We had the good fortune of connecting with Briana Wright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Briana, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success so far has been the courage to think BIG. The entertainment industry is dominated by men and popularity/status. I’m a young, Black woman from a small town outside of Philadelphia. I’ve been told no so many times by so many people. I’ve been told that a lot of my goals were simply unrealistic for me, but I didn’t let that deter me. At only 25 years old I’m blessed to say that I’ve worked at some of the most popular media outlets including Fox 29, The Breakfast Club, The Source and now REVOLT. I’ve also interviewed some of the most dynamic celebrities from Tiffany Haddish to Kevin Hart, Meagan Good, Jennifer Huddson, Marsai Martin, Nene Leakes, Amber Rose, Ray J and more! And I pride myself by knowing that I’m just getting started.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My goal is to bridge the gap between celebrities and society in the most well-versed, transparent and entertaining way possible. Providing stellar news coverage and authentic, relatable, content is most important to me and I believe that is what sets me apart. I’ve dedicated myself to being as well-rounded as possible to thrive in any environment. Learning to become an asset both on and off camera granted me so many opportunities.

Although, it was still difficult because when employers learn that you have an array of skills, it’s easy to become overworked and underpaid. However, I overcame these challenges by learning my worth and applying the necessary pressure to get where I wanted to go. Using employers as stepping stones and opportunities for experience rather than long-term commitments, was a major lesson that I learned.

More than anything, I want people to know that Miss Wright TV was built off of hard-work and determination, simply put. In an industry that’s dominated by men and popularity, it’s easy to assume you HAVE to know someone or be in the right place to get in the door. Does it help? Absolutely. But I’m a living testament that you can make it out of a small town. You can make it by being true to yourself. With enough determination and dedication, those connections and opportunities will present themselves. And I take pride in remaining true to this mindset, as my current accolades are only the beginning for me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m still discovering things to do in Atlanta! So, ideally we’d take a pedal pub around the city on a warm day and see different parts of Atlanta. Maybe we’d go to Cafe Intermezzo or Lilly’s for brunch. Then we’d check out the aquarium or the Illuminarium! I’d be sure to take them to the Belt Line and shopping at Ponce City Market. I’ve always wanted to go to the restaurants and stores owned by my favorite reality TV stars like Kandi Burruss and Rasheeda so maybe we’ll eat at Old Lady Gang or Blaze Restaurant and cap off the weekend with a night out at Posha or The Linnethia Lounge !

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to Wali Barefield, CEO & Founder of Your Voice Media. Your Voice Media is a news outlet and I had the chance to contribute there for two years. Wali saw something in me early on, before I had all the experience that I do now. He trusted me to not only contribute as a reporter but he allowed me to host live interviews on his platform and he gave me my own digital show, The Wright Way Talkshow! Contributing there opened so many doors for me and gave me the confidence boost that I needed at that time. I’m very grateful for him and his desire to uplift rising creatives.

In addition to Wali, I have to give credit to my besties in media. At Penn State & iHeartMedia, inc. I was blessed to develop a wide range of relationships. Years later, I’m still best friends with some phenomenal women from all over who also happen to be dominating in the media industry. One, Tiana Brown, is a Broadcast Director for the Philadelphia Eagles, Phl17 & more! Another, Kennedey Bell, is an Emmy-nominated producer who has worked at ABC, CNN & more! Another, Kendra Dennis, is a director of partnerships for an amazing nonprofit called Black Girls Can; collaborating them with huge brands like NARS! Believe it or not, the list goes on! I underestimated the power of surrounding yourself with likeminded individuals until I met these ladies, all of which are Black women. I couldn’t be more grateful for them and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for their support, influence and encouragement.

Website: https://www.misswrightent.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misswright.tv/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briana-wright-869bb2105/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1SBym3IHQ16983NwHY_07Q

Image Credits
Qlick Photography | @qlickphotography @jojo_thephotographer

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.