We recently connected with Princess Haynes and have shared our conversation below.
Princess, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
Not at first — it definitely wasn’t an overnight thing. I’ve always been passionate about creative work, but for a long time I had to balance that passion with corporate jobs just to survive. I worked in environments that were often draining and even disrespectful, but those experiences built the drive that pushed me to go all in on my purpose.
My journey really started to shift when I created my show From The Bottom To The Top. It allowed me to connect with people, share stories, and build a platform that was rooted in realness and inspiration. That led me to radio — working with 2HotRadio — and from there I began building my own media brand. Over time, I learned how to turn my creativity into structure: monetizing interviews, courses, events, and collaborations.
It definitely wasn’t like that from day one. There were years of trial and error, times where I had to take a step back to rebuild, and moments I questioned if I could really make a living doing what I love. But I stayed consistent. I learned how to operate like a business, not just a creative.
Looking back, the process could’ve moved faster if I’d understood early on the importance of systems, networking, and self-promotion. Once I learned that consistency, presentation, and professionalism open more doors than talent alone — things began to change. Now, I’m able to live off what I love, and more importantly, do it in a way that aligns with my values.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Princess Haynes — also known as Princess With The Real — a creator, storyteller, and radio personality who believes in the power of real conversations. I got into this industry because I’ve always loved connecting with people and helping them share their stories in ways that inspire others. My journey started with my show From The Bottom To The Top, where I interviewed people about their lives — from their struggles to their success — so others could see that no matter what they’ve been through, they can rise too.
That show opened doors for me in the radio world. I began working with 2HotRadio, eventually becoming the Operations Manager and On-Air Personality, hosting segments like What’s Real Wednesdays and managing national artist programs such as Who Wants To Make It. Over time, I expanded into event production, artist development, and content creation — helping artists and brands get real exposure through interviews, showcases, and online promotions.
What sets me apart is authenticity. Everything I do is built around being real — real stories, real people, real impact. I’m not afraid to talk about the hard parts of life because that’s what makes the success meaningful. I’ve been through struggles myself — becoming a mother at 15, facing workplace discrimination, and rebuilding my career more than once — so when I speak, it comes from experience, not just theory.
As my career has grown, so have my skills. I’ve evolved into the Tech Operations Manager at 2HotRadio, where I build AI agents and create automations that streamline operations, enhance communication, and improve the overall workflow for the company. I’m proud of how I’ve continued to learn and adapt — merging creativity with technology to stay ahead of the curve.
Through my company and partnerships, I provide interviews, courses, business consulting, brand promotions, and opportunities for artists to perform and connect with industry professionals. My work helps people get seen, get heard, and get results.
I’m most proud of my resilience — and the fact that I’ve built something meaningful from the ground up while staying true to who I am. I want people to know that my brand isn’t just about entertainment — it’s about empowerment. Every project, event, or show I create has a purpose behind it: to give people a platform, a voice, and a reminder that their story matters.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story that really shows my resilience goes back to when I decided to walk away from corporate America. I had worked hard to earn my degrees, thinking that would guarantee respect and stability — but instead, I found myself in toxic environments where I was disrespected and undervalued. It reached a point where I had to make a choice between keeping a steady paycheck or protecting my peace. I chose myself.
Walking away wasn’t easy. I’m a mother, and I had responsibilities, but I knew I couldn’t keep sacrificing my happiness just to survive. That decision pushed me to bet on my own talents and build my career in media full time. There were moments of uncertainty, but I refused to give up. I started rebuilding from scratch — producing my own show, From The Bottom To The Top, learning how to market it, book guests, film, edit, and promote — all on my own. That experience taught me that sometimes your lowest point is where you discover your true strength.
Since then, every obstacle I’ve faced — whether it was balancing motherhood, learning new technology, or transitioning into my current role as Tech Operations Manager building AI systems — has been another reminder that I can adapt and rise. Resilience isn’t just about surviving hard times; it’s about finding purpose in them. And every time I’ve been knocked down, I’ve come back stronger, smarter, and more determined to make an impact.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely — my mission has always been to use my platform to inspire, empower, and give people a voice. Everything I create, whether it’s an interview, an event, or a digital project, is rooted in the idea of realness. I want people to see that success isn’t always glamorous — it’s built through struggle, growth, and persistence.
Through my show From The Bottom To The Top and my work with 2HotRadio, I’ve made it my mission to shine a light on stories that often go unheard — from independent artists to everyday people who’ve overcome something powerful. I believe storytelling heals, connects, and motivates people to believe in themselves again.
As I’ve grown in my career, that mission has expanded. Now, as Tech Operations Manager, I’m passionate about using technology — like AI and automation — to create opportunities, streamline processes, and help creatives and businesses work smarter. My goal is to show that creativity and technology can work hand in hand to build something bigger than ourselves.
At the end of the day, my journey is about legacy — helping others see their worth, chase their purpose, and know that where they come from doesn’t limit where they can go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://princesswiththereal.com
- Instagram: @princesswiththereal
- Linkedin: Princess Haynes
- Youtube: @princesswiththereal
