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

Hi LaKenya, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Media is an important source of communication. News media depending on how it is presented can make or break people. Black female media owners may be underappreciated, but very necessary. Unlike many in my field, I feature a very diverse collection of talent willingly. Many artists depend on the UNpopular Style Magazine outlet for coverage-especially now more than ever. Among those artists are of course Black and brown persons-including talent under 18. My media outlet is one of the only publications to do so. UNpopular Style Magazine is dedicated to telling the stories and sharing art of so many who may not otherwise get an opportunity. Bad news may travel fast, but positive news is the foundation for a better community-essentially world.

What should our readers know about your business?
UNpopular Style Magazine is now into its fourth year. We strive for growth every year. Our audience has expanded greatly during these years. We are proud to have a diverse and wide-range of features, from a undiscovered international designer to a Nickelodeon pre-teen star. The journey has not been easy. There are constant challenges as our business deals with people and everyone has different opinions and ways of executing projects. We are excited about building our music department and getting our audience more familiar. Patience and allowing ideas to come to me organically rather than forced are lessons learned. I’ve also learned to learn business value and being stern on our core business values, not letting anyone deter us from that. We want the world to know that UNpopular Style Music is live and active. We launched our #MusicMonday initiative to highlight artists with a smaller audience or independent. Send us music press inquires to our email: unpopularstylemusic@gmail.com

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta has attractions for any and everyone. All depends on what you like. Luckily, most of the attractions are not just for out of towners. Natives enjoy them frequently as well. Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Park, The High Museum, Six Flags, Cascade Skating rink, Magic City, and Stone Mountain are attractions of interest. Hattie B’s, Mary Mac’s, The Vortex, Ponce City Market, and of course The Waffle House are staple places to eat.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would simply like to send a special shout out to all female and male media and tech founders. You all keep the ecosystem alive, innovative, and thriving.

Website: https://unpopularmagazine.wixsite.com/unpopularstyle
Instagram: unpopularstylemag: https://www.instagram.com/?hl=en
Twitter: @UNpopularStyle https://twitter.com/UNpopularStyle?s=09
Facebook: UNpopular Style Magazine: https://www.facebook.com/unpopularstyle
Youtube: UNpopular Style Magazine https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeyVsx8ZeapQVbCI9z_RbfA