We were lucky to catch up with Lexy Romano recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lexy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
Learning to produce and host the local highlight show Phx Finds really came about through doing.
I spent many years performing professionally as a singer, and when I wanted to transition into on-camera work I had no idea how to do it. I decided to take some classes at the local Community College, which really gave me a general background on journalism and TV history. Then, I decided to go for it!
I started producing Phx Finds Show in the summer of 2019. We started very small, producing 2-3 minute videos once a week for social media. This time really gave me the opportunity to get comfortable being in front of the camera and learning how to interview guests. There were growing pains, but it was a fun time.
When my partner and videographer had to step away from the show for family reasons at the end of 2019 I debated even continuing with the show. But I did because I felt like I could take the reins and learn more being in front of AND behind the camera. That’s when I really started to grow.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Phx Finds Show is a local highlight show that puts a spotlight on local businesses and people. We love telling the story of business owners; how they got their start, what motivates them, and why they do what they do.
The show currently airs on AZTV7 as well as on social media and YouTube. Each segment or interview is between 5-7 minutes long and gets to the heart of the business. We focus on all local, Arizona brands.
For those small businesses who feel like they aren’t connecting with their audience or they can’t get their message out there, we work with you to create a unique and beautifully filmed video that shares your story and passion.
We are proud to have told the story of dozens of local business owners and are excited to continue “finding” great spots in the valley!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
During the pandemic we all had to learn to pivot.
The bulk of the Phx Finds brand has always been based on going out to the businesses we feature and highlighting them in their element, on the scene or in their location. So during the Covid shutdowns we really had to come up with a different option for our videos.
This is when the 5-minute Finds series was born. These short interviews were all done via zoom from each individual’s home and we got to talk with people we never would have had the chance to learn about, from local business owners to the librarian at the Phoenix Public Library.
These finds chronicled what businesses were going through during the pandemic and how they themselves were pivoting or how they were helping their local community.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Growing social media is an ongoing journey in my opinion. While the Phx Finds social media isn’t huge numbers, I am proud of the fact that I have grown a very active and engaged community of almost 7k followers over just 2.5 years. This has come from organic engagement with the community on our part and the love and investment of the people of Phoenix.
The advice I have for those starting out with social media is to post what you truly love and honestly engage with your audience! If you are posting something that is ingenuous your audience will feel that. The consistent engagement will also help your audience get to know you and relate with you. It’s not an exact science, but being. your genuine self will never steer you wrong.
- Website: PhxFinds.org
- Instagram: @PhxFindsShow
- Facebook: @PhxFindsShow
- Youtube: Phoenix Finds Show
- Other: TikTok @PhxFindsShow
Image Credits
Alexxis Grant, Timeless Present