Driune Santana has been knocking down doors in the media. For the past five years, Santana has established a space in print, digital and broadcast media producing local and nationally syndicated radio show on WMPR 90.1. Currently, she’s a writer for HipHopWeekly, DJIceBergCom, Steller Magazine, Revolt Tv and The Source. Santana has written for several publications throughout her career, such as; Baller Alert, Plastiq Magazine, and JaGurl Tv, just to name a few. Santana made a name for herself as the founding editor of Lifestyle & Entertainment website TheCultureCommentator.com, which has showcased the lifestyle contributions to entertainment, fashion, beauty, and culture since 2015. She has conducted more than 100 in-the-field interviews with entertainers , actors, business moguls, and public figures like Jazmine Sullivan, Sandra Smith, Dru Hill, Algee Smith, Collin Abraham, Christopher B. Duncan, Meagan Good, Keri Hilson, Deborah Cox, Tweet, En Vogue, T.I., and The 85 South. Santana has been featured on various of websites and a guest on panels, such as, Media Mogul In The Making, Melanin People, Black Girls In Media, Media Women Connect, KärnlMoon, Wrestling Wrealm and more.
Why is your business a business to watch in 2021?
My business is on the rise for 2021. I share positive stories within the black and brown community. Every day we are always seeing the bad side of celebrities so I created The Culture Commentator to shed light on those who are shifting the culture through entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle.
What inspired your to start your business?
I’ve been a journalist for five years and I came to a point where I wanted to have something of my own. I’ve watched so many of my media friends start their own media companies and I thought I could do the same thing. So now I’m doing it!
How did 2020 change your business? Was it for the better?
2020 didn’t change anything for my business. It actually help my business a lot because I didn’t have to travel. All of my interviews was over zoom and it has allow me to connect with so many publicist so that when we can go back outside again, I will have built up those relationships with them.
What lessons did you learn in your business in 2020?
I learned to be more consistent and build those relationships to open up more doors for opportunities for me and my business. It has allowed me to always have my CEO hat when it comes to handling business.
What kind of impact do you want your business to leave on your client or customer?
When people come to The Culture Commentator I want them to feel appreciate and comfortable to know that their stories will be told the right way. For anyone who works with me knows that they will never have to worry about a bad experience with me.
When did you realize entrepreneurship was right for you?
I wanted to be able to have something to call my own. I wanted to create my own legacy and my own company. I’m stilling, but I’m growing as well. I’ve worked for a lot of people and sometimes I didn’t agree with their policies. Plus, I really didn’t like people telling me what to do or how to do something. I’m all about fairness and understanding that without a team you can’t do all of this on your own. Entrepreneurship just felt right into my hands and I’m so glad I took it.
What would you say is your most driving motivation to keep doing what you do?
The support team I have. Without them I probably would’ve given up on my brand a long time ago. I have people surrounding me with so much positivity which allows me to remain positive.
Did you have any life-changing experiences that put you on the path that led you to be doing what you’re doing today? Tell me about them.
In 2018, I was fired from a publication I was writing for two years after I decided that I wanted to branch out and write for other publications in another state. The founder at the time was excited when I spoke to her about me branch out, but when the time came she pretty much told me I had to choose between writing for her publications or working with someone else. I never responded so she made the decision to me. I put that in the back of my mind that if I ever have a team I would allow them to contribute to other publications while contributing to mine only if they can handle it.
What’s next for you in your business/brand? What can readers look forward to from you?
I am working on a new two segment for my brand. It’s interview/conversation style and everyone can watch it on YouTube. I will also be posting snips of it on social media to prepare everyone for it.
