Meet Angela Caraway-Carlton, Freelance TV Producer and Writer in South Florida

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Caraway-Carlton.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I spent ten years producing/reporting for the Special Projects Unit of a top television station in Miami, covering a variety of news stories. Since news breaks every minute, every day at work was completely different; One day I could be churning out a shocking investigation or a heart-warming story on a local who’s helping others, and the next, working on a hurricane preparedness story. However, my daily focus was on health and wellness and South Florida lifestyle trends. It was the best of both worlds; I had the honor of educating viewers on breakthrough medical treatments and health warnings, along with the fun and excitement of previewing new restaurants, hotels, fashion boutiques and experiences around South Florida.

I then moved on to be the Editor-in-Chief of 11 local magazines, where I focused on celebrity interviews, beauty, fashion, world travel, food, and design – basically, anything in the luxury lifestyle world. I devised story ideas for each issue, wrote and edited articles, and set-up photo shoots. Once again, every day was exciting and different, and I learned an entirely different skill set from TV production.

In the past, I never had the courage to branch out on my own, but when my father was suddenly diagnosed with Stage IV cancer two years ago, my husband encouraged me to quit my job as a magazine editor and take time off to be with my family. I’ve been able to spend quality time with my parents during a very scary time, but at the same time, build a freelance business.

Now, I’ve merged my love for broadcast media and print media, and I bounce between writing lifestyle and travel articles for local and national publications such as INDULGE and Aventura magazines, copy writing, producing business, lifestyle and medical videos/stories for different companies and tv stations, media training, and on-air reporting for Hello Sunny TV with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Business Bureau and the Riverwalk A&E District in Fort Lauderdale. Once again, I never know what each day will bring and I love it!

Has it been a smooth road?
When you’re a freelance producer/writer, you don’t always know when the next assignment will come, so I often say “yes” to everything. This can lead to an overwhelming workload and mental burn-out. I still haven’t figured out the feast-or-famine work flow, and I don’t know that I ever will, but I have learned that if you work hard and hustle, the work will always come. It’s a constant push to find more outlets or businesses to write for and unique outlets for video production.

I truly believe that God has blessed me with constant work, and I’m thankful for the support of generous editors, companies and friends who believe in my experience and my work ethic. It’s a dream to write about everything I love – from world travel to fashion and interesting people who are creating and making things happen in South Florida and beyond.

Tell us more about the business.
Whether it’s video production, copy writing, or reporting for local and national magazines, I specialize in telling compelling stories. Staying with that I know, I focus on fashion, food, travel, beauty, health/wellness and promoting South Florida as a destination.

I had the honor of working at one of the best news stations in the country for a decade; I was so young when I started there, and they set the bar high for excellence, making quick deadlines and approaching each story with an open mind and a creative voice. I’ve carried that work ethic with me, and I think it’s rewarded me with so many amazing opportunities. I truly give a 100-percent to every project I take on, and I believe I offer a lot of local knowledge on the South Florida lifestyle, as well as global trends.

I’m so humbled to work with some of the best business leaders and magazine editors in South Florida and beyond! It’s rewarding to collaborate with passionate and knowledgeable people who truly value your work and time. When an Editor writes to say they loved reading my latest story, or when I get a message from someone on social media who wants my advice on where to eat or a travel destination, it makes all the long hours’ worth it.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
It’s hard to say. Thanks to social media and digital technology, the way people get their news is constantly changing. But what doesn’t change is the desire for interesting and compelling stories. I still think people turn on the local news and pick up magazines, and will always want that connection. I look forward to bringing our community the latest and greatest trends, along with helping companies visually tell their stories through copy writing or video production.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: angelacarawaycarlton
• Facebook: Angela Caraway-Carlton
• Twitter: acaramiami

Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.