We were lucky to catch up with Schalene Houston-Butler recently and have shared our conversation below.

Schalene, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think there are different variations of what being successful looks like to each person. For me, it’s all about being consistent and persevering through all obstacles to achieve the goal. I feel as if being successful is a personal mindset for every individual. It’s easy to look at someone else and view them as successful but you don’t know what the person went through to get them to that particular point. I would rather focus on my small wins because every small win leads to an overall bigger win for my business.

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’ve always been passionate about media, the news and current events. I can remember watching the news with my mother at a very young age and being influenced by a news anchor. As I was beginning to consider university and career choices, I knew I wanted to do something in the field of communications. Initially, I attended school to become a news anchor but like most college students, I found my true calling in a different area. While attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, I landed a crucial internship which would change the trajectory of my career choice. I completed my internship with a station which provided a hands-on opportunity. STL TV, the communications division for the City of St. Louis was a great way for me to put the classroom knowledge to use and actually do the work. I was able to come away with real life work experiences to add to my resume. This internship helped me to see I really enjoyed being behind the scenes rather than in front of the camera. Having a successful internship and doing the work during that time would later help me in life.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication, I was determined to break into the field. I worked two part time jobs in the industry making minimum wage. I started as a temporary broadcast assistant for KMOV for about six months. I was then able to use that experience to land a position with KMOX as a producer and board operator. While working that job mainly on the weekends, I also landed the job with STL TV as a part time video production specialist. All of the experience and knowledge I gained over the years later helped me to land my job as a full-time video production supervisor with STL TV. During my tenure as the supervisor, I would lead a team of five full time employees and about 20 part time employees. As the supervisor it was my responsibility to plan and execute recordings, from selecting shoot dates, securing staff, ensuring shows were produced, and so much more.

While in my professional career setting, I saw many small businesses and individuals who had amazing stories to share and needed the extra publicity but didn’t have the resources to work with an established media relations company. I also saw those individuals trying to secure interviews but were really unsure of what was necessary for an interview. It was at that moment I wanted to start my own company to help those individuals and small businesses who needed the guidance of a media professional. I’ve had over a decade of professional experience in this industry, and it has helped me to really hone in on my skills to provide quality service to those seeking a communications professional. I truly believe in providing excellent service and quality work for others. The work I produce will always reflect not only myself but my client in the best way possible and I will always provide quality services which everyone deserves.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal and mission in driving my creative journey is simple, doing my very best. I want to continue doing the very best I can not just for me but for the client I’m representing. When I’m able to get a win for my client, it isn’t just a win for me but it’s for my client. Ultimately, everything I do is for my client and seeing their success is my success.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Being in this industry has taught me you have to be creative and can’t give up easily. I’m a person who will continue trying to achieve the goal I’ve set for myself even if it means taking a break, rethinking the strategy and finding a different path. My path to success isn’t going to be the same as another person’s but it will be my path and journey.

When I was working as a producer, I remember really wanting a professional athlete on the show. I was able to get in contact with someone with the organization and I literally called the man daily until he responded to my request. When he arrived with the athlete for the taping, we laughed at my method for securing the guest but in the end, he thanked me for my consistency.

In another instance, there was a news anchor I watched faithfully as a kid. As an adult, I really wanted to meet her to get insight about the position and to really find out if I was cut out to become an anchor. I remember calling her daily until she finally was able to return my call and schedule a time for me to meet with her and tour the news facility. When I arrived, she too, thanked me for my persistence and told me it would carry me far in the industry.

Lastly, I met Soledad O’Brien when she spoke at Webster University a few years ago. Again, it was my never wavering persistence which would ultimately lead me to speak with her after her speech to ask her questions pertaining to the industry. I remember her telling me to keep going no matter if I got off my path but to keep moving toward my ultimate goal.

I would say this sets me apart from others, my resiliency. My route to success will look different from others but I’m confident in knowing my passion along with my knowledge will lead me to a successful outcome.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.schalenehoustonmediaservices.com
• Instagram: @schalenehoustonmediaservices
• Facebook: Schalene Houston Media Services

Image Credits
Schalene Houston Media Services