Today we’d like to introduce you to Semira Sawyer.
Semira, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am originally from the East Side of Atlanta. Decatur, Georgia to be more specific. I was raised by a single mother who gave me her all to get where I am today. I originally started Journalism at the age of 7 years old. My mom created a website for me where I created weekly blog posts. Being an only child I found this to be very entertaining. Being able to tell the world the world my story is something I enjoyed doing. Then one day I wondered how it would feel to tell someone else’s story. I would interview everybody from our neighbors to my mother’s friends, the mailman and members of the church, At the end of the week I would then chose one story to talk about on my blog including the activities I did that week as well. At the age of 7 I wasn’t aware that this was journalism, but that was in fact what I was doing. Taking this same passion with me through ,y collegiate career has helped me excel in the field of journalism.
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?
As most great things it has not always been a smooth road. Most of the times I am the only woman at events where there are media outlets. Not only am I the only woman but also the only woman of color. I have been told no many times, I have had doors shut in my face. I have even been told that a career in journalism won’t make me a lot of money. I never let any of that discourage me because when your passionate about something you keep going despite any obstacles you may encounter. For young women beginning this journey, my advice to them is to always go over and beyond what is required. Always go the extra mile. This way others will see how serious you are about your craft and admire your drive. That’s not just for journalism and multimedia that’s for anything. Also don’t let the “no’s” discourage you. They are just apart of what makes you stronger.
What should we know about your business? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I like to categorize myself as a multi-media journalist. Meaning that I not only write blog posts and do entertainment reporting but I handle all aspects of media. I am currently the Co-Host of The GB333 snow on IHeart Radio which airs every Saturday from 10am-12pm. I also currently work closely with Rolling Out Magazine where I am the executive producer of their new show, The Hair Society Show. I also write articles for the entertainment section of their magazine. I have worked a long side two of the best PR firms in the city of Atlanta ( Jay Production Agency) & ( PMC Marketing) where I was able to be the production assistant for The Real Housewives of Atlanta as well as Growing Up Hip-Hop Atlanta. I also specialize in event planning and social media marketing. I currently serve as the Director of Digital for the National Association of Black Journalists at Georgia State University (NABJ-GSU) where I handle all of our press releases and social media campaigns. What I am most proud of is being apart of the fifth democratic national convention hosted by NBC at Tyler Perry Studios as a production assistant on November 20,2019. What sets me apart from other brands is that I don’t have a large team of people behind me, often times it’s only myself.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
I have three women that have inspired me in my life. The first woman is my mother because without her, I wouldn’t have been given the resources to put me where I am today. Also because she has taught me to be very independent and to wait on nobody. If you want things done, you do them yourself. The second woman who has inspired me is Francesca Amiker of the A-Scene on 11Alive. The reason why is because she is doing exactly what I want to do in a couple years which is to have my own show to cover new news in the entertainment industry. I was able to be graced by her spirit twice and both times they were nothing but good and positive vibes. She told me to keep going and that I will soon have my own show just like her. The third woman who has inspired me is Ava Duvernay. She is a black woman filmmaker who writes and produces extraordinary films. In 2012 she became the first black woman to win the best director prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Oftentimes being the only black woman in my field , I find her to be extremely inspirational.
Contact Info:
- Email: semirakai99@gmail.com
- Instagram: @lookinatmira_
- Twitter: @lookinatmira_
- Other: https://m.youtube.com/user/SnookiSawyer
Image Credit:
Image Credits: The Rap Plug Media Department. (Rap Plug Picture with special guest ONLY)
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