Today we’d like to introduce you to Gené Hunter.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gené. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Of course! I like to say I got my start in entertainment journalism when I landed my first internship with Rolling Out Magazine in 2015. I was in my junior year of college and interning for a prominent publication in Atlanta really helped me see what it is what I wanted to do with my career as far as journalism goes. I was at every red carpet event, premiere, interviewing celebrities and socialites, and writing articles on the tightest deadlines. It was a lot to juggle at times, but I loved it. I was also published for the first time while interning with Rolling Out Mag and I think from there, I just took off.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all. I’ve definitely experienced a lot of ups and downs while pursuing my career and I’ve even had to make changes to what it is I want to do and the type of content I want to create along the way. Some of the struggles I feel like I faced were falling into comparing myself to others that seemed to be further along than me, not really feeling like I was getting ahead and getting to where I wanted to be as far as being on camera. Oh my goodness, even just being a broke college student trying to navigate chasing my dreams and getting opportunities, putting my last $10 in my tank to make it to an event, so I could write a story and have it published.
My advice to any young woman that’s starting out on their journey, it’s so much I could tell them, but one major thing, I’m big on always shoots your shot. ALWAYS. Until you hear the word “No”, that means the opportunities are still there. Never be afraid to go after what you want and what you feel is yours, honestly. There are so many times, I’ve seen people I’ve wanted to work with and opportunities that I felt were great for me and had I not sent an email or slid in the DMs for more information, I would not have gotten it. When they say “closed mouths don’t get fed”, they mean that literally. Most people won’t blatantly post what it is they want or need when it comes to a project, but if there is something that you see and feel that you can contribute to it, please go for it.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Currently, I’m a journalist and a freelance writer. I think I’m most known for being on camera and conducting amazing interviews with prominent figures in the Atlanta area. Honestly, I’m most proud of writing four cover stories for The Atlanta Voice, a newspaper that I worked as a reporter for over the span of about ten months. I came in as a rookie, unpaid intern for three months, and after that time period, I was a lead reporter and correspondent on camera. Personally, I love all things girl talk and lifestyle as far as content and I feel that I’m able to provide relatable conversations for women 18-27. I think what sets me apart from others is that I’m very unfiltered, I don’t care to be censored and I like to talk about what everyone is thinking about. I think not being a part of a major network allows me to be as free as I want to be and I’m definitely taking advantage of that right now.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
Oh my goodness, so many women. First and foremost, Beyoncé, let’s get into it. I grew up with her through every era and her work ethic is just, amazing. I watch her documentaries on YouTube and get my life together. I love how she competes with no one and really sets the bar higher for herself every time, whether it’s a performance, video, song, she doesn’t settle at all. I also love Rashan Ali, I think she’s the first woman I saw on television and really felt represented. She’s so poised but also so down to earth, I love when she would post videos on Instagram rapping to old school songs because that’s some. She’s had a crazy journey in media and entertainment and has managed to get up and prosper no many how many times she’s been knocked down and I love her authenticity. Necole Kane is also someone I really admire because she really built an empire for herself, she’s very transparent about her battles with mental health as well as her struggles professionally and I love that. So many times, we like to pretend we have it all together and I love how she stepped out and let everyone know that she’s human and showed the things she was going through.
As far as my personal life, my mother, of course. She’s such a hustler and selfless person, two qualities I really aspire to have within myself. Also, my previous editor, Dawn Montgomery. She was tough on me while I was at The Atlanta Voice but she fought for me every time and pushed me toward every opportunity. I watched her work as well as build up her own media platforms, be a mother, and look out for everyone around her. I could go on and on but I don’t want to leave too many people out.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genebhunter/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/genebhunter
Image Credit:
Datrick Davis, Itoro Umontuen
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