Today we’d like to introduce you to Iyani Lenice.
Hi Iyani, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I can! My name is Iyani Hughes, but for years I have been more recognized by my middle name, Lenice. So Iyani Lenice! I am a 31-year-old Chelsea, Alabama native who currently resides in Mableton, Georgia. My journey to journalism started at Kennesaw State University, where I was a Student-Athlete honors graduate and member of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc.
After graduating form KSU, I had a challenging time starting my career and landing my first “big girl” job. I lost my dad the summer before my last semester and my spirits had to be relifted so to speak. For about two years post-grad, I worked in retail, on the Tomahawk Team for the Atlanta Braves, and took various free internship opportunities in the media industry.. which led me to the one that launched my career! In 2017, I started a Trainee position with CBS46 News as a Digital Content Producer. While that wasn’t my “dream job” as an on-air journalist, it was one BIG step closer and the perfect segue to get there.
From 2017 to 2022, I was a full-time Reporter, Anchor and Host for CBS affiliate stations in Dothan, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia. Within that time, I gained incredible field and in-house experience covering groundbreaking stories in Alabama, Georgia and Florida Panhandle. While I was extremely passionate about the power of storytelling and using my voice to help the voiceless, during my time at CBS in Atlanta, I was abducted while on the job and of course it happened at the wildest point of the global pandemic. Crazy, I know.
Healing from that and becoming a mommy to my son, eventually led to me taking somewhat of a hiatus from the News Industry altogether.
Today, by the grace of God, I am a thriving. Not only am I a mother and Fiancee. Professionally, I am a full-time entrepreneur and a freelance Journalist. My latest roles include anchoring and hosting for a startup beauty news company, MCBI-TV, The Multicultural Beauty Insider.
I am also the owner of iLeniceDesigns, a luxury home-salon that services protective styles to the metro-Atlanta area. In addition, I created Curly Girls ON-AIR, an advocate platform celebrating women wearing their natural hair in the media industry.
My latest and most proud accomplishment to date is the launch of my very own TV Show, Tress Therapy, which is now streaming on Brushed TV on Roku devices!
Day to day, I am a mommy, fiancee, gym girly, concert goer and lover of all things fun!
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?
Far from smooth. I’d say my toughest hurdle to date came during my last semester at KSU. I was accepted to the Broadcast Journalism study abroad program in Hastings, United Kingdom. At the same time, unfortunately, my dad was fighting his battle with a terminal lung disease. Of course, my first thought was “I can’t possibly go! He needs me here.” But the second I told him I was accepted, but planned to turn down the opportunity, he selflessly insisted I chase my dream and finish my last year of college on the best note.. So, I went. 4.5 months later, right before I could finish the semester, I got a call saying there was nothing else the doctors could do. Of course, I caught a flight home in a hurry. A month after that, he passed away.
We go through life prepared for a struggle or two here and there right? That’s life. But I was a Daddy’s girl. He was my #1 fan. So learning the grieving process while still trying to navigate life as a young-adult was one for the books. Through my experience with his death though, I channelled my inner warrior. With a lot of prayer and a through a bucket full of tears.. I somehow found a way to persevere and use the lessons he and my mom instilled in me to triumph my way through.
I found my purpose. I worked harder. I started earlier. I stayed late. I struggled a lot. But I smiled that much more.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Let’s get into it! So like I mentioned before, my degree is in broadcast journalism and with that, I have 5.5 years of full-time experience as a News Reporter, Anchor and Host and 2 yers a freelance journalist. Within my 2 freelance years, I have transitioned into another passion of mine.. protective styling.
I own a modern home-based salon called iLenice Designs, where I install protective styles and offer natural hair tips to clients across the metro-Atlanta area and beyond. I started this part-time during the global pandemic, while I was working for CBS Atlanta and fell more into styling and entrepreneurship as a whole as time went on. I started with a limited clientele initially, but I am proud to say I have built a loyal clientele base of about 150 women, men and children. I pride my business on not only providing beautiful, quality work, but also on having top tier customer service, hospitality and vibes. I want every client to feel welcome, safe and like family. If you are ever looking to book, I specialize in Knotless Braids, Stitch Braids, Passion Twists and Kinky Twists, Faux Locs and Natural styles. While I value a great experience consistently, I believe what sets me apart is my ability to be a gentle braider, meaning I don’t tug roughly at your head leaving your scalp sore and tender.
I put my 100% effort, passion and creativity into everything that I do. I hope every client feels that when they choose to sit in my chair.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Hm. I really had to tap in for this one! I had a great childhood honestly filled with some vibrant memories. I have to say though, one that sticks out the most is my annual family beach trips! My parents divorced when my sister and I were younger, but prior to that chapter, we frequented this beach-house in the Florida panhandle. Obviously, every kid loves some part of the beach. My sister and I loved the rush of the water and playing with my Dad in the sand. Every time I go home to my mom’s house, a sweet nostalgia creeps in because she has this picture of the two of us as kids in these adorable watermelon bathing suits — living our best lives on the beach. Even today, there’s just something about the beach, specifically in the panhandle, that puts me at ease. It reminds me of my family — my happy place.
Pricing:
- Protective styles offered range from $60-300
- There is NO FEE to tune in to Tress Therapy! You can either download the app on your Roku Player OR visit www.brushedstudios.com to watch Season 1.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/iyanilenice.tv
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iyani-hughes-2217a385/
Image Credits
Family: Raven White
