We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Armani Baker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Armani, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

When I was a young girl, I dreamed big. I always knew that the impossible, was possible. I was very involved with extracurricular activities outside of school. I balanced the debate team, acting classes, and dance while maintaining good grades. In all of these spaces, I found myself always looking for a mentor that looked like me. A Black woman that could provide guidance because she had already walked a similar path. Unfortunately, I never found one during those pivotal years of my life.

Fortunately, I now have the opportunity to be the mentor that I always wanted. I serve as a mentor to young Black girls in the city of Chicago who have a desire to work in the TV & Entertainment industry. Specifically, I co-produce Girls Like Me Project’s “GLMPI Talks”, an all-girls talk show. Girls Like Me Project helps Black girls critically examine social, cultural, and political ideologies in media so that they will be able to overcome negative stereotypes and stigmas.

This is one of the most meaningful projects I have worked on because I have the privilege to watch young girls curiosity expand, confidence increase, and dreams grow. GLMPI Talks content focuses on dreaming big. Many times, we have to fight through darkness to believe in our dreams when we’re overcoming adversities. I help provide a glimpse of a vision that can become our girls reality in the present and future. That is the most meaningful assignment I have had yet and I am grateful I can be the example that I needed when I was a girl.

Armani, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey into the TV industry started as an enthusiastic college student. I always knew from a young girl that I wanted to work in TV, contributing to meaningful stories that will impact culture and transform the thoughts of the next generation that will come after me. When I decided to make this my career of choice, there were a lot of people around me that did not support it. As this is an industry that does not have a direct road to success and gratification. We all know that representation matters, so seeing women of color accomplish their goals and break down barriers was my fuel to pursue a career in television. It’s important to only share your goals with dreamers because non-believers will project their insecurities onto you.

While studying journalism at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, I realized that I needed hands-on experience in order to really get a feel of the industry. I made it my mission to secure an internship during every semester, so that I can learn as much as I could outside of the classroom. I’ve had the privilege of interning at Walt Disney Television, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, ESPN 1000, and many other places during my college years. All of these experiences prepared me for my current role, TV Programming Coordinator at Weigel Broadcasting Co. I contribute to what viewers watch by organizing a viewing schedule including shows and films daily.

In addition to working in media, I am also a performing artist. I was introduced to theater at a young age and began training at the age of 9. I dedicated my youth to studying at the Chicago High School for the Arts. I’ve performed at various places such as, The Second City, The Obama White House, Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture, Lookingglass Theatre Company, The Manhattan Monologue Slam, etc.

Many people do not share how difficult it is to pour into craft, when you are pursuing various dreams at once. Working in media full-time, while also trying to master your craft is not easy. There have been many times where I’ve put a pause on my training for the sake of my mental health. Grace is the best gift that I have given myself. You can always start again, but you cannot give your best if you are burned out.

I am most proud that I stayed the course. I kept climbing and fighting for my goals even when persuaded not to. I created different formulas to achieve micro goals to get to big wins. What’s for me, will never miss me and I am proud that optimism has never left my spirit. As I continue to climb throughout my career, I am excited to keep learning and growing.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My family, friends and mentees drive my creative journey. Community is very important to me as I would not be where I am without people that have encouraged and supported me. The goal is to do work that makes me happy, most people live the life that others want them to live. My goal is to live my life for me, this will lead to a life fulfilled and not just maintained.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I have had some encounters with non-creatives who could not comprehend that there isn’t a specific timeline for success as a creative. Most people believe that if you have not accomplished certain goals by a certain age or timeline that you should make a career pivot and try something new. That’s not the journey of a creative who does the work to feed their passions. If you are a creative who has not done the work in a while, have taken a pause, or have been in the same job/position for a while, you are still a creative in the downtime.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: armanirekea
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/armanibaker

Image Credits
Tee Media Ashley Mia Pose Pic Studio