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

Debra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned how to be an entertainment reporter and content creator by just jumping in head first. Although, I did go to school for journalism at Howard University, I understood earlier on that respect for the craft develops more in the field. So I began running social media pages for different platforms on campus as well as became a public relations and media relations intern for the University. I was able to learn the ropes while also networking, Having the gift of gab and an eye for problem solving helped me get into rooms/jobs where I didn’t have to go through the traditional hiring process.

The one thing I do wish I had coming up was a mentor in my field. I knew of a lot of people but I had trouble asking for help and how do you elevate if the people around you don’t know what you need specifically? I think having a mentor I could bounce idea off of and directly learn from would’ve probably saved me from a lot but I don’t regret the journey because I still found a way to make it happen for myself.

Debra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a 32-year-old content creator and entertainment reporter who also specializes in social media management, public relations and media correspondence from the Bronx, NY. If you’re looking to take your digital platform, social, or blog to new heights I’m your girl. I currently work as the Social Media Director and Entertainment Reporter for Hip Hollywood, an entertainment platform founded by Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier. I have collaborated and interviewed many celebrities including Jamie Foxx, Mary J. Blige, Don Cheadle, Floyd Mayweather, Jodie Foster, Michael Ealy, Kelly Rowland and more. My work has been featured on CNN, Buzzfeed, People, TMZ, BET, VH1 just to name a few and I’ve reported major carpets like the Oscars, SAG Awards, Roc Nation Brunch, the Grammys, Daytime Emmys, BET Awards and MTV Awards. I’ve been called a trendsetter in my field most notably because of my pivotal role in the emergence of The Shade Room. Today, I currently live bicoastal between the east coast and Los Angeles where I continue to strive to pave a way for minorities in media especially Nigerian women like myself.

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

I have two habits I had to unlearn it was the fear of asking for help and taking things personal while in the industry. Because I’m considered “the strong friend” it very rare you’ll see me sweat or feel comfortable en0ugh to be vulnerable when I wasn’t having my greatest days. Fear of rejection also hindered me but I realized whenever I voiced to the universe what I wanted 9 out of 10 times I got it and what I did not get wasn’t meant for me. Which leads me into my second lesson of taking things personal. I used to get so down whenever I received a ‘no’ not realizing that that no may have been the best thing to happen in that moment for whatever reason. Maybe the grass wasn’t greener on that side or maybe it wasn’t my time yet and I need to prepare more. Either way always look at the glass half full instead of half empty.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Kevin Frazier is my direct boss but the way we met is a story of it’s own. It’s 2017 and I had just made the decision to leave The Shade Room for personal health and growth reasons. I was nervous because I was living in LA and everyone knows it isn’t cheap. Well a couple months later I got the opportunity to attend the MTV Awards and had backstage access. While in the press room, I saw Kevin and at the time I knew him as one of the last people to interview Beyonce and I was like I want to do what he does. So it just so happens we are in the press room together and I told the person I was with that I needed to speak with him before we left but I needed a confidence boost. My friend pumped me up and I went for it. I quickly pitched myself as a social media manager who could help improve their brand presence on social media and the rest was history. I have been working with HipHollywood ever since.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @The_Ebony_Issue
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/debraosemwegie
• Other: TikTok: The_Ebony_Issue