Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lanaya Lewis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Lanaya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I didn’t have a traditional route into journalism or the media industry. Both times, they were from life changing events that have shaped me into the community-driven person I am today – The Community’s Publicist.

At 13-years-old, I was arrested for fighting. I hadn’t thought about what my real future would look like. Instead, I always kept my guard up as if I had to prove something to people. It landed me with three felonies dropped down to misdemeanors, on probation for a year, and needing to move school districts for high school. It was my probation officer who saw something in me that she pointed me to YR Media (formerly known as Youth Radio). There I would learn about journalism and the power of our voices in media and entertainment. I would go on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and master’s in Journalism. I would then become a reporter and anchor in Mississippi and North Carolina, giving everyday people a platform to tell their stories.

Four years into my journalism career, a pregnancy loss made me leave the business. I couldn’t see myself interviewing people about their own traumas when I was dealing with my own. Months later I would become pregnant again, and had found public relations. I didn’t know there was another way for me to help people tell their stories without me having to be on camera or putting on makeup every day. I began working with nonprofits, musicians and small business owners to help them tell their stories on a local and national level. It didn’t matter what industry I worked in, I knew I could help someone tell their story. From then, I became The Community’s Publicist, only working with those who have a mission and passion for community engagement and enhancing their community.

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

I was born and raised in the Bay Area by a single mother. I’ve always been the outgoing girl who’s never been afraid to speak her mind. It was a mistake at 13-years-old though that forced me to move cities, make new friends, and gain a love for journalism and media. I would graduate from Oakland High School and go off to graduate from the illustrious HBCU Norfolk State University, and go on to get my masters from Regent University. 

I worked in broadcast news from 2017-2021 covering some of the most talked about news stories in the country: TeamROC suing Mississippi for conditions at Parchman Prison, largest ICE raid in Mississippi’s history, the removal of the Confederate symbol on the Mississippi state flag, the overturned convictions of Curtis Flowers and Ronnie Long, and more. I’ve been featured in the Washington Post, Essence, CBSN, A&E’s documentary Exposing Parchman, and as an expert on ID Channel’s American Detective series.

In January 2021 while working in Charlotte, NC, I finally got pregnant after a year of trying. I suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which can make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant. Although I finally was having a baby, the pregnancy wasn’t smooth. I suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), severe nausea and vomiting all day, until my water broke at 20 weeks. During those next few weeks, I came to the realization I couldn’t put myself back on TV and I needed to find another way to use my passion of storytelling. 

My sorority sister of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. reached out to me saying she could use my expertise for her own public relations (PR) firm. I had no idea what PR was and wasn’t confident I could deliver – but I was wrong. I found a new career in the public relations space and found myself helping people and organizations from all different industries. During the same time, I had my rainbow baby and began focusing on finding a permanent job in the PR field. I would then begin working at Sacramento State as the public information officer – finding campus experts to speak with journalists, offering media trainings to the campus, and using my expertise to help launch the nation’s first Black Honors College outside of an HBCU. 

My short time in public relations has landed me as one of Comstock’s Magazine Young Professionals of the Year and one of Sac Cultural Hub’s Exceptional Women of Color honorees. During this time, I launched Noremak Media to further assist individuals and organizations create successful media relations plans and get their leaders and spokespersons media trained. I always let my clients know they’re working with someone who has a unique background – an expert in journalism and public relations. I’ve been on the receiving end of story pitches and interviews and know exactly what journalists are looking for.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy I’ve had in growing my clientele is being my authentic self on social media. In all honesty, when most people leave the broadcast news industry, they’re losing part of their identity. We have to re-learn how to let loose and figure out what we want to be known for – outside of being a former news personality. For years, I struggled to identify my new image without sounding braggy. I had to chat with several friends and mentors who assured me people want to know the real Lanaya. 

I began posting on LinkedIn about accomplishments while working at Sacramento State, and then I got more personal. I shared my losses and untraditional start in media, and people loved it. I began receiving more inquiries for media consultations and connecting with people who wanted to learn more about my journey.
 
People wanted to know I was a real person and the events leading up to how I got to where I am today.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I knew to get active in industry-related organizations. I learned about the National Association of Black Journalists early on in my career. An organization created during a critical time for Black journalists across the nation. They mentor and provide professional development opportunities for journalists across the nation. Each year, they host a conference to help journalists and media professionals enhance their skills and network with people from across the country.

As I’m barely three years into public relations, I learned joining organizations like Public Relations Society of America and subscribing to sites like PR Week, keeps you updated on industry trends and conferences for your specific career.

Getting involved in these gives you a chance to meet new people and soak in information from those who have been in the industry longer than you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lanayalewis.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lanayalewistv
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LanayaLewisTV/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanayalewis/
• Twitter: https://x.com/lanayalewis

Image Credits

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