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

Gabrielle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Gabrielle Reed Media Group stemmed from a place of needing to survive-point blank period. I had left local news, finessed my way into getting the email of an HR director at NBC News, and cold-emailed her. I began freelancing for NBC BLK. However, I had to send an invoice and become a contractor. From there, it just made sense to incorporate my own business and make it a reality.

I did not have a problem to solve. I was hustling-and that’s been the story of my life. I create opportunities and rise to the occasion every single time.

Once I received payment for my work, I knew there was room for growth. I saw myself as a business owner in control of my creativity.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have recently expanded my services to include communications consulting and DEI. Prior to my most recent expansion, I focused solely on resume writing services and helping clients secure new jobs. Now, I want to ensure that messaging is inclusive and culturally competent.

With my educational background and hands-on experience in communications and media, I can craft messages that appeal to different audiences. My current goal is to work with Fortune 500 companies in the next few months.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I have had to unlearn the message: “Hard work means no sleep.” Being a Black woman in America, it was hard to unpack the negative connotations associated with work. The effects of slavery and the commodification of Black bodies are evident in modern corporate spaces.

Based on internalized belief systems and messaging, I used to work overtime and did not believe in self-care. It cost me mentally, physically, and emotionally. Ultimately, I had to hit rock bottom to learn that my happiness is more important than money.

I finally learned to give myself grace as I pursued my dreams. My ancestors deserved to take up space and rest. So, I will do that for them now.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I love reading books from Black business owners. Right now, I would highly recommend anything by Minda Harts. She gets it. She is culturally sound and successfully transitioned from working a corporate job to being a public speaker.

I’m all for self-help books in general.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gabriellereed.com
• Instagram: @thegrmediagroup