We were lucky to catch up with Stephanie Nicole recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

At 21, fresh out of college, I crossed paths with a slightly older girl through a mutual friend. I boasted about my popularity in NYC to her and was challenged to gain 500 followers for her Chihuahua over the weekend to prove it. This led to me securing an internship with her. Little did I know she worked for a company that represented celebrities like Amber Rose, Jill Zarin, Erica Mena, Jay Alexander, and more. I recall the long days spent at the Viacom building in Times Square, where I encountered numerous famous faces from MTV and VH1 shows. Despite being surrounded by such glamour, I always felt insignificant within that building and the company. As an intern, my opinions and thoughts were often overlooked. Hours were spent following up on pitches sent out by the head publicist. This experience sparked an idea – I wanted to have a platform where I could have full control over the content. Thus, I launched a blog called iamstephanienicole.com to express my views on Hip Hop and Pop Culture. This later evolved into Lilmisschitchat and The Chat Room.

Stephanie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am widely known as LilMissChitChat, or simply Chit-Chat, recognized in the hip-hop scene for championing female rap and excelling as a brand strategist. I am the creative force behind Newark, NJ’s innovative space, “the chat room,” and the host of the engaging online podcast “Chit Chat Radio,” available on platforms like iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify. Through my podcast, I explore hip-hop culture and conduct interviews with renowned artists. Noteworthy is “The Chat Room” interview series on YouTube, featuring discussions with personalities such as Lola Brooke, Blakeiana, Connie Diiamond, Stunna Girl, Journey Montana, and more.My reputation extends to curating and hosting lively events and shows, with the recent rise in popularity of my “Girl Chat” concert series. With a background in PR, I once assisted a publicist’s dog in gaining 500 followers, leading to my first internship with clients like Amber Rose, Erica Mena, and Jill Zarin. During this time, I focused on pitching to bloggers and journalists, drawing inspiration from influencers like Necole Bitchie and Perez Hilton to venture into blogging. I began guest blogging for well-known brands such as Madison Jaye, Nerd At The Cool Table, The Hip Hop Lab, Snob Life, and more. In 2016, the persona LiLmisschitchat was born, evolving into Lilmisschitchat and The Chat Room. Since then, I have established a niche in the hip-hop industry, particularly within female rap, known for my engaging personality, development of “Top Rapper” lists, and effective branding strategies that help artists transition from indie to mainstream. I have collaborated with numerous industry professionals and authored two insightful E-Books: “Network Your Way To Stardom,” a guide packed with essential tools for artists’ networking and career growth, and “Rich Girls: How To Boss Up Online,” offering valuable advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs launching online businesses.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

While growing up, I always championed girl power. I recall my desire to join the Girl Scouts, but there was no leader for girls my age. I pleaded with my mom to become the Girl Scout leader, and she agreed. Whenever my cousins and friends visited, it was time to shine. I have vivid memories of giving makeovers and organizing small talent shows. My ultimate goal was to encourage girls to support each other and strive to be their best selves.

In around 2018, when rappers like Stunna Girl, Molly Brazy, Asian Doll, Cuban Doll, Connie Diiamond, Billy B, Rico Nasty, and others emerged, there was a lack of blogs conducting research and writing articles about female rappers. This realization prompted me to adjust my blog slightly to provide these talented artists with a platform. I sensed that these girls were not being given their due credit. Despite skepticism from others, I was confident that this new wave of female rappers was on the horizon, surpassing what we had seen in the 90s. Given that hip hop is male dominated, I take pride in ensuring that our talent and hard work are acknowledged and valued.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Raven Robinson, the CEO of PR 2 Politics, has been a strong supporter of Lilmisschitchat and the chat room. While I used to guest host on various podcasts, I lacked the courage to start my own until Raven encouraged me to take the leap. She even arranged my first interview with a popular Bronx rapper. Now, Raven serves as my publicist, ensuring I receive the recognition and respect I deserve. Most recently, she facilitated acknowledgments from Mayor Eric Adams and Senator Kevin Parker for Black Music Month.

With Raven’s unwavering support and expert advice, I’ve confidently navigated the realms of podcasting and public relations. Her belief in my abilities has been transformative, turning my aspirations into tangible accomplishments. The recent acknowledgments were not only personal milestones but also highlighted the significance of community support and amplifying voices within our community.

As I advance in my career, I’m reminded of the profound impact of a strong support network. Raven’s commitment and dedication to her work has not only helped me succeed but also reminds me to continue to mentor others who, like me, possess talent and drive but may need a push to realize their full potential.

Through this journey, I’ve discovered that success is not solely about personal achievements but also entails uplifting others and creating inclusive spaces where all voices are valued and celebrated. Looking ahead, I am eager to see where this path leads and am profoundly grateful for remarkable individuals like Raven Robinson who have guided me on this remarkable journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thechatroom.tv
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilmisschitchat
• Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/LILMISSCHITCHAT/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LILMISSCHITCHAT

Image Credits

Photos By @KapoMob & @Elliepiqs