Meet Trailblazer Chyna Marie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chyna Marie.

Growing up, her mom would take her to different broadcasts and she became very familiar with different radio personalities and fell in love with music. She knew then, God called her to be in the industry. She attended Albany State University where she became a host for the University’s television and radio Station. With her being versatile, she hosted various events.

She transferred to the University of West GA after a couple of years and she immediately got involved with the school’s WOLF Internet Radio. There she was able to explore the different aspects of radio and got familiar with all parts. She co-hosted an EDM\ House Show on air.

In October 2013, Chyna decided to take a bigger step towards her career while finishing up another semester at UWG. She applied for an internship at CBS Radio (now Entercom Media) Atlanta. With consistent persistence and the help of God, she obtained the internship where she assisted in the News and Programming departments for 1380 WAOK-AM. Shortly after her internship ended, she begged to stay around and offering to volunteer her time in the promotions department and landed a job as a promotions Coordinator/Street Personality for V103 Atlanta, where she is currently working as well as an on-air personality.

In addition to working at the station, Chyna also takes time to mentor rising students in both high school and college, as well as participate in multiple career days and reading programs throughout the metro Atlanta school systems. Chyna is also apart of podcast Unfiltered Radio ATL and is currently working on YouTube projects, while all being active in Church.

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?
HA! The road has DEFINITELY been smooth, yet challenging. I was mentally prepared to be in a competitive industry when I chose it. At times, it can be a tad bit discouraging when you feel and see that you’re giving your all and at times it feels as if you’re being overlooked. Including college time, being ten years in and still haven’t reached where you’d like is VERY tough; However, every meaningful opportunity that’s been placed before me, I have taken full advantage of it. I am truly grateful to have surrounding people, at work and outside of work, who CONSTANTLY pour positivity into me. Without the support system, my faith that God can and will, and my determination, I’m sure I would have probably would have taken a different route by now. Not to mention, the listeners are constant reminder of my “why”, I love speaking life into people and putting smiles on their faces.

Something that I love to share with others is a quote that I created, “Whatever you do, do it with Passion. For your passion is your power.” This basically means, don’t choose a career or even a job based off of money only. You will find yourself to become miserable and doing only enough to get by. Choose what you love, and the money will come, but more importantly, YOU’LL HAVE JOY, and joy is your power.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My main focus is to ensure that I fulfill my purpose and calling by impacting the lives of others. If I can do or say something to uplift the people I come in contact with, I’ve made an accomplishment.

With that, I do so much both inside and outside of work and the descriptions are very similar.

Corporate wise: I am an on-site promotions coordinator and on-air/street personality. My “day-to-day” differs depending on the calendar. On office days, I do things such as coordinate school visits and other community events, I assist with the events calendar, as well as assist with listener needs (contesting, prizing, etc).

Event days are different, IM OUT IN MY ELEMENT!!!! I’m one of the ones that drive the station truck, pull up, pop the tent, set up the table and give away a whole bunch of free stuff, all the way from one of our exclusive t-shirts to pairs of tickets to some of the dopest concerts in the city. Along with that, I meet with clients on-site; to ensure that all of their needs are being met while we’re there and I interact with every listener that stops by and even gain new listeners. Schools and community activations are included in this as well.

When I’m not doing either of those things, I’m in the studio voicing commercials, taking an overnight shift, either producing or actually being on-air.

Freelance: I do a lot of school visits (pep rallies, reading days, career days), I host parties, clubs, mixtapes, events, dance competitions, and artists showcases. I also do voiceover work as well as DJ drops.

And surprisingly, I teach dance classes and skate when I have extra spare time.

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
Absolutely! Though this could be a male-dominated industry, I feel that women can be just as competent and well prepared to execute the same opportunities presented. Ultimately, it’s about networking and learning as much as you can. When you’re out to meet people, engage in conversations with someone new. While maintaining your personal morals, be intentional and genuine with all encounters. You never know who you’re talking to. And then, of course, make sure your work backs up your words.

Pricing:

• DJ DROPS: $15 per Drop
• Mixtape host: Starting at $250
• Competitions, Events, Teen Parties: Starting at $50 per hr
• clubs: Starting at $100 an hour
• Adult Parties: Starting at $75 an Hour

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chynamarie.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechynamarie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChynaMarie/

Image Credit:
Rashaad Williams, Phanny Styles, Jameel Girtman, Hunnus Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.