Meet Breanna, an emerging entertainment mogul changing the industry through artist development

Short N Sweet Ent

Each year, the media industry is constantly changing and we are introduced to new faces that are artists, hosts, radio personalities, influencers, and women behind the scenes that shape our culture. No matter which way someone puts it; Women In Media are running things and are at the top of their game. Breanna M., a Christian and Howard University graduate is an emerging entertainment mogul who has set her sights on changing the industry through artist development. Thank you Breanna for speaking with us about your journey.

I have moments when I look back on my college experience and wish that I were more involved in creating a foundation for being in the media industry, When you attended Howard were you into media and or entertainment?

At Howard, I was so focused on dance. Anybody who was a Fine Arts major knew how strict it was. You really couldn’t do a lot of things outside that major just because of the structure. My senior year, U was trying so hard to get into entertainment. I wish that I was able to get more involved but I had to wait until I graduated.

What was your next step or opportunity after Howard?

That opportunity came when I attended the Revolt Summit in 2019. It was life-changing. My friend Tranard Thomas connected me and I happened to get an interview for Revolt TV. I ended up networking and making new connections. I met a lot of celebrities who were interested in knowing more about my journey.

One thing that I know about working in media is that you have to be extremely intentional when you are attending events like this. Before you attended the Revolt Summit, did you have a plan?

I always believe you have to be intentional. I think back then my mindset was to be a backup dancer for Beyonce. Now, thinking about it, God was really working in my favor because I was able to be put in situations that allowed my journey to be a little bit different where I still can dance but also make decisions for different artists behind the scenes. I planned to learn and grow as much as I can.

You recently spoke about what is important to you and the things that you wish to change in the music industry. What is your definition of “artist development” and how do you plan on bringing it back?

I have something in the works that I will announce later but I hope is to work with artists to develop their skills to prepare them for everything in their career. Artist development can mean different things, especially now in today’s generation. One person that I look up to is Barry Gordon and his work at Motown Records because they took their time developing artists with what they needed to be on stage. I feel like today they push the artist to be on stage and say “go” and there is no real emphasis on their development. Most of the time they leave it up to management to handle but it is the responsibility of the record label to help in that area. In my opinion, “artist development” means studying your craft.

What does it mean to be a performer? Are you taking dance classes? Are you taking singing lessons? Are you doing interview training?

Most importantly are you, as the artist, trying to develop yourself as the whole package?

For artists, how important is it to have a team?

Having a team is very important. I truly believe that you have to have a great team. Your team will ultimately help you make the decisions that you need. You have to have a team that will root for you know matter what.

How has mentorship been for you in the industry?

My mentors have been amazing. They have poured into me and have given me the encouragement that I need to keep going. Working in entertainment has been hard, especially as a black woman because they expect a lot from us but I have been doing what I need to do to make it.

So far what has been your biggest accomplishments?

Not to sound cliché but being in New York and living out my dreams. I’m from Baltimore and I’ve been here for about three years and I have done a lot within that time span. I have been making a name for myself. Looking back, I can see how far I have come and it is a blessing.

What is one thing that you have learned so far and where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I hope to have launched my business that is centered on artist development I have learned not to be scared! I always tell people, even my mentees, you will never know what a person is going to say. The worst thing they can say is no and respectfully move on. You have to be able to put yourself out there and always have your elevator pitch ready because you never know whom you are going to meet. I have also learned that in this industry it is important to just keep going. I know the journey can be hard. Please do not take no as a never. You have to be okay with hearing no’s but just know that whatever God is about to ordain for you is going to happen regardless of who is in your way. It will happen for you in your own time.

Breanna thank you for your time and energy. You are incredible and we can’t wait to see what happens next for you.

Written By: Shauntay Hallett

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