
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