Meet Alexis Ryan of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Ryan.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always dreamed of being the next Oprah Winfrey or Wendy Williams. As a kid, I loved singing, dancing, acting, and storytelling, but what fascinated me most was how Oprah built an empire across television, magazines, film, and business. From a young age, I knew I wanted to create something similar, a multimedia platform that could tell stories and amplify voices.

In 2018, I started a blog called *Blinded by Melanin*, where I wrote stories centered on Black women and culture. During the George Floyd protests in 2020, I was reporting, writing, editing, and publishing everything on my own. It was a lot of work, but it taught me how powerful storytelling can be and helped me build an audience from the ground up.

My first big break came when I joined B. Simone Beauty as an Operations and Logistics Coordinator. That opportunity opened the door to the entertainment and media industry. From there, I worked on events like ESSENCE Festival, concerts, and live productions while continuing to grow my skills in social media and digital storytelling.

After graduating from Georgia State University with a B.A. in Journalism in 2024, I found myself at a crossroads. I had spent years helping other people tell their stories and realized it was time to invest in my own. Around the same time, I went through a major weight loss transformation that boosted my confidence and pushed me to take content creation seriously.

In 2025, I landed my first UGC partnership with a haircare brand and have been working with brands ever since. Today, my work spans content creation, social media, influencer marketing, and storytelling. Looking back, every experience has brought me closer to the vision I had as a little girl who dreamed of building her own media company.

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?
Absolutely not. Working in media today comes with its own set of challenges. I remember having conversations with my news writing professor about how difficult journalism has become. We live in a time when people often choose the most entertaining story over the most accurate one, which can be frustrating for anyone who values truth and storytelling.

The entertainment industry has its own challenges as well. It can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be unprofessional at times. I’ve learned that not everyone values creative work the way they should, and I’ve had to fight to be fairly compensated for my skills and expertise. Unlike traditional corporate environments, many of the people I’ve worked with are entrepreneurs running their own agencies and businesses, so there often isn’t an HR department or formal process when issues arise.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to advocate for myself. Earlier in my career, I struggled to ask for what I wanted. Working in media taught me the importance of negotiation, knowing your worth, and being willing to walk away from opportunities that don’t align with your value. Those lessons have been just as important as any professional skill I’ve gained along the way.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve worked in social media for over eight years and have spent the last four years producing events within the entertainment industry. My background includes social media management, influencer marketing, content creation, event production, and brand partnerships. Whether I’m managing campaigns, creating content, booking talent, or negotiating partnerships, I enjoy bringing ideas to life and helping brands connect with their audiences.

Many people know me online through my food and lifestyle content on TikTok and Instagram, where I share recipes, restaurant finds, and my journey as a creator. Content creation has given me a space to combine storytelling, creativity, and community in a way that feels authentic to me.

What I’m most proud of is taking a chance on myself. For years, I helped brands and creators grow their platforms behind the scenes. Eventually, I decided to invest that same energy into building my own. Learning video editing, showing up consistently, and putting my work out there wasn’t always easy, but it led to opportunities I once only dreamed about.

What sets me apart is that I’ve experienced both sides of the industry. I’ve worked on the brand side managing social media and marketing campaigns, and now I work with brands as a creator. I’ve partnered with brands like Neutrogena, COVERGIRL, and African Pride, so I understand what both brands and creators need for a successful partnership. That perspective helps me create content that feels genuine while still delivering results.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I met my mentor, Keeyah Johnson, while packaging orders for B. Simone Beauty. At the time, I had no idea that opportunity would introduce me to the world of PR and events. I’m forever grateful for her guidance and for taking a chance on me when I was just getting started.

My biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of every opportunity, especially if you’re still in school. This is the time to gain experience, learn from industry professionals, and build relationships. Sometimes the most valuable opportunities aren’t the ones that pay the most, they’re the ones that teach you the most.

When it comes to networking, don’t just follow the big company or celebrity. Follow the people who work there and have the job title you want. This applies to both LinkedIn and social media. If you’re interested in entertainment, pay attention to the managers, agents, publicists, producers, and even makeup artists. These are often the people sharing opportunities and connecting others to work behind the scenes.

I also recommend attending as many events as possible, whether that’s screenings, festivals, conferences, creator events, or networking mixers. The more rooms you’re in, the more people you’ll meet. Some of my biggest opportunities came from saying yes to small jobs that put me in the right place at the right time.

Most importantly, be someone people enjoy working with. Skills can be taught, but professionalism, reliability, and a positive attitude go a long way. If people trust your work, they’ll continue bringing you along for future opportunities, just like my mentor has done for me throughout my career.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealexisryan/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-ryan-91910615b/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAlexisRyan
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanjcreations