Meet Ryan Nelson: Journalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Nelson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, what do you attribute your success to?
The definition of success looks different for everyone. For me, its being able to be light and bring my faith into my workspace. That’s why I have to say my relationship with God has been my biggest factor behind any success I’ve had with my brand. There are tons of things I could personally take credit for but it wouldn’t feel right because I know were my blessings come from. Not only have blessings been a huge credit to my success but also getting the opportunity to reflect who I believe God is to other people. There has been plenty of moments where I’ve been around industry people when a hectic situation breaks out, or a colleague asks my opinion on a certain life struggle. That’s the perfect opportunity to be a peacekeeper, empathic and understanding. Those moments mean a lot to me. It’s also the best form of networking because we’re not just dealing with work related issues anymore, It’s personal. You gain a friend in me, and life becomes a bit less irritating and more enjoyable.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I got started in journalism in an unconventional way. Although I come from a media family, this wasn’t my dream growing up. To give you a short summary. I was a freshman in college trying to figure out what I wanted to do but kept running into majors that didn’t really inspire me. At the same time I was also starting my relationship with God. The funny thing about submitting to God is the more time I spent with him the more clarity I got about my future. Next thing I know he opened a huge door for me as a sophomore in college. I had the opportunity of being the official correspondent for TV One at the American Black Film Festival and we haven’t looked back since! Along the way sine then there has been many growing pains, but those are all opportunities I’m using to grow as a human being and professional. The biggest thing I’ve learned is to not take anything personal. When people are “not easy to deal with” they are just projecting what they are currently going through, went through or experiencing. It shouldn’t hinder our work or how I view them. Everyone needs grace. What makes my interviews and content different from others is the type of conversation guests have with me. I try to provide questions that humanize the person being interviewed instead of the typical “when Is you next album coming out, how many touchdowns will you score this year.” My goal is for the viewer to have a better understanding of the product or person. Let them shine.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
You definitely have to go to Brickell at night. Its one of the most beautiful places in South Florida in my opinion. Just walk around and enjoy the skyline views. Now coming to South Florida and seeing all the glam is cool, its vacation. But if you want a real Miami experience there’s a great restaurant inside of a corner store on 7th Ave and NW 29TH Street in Allapattah. Isaac introduced me to this place. It has the best Hispanic food in the city. You can’t get this on South Beach. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I truly do believe life was never meant to be done alone. Community is so important. Over the past couple of years God has placed some amazing people in my life that I can lean on that all deserve a shoutout. Outside of my parents, there’s James Douglas or as well call him “Pastor Jimmy.” I’ve been sitting on his couch for years, talking about all of my life’s highlights and failures. He’s been such a great source of encouragement and honesty for me from a man I truly believe is successful. My closet friends have done this as well. Their roles in my life have given me a support in life that is so rare, I talk to all them daily or weekly for laughs and support. Eric, Lamar, Josh, Keijon, Isaac, Zack, Pablo and my cousin Alyssa.

Website: RyanNelsonHQ.Com
Instagram: RyanNelson23
Linkedin: Linkedin.com/ryannelson23
Youtube: Youtube.Com/ryan2323nelson

Image Credits
Keijon Milliard Isaac Blandon