My name is Tammy Reese, I am the Owner of Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media. I help creators and entrepreneurs become more visible online through digital media.
I am also an award winning writer and journalist best known for landing major interviews with Angela Bassett, Sharon Stone, Sigourney Weaver, Laurence Fishburne, Geena Davis, Billy Porter, Morris Chestnut, Giancarlo Esposito, Luke Evans, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Connelly, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Phylicia Rashad, Omar Epps, Courtney Kemp, Vivica A Fox, Michael James Shaw, Essie Davis, Tom Arnold, and so many more.
Photo Courtesy: Tammy Reese
Can you tell us about your journey to success and the key moments or decisions that shaped your career?
My early career years provided a roadmap for defying career expectations. With a passion for entertainment and media and unwavering determination, I overcame obstacles to achieve my goals. From my award-winning content creation to my media personality and public relations skills, the start of my career is credited to my parents believing in my talent after seeing me in an elementary school play and also acting out many tv and movie scenes in the living room. My parents took me to audition for The Media Unit's tv and stage production company and the rest is history. The Executive Producer, Walt Shepperd and The Media Unit trained me and prepared me for a career in entertainment and media. With The Media Unit, I performed in 60 live stage shows a year. Also, I hosted and directed our weekly live tv show called "Rough Times Live" out of our local public access cable station. I was in The Media Unit for 8 years. When I became an alum I went to college to obtain my degree in Theater and Media and then ventured off to do what I love which is act, direct, write, and interview.
I would certainly say joining The Media Unit was the best decision that shaped my career in the beginning. Since then, I thoroughly utilized my InterNETworking skills to obtain and build professional relationships which granted me countless opportunities, especially within my journalism career.
What motivates and inspires you to continue pushing boundaries and achieving new heights in your field?
My drive for storytelling whether through writing, acting, directing, or public relations, and my love for creating compelling narratives formed the foundation of my career. The impact that I am making in the lives of others through their trust in my sharing their stories is forever moving, fulfilling, and fun! Also being a parent who is setting an example of showing my child that he can accomplish anything he puts his mind to. Last but not least, my support system. My family and friends' support is unmatched. I am so grateful for them and inspired.
As an influential figure, what values or principles do you strive to embody and promote in your work and personal life?
Values I have in my personal and professional life is to always be humble, mindful, helpful, honest, kind, caring, supportive and empower others.
Photo Courtesy: Tammy Reese
How do you handle challenges and setbacks, and what advice do you have for others facing similar obstacles?
I handle any setback with taking it one day at a time. Sometimes one minute at a time. In the moment it may seem like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, but I redirect my mind and remember that the light is there. I just have to walk toward it. I would tell anyone that you can overcome any and everything. Even if it takes longer than you expect. Nothing great comes easy.
In your opinion, what are the most important qualities or skills that aspiring individuals should cultivate to make a lasting impact in their industry?
Active listening, kindness, treat others how you want to be treated. Have more than one skill, and never stop studying your craft. Also, collaboration over competition will take you a long way.
Can you share any memorable experiences or encounters that have profoundly influenced your perspective on life and work?
Losing my mother has changed my perspective on life on many levels. No longer having your biggest supporter can at times make you feel so alone, even when you have tons of people who love you and are there for you. This experience has allowed me to become stronger and more determined to conquer my goals with the limited time I have on earth. This experience also truly showed me what type of person I am. I am someone that still uplifts others no matter what I am going through or feeling. I never want to lose that about myself.
