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This Chick Is Always Camera Ready! One on One w/ Anji Corely of HSN

09 Friday Jan 2015

Posted by Ki Ki Brown in Inspiration, Radio Chicks, Social Media, video, women in radio

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Anji Corely, HSN, movies, Pittsburgh, radio, radio chick, radio chicks rock, television, this radio chick rocks, video, WAMO 106 Jamz, Women In Radio

2014-06-10 06.31.52

Anji Corely and I worked together for hmmm…wow! I would say close to 15-20 years!

She and I worked at the same radio station back in Pittsburgh. She was there as the promotions director before I got there, left then returned to host the morning show with my father (Sly Jock).

She dibbled and dabbled in radio off and on but her passion and true talent, in my opinion, was in movies and television. You saw Anji’s face on bus cards, billboards, television commercials and a few feature films.

This girl is truly talented and she’s a hard worker; giving her the name Energizer Bunny, which she’ll explain in her one on one.

Anji Corely 7

She doesn’t know it but she’s the one who taught me to stop saying “I’m tired” all the time. One night, after a long day at work, I ran into Anji at a play or concert. We embraced and she asked me how I was doing. I rolled my eyes and said “girl, I’m so tired”. She looked at me  as if to say “if you say that you’re tired one more time, Imma slap you!” And since then, I never said it…out loud!

I caught up with Anji (I call her JiJi…she calls me Koo Koo…don’t ask) at the BET Honors red carpet and it was Ki Ki and Ji Ji back together again!

BET HONORS 320

She’s now a host on HSN and doing an amazing job! Anji Corely is the new definition of “Jack of all trades”. She can do it all and if she’s never done it, don’t worry…she will!

 

Anji Corely 5

Anji Corely, Host on HSN (Home Shopping Network) – We are worldwide reaching 95 million homes (24 hours a day, seven days a week, live 364 days a year). Finding me on the air is best described by varied. Each day, time and show depends on the day. HSN was founded 37 years ago as the first shopping network and is headquartered in St. Petersburg, FL. We are a leading interactive multichannel retailer offering a curated assortment of exclusive products and top brand names to its customers. HSN incorporates entertainment, inspiration, personalities and industry experts to provide an entirely unique shopping experience. We invite our customers to discover exceptional selections in the following categories: Home / Lifestyle, Health & Beauty, Culinary, Fashion / Accessories, Jewelry, Electronics and more!

How long have you been in the radio/TV business? My career spans over twenty years! It’s a path that began as an intern to Promotions Director, actress in local theater to on-air radio, entertainment to traffic reporter and now I add the title of Television Host. Believe it or not – they are all related, interchangeable and about relationships! I am on a mission to “Anjitize” around the world.

Anji Corely 2

What was it about radio/TV that struck your interest? It’s funny because I was never quite interested in radio and that has been the specific field that has been the longest, had the most training and taken me on the wildest whirlwind. Back in 1999, I was asked by my first General Manager at the landmark radio station 106.7 WAMO in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to “fill in” for female member of the morning show while she was on vacation. She never returned, I never left and the spark was lit! Radio’s energy is addictive, power mixed with passion and the fun was outstanding and ever-changing. No two days to be alike for me as the Energizer Bunny – as I’m affectionately known.  I really do keep going and going!  I thank God daily for the unrelenting fire and talent to go tirelessly and successfully.  He is so good!!

 

Is the transition from radio to TV a challenge? It was fairly easy to make the transition from radio to TV for me since I have always enjoy a “Slash” career – which means I have multiple concurrent careers. If I wasn’t at one studio – it was another. A sample day for me might be an early start at 4A on the morning show, leave to shoot a commercial or audition, scoot to theater for rehearsal and then record a TV show, and then host an opening or event then jet home by 1A. So sleeping and eating came in spurts and I learned quickly the benefits of a power nap.

Anji Corely 3

Which do you like the most? I love both – that’s real.  Radio gave me the local connection to the community and TV is more global

 

Do you miss radio? If so, why? Radio has a style all its own and do I miss it? I miss what it WAS. Fun, sporadic, wild, full of life and where music was the main star, but the personalities could be a personality.  All that magic, authenticity and lasting connection with your audience is different. Plus, now our phones, tablets, apps, downloads, mp3’s; even CDs, reality shows, and syndication is trendy.  Radio has taken somewhat of a backseat.

 

What is the negative about being on TV? No real challenges, just totally different! As a host on HSN – this is real LIVE television!  No scripts! People can’t believe that we talk from one to four hours straight with no teleprompter. Thank goodness our crew, staff, coordinators, producers, and directors support us to the max.  It’s been the most rewarding and remarkable experience. I can’t believe it’s been over three years. I was told that radio would be the best training and it was!!

