We recently connected with Ronda Simmons and have shared our conversation below.

Ronda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

Both places I work for serve the underserved in the community. My primary job is at Fox 56. Since I have been employed with the company, we have supported the Lexington Public Library for National Literacy Month by collecting book the entire month of September, so that children that would otherwise not be able to enjoy books of their own, would be able to do so. This past month, we hosted “Socktober Drive,” where we collected new items to give to The Nathaniel Mission. They serve families in need in the urban part of the city of Lexington.

My second job and the one that is very dear to my heart is my church where I serve as the Administrative Assistant, Media Ministry Leader, and a Trustee, has a food pantry where we serve over 130 families per week. First Baptist Church, in Winchester, is located in an area that is in walking distance of several low-income housing authorities and the people have a need for food and financial assistance. My church serves as a hub for those people who need a helping hand. We also serve those families a hot meal once a year during the holidays and supply their children with Christmas gifts.

This is very important to me, because I am a single mother and have not always had it easy. Instead of being dependent on the government, I worked two and sometimes three jobs to make ends meet. I have lived paycheck to paycheck most of my life and I know the struggle. Some people can’t work two or three jobs, because they are disabled, or they don’t have childcare. My mother would care for my children, so that I could make a better life for my children and me. If I can help make someone’s life better, I want to do all that I can. I have a heart for God’s people, and we never know when it can be us in need of someone’s love and help.

On the side I own my own photography business, Ronda Simmons Photography and my own consulting business. Ronda Simmons Media Consulting. I offer photography to people who can’t afford to pay full price for pictures. Most times it’s pay what you can or $50.00 a session. I want to make sure people can capture their memories without breaking their pockets. My consulting business takes care a the social media platforms of small businesses as well as news interview bookings for local authors.

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?

Since I was in high school, I knew I wanted to be a journalist. I love keeping people informed about what’s going on in the world around them. I have always been a writer. I have written many themes at church for many different days, I have a collection of poetry and I was the sports editor for my high school’s newspaper for three years. I love to write, but I am an under-pressure writer. I hated writing rough drafts in school, because I do my best writing when the deadline is near. In my profession, pride ourselves on educating, informing and entertaining through news and lifestyle shows. I love supporting the community and non-profits, by helping them get the word out about their events. It is very important to me to allow the voices of the people be heard. Everyone has a voice, and it is important that people get to be heard.

On the sales end, we allow people who have revenue generating businesses to get their products out to the public through commercials and social media. They are afforded the opportunity to sell their business to the people through our platform, which hundreds of thousands of people see each week.

I take my profession seriously and I honor my journalistic integrity by providing my viewers with the most up to date and factual information that is available to them.

On the side I own my own photography business, Ronda Simmons Photography and my own consulting business. Ronda Simmons Media Consulting. I offer photography to people who can’t afford to pay full price for pictures. Most times it’s pay what you can or $50.00 a session. I want to make sure people can capture their memories without breaking their pockets. My consulting business takes care a the social media platforms of small businesses as well as news interview bookings for local authors.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Being consistent, caring about people and sharing the stories of the community is what I think has helped my build my reputation with in my market. I love my community and I feel like everyone has a right to have their voice heard. I am always willing to make sure that every event, every tragedy and every small local business has a platform. I believe keeping the community informed on current events keeps them engaged and active in a positive way. Keeping them informed on the crime happening allows them to be aware and cautious if there is a need. Victim’s families are able to seek justice for their loved ones and seek help from the community by way of asking them to come forward with any information if they happened to see anything related to the particular crime. I give small local businesses a place to advertise their products, when they would otherwise not be able to afford advertisement. I take pride in what I do and I love helping the people of my community.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Six years of my career, prior to accepting my current position, I was faced with being resilient each and everyday. I worked long gruelling hours on salary making sure that I had content that included guest, current events and news stories for two one-hours shows each and every day. I made sure that all sold content was produced and scheduled as well as many other tasks I took on while being in my past role. It helped me build character and made me appreciate the career path I have now. I learned a lot, but it was a challenge. I would don’t take it back, because it has played a major role in the women I am today, but I am so thankful for change.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rondaleesimmons/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ronda.simmons
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronda-simmons-0517bba2/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RondaSimmonsTV

Image Credits
Ronda Simmons, Angela Berry