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

Hi Lemar, how do you think about risk?
I found myself hesitant to even tackle this question because I wouldn’t consider myself a risk taker. In fact, I’m occasionally disappointed in myself for not taking more risks, but that feeling is usually mitigated by my comfort in safety. It may seem counterintuitive for someone with their own business to reject such an attribute, but I’ve learned that what we each deem a “risk” is also completely subjective. A healthy risk to one may come across as reckless to another because it doesn’t support their goals. To many, my entire career may look like a massive risk. Transitioning into entertainment meant leaving the security of a traditional job fitted with benefits, annual pay raises, and big bonuses. It also meant uprooting my life to venture to a new city and build a career in a competitive industry I had no formal background in. For me however, none of these things felt like risks as much as necessities – though I do acknowledge they played a pivotal role in my life. Rather than taking risks as we know them, I think we should challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort zones. There’s a fine line, but there is a marked difference. Risk taking is not for everyone although we are often conditioned to believe that it is.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I own Lemar Scott LLC which makes me my biggest product. I worked in Corporate America for many years and was often the youngest person in the room. While I was qualified for the positions I held, I couldn’t escape the preconceptions of my peers who questioned my youthful contributions. Realizing I’d need to work harder than necessary for respect, I decided to apply my skillset outside of the overly political corporate bubble. One of the most exciting parts about what I do today is public speaking. I particularly love visiting high schools and colleges to talk about the realities of the working world. That means guiding students on how to manage their expectations about wages immediately out of university; teaching them how to negotiate; how to navigate difficult work situations; and most notably, overcoming ageism in the office.

With the several years’ experience I have in management, marketing, and branding, my business also serves as a consulting firm, specifically within the jewelry industry. I am certified through the Gemological Institute of America which is the foremost authority on gemstones, as well as the Cultured Pearl Association of America. I am able to help businesses learn the art of selling gemstones and creating value for lesser known gemstones/brands. The pandemic has completely reshaped how we source and produce jewelry, so it has been particularly important to help clients understand how to continue generating interest.

The largest and most satisfying portion of my business is hosting television. There is absolutely no greater feeling than being on-air and I’ve done everything from live TV sales to prerecorded interviews. The industry is difficult, but incredibly rewarding. We often hear about the need for representation in TV because the entertainment industry has long been dominated by a model of beauty that I personally do not represent. Thankfully the industry is evolving and there are spaces for talent like me. I’ve also had to remind myself that what’s for me is truly for me. It can sound trite, but not every role can be a perfect fit. Imagine if Oprah hosted a late night comedy show as opposed to her daytime talk show. I have to believe that we all end up where we belong.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many noteworthy aspects to Miami! I think the primary rite of passage for anyone visiting is trying authentic Cuban food. My first stop would be to Little Havana – but shockingly, not the city – the restaurant! This place defined the majority of my college meals as it sits right across from my alma mater in North Miami. I also don’t think it’s possible to visit South Florida without exploring one of the beaches. Although South Beach is the most famed and popularized, I’d set my sights north for North Beach or Hollywood Beach. Both of these options are a bit less populated and the farther north you move, the more local treasures you’ll discover. When it comes to people watching, I doubt there are any locations quite as prime as South Beach’s Lincoln Road! While enjoying an oversized mojito and some sunny weather, I would plant myself at one of Lincoln’s many restaurants and take in the views. When the sun was ready to set, a change of outfit would be in order as we ventured a few blocks south to Smith and Wollensky for a delicious steak and an ocean view.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Morgan Thompson is a great friend and invaluable supporter of my talent/career. She was the one who introduced me to my very first agent and helped me to delve into the entertainment industry. She ignores the traditionally competitive nature of the industry and works just as hard to see me win as she does for herself!

Website: https://www.lemarscott.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemarscotthost/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LemarScottHost

Image Credits
No image credit necessary.

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