Another spectrum I developed was always being “ready.” I have to be ready with hair done, nails done, wardrobe done…everything did. Lol

What is the absolute positive thing about being a television star? I get to share more of me.

 

Anji Corely 1

What was it that surprised you about something you did and you had just realized it? I can be me. Flaws and all.  We are live, but mistakes, mispronunciations, weight fluctuation, bad hair days and made up words to express a point – it’s all good here. Gotta love that.  Were like a reality show that inspires you positively.  It is fun here! During one recent presentation – all live and unscripted now – knocked a plate in the kitchen of a shelf and after a loud crash of a gazillion pieced, I looked at the camera and said, “Well that goes to show you, we are live and things happen. Welcome to HSN.”  I owned, embraced and laughed at it….on air! How refreshing is that.

Who are you mentors? My Mother! Too much to say and I’m tearing up with joy and gratefulness thinking about how she has shaped, influenced, created, carried and supported me on this journey of life that is still going!  Next is HSN Inc.’s Chief Operations Officer, Mindy Grossman, who offers me continual motivation. Also, how she grows and oversees this $3.4 billion portfolio, numerous ranking, awards, recognition and throughout the process, she consistently drives us in supporting philanthropic organizations around the globe both personally and professionally.

 

There are women in the media industry that are welcoming and helpful and then there are those who aren’t as supportive as you’d hope they would be. How do you adjust to that? Throughout my media career which is most of my life, women have not been available. Mentors are hard to come by. Trust me, I’ve done the leg work.  I adjusted to this missing support by promising to be what I didn’t have. I’ve been mentoring for 15 years as a one-on-one mentor to holding board positions.  Good news is the slow and steady paradigm shift is underway in media. Thankfully, as much as I give to others through my mentoring endeavors, I have received through mentors.

What is the reason for your positive attitude? God has given me talents, time and treasures that is not meant to share.  I want people to feel Him in me. Being grateful for all things, yes, good and bad keeps me positive. Things will turn around and I remain faithful and might have to fake a smile until it really is.  We are all equip to endure.

Anji Corely 4

Is there ever a moment you want to say NO!!!!!!! (?) If so, what is that moment? Each new job I wanted to say “No” because they were all unknown, frightening, new adjustments and even new cities. I hated goodbyes. Now…I’m like, “Show me the way, Lord! Let’s go.” I’m enthralled with new experiences. Keeps me fresh.

At the end of the day, the cameras are off, the make-up is off, the shoes are off…what does ANJI CORELY do to unwind? Singing like I’m a finalist for American Idol, catching a flight out of town, hitting the beach, watching cooking, renovation and bridal shows and being silent!

Anji Corely 6

What is your guilty pleasure? Ben’s Chili Bowl Half-Smoked, Peach cobbler, carbs and missing boot-camp without guilt!

Tell me about your most embarrassing moment in your adult life? Getting caught by my Mom in a compromising position! Now we laugh about it.

 

MUSIC:

What genre of music do you like to listen to the most and why? Honestly, I vacillate between old, middle and new school then I fly to classical and jazz, workout to pop and top 40. I flip more than the Gabby Douglas in the ’12 Summer Olympics. (I’m sad today’s rap is temporary and a #awnawhellnaw!)

What is your LET IT GO song? (one that you would absolutely lose your mind listening to) Most old school Rap and Dancehall Reggae!  Also, “Before I Let Go” – Frankie Beverly and Maze

Anji Corely 8

You’ve interviewed a lot of celebrities, was there ever a time you had an uncomfortable interview or encounter where it went terribly wrong? Describe. In all my years of interviewing from the White House to red carpets to celebs live, not one went left….yet!

What’s the biggest misconception about you? The biggest conception is that I’m the Energizer Bunny – Oh, yes I am and it’s all natural. But I do stop when needed. I’m the Queen of Naps…15 minutes can be a life-saver.

Who’s in your iPod/radar? I don’t even use my iPod right now except to store my 20K songs! Apps, streaming music and listening to podcasts/blogs and radio stations around the county is my radar.

 

 

What do you want your legacy to be?  A legacy as a woman who had a giving compassionate heart for others who

 

Biggest regret is….not running away fast enough away from toxic people and things.

 

What is something you’ve NEVER had? EVER! A Grammy, Tony, Oscar or People’s Choice award!

 

Anji Corely 5

How can people reach out to you?

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @AnjiCorley

Email: ac@anjicorley and  AnjiCorley.com!

