By Kenyatta Coleman
Heather Lynn Haynes, known as "Homegurl Heather" for her down-to-earth keeping it real nature, is a Video Producer and Creative Director from the 7th Ward of New Orleans, LA, currently residing in Brooklyn, New York.
After graduating from Clark Atlanta University with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio, TV, Film, Heather moved to New York City, as she intended to dominate the Entertainment Industry.
She spoke with the NABJ-CAU chapter to discuss her journey as a Black woman in the entertainment industry fighting for change and equality.
Like most graduates, Haynes was in the process of discovering what was next for her career and, ultimately, her future.
She knew she needed to get her foot in the production door, so her first thought was to sign up as an extra on set.
She networked her way to becoming a production assistant on various sets and shows, which catapulted her new chapter.
She moved to New York shortly after, where she landed two internships after college. She interned at Columbia Records and Complex media, which were her first corporate jobs.
“Trust the process. Everyone’s journey is unique,” Haynes said. She endured moments where she felt her time had passed, but she realized what it meant for her will be for her.
“My journey is my journey… I would just say find a way or make one,” she said.
She emphasized the importance of being confident as a journalist and knowing the power that they hold. Haynes has been able to use her power as a creator to her advantage.
She is now working on her latest project, “Growing up Black,” VH1, which interviews locals from various American cities and explores how their personal stories and systemic racism have impacted their lives today.
“At first, they wanted me to go the celebrity angle… and I told them that we do that all the time. I think it’s more compelling to talk to everyday people about their stories and their experiences because we never really hear from them especially like a VH1/MTV platform,” she said.
She received a tremendous amount of support from the network and knew that trusting her intuition would benefit her.
Since then, Heather has had the pleasure of working with Columbia Records, Complex Media Network, The Source Magazine, and is currently a Senior Producer at ViacomCBS working with the MTV and VH1 brands.
When she is not at work, Heather is developing the launch of her Creative Agency and Production Company, Homegurl Entertainment, as a centralized place to foster creative ideas for herself and those around her.
“Homegurl Entertainment has always been a dream of mine. I always saw myself as some sort of entrepreneur,” she said.
Haynes knew that she wanted to be that person to create a creative space for everyone to win and show that Black people can succeed together.
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