Interviewing Angela Bassett, Sharon Stone, Sigourney Weaver, Laurence Fishburne, Geena Davis, Billy Porter, Morris Chestnut, Nelly, Mona Scott Young, Giancarlo Esposito, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Connelly, Joseph Sikora, Meagan Good, Leon, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lauren Cohan, Phylicia Rashad, Omar Epps, Courtney Kemp, Vivica A Fox, Ryan Coogler, Janet Yang, are just some of the people I've interviewed that reminded me that I can accomplish anything. These moments changed me for the better. I have more confidence and I no longer seek validation. I have validated myself. I've interviewed A-Listers, Oscar/Emmy/Tony/Grammy Winners that most may think are unreachable, but I've achieved it as an independent journalist. These moments are monumental to me. Though I have so much more to achieve personally and professionally, I am so thankful that my dreams came true in so many ways. Such as covering the Sundance and Tribeca Film Festivals and covering AMC's The Walking Dead: Dead City Red Carpet which was huge for me. I have interviewed cast from all of 50 Cent's Starz network shows and got to personally thank him for creating them. I got to thank Dan Rather for being the biggest inspiration in my media career. Having celebs re-tweet or reshare my content is iconic, I can go on and on. I am thankful for my entire career. The setback and elevations.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, and what practices or rituals help you stay grounded amidst your demanding schedule?
I schedule days when I do not answer calls or emails. I balance my time with family and my career. Always having my family as my top priority. I also make sure I carve out time to check on my friends and have me time.
Many people look up to you as a role model or source of inspiration. How do you embrace this responsibility, and what message would you like to share with those who admire your work?
I want to thank everyone for all of their support. I have been in entertainment and media since 1998 and it has not been easy. Through hard work and perseverance, I have become a shining star in the media industry. This responsibility I do not take for granted. My journey and success are a testament to the importance of following one's passion, staying focused amidst challenges, and believing in oneself. My story serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors, filmmakers, media professionals, and business owners. As I continue to flourish and make my impact on the industry my goal is to keep learning, mentoring, creating, and leaving a lasting legacy for others to follow. I hope that everyone who admires me and my work walk in their divine path and conquer every dream and goal that they have.
Collaboration and networking are crucial in the entertainment industry. Can you talk about any significant collaborations that have shaped your career, and how you approach building relationships with fellow professionals?
Collaborating with my tribe has been powerful and so impactful on me. LaKisa Renee of LaKisa Renee Entertainment and I collaborate and tag team often. When we are together or doing projects on our own we just want to see each other win. When friends and colleagues become family that is the best feeling in the world. LaKisa is one of my biggest supporters on Earth. I credit a lot of my conquering goals to her.
Some relationships I've obtained that I am honored to have is with tons of media professionals, writers, entertainers, event planners, publicists/pr firms and major networks and studios such as AMC, Starz, WE tv, Lionsgate, Lifetime, TV One, and more.
This is a hard industry and you have to love what you do. It's importance to never take any connection, or relationship for granted and to pay it forward in any type of way you can.
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What legacy do you hope to leave behind, and what impact do you aspire to make in your industry and beyond?
My story is still being written. I believe my legacy will be written and spoken for me when all is said and done.
As someone who has achieved notable success, what advice would you give to individuals who are seeking to discover and pursue their passion?
My advice is to always do what you love no matter how much money is there or not there. You deserve to create and be happy. Be happy while creating.
In an ever-evolving world, how do you stay innovative and adaptable in your field, and what strategies do you employ to stay ahead of the curve?
In entertainment media, I have navigated by covering the hottest events, and highly anticipated tv series and films. As well as covering topics that most people may not think to cover.
Can you share any upcoming projects or initiatives that you are excited about and would like to highlight?
Horror season is approaching and I am a huge horror lover. Fall time, is when I cover the genre. I am always working with my Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media clients. I am passionate about building the brands of creators and business owners. Also, I am doing a lot of writing, but more on that at a later time. Stay tuned.
How do you give back to the community or support causes that are close to your heart? Can you talk about any philanthropic endeavors or initiatives that you are involved in?
Since I was a youth in The Media Unit, I have always had a passion for highlighting social impact topics through the arts. I have acted in many stage plays and also created videos on sexual assault, racism, bullying, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS and suicide prevention. I am also passionate about speaking about mental health awareness.
Lastly, what message would you like to convey to our readers and fans who aspire to make a difference in their own lives and in the world around them?
There are so many topics and causes you can be apart of. Dive in now and speak from your experience or heart. The more we bring awareness on how to make the world and us as a society better, the better everything and everyone will be.
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