 

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER/IG @JustKiKiBrown

FAN ME ON FACEBOOK @MsKiKiBrown

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More awesome women in media I’d love for you to meet:

Chick So Dope, You Say Her Name Twice: One On One w/ NikkiNikole

A NuYork Chick Running B’ham: One On One w/ NuYork of 957Jamz

Whatchu Know About That Owww Owww Chick?: One On One w/ DJ AngelBaby

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This Chick’s Got CityStyle! One On One w/ Allegra Johnson

04 Wednesday Feb 2015

Posted by Ki Ki Brown in Arts, Inspiration, Radio Chicks, video, women in radio

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Allegra Johnson, business, CitySTYLE, fashion, journalism, news anchor, radio chicks, this radio chick rocks, women in business, Women In Radio, women in television

2014-06-10 06.31.52

She was one of my best interns. Allegra Battle worked with me as a promotions street team member back in the mid-90’s at WAMO in Pittsburgh.

I’ll never forget the time the radio staff were getting professional head shots and Allegra was preparing for her session.

She did so much fidgeting around that the photographer became frustrated and amused at the same time. This was Allegra’s first real photo shoot and she wanted it to be right. Allegra is like that! She’s not a perfectionist but pretty damn close.

That’s what I love about her! She’s passionate about what she does and what she represents (mother, anchor, business woman, producer).

I couldn’t be more proud of Allegra and once you read her story on how she got started and why she does what she does, you’ll be too!

 

allegra 1

Allegra Battle Johnson –CitySTYLE412.com, I also work for American Urban Radio Networks as a reporter, news anchor and audio journalist. (CitySTYLE is on YouTube.  AURN is a national news network, AURN.com)

 

How long have you been in the radio business?

I’ve been in radio for almost 15 years. WOW

 

How long were you in the television business?  

I’ve been doing an online show for the past 3 years

 

Allegra 6 (Allegra and Boaz)

What is more enjoyable/different about doing both?  

I love radio and I love being in front of (and behind) the camera.  But I would have to say, I love having my own online show.  There’s something about getting to make up your own rules that is very empowering.

 

Would you say it’s hard to work with/for women in radio than it is to work with/for men?  

Most of my professional friends say it’s so important to have a mentor.  I have never had an official mentor.  Although, most of what I learned in radio, I learned from you (KiKi).  I was an intern at WAMO in Pittsburgh and KiKi, took me under her wing.  She not only taught me about the business side of radio, but I learned about the personal/emotional side as well.  Even though I never aspired to be a jock (I’ve always wanted to do news), I loved seeing KiKi work her way up in the mostly male station. Her hustle inspired me to want to be a better news personality.

 

 

Allegra 8

What do you think is the most challenging being a talent in your career?

I think most people assume that it’s very easy to have an online show.  The truth is, it is very challenging.  I have to be talent, promotion, marketing, sales and the GM.  I have some great people working with me but because I don’t have the resources of a huge network, I’m have to do most of the leg work myself.

 

Did you (or do you) have a mentor in radio? If so, who are they and what have they helped you on in reference to your career?

I have not had a mentor, but there have been dynamic women in the industry that I have learned so much from.  KiKi Brown, Anji Corley and Kim Lampkins.  They have been my unofficial mentors.  I look up to them, and take their advice, praises, and critiques very seriously.  I value their opinions.

 

What was it about radio that struck your interest?

I have a degree in Broadcast Journalism.  Like most broadcast majors, I wanted to do television and I have worked at a TV. news station and loved it, but I really enjoy writing for radio.  In TV., you have b-roll and photos to help move your story along, but in radio, it’s all about using your voice to paint a picture for your listeners and I love the challenge in that.

 

 

What makes a good radio talent? News anchor?  Television anchor?

I think good talent, is someone who loves what they do.  In most industries, people work their job, but I think in radio/television you have to have a deeper passion. It’s about doing everything from your heart.  We all have a favorite news anchor or radio personality. It’s the personalities that we feel like we know on a personal level.  Good talent can connect with their audience and bring emotion.

 

How do you respond to women in the media who become out of touch from those trying to reach that particular level of success?

I think that happens in all industries but especially in media because jobs are so scarce; especially for women of color. Some women want to hold on to their jobs so tightly, they get nervous when a fresh-faced talent comes to the scene.  I think some women think not reaching out, mentoring and helping another woman, will somehow save their job. We need to get out of that mindset.

 

 

Allegra 10 (Allegra and stylist Darnell McLaurin)

Have you ever been fired? How did you bounce back?

Ah yes! Lol.  It was a horrible time for me.  I already questioned if I was good enough to be in the industry, my PD told me (to my face), that I wasn’t good and I should have never been hired.  My self-esteem in the radio business was already low.  I was in an environment where I was never told when I did something right, only when I did something wrong.  My ex-husband who was also in the radio business told me that I would laugh about being fired someday.  He really helped me understand how the radio business works and for me to be my biggest cheerleader and fan.  He was right, I laugh about it now, but I took me a while to get my confidence back.

