Today we’d like to introduce you to Maranda Morgan.
Hi Maranda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I pretty much started this journey since day one. My mom always reminds me of the time when I was in elementary school and we had an art project creating our vission boards. On my board, I stated that I wanted to own my own magazine. After that, my mom made sure I had all the magazine subscriptions. Along with that, I was always an artsy/creative person. I took photography and art courses in middle school all the way up to college. Photography has always been a passion of mine. With that being said I ended up graduating with a degree in Graphic Communications concentrating in Printing and Publishing from NCA&TSU. So creating my own platform and magazine was a must for me. Through my journey, I lived in Charlotte, New York and Atlanta. I started my brand PINK GANG in Charlotte and took it to Atlanta and this is where PINK GANG Magazine was founded. (Fashion, Photography and Entertainment)
Alright, 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?
I wouldn’t say it hasn’t been a rocky journey, but I definitely went through my trial and tribulations. I created a platform that put me in place to work with a lot of different types of people, so it can be interesting dealing with so many personalities. But I’m that girl that just keeps going and never gives up!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a fashion/portrait photographer, magazine owner and casting director.
As a photographer that goes hand in hand with my magazine business. A lot of my magazine issues I was the main photographer. I then began to recruit other high-end photographers to my brand too produce a variety of images and content for my readers.
As a magazine owner, I am the Editor in Chief and all of the above lol. I do have journalists and writers to contribute as well, but for the most part, I create all the articles and interviews. In which I would say is pretty dope. One thing about having your own business you have to be able to wear all the hats!
Being a photographer also led me to be a casting director. I always had models and talents for photoshoots and interviews so why not create a casting roaster! With that, I created an online/IG casting page where I promote models/talents as well as booked/cast them for gigs. (@pinkgang.models)
I would say I am most proud of my accomplishments with my magazine. Just the fact that it was something that I always wanted and I made it happen. And not only that I’ve been able to interview some big names in the industry as well as local celebrities.
I would say what sets me apart from others in this industry is my compassion and loyalty. I stay true to what I say I’m going to do. I don’t try to take advantage of people.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Starting your own business is a risk in itself. In reasoning, you never know how things will turn out. Even with reaching out to A-list talent sometimes, you get a response sometimes you don’t. It’s the business though. I just kept going and eventually, some of those Alist PR teams were contacting me first. Life is a big risk. Just jump over the hurdles and just keep swimming.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pinkgang.net
- Instagram: pinkgangpinkgang
Image Credits
Derrick Jason Henry Myself Manoj Mannava
