Meet Trailblazer Bianca Haly-Wilkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Haly-Wilkins.

Bianca, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Since in middle school, I’ve always wanted to be in the entertainment industry. I remember listening to V103, Frank, and Wanda in the morning when I was only 11 saying, “I want to be in radio.” I was so fascinated with creating an illusion for listeners. I was also really into makeup at a really early age. I used to sneak lipstick, eyeliner, and foundation in my purse and put it on on the bus so my parents didn’t see me. I was probably the only one with an almost full face of makeup on in middle school. As I got into high school, my love for makeup grew. I decided to create my own lipsticks after spending almost $300 at MAC for lipsticks and lipgloss. That was probably the last time I spent money on another product that wasn’t mine. I started Spoiled by B cosmetics as a senior in high school. I used to make lipsticks in my kitchen, then moved on to a lab. My itch for the entertainment industry never went away though. After high school, I attended CSB, Connecticut School of Broadcasting, then took on an internship at BET’s 106th & Park in New York. I moved back home to New York for a year. I built connections and got a chance to experience what I thought I wanted to do in the entertainment industry, host. After working in a production office I was opened up to everything that goes into full production. I quickly fell in love with the behind the scenes of a production. I came back to Atlanta and took on an internship at V103 and got to work with some great people and lived out my childhood dream.

For the past 11 years, I have been blessed to work in the film and TV industry. This has pushed me to start my own production company, Planet Bianca Productions and to create my own content. I am currently a producer for Dish Nation on Fox and working on a series, The Gift of Zara, with my EP comedian Lil Rel for my production company. I recently launched my bridal company One of a Kind Bridal, and still have Spoiled by B going. I considered myself an entrepreneur at first, but I would now call myself a serial entrepreneur, due to my multiple businesses. I recently got married and noticed the lack of unique wedding dresses, while visiting bridal boutiques. I had to travel across the world to create the perfect wedding dress, and fell in love with the process and product. I decided to create One of a Kind bridal, which is only for now as I hunt for the best location to open a storefront. At OAK Bridal, we offer custom invitations and unique wedding dresses. We specialize in long trains.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road working in the entertainment industry. As a young female, you have to know how to carry yourself and know your worth, because it’s a male-dominated business. So, unfortunately, I had and still have to work harder than others. Thankfully, we are at a time where females can create our own content and be the boss. For women who want to be in this industry, know that everyone isn’t against you and for the ones in it, it’s ok to help or mentor the young person who wants to be like you. There’s enough room for everyone to be successful, but I think the females especially, feel they have to compete and knock others down to keep their jobs. It can get very messy and shady at times, but just continue to do your job and work on your craft, because being a producer or creating content is something that takes time and you get better with practice. Not everything will work when you want it to and even when you feel like wanting to give up, keep going. I created The Gift of Zara three years ago, it took three years to write and to get it to the right people. Thankfully, I had an opportunity to work on a film with Lil Rel and when the time was right, I told him about what I’ve been working on. That moment was three years in the making. We shot the first episode, and I’m still working to make it better. I said all that to say somethings can take years of dedication to prepare you for your opportunity. Don’t give up on your dream and practice, practice, practice on your craft. You can only get better!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am currently a producer for Dish Nation, I am the creator for the Gift of Zara and the owner of Spoiled by B and One of a Kind bridal. I am most proud of sticking to my dream of working in the entertainment industry. I am proud of turning an idea for a show into a production that I can watch. That was really cool, seeing all my long nights staying up with my writers getting the script right to moving on to production. I was like wow is this all for my idea! I’m usually the one getting call sheets from other productions and showing up to work, then I was the one creating and sending out my own call sheets for my own production. That was a good feeling. Also, to be one of the producers on a syndicated show and able to help create a daily show that millions will watch every day for entertainment. I was pretty hype the first day when I saw my name on my TV in the credits.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
My husband is a successful entrepreneur and he’s a very positive and smart person. I actually learn a lot from watching him. He posts a lot of business and motivational info on his social media and at home, he’s always reading and watching educational and business videos. I like Gary Vee on Instagram. He gives it to you raw and right to the point. One book I suggest everyone read is The Alchemist, it’ll change your life.

Contact Info:

• Website: Spoiledbyb.com and Oneofakindbridal.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Biancahaly

Image Credit:
Donna Permell @ Primephocus

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