Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kariana Taylor. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Kariana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
To date, the most meaningful project I’ve worked on was the very first Juneteenth Festival in Goldsboro, NC. I’m a Goldsboro native, but left for college in 2012. I attended NC A&T. While at A&T, I had to take A LOT of history classes. Journalism will do that to you, haha! I thought I knew a lot of black history, but had NO IDEA!
I knew about Juneteenth, but not to the extent I learned at A&T. I started to learn about all of these festivals and how they started in Texas but then started to spread across the country. My hometown never had one. One summer while being home, my mom wanted to attend one of the festivals in a neighboring city. We started to talk about having one in our hometown. She encouraged me to try to bring one if I was ever afforded the opportunity.
About two years (2018) after graduating from NC A&T, the opportunity presented itself. I started working for Curtis Media Group-Raleigh about 3 months after graduating, but a position opened in Goldsboro for a new urban format in 2018. I jumped at the opportunity. After I got the position and became comfortable with higher management, I presented my idea of the festival. My then market manager instantly said yes! It was game time from then! From getting approval from the CEO/COO, to meeting with Goldsboro City Council, to having to book acts. It literally felt like a dream!
The very first Juneteenth Festival in my hometown was curated by me. An idea that came from a conversation I had with my mom while I was still a college student. The community and business rallied around this event. The people of my cultural background felt seen and that meant the world to me!
Kariana, 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?
I’m currently the PM drive host for WSSG (92.7 JAMZ)/ Goldsboro, NC, also serving as the Program Director. In my eyes, it’s like putting together a puzzle to make the perfect picture for our listeners and clients. I also have two other on-air shows, Middays on 97.7 Katie Country (Eastern NC) and the #1 weekend show on sister station, Top 40, 96.9 The New Pulse FM (Raleigh, NC). I’m also a VoiceOver talent for JustSaySpots and work for myself as a VoiceOver talent, securing independent contracts.
I grew up in Goldsboro, NC listening to 101.9 KISS FM. Once I was at Goldsboro High School, I took journalism. That’s when I fell for media. I was accepted into North Carolina A&T State University’s Journalism and Mass Communications program. While at A&T, I started my radio career by joining WNAA 90.1 FM’s Street Team. A month later I was chosen for the overnight syndicated “Sheryl Underwood Show.” The following year I was given my own show the “Aggie Lounge.” At that time, I was also interning at WJMH 102 JAMZ. I’ve always loved to talk to people too. That’s what drove me to do radio!
I was lucky enough to have great mentors in the business as I worked to grow my career. Ms. D. Cherie Lofton, who is no longer with us championed me. If it had not been for her, I would not be where I am today in radio. She’s the reason I went into Top 40 after working with her at my college station. Though I worked and mainly knew the Urban format, she reminded me I could do ANY formant that’s out there. Also, Maurice ‘Big Mo’ Mayer was/is a mentor. He was my internship supervisor. He’s why I started to love music directing. He taught me to trust myself and to never be afraid to step outside the box. Lastly, Toshamakia. Tosh was working at 102 JAMZ while I was still interning there. She gave so much advice as a woman in radio. She taught me that it didn’t matter if I was a woman, and that being a woman in this industry was my super strength.
Now being deep into my career, I can proudly say that I’ve written, voiced and produced commercial spots for out of state clients. I also conduct interviews/spotlights for music artist and businesses for their social media platforms. We’ve learned that potential customers or consumers will likely indulge in the clients product if they have a visual or audio. Lastly, I’m not just always behind the mic, I host events as well. I offer these services to any business in the U.S.
My job is to make sure I make my clients business or event sound amazing! Whether its rebranding or a one-time event. I want them to always be satisfied and happy with the product I provide. If there’s a problem with your advertising/branding, I will consult with you on what we can do to make it better!
The main thing I’m proud of is being able to find balance. I have huge faith. God has been the writer of my story. I DEFINITELY don’t always get it right, but knowing/finding balance is a proud moment for me. I was not always like this lol! I’m also proud of my family and our stronghold.
What sets me apart is that I’m relatable! I’m a mom…a DANCE MOM at that. Which is another job in itself, whew! I love shopping and I love eating LOL! I’m a normal woman who does’t look at her work as her job, but as her dream. I love to see people win. I have the mentality that there’s no room for competition because we can all succeed and work together to make something amazing! I handle everything by going to work every single day, and giving 110%! Nothing less. no excuses! When I take on a client, their vision becomes MY vision! A lot of people do it for what we call “clout” now a days, but I do it to see you happy!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I am ALWAYS present! Whether on the air or in the physical, I’m going to be there. Things like that are things that people, community, clients, and potential clients will remember. I know we are all in the business of making money, but sometimes volunteering your time will help build your reputation as well.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Client loyalty and SOCIAL MEDIA! I know I know, a lot of people despise it. If you use social media for the right things, it can definitely benefit your business. It goes back to me saying that people love to go based off a visual or audio of your product. It gives them something to grasp onto. That’s when it’ll turn into client loyalty. I have so many instances where a client of mine have referred me to multiple people. If you do good work, good things are returned to you!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: kaytee_radio
- Facebook: Kay-Tee Radio
- Linkedin: Kariana Taylor
- Twitter: kaytee_radio
- Other: Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Lauren Branch Photography Dynamic Aesthetics