We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Valencia Charmaine a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Valencia , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Ever since I was a little girl, people called me “Little Oprah” because of the way I spoke—confident, clear, and full of curiosity. But before I ever picked up a mic or stepped in front of a camera, I was a writer. Storytelling was in my bones. I spent hours listening to my grandmother and her friends share stories about the “good old days,” painting pictures of a world I had never seen but could vividly imagine. That’s where my love for storytelling began.

I knew, even then, that I wanted to tell stories in some capacity—whether through writing, speaking, or bringing untold narratives to life. Years later, at just 16, I found myself at the Omni Hotel in New Haven, Connecticut (my hometown) at an event where Shaka Senghor was speaking. He was a best-selling author and criminal justice reform advocate who had transformed his life after spending 19 years in prison. But more than that, he was someone Oprah herself had recognized as a SuperSoul 100 honoree, a handpicked group of trailblazers using their voices to elevate the world.

That day, I wasn’t just another attendee—I was there as press. It was my first time holding a press pass, and in that moment, I felt a shift. Here I was, a young girl who had been called “Little Oprah” for years, now standing face-to-face with someone who had been acknowledged by Oprah herself.

I remember standing there, nervous but ready, asking him about redemption, purpose, and how young people could take control of their own narratives. It was more than just an interview, it was proof that I was stepping into my purpose. I wasn’t just a child who spoke well; I was someone who could connect, engage, and bring powerful stories to light.

From that moment on, storytelling became the thread connecting every part of my journey. Whether I was reporting live on the radio, writing, or hosting events, the goal remained the same: to amplify voices, to give stories the space they deserve, and to create something meaningful. Looking back, I realize I’ve been preparing for this my whole life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello beautiful souls, my name is Valencia Harris also known as Valencia Charmaine, and I’ve been on a unique journey that blends media, storytelling, and community empowerment. My career began in the world of media, where I developed a deep passion for telling impactful stories. From a young age, I was known for my ability to speak well, earning me the nickname “Little Oprah.” This love for storytelling carried me through various media roles, including working as an On-Air Personality and Producer at WEAA 88.9 Public Radio, where I managed and operated the audio board for nearly 480 live broadcasts and reported on a variety of topics within the Greater Baltimore Area and beyond.

Throughout my media career, I’ve had the privilege of conducting interviews with incredible people, such as CNN Correspondent Victor Blackwell, singer Lalah Hathaway, and Shaka Senghor—one of Oprah’s SuperSoul 100 members. These experiences helped me build a strong connection with my community and further cemented my love for storytelling and delivering authentic, engaging content.

Beyond my work in radio and journalism, I am also passionate about community engagement and event coordination. I host workshops and events that encourage personal and spiritual growth, helping people explore ways to connect with themselves and their purpose. At Nourish and Flourish, a lifestyle boutique in Baltimore, I organize and lead gatherings that foster meaningful conversations, self-discovery, and personal transformation. Additionally, as an event coordinator at Flourish Baltimore, I help create and host initiatives that bring people together to share resources, build connections, and support one another.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend media, storytelling, and community building into a unique approach that empowers people. My background in journalism has given me a keen eye for narratives that matter, and my event coordination experience allows me to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and uplifted. Whether I’m hosting a conversation about healing within the Black community, organizing a panel discussion, or leading a workshop, my goal is always to inspire and equip people with the tools they need to move forward in life with confidence and clarity.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to adapt and evolve, continuously finding ways to uplift and inspire others through different platforms. Whether through my media work, events, or storytelling, my mission is to create authentic, meaningful connections that help people feel empowered in their journey.

For those looking to connect with someone who is passionate about storytelling, community, and personal empowerment, I am always excited to collaborate and create spaces that encourage growth, healing, and transformation.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is deeply driven by my spiritual connection to the divine and my mission to raise human consciousness. From the time I was a little girl, I felt a knowing—a certainty that I was meant to use my voice, my gifts, and my presence to uplift, inspire, and awaken others. I have always been drawn to storytelling, connection, and empowerment, and I believe that each of these elements plays a role in my greater purpose.

I was always enamored by storytelling, and much of that comes from my grandmother. She had this incredible ability to transport me to another time, sharing vivid stories about being born and raised in Kimball, West Virginia. I could see the rolling hills, hear the laughter of her childhood friends, and feel the warmth of those long-ago moments as if I were there myself. Whether she was reminiscing about her upbringing or bantering back and forth with friends about the “good old days,” she always had a way with words that captivated me—and still does. The way she told stories made me realize the power of words to preserve history, evoke emotion, and bridge generations.

For me, this journey is not just about career success or recognition. It is about impact. It is about helping people see themselves more clearly, embrace their truth, and step into their power. Whether through my work in media, community engagement, or the events I host, my ultimate goal is to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. Where they can reconnect with the deeper parts of themselves and find clarity, purpose, and transformation.

I believe that consciousness is the key to change, both personally and collectively. When we become aware of who we are, where we come from, and what we are capable of—we shift. We grow. We rise. And as we do, we create ripples that inspire others to do the same. My mission is to be a catalyst for that awakening—to use my platform, my experiences, and my spiritual connection to illuminate paths, amplify voices, and encourage others to live more aligned, authentic lives.

This has never been something I had to “figure out”—it has always been within me. Since childhood, I have understood that my purpose is bigger than me. It is about serving others, guiding them to their own inner wisdom, and helping them recognize the power they hold within. Every step I take, every story I tell, and every space I create is rooted in this mission.

At the core of everything I do is love, truth, and transformation. I want my work to be a beacon of light—one that encourages people to rise above limitations, embrace their highest selves, and walk confidently in the direction of their purpose.

This is my mission. This is my calling. And I am honored to walk this path.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to inspire, connect, and transform. Creativity is more than just expression—it’s a bridge that brings people together, sparks conversations, and awakens something deeper within.

One of the greatest honors in my work is encapsulating someone’s story through my lens and voice. That is not something I take lightly. Every story holds weight, depth, and meaning, and I see it as my responsibility to honor and preserve the essence of those narratives in a way that does them justice. Whether through journalism, media, or the events I curate, I strive to be a vessel for truth, understanding, and empowerment.

There’s something incredibly powerful about knowing that my words, my voice, or the spaces I create can make someone feel seen, understood, or empowered. Whether it’s sharing a story that brings comfort, hosting a gathering that fosters healing, or sparking a shift in perspective, every moment of connection reminds me why I do this work.

Creativity, for me, is about legacy and impact—it’s about leaving something behind that uplifts, enlightens, and inspires long after I’m gone. That is what keeps me going, and that is what makes this journey so deeply rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @officialvalenciacharmaine

Image Credits

I own the rights to the photos submitted