Today we’d like to introduce you to Kassy Lately.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always known that I wanted to have a career in TV, Film, and Radio. I grew up watching Free & A.J. (106 &Park) and Carson Daly (TRL) interview my favorite celebrities and discuss pop culture but being from a small town of Shaw, Mississippi, I wasn’t sure if my dream would ever become a reality.
God works in mysterious ways and at age 13 my family and I moved to Atlanta.
I’ve always had a plan. A formula.
College.Internship.Graduate College. TV Career.
Soon, as I enrolled in college, I got pregnant but I didn’t let that deter me. After having my daughter, I landed a dream internship at Streetz 94.5 radio station, which was piping hot at the time. While there, I mastered running the boards, scriptwriting, audio production, video production, interviews, promotions and more.
After three years at Streetz 94.5 radio station, I decided to take a leap of faith to leave my internship & fully invest myself into my own Entertainment Website, Lately Entertainment TV.
My 1st episode of Lately Entertainment TV was shot at 2 Chainz ‘ PINK TRAPHOUSE’. I went out there with a dream and a microphone. I interviewed locals and out of towners who came from across the world to witness the popular landmark. I didn’t have a script or anything. I felt totally in my element and that’s when I knew this is what I’m destined for.
In the midst of building Lately Entertainment TV, through event coverage & scoring interviews with local celebrities & socialites, a solicitation for the Media Team caught my eye at work. Me being passionate about my career, I applied within minutes of seeing the email. I was selected to be a Media Team Correspondent for TSA NEWS-ATL and every week, my team and I work hard to deliver news segments and updates that goes on internally in the operation. It feels good walking into multiple TSA break rooms and seeing my face on the monitors. It’s very reminiscent of when I use to catch my commercial spots playing on the radio. It’s truly a blessing.
So, now a year and a half later after taking that leap of faith, I have covered events as a Media Correspondent and as a Videographer. I have mastered my craft to where I can cover an event, go to a local Starbucks, edit the footage, and post it on my website within an hour. I cover the red carpet, listening parties, book signings and more. I’m also blessed to be a Media Correspondent at TSA which gives me a real dose of how life will be as a new anchor in the future.
In the future, I plan to expand my team, continue reading to the youth & inspire my community by showing young girls that no place, pregnancy, 9 to 5 or detour can stop what GOD has destined for you. I want to continue to travel the world with my daughter and to chase my dreams by covering one event at a time.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road. At one point, I was a mom, attending college, holding down an internship and working a federal government job at the same time. I never lost faith.
Quitting college wasn’t an option- My mom quit college when she became pregnant with me years ago so I didn’t want to follow that same cycle once I had my daughter.
I knew I needed my radio station internship to gain as much experience I could If I wanted to take my journalism career seriously one day.
With support and motivation, I stuck to the game plan.
Even now, I have days that I work my job and I may have an event to cover right after work. If the event is kid-friendly, sometimes I’ll take my daughter with me.
Balance.
Advice for young women – you definitely need a strong support team of individuals who understand what you’re trying to do. If you score an internship, LEARN EVERYTHING about EVERY DEPARTMENT. You’ll be surprised what you go in the door wanting to do vs. the skills you come out with.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am the founder and CEO of Lately Entertainment TV.
I cover events such as red carpet movie screenings, award shows, and exclusive listening parties.
Lately, Entertainment TV is just 1 element of my brand. I also do social media promotions, hosting and exclusive interviews to help new artists gain more exposure.
What sets me apart from others is that I can also work behind the camera. Some events may be short notice and if I don’t have a camera guy, I can cover the event as a videographer. I love being behind the camera because when I shoot I know exactly how I want to edit, I know what B-Roll to capture, I’m already imagining the music beds and I love being creative during the video production process.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I’m a podcast girl. If I’m not dying laughing at The Joe Budden Podcast, I’m tuned into Whorible Decisions and OD Podcast! DONT JUDGE ME. Lol!
Favorite Book- Who Moved My Cheese! I highly recommend it for everyone who is afraid of getting out of their comfort zone and needs help adapting to change.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.latelyentertainment.com
- Email: latelyentertainment@gmail.com
- Instagram: @kassylately
- Facebook: @latelyentertainmenttv
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6AtEGNm-F1P0id8QK7qnRA?view_as=subscriber
Image Credit:
@usfjrain, @parvenupinch
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.
