We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Robin Evette. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Robin below.

Robin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

My creative journey has definitely been more of a **build than an overnight breakthrough**. While I’m still growing toward making a full-time living entirely from my creative work, the foundation has been built through several lanes in media and storytelling.

A big part of that journey has been developing *Pillowtalkpodcast*, which started as a space for real conversations about culture, relationships, and everyday life. Through the podcast, I’ve been able to grow my voice and connect with audiences in a very authentic way.

At the same time, I’ve been working professionally in media and community impact. I serve as the Marketing Director for Legacy Reentry Foundation, where I help shape messaging, storytelling, and community engagement. That experience has taught me a lot about strategy and the power of using media to uplift real stories.

I also write as an entertainment journalist for Hip-HopVibe, covering music and cultural moments. Writing consistently has helped me sharpen my perspective and stay connected to the pulse of entertainment and media.

Looking back, one thing I would have done sooner is approach creativity with more intention as both an art and a business. But every step from podcasting to writing to community storytelling, has helped shape the voice and platform I’m continuing to build today.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My love for media and conversation actually started very early. I grew up during what I like to call the “talk show era,” when television was filled with hosts having real conversations with people from all walks of life. I became fascinated with the idea that dialogue could bring people together and help us better understand each other.

But if I’m being honest, the moment that truly sparked something in me was watching the show *Moesha*. Seeing a young Black woman on television who was beautiful, confident, intelligent, and stylish—with her braids proudly on display—left a lasting impression on me. It showed me the power of representation and storytelling, and it made me realize how important it is for our voices and perspectives to be seen and heard.

That passion for conversation eventually led me to create *Pillowtalkpodcast*, a platform centered on honest dialogue about culture, relationships, and the experiences that shape our everyday lives. The show is built around the idea that real conversations matter, and that when people feel comfortable enough to speak openly, meaningful insights can emerge.

With expertise in authentic storytelling and branding. I help influencers, businesses, music artist or anyone who want’s to amplify their voice be heard. I offer promotional services in addition to brand management and consultation, which helps structure creative direction. By being a smaller independent media powerhouse, I’m able to relate to the many issues or frustrations that come with starting something for the first time. This super power of “relatability” I feel sets me apart from anyone else. Hell, I’m still frustrated half of the time.

As my career continues to expand, I can’t help but be grateful for everything i’ve ever done. To graduate college with a degree, you are making a true living from almost never happens these days. But what I’m most proud of is being recognized in hometown as a “community storyteller”. In addition to winning podcast of the year from Chicago 312 Awards in 2023.

For anyone discovering my work, the main thing I want them to know is that everything I create comes from a place of curiosity, authenticity, and a genuine belief in the power of conversation.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Never STOP learning. I am coming up on 7 years of being a full-time media woman. An incredible journey filled with beautiful moments and humbling ones. At one point in my career, I felt I knew all I needed to know. I was on top of interviews, covering events, writing articles for multiple publications and believing I had figured this “media world” out. But the thing is, it’s changing so drastically if you blink too long you’ll miss it. As new editing software came out, I was convinced I didn’t need to use any of it. What I’ve always done up until that point seemed to work. But with new technology comes new expectations and critiques. I was putting out content that was “old looking” and outdated with fans and clients quickly noticing. I ended up losing a social media manager gig due to them expecting me to provide a certain quality. That’s when I knew, no matter what I have to make time to learn and “get with the times!!” No matter how good I think my content is, it can always be better.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

The media market is already a competitive market to thrive in. If you don’t have a direct contact or connection, it’s harder to be seen, heard and respected. However, when you gain the respect of a city or a town, it’s almost impossible to be ignored. When I started out doing pillowtalkpodcast, I began in the suburbs of Lake County, which is where I was born and raised. But in the beginning the support wasn’t full there. Frustrated but not defeated, I took my talents to Chicago where I networked and gained a real following. I went to every city event I could attend, hosted phenomenal mixers, open mics and showcases, joined created collectives and earned a spot as a true media platform. From there I gave a light on some of Chicago’s greatest hidden talents, which in return gave me so much love from a city that MADE ME. By showing love to Chicago, I’ve been able to build an incredible reputation

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbine93/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/E93Robin