Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Berry.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I knew I wanted to have a career in journalism my senior year of high school. I needed one elective to fill my course list and my dad actually suggested I take journalism since I’ve always been a good writer. I signed up for the course, and shortly after my teacher moved me to newspaper. From there, I started to really fall in love with the process of storytelling. After that, I went to the University of New Orleans on a volleyball scholarship (Go Privateers!) and really started to pursue a career in the field. I interned at Houston Style Magazine, WGNO New Orleans for a few years, and NCIS New Orleans. I had a web show for our athletic department, wrote for my college paper and did media with Under Armor Grassroots basketball for about a year. I really started to hone my craft and it became something I genuinely love, that didn’t really feel like work.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I am so incredibly thankful to have supportive parents who have encouraged me to get to where I am now. I am a grinder, and I always have been. As a college athlete, I am no stranger to hard work and a little adversity, but breaking into your desired field after college can be a challenge. You will go through moments of doubt, especially if you don’t have a job lined up immediately after school. I finished school and didn’t have a T.V. job right after. I was blessed to get into T.V. and in my hometown of Houston about four months after I finished Grad School, but I had moments of wondering if I should get a job in another field. I trusted in God’s plan for me and continued to make opportunities for myself. Through my internship in New Orleans I was able to get an interview with the sister station in Houston and got the job. I later left that station after about a year and moved to Fox where I’ve been now for about a year and a half.
For young women coming up and women in general I say it’s your time to make your dreams happen! I always say don’t put yourself in a box and don’t take no for an answer. I am extremely persistent. I had many people ignore me or tell me I couldn’t do something because I was “too young.” I LOVE proving people wrong. Focus on your goals, build your contacts, and experience EVERYTHING you can while you’re in school that will make you more well rounded. Go for everything! I am about two and a half years out of college working in a top 10 tv market! Push yourself and make your own standard!! Trust in God’s plan and find something that truly brings you joy and that you’re passionate about.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am the Segment Producer for the Isiah Factor Uncensored on Fox 26 News and Fox Soul. I come up with a lot of our panel discussions, find our guest, and put the segment together. I also produce regular newscast for the station. I love working with our amazing Factor team. We have had a lot of great segments and each day brings something new.
What sets me apart from others is my ambition, my persistence, and passion. One of my number one strengths (I took a test lol) is achiever. Anything that’s thrown in front of me, I will succeed at. I am also extremely positive (also found out through the test lol) and I always try to find the positives in low situations. For me, my eye is always focused on the goal, and even though the journey may be rough I’m going to accomplish that goal. There’s beauty in the struggle right?
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I honestly use everything when looking for segments or news stories. I’ve seen things on Twitter or heard something on a podcast and it’s become a segment or a talker on our show. It could be a topic a blogger post, or something that someone is ranting about on Instagram, that could potentially be turned into an interesting segment.
Contact Info:
- Website: I’m planning to launch my blog ohhtay.com in March, so be on the look out for that.
- Email: taylor.berry@foxtv.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorberryyy/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TaylorBerryyy
Image Credit:
Miesha Williams; Carol Koonts
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