For Women’s History Month I will be sharing the stories that define and provide examples of women empowerment, uplifting stories of personal triumph and businesses that are inspiring and are making a difference for women. Women’s History Month is a declared month each year that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.
I want to introduce you to Seleah Simone.
Seleah Simone is all things entertainment and lifestyle — from hosting, to acting, to fashion–and a sprinkle of activism. With an array of aspects that make up the brand of “Seleah”, Ms. Simone refuses to be put in a box. Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, Seleah embarked on her evolving career immediately after graduating with a B.A. in Television and Radio from Brooklyn College. As a correspondent and associate producer for Allhiphop.com, Seleah has interviews with Oprah and Tyler Perry and frequently covers red carpets at shows such as the BET & MTV Awards. As a lifestyle editor and blogger, Seleah has contributed to Guest of A Guest, Ladygunn, Today.com, The American Museum of Natural History and RapTV. When she’s not prepping for an interview or a red carpet, you might find her binge-watching SnowFall or seeking great finds at thrift and consignment shops.
Here is HERstory:
Once upon a time I simply worked a job. Then one day I woke up and felt very unfulfilled. I decided at that moment I would follow my dreams of becoming a television personality. My best friend was dating someone who worked at an entertainment website. She asked him if they needed help and referred me. After a few months of contributing as an intern, I offered to create new content by covering red carpets. The site had never done anything like it and agreed to give me full creative control over this new content. I submitted myself as press to cover the 2015 MTV Awards in Los Angeles. I was approved and covered my first red carpet! The rest is history. After years of connecting people and brands to my celebrity contacts for free- I realized that I was missing out on a ton of money. Hence the birth of my liaison company Patoos LLC.
Her businesses are Seleah Simone Inc. and Patoos.
What does women empowerment mean to you?
Women Empowerment is being a true sister. Often times women talk about helping other women publicly. Yet, privately they aren’t in accordance with a true sisterhood. I believe it takes being open to helping another woman- even if it doesn’t benefit you directly. Whether it be business advice, a repost on social media or even a referral- all of this matters.
What advice or words of inspiration would you like to share with someone?
Always understand what you bring to the table. Understanding helps you know exactly how to approach each situation. You will also know exactly what to offer.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by people who possess consistency and tenacity. Seeing resilience in myself and others inspires me. I’m also inspired by just waking up and seeing the sky and nature.
What kind of impact do you want to have on those around you?
I love when people tell me I inspire or motivate them. I try to be self motivated and inspired even when I feel very low. I love sharing that component of myself with others.
What does self care mean to you?
Self care is just as much mental as it is physical. We nurture our skin, hair and nails. The same must be done for the mind, soul and spirit.
What obstacles have you overcome or hurdles did you personally face and how did you overcome them?
I’ve overcome being a women in a male dominated entertainment industry. I’ve dealt with trying to prove myself and be taken seriously. I’ve also overcome the idea that someone has to give me a job. I’ve learned to always create jobs and opportunities for myself.
When did you realize entrepreneurship was right for you?
I started working at age 12. I used to clean the homes of older women in my building. As I entered the workforce- I had a side hustle and a 9-5 job. My dad was the same way. I did this for years. Last year, just before COVID- I promised to go full throttle as an entrepreneur as of June 1st, 2020. I was furloughed from my job in March 2020. It was the very best thing that could’ve happened to me. I’ve been forced to level up. Business is good.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship has been instilled in me from a kid. My dad used to tell me stories of the record store he owned at age 17. As an adult- I once did a job that was partly commission. Once I saw how much I earned, I realized as an entrepreneur the money was endless.
What would you say is your most driving motivation to keep doing what you to do?
I’m motivated by the thought of being mediocre. Mediocrity is unacceptable. I’m also motivated by my family. I want to always make them proud.
What are you most excited or passionate about? (In both business and life or both)
It’s exciting to see the direction in which my businesses and career are going. Being able to expand and make major profit during a pandemic has given me a confidence boost. It’s also given me a new found respect for other entrepreneurs. Overall- I’m passionate about pushing myself like I’ve never done before. Producing new forms of content is also a goal of mine.
What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your business and personally?
I would love to win an Emmy one day for my original content. I definitely have a lot more work to do. Yet- it’s something that’s possible.
What’s next for you in your business/brand? What can readers look forward to from you?
I’m working on a few of my own television pilots. I believe that the real power in entertainment is producing and selling your own work.
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