Today we’d like to introduce you to Breona Winn.
Hi Breona, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I attended The University of Alabama (Roll Tide baby!), where I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations and Communication studies. In school, I always thought I’d end up working at a PR agency representing celebrities in Hollywood. It wasn’t until I took a trip to Los Angeles with my classmates at UA my senior year that I realized I would love to work in TV/Film! I Got back to Alabama and applied for a position at a local news station for their lifestyle show as a Booking Producer/ Digital Content Manager. It was a shot in the dark honestly! Here I was, a public relations major applying for a job as a producer for a lifestyle show. I had ZERO experience, but I figured the worst they could say was no. After rounds of interviews, the general manager called me to let me know that she had went in another direction with the role I applied for….BUT she was willing to take a shot on me anyway. She created an entire position just for me where I worked in the sales department AND still got to work on the lifestyle show, Tennessee Valley Living!! So many cool opportunities came with that: I hosted our preshow every morning on YouTube and Facebook, I had a segment called “Buzz With Bree” where I got to talk pop culture/ things going on around North Alabama. I also had a segment called Travel TVL where I was able to travel to different cities like Blue Ridge, GA, Fairhope, AL and Franklin TN to highlight the cities and tell our viewers where to eat at, sleep at, and activities to do in each space. The last 3 years have been a rollercoaster full of fun and literally just getting to learn new skills!!
And as far as my own personal content outside my career, I am a content creator! My main platform is TikTok. Creating content has been something I’ve been doing since 2019 and man has it been a blast!!! I find that it’s literally the perfect chance to show the world who I am. As far as a niche, I dip into a little bit of everything. Whatever I want to post is what I post really, whether it’s an outfit video or a fun hot take video sitting in my car. I tried to have a niche when I started back in 2019 of doing hair videos, but I found that I didn’t want to limit myself. So many cool opportunities have come my way from this journey!! I had a viral video on Instagram about using certain brand’s sunscreen and it gave me a white cast on my face (I laugh to this day haha). But from that one video, I now have a good relationship with Black Girl Sunscreen and they love to send me fun gifts every now and then!!
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?
The road has not been smooth by any means. More often than not, I’m constantly getting told “wow your job sounds so cool” or “omg look youre gonna be famous one day I love your videos”, and the job is cool and I loveee making TikTok videos…..but with great opportunities come great responsibilities! Having to balance working in two different departments every single day, showing up on camera even on days where I’m not feeling confident at all, not so nice comments from the community who watch the show every day, it’s a lot!!
I’d definitely say my biggest struggle had nothing to do with other people, and everything to do with my own inner thoughts. Imposter syndrome, body dysmorphia, and depression? A recipe for disaster LOL!! I’m here today by the grace of God and I mean that whole heartedly!!! And a special shout out to my family who kept me afloat during those trying times haha.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I was a producer and tv personality on a lifestyle show called Tennessee Valley Living. I host our preshow every morning on YouTube and Facebook. I am most proud of the fact that I got this job by being myself! I didn’t go to school for tv/journalism, but my personality allowed me to obtain and hold this position and I’ve learned so much!
As of very recently, I have accepted a new role as GM for a local custard shop. It’s such a random switch to be honest. And I haven’t started just yet, but by the time this article is out I will have started. This is an opportunity to learn new skills, how to manage a team and continue sharpening my customer service skills. And how cool to be able to have this title at the age of 25!!! Crazyyy haha
My dream and passion will always be to work in the entertainment industry. But this next pitstop is an opportunity to learn new skills that I’m sure I’ll be able to apply when I have my own tv network one day (speaking it into existence haha). I’d love to work on tv/movie sets but until then, this is where I’m at and I’m super happy about it!!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Apps: I hate to sound cliche or like the typical Gen Z’er BUT TikTok has been one of my favorite apps for years now. Is it addicting? Yes. Do I stay up late watching funny videos? 1000%. AND there are millions of creators on there with great gems to share! From tips on how to bring myself down from a panic attack to discovery my favorite dinner recipe, this app is truly awesome when used correctly! And of course it’s helped motivate me to create my own content.
Books: the Bible!! Where I’m at right now in life, I’m currently trying to get these scriptures written on the tablet of my heart. Truly!
Podcast: The Basement by Tim Ross. Shout out to uncle Tim haha! He is AMAZINGGG!!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breonasymone?igsh=cmFudTJ0b2RuMnBt&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@breona_symone?_r=1&_t=ZT-97I8P06Epw6
