COMMS
PROFESSIONAL
As a communications professional, I’ve spent nearly a decade mastering skills across various disciplines with a desire to further brands, authentically capture stories, increase revenue potential, empower new professionals and more.
THE TOP TEA
The Top Tea is a Black pop culture blog I launched in July 2014 (rebranded to The Top Tea in January 2015). By the end of my first run, I’d strategically amassed 350K+ followers (across socials) and hit 7M+ weekly impressions.
I meticulously curated informative and entertaining content that leaned towards creating a positive digital ecosystem. Our coverage made it across several online publications from Harper’s Bazaar to Hello Beautiful.
To further the brand’s identity, I fostered relationships with publicists, managers and celebrity followers (e.g. Ellen Pompeo). I also produced and hosted an Instagram live series (avg. 1k+ live viewers) with celebrities like singer/actress Coco Jones and actors Da’Vinchi and Jonathan Daviss.
ENGAGEMENT FROM THE TOP TEA
In addition to developing and managing my own brand, I’ve developed and executed consumer-increasing campaigns for tech, entertainers and more.
I’ve managed various social accounts increasing engagement (35%+) and following (10%-15%) while elevating clients’ voices (e.g. Attorney, Author and Exonoree Jarrett Adams and non-profit Life After Justice).
I’ve also written/designed numerous deliverables (decks, press releases, media alerts, etc.), secured press (digital, radio, TV) negotiated brand deals and more.
Attorney Jarrett Adams
client March 21 - June 22
I’ve worked freelance with NY-based PR firm Strategic Heights Media on several high-scale events for BET, Essence, EBONY, ASCAP and more managing red carpets and interfacing with talent, management, publicists and press during events.
Pictured: ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards, EBONY Power 100 Gala, BET Soul Train Awards, Essence Black Women in Hollywood
Teaching is a family gift.
I’m currently an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Southern California (USC). I also previously instructed a course in the LAUSD through USC’s Critical Media Project.
RECENT TALKS and PRESENTATIONS
speaker at Rain the Growth Agency
“An informative [presentation] about the origins of #WomensHistoryMonth, how Black women are portrayed in the media, and how marketers can recognize the intercultural influence of Black women.” - Rain the Growth Agency
Presented by Bryant Lydell (myself) and Kyndall Echols
guest lecture in USC Sol Price School of Public Policy
A guest lecture in LaVonna B. Lewis, PhD, MPH course on the intersection of classism and television and how policymakers can utilize and influence media to ideate and create equitable changes.
Presented by Bryant Lydell (myself)