 

What genre of music do you like to listen to the most and why?

I love all music.  Right now, I really like independent artist.  I like to listen to music you don’t usually find on the radio.  Sometimes I think, big record companies force the heart and soul out of artist.  I like an artist that can openly and freely express themselves. Right now, I’m listening to BANKS – she has a great acoustic cover of Aaliyah’s Are You that Somebody. (Google it now) LOL

 

What is your LET IT GO song? (one that you would absolutely lose your mind listening to)

I’m really mellow, so right now my “let go songs” are “Intuition” by Boaz (one of my favorite artist right now) and “VSOP” by K Michelle

 

Allegra 11

You’ve interviewed a lot of celebrities, was there ever a time you had an uncomfortable celebrity interview where it went terribly wrong? Describe. 

A few years ago, I asked Rev. Jesse Jackson about his boycott of the movie “Barber Shop” and he basically told me off.  Or when I screamed out “I love you Mary” to Mary J. Blige at the National Press Club and I almost forgot all my questions. Or when I interviewed Savion Glover (man crush).

 

Describe your “mama I made it moment”.

LOL, I’m still waiting for that!

 

Was there ever a story you had to cover and you were totally uncomfortable with it? What did you do?

No, not really, I tend to think I’m unbiased and neutral no matter the story.  During the last Presidential election I had to cover a GOP event, and everyone I interviewed was so against President Obama.  I was one of the only people of color there, at times I felt like I was being attacked, I guess they could tell I was a Democrat. LOL

 

Allegra 5 (Allegra and Comedian Kim Coles)

Is this your DREAM JOB?

I think when CitySTYLE is up, and making boatloads of money, then it will be by dream job.  I also wanted to be a Hollywood casting director; that would be a dream job too.

 

Who was the best celebrity encounter and why?

Even though the situation was a little uncouth; meeting Mary J. Blige.  Because of her music, I feel like I know her. (like she’s my cousin) I feel her pain and my own through her music.

 

Allegra 3

What’s the biggest misconception about you? 

That because I have natural hair, I’m a hippy of some sorts! LOL

 

Who do you most admire in the radio/television/media industry and why?

I absolutely love Andy Cohen from Bravo.  He used to do hard news and he transitioned into entertainment television.  I also admire Shaun Robinson, she is so good at what she does.  And Christiane Amanpour from CNN is one of the best journalists in the world.

 

What was the best advice anyone ever gave you? Be yourself.

 

Allegra 9

What’s the biggest misconception about women in radio/television? 

I think most people think women in the radio industry are B*tches!  And everyone is like Wendy Williams.  I love Wendy, but because there aren’t that many women in the industry, everyone assumes she is the standard.

 

I admire your natural style. Is it difficult to keep this particular image and not be perceived as a “serious” talent or someone who is labeled as “ethnic” and not simply a talented anchor or reporter?

No, the game has changed so much.  In some ways, I feel like people respect me more because of my natural hair.  I think it’s because of the confidence that comes with wearing natural hair; it’s very empowering.

 

What do you do to convince your interviewee they can be comfortable around you? (what is your technique?)

I do lots of research on the person I’m interviewing. So I will also start out with something that we have in common, or a fun fact I know about them.  And most people will loosen up if you make them laugh.

 

Who do you think is the most under appreciated talent in your industry?

I think anyone behind the scenes.  The producers, the camera people and the writers.  Most people don’t realize that without the behind the scenes people, the show would not go on.  In my career, I have been both, so I can appreciate both sides.

 

Allegra 4 (Allegra and daughter)

What is something you simply cannot be without?

My daily planner!  I’m old school, I have to write everything down.

 

What do you want your legacy to be? 

When it’s all said and done, I want people to remember that I was a hard working woman who loved her daughter, people and nice things.  I want my daughter to remember how hard I hustled and everything that I taught her.  She’s already a lil diva, getting ready for something big in the entertainment industry.

 

If you could give advice to someone wanting to be a radio personality, what would you say?

I would tell them to work hard, be themselves and love what they do.

 

Allegra 7

Biggest regret is….

Not believing in myself and believing that I wasn’t good enough.

 

Allegra 12

How can people reach out to you? 

http://citystyle412.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CitySTYLE412

http://www.youtube.com/user/CitySTYLE412

 

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER/IG @JustKiKiBrown

FAN ME ON FACEBOOK @MsKiKiBrown

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Read more on some very interesting women in some very interesting industries:

Lights! Camera! Action! One On One w/ Michelle Valines

This Chick Is Always Camera Ready! One on One w/ Anji Corely of HSN

The 26 Year “Young” Publicist Making Big Moves! One On One w/ Lauren Gill

This Chick Is Ready To Pump (clap) YOU UP! One On One w/ Rochelle Boykin

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