We recently connected with Demia Avery and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Demia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Whatchu, Doin Wilmington podcast highlights the positive people, places and things in Wilmington North Carolina. My mission is to recognize all that make our community great, whether you are a business owner, community leader, or someone that just does great things in the area. I want to make sure that they are seen.
In life, there are so many ups and downs, so many things that we have to deal with on a daily basis. Sometimes you just want someone to say thank you, or a job well done. Sometimes that’s all that people need is for someone to “see” them. That is why my catchphrase is, “I see you, we see you, and it’s great to be seen”.
I have many people come to me just to say thank you for recognizing me. And this brings me so much joy. It’s not enough to just interview somebody. I want to hear, and many others want to hear that people go through the same things that they do so I try to tap into the human side of the people that I interview.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Demia Avery. I have been in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. I am the host and owner of the podcast “Whatchu’ Doin’ Wilmington”.
I also am co-founder of a SAG franchised Talent Agency in Atlanta, Georgia, called The Avery Agency , alongside my sister, Gerra Avery.
In addition, I am an author of 2 motivational ebooks “ The Roadblock is You, and “Meditations for the Right Now”.
What I am most proud of is when I hear stories, or get comments, saying that I’ve helped encourage them or motivated them to change or do great things in their lives. It’s very humbling.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
My mother has always told me that anything that you can learn, you can unlearn. One of the biggest lessons learned is to not dim your light for the sake of others. I have always been grateful and humbled by all of the many blessings that God has given me, but I would sort of downplay myself as to not seem “braggy”. I would want to share great news with others, but I didn’t want to seem arrogant in any way (because that’s not who I am. I had to learn that there is a way to walk in your truth, own who you are, have confidence, be proud of myself and still remain humble.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Moving to NC was a huge transition for me, I moved here from Delaware. I visited a relative that lives in a nearby town and fell in love with the beach area. I then told her that I would be moving to North Carolina within six months, and thats exactl what I did. The only person I knew was her and her family. I had a few ups and downs getting settled here, but once I got to Wilmington… I went off to the races. I started my podcast not knowing a soul in the city. It was a little slow starting, but eventually things grew.
It’s never been in me to quit too much of anything. Even when things do not seem to be working the way that I want it too… I keep going forward. When roadblocks get in my way, I just go around it. There is always a way!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.whatchudoinwilmington.com
- Instagram: @whatchudoinwilmington
- Facebook: @whatchudoinwilmingtonnc