Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Rae.
Erin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started in my hometown of Kansas City working as an intern for a local radio station Hot 103.3 Jamz and also while in college, I worked for the school station Wildcat 91.9. I was able to gain experience in music programming and production which would play a huge role in gaining employment in Atlanta. After graduating from Kansas State University, I was offered many jobs but chose to follow my dreams and moved to Atlanta with hopes of working in the entertainment field. I began to attend a technical program so that I would qualify for an internship at one of the stations and actually was chosen for two different radio stations. I decided to go with Hot 107.9 and ultimately got hired after my internship was up. I came in ready not having to get ready which truly set me apart. I knew how to do a lot before starting my internship and everything I didn’t know I made sure to learn and master.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been bumpy but worth it. Starting off the entry level, I wasn’t earning a wage that could change my life and doing a lot for free just to build my name. It was hard when you still have bills and life outside of work but work sorta becomes your life because you become a walking brand. So, I picked up a second job to fund my dreams in a sense which I recommend when just starting. The saying “it takes money to make money” well… I found out was very true. As a woman being attractive not to sound conceited, but it can be a challenge when you’re seen as a sexual object rather than a working woman trying to be successful. I would encourage young women coming up to set the tone for how you would like to be perceived. My character never is in question because I let it be known I’m about my business and a hard worker. A few takeaways, I have to be prepared to have to make a sacrifice… mine was sleeping from working a lot paid and unpaid, missing time with family and friends. Second, know yourself and what you are and aren’t willing to do to be successful and stand on that. Last, enjoy the ride… work hard be smart but don’t take everything so serious.
Please tell us about your work.
I work at Hot 107.9 as a media personality. Times have truly changed from just being able to talk on the radio. So, I like to say media personality instead of a radio personality because we do way more. Social media as we know has changed the game. I truly love my job and I’m still growing every day. I work as a personality both on-air and social media. I would say I’m more so known for my segment What’s Hot which is all things trending from food to technology. I got started by asking celebrities what was Hot to them and it took on a life of its own… I also act as a local producer for The Tom Joyner Morning show. I also work as a voice over talent producing a lot of commercials that are aired in several states. I think what sets me apart is I am able to do everything which most people can only do one thing that they specialize in but I learned everything to be more of an asset.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I have always been a big spirit which everyone has told me my whole life so I can’t say anything had an outsized role in my life. But, I did have an encounter when I was younger with a local radio DJ that made me say I wanna do that he just looked so cool and was so good at what he did that I became really interested in the job.
Contact Info:
- Website: iamerinrae.com
- Email: iamerinrae@gmail.com
- Instagram: @iamerinrae
- Facebook: @iamerinrae
- Twitter: @iamerinrae
Image Credit:
Dwayne Boyd
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