We were lucky to catch up with Lisa Acquafredda recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Lisa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?
We can all agree the internet has become a game changer with how we do business. TV is outdated and now people absorb information instantaneously on their smartphones. When it comes to video, consumers are looking for digestible content that’s engaging, easy to understand and relevant to their interests. But just because you own a smartphone and can press the record button and create fancy “reels” or have a zillion followers (sometimes fake) on social media or do a mean dance on TikTok does not make you a credible professional producer.
Let’s get this straight. To become an exceptional producer and ‘storyteller’, it’s a serious career job, one that should be valued and compensated fairly. At StayClassyTV Academy, we prepare our students for a more fulfilling career in the industry. They develop their on-camera personality, learn how to talk about a topic and deliver a solid message. Especially since the pandemic hit, there is a huge need for creatives that can take a concept of a business and produce a polished story about it in less than a minute – with rich videography, graphics, clean editing and narration to rollout on social media platforms to sell a product/deliver a message direct to the consumer.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Answer — My name is Lisa Acquafredda, Creator of StayClassyTV, Certified Teacher/Coach with StayClassyTV Academy and a former Phoenix Fashion Week Stylist of the Year!
*StayClassyTV*
StayClassyTV specializes in promoting brands to the public through digital content creation, powerful marketing strategies and public relations. We also style our clients!
This includes:
-pitching to media
-hosting & producing segments
-storyboarding & scripting
-shooting & editing video
-writing press releases
-styling wardrobe
-social media engagement
-creating brand awareness
-event coverage & more
*StayClassyTV Academy *
Part of the StayClassyTV network, StayClassyTV Academy helps students develop their own on-camera persona and learn what it takes to become a TV/Internet storyteller. We take you behind the scenes into the world of media production as you learn hosting and interviewing skills. You’ll discover essential broadcasting traits that gain more attention, attract a following and help you radiate your genuine personality. Student actors and models will enjoy improv games, scripts, cold reads, ad-libbing, modeling, pantomiming & so much more; all while having FUN!Question —
Lisa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today?
Answer —
After working in television for many years, I decided to pursue my passion for fashion & broadcasting. I have 15+ years showcasing brands on television, print & online: Seventeen Magazine, Newsweek Magazine, 3TV, ABC-15, NBC-12, SheKnows.com & Phoenix Fashion Week. I was even the fashion host/stylist each week on Sonoran Living and a former Phoenix Fashion Week Stylist of the Year!
Early Years: My career started as a Teen Reporter for Newsweek Magazine & SEVENTEEN MAGAZINE. I was one of 17 young influencers selected throughout the United States and Canada to spot fashion trends and cover what the celebs were wearing. I also worked for an ABC affiliate in Phoenix, wearing a number of hats professionally in every department, which contributed to gaining experience not only in front of the camera but also behind it. The next step was the Lone Star State of Texas. I worked as an Anchor/Reporter for CBS & NBC affiliates and received many prestigious honors from the Society of Professional Journalists, Rocky Mountain Emmy’s and Journalism Education Association.
I love Arizona: I’m a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, so the sun and desert are in my blood. I brought you the Fam-Tastic happenings for Chandler Recreation for the City of Chandler, positive education stories on Maricopa Now & delicious food recipes on Chefs Menu. I’ve hosted and produced a statewide television show highlighting top valley charities and currently, I’m also a Video Spokesperson for several prestigious companies, lifestyle influencer, lead talent for commercials, infomercials, voice-overs, and print work plus a certified teacher with StayClassyTV Academy (part of the StayClassyTV Network that helps students develop their own on-camera persona and learn what it takes to produce a great story).
I’m always styling new clients for events and always growing my business StayClassyTV. Many people don’t know, but I love organizing, color coding my closet, traveling, shopping and being a Wife & Mom to my baby, Ariana
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I recently had a baby. Like myself, many working moms struggle with balancing both career and home life. And, don’t get me wrong – being a mom is rewarding, but ultimately, it’s challenging to run a business while still being “Mom” that’s responsible for so many things at once. You now have a little alarm clock that dictates your schedule. And, it seems there’s never enough time in the day, so preparedness, organization, delegating responsibilities and flexibility is key.
Timing worked in my favor because just as the pandemic hit, I became pregnant. However, I had already put my teaching certification and industry knowledge to work and had launched StayClassyTV Academy – a part of the StayClassyTV network, where we coach students to develop their on camera persona and produce a quality story. Students were now stuck at home and parents needed a creative outlet online for their kids, so this became the perfect launching pad and opportunity to catapult it to the next level.
Teaching has allowed me the flexibility to continue to work in the industry I love and mentor our future creatives; while still making it home for bath time and to put my baby to sleep.
The truth is, I have yet to achieve the perfect harmony of working to parenting, but I’m taking it in stride and figuring it out along the way.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
As cliche as it may sound, the saying is true, “Choose a job you love & you will never work a day in your life.” I personally believe my dad puts it best, “Do what you love because everything is hard.”
Exactly.
You might as well be passionate about what you’re doing because your peers can tell. They feel your excitement and feed off your energy.
I genuinely love StayClassyTV. To build a great reputation, it starts with the little things – going out of your way to help customers, tell people when they do a good job and be chill & easy to work with. Sometimes just smiling and being your authentic awesome self-shows people you actually enjoy what you do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stayclassytv.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayclassytv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StayClassyTV/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stayclassytv/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/stayclassytv
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/lisaacquafreddatv
- Other: StayClassyTV Academy: https://www.stayclassytvacademy.com/
Image Credits
Terri Whitehurst Photography Phoenix Fashion Week azfamily.com Ford Robert Black Agency Phoenix Fashion Week 2018 ‘Chic Bling’ models StayClassyTV Fashion Assistants Steven Fellheimer Photography City of Chandler Parks & Recreation Town of Gilbert Parks & Recreation Footklan Tahzoo James Craig Slain John Casablancas