I haven’t written on this blog for over a year which is quite a long time when I think about it but I have been focused on my career progression in this last year. However, now that we’re all on a mandatory lockdown I’ve had a chance to slow down and reflect. What’s happened since I last published a blog post on here? Well, I did some social media stuff with ITN, then started freelancing with CNN as a producer AND I’ve just got my own radio show. While I may not be the best blogger, at least I’ve been productive with my time away from here.
From April to September last year I spent some time at ITN helping to manage the social media pages for three YouTube channels that had a combined following of over 1.5 million subscribers. It was great fun, I learnt a lot and loved being able to learn more about how social media is used successfully within business / news. Highlights from my time there include decorating cupcakes with Kim Joy and shooting with Billy Porter.
I also spent a lot of last summer working at festivals with the radio station Kiss FM – I’ve been working with their events team for three years now and I have the best time with them. I love my team, they’re some of the kindest, most supportive creatives that I know. We also ran into several Love Islanders throughout the festival season lol! Another notable moment from my summer was visiting Dubai with my best friend (pictured below).
When summer in London started to wrap up I decided to take some much needed time out to relax and also re-focus on my goals before returning to freelancing full-time. I had two trips booked to North America in September and October 2019 and they truly changed my life. In September I visited Tulsa, Oklahoma to attend the Transformation Church v01 conference. The move of God was so real and I got clear vision for what I needed to do next in my life and career. After the conference I flew to LA for a few days for my first solo trip. I loved every second of LA, there’s a travel guide coming for that soon!
After I got back from LA I had two weeks of downtime at home before heading back to the airport but this time with Mumma Lovejoy in tow. We spent 10 days in New York and Toronto and it was the motivation I needed. I went through a weird moment last year when I felt so far away from my goals and life purpose. And sometimes, in these seasons of worry, God can use the people you meet to speak into your life to encourage you and remind you of your power and potential. For me that person was GMA’s Robin Roberts. Robin has been one of my favourite journalists for many years and inspired me growing up. So, while I was in New York I had to see GMA and I had a chance to chat with her after the show. In that moment she encouraged me to keep going and reminded me of who I am and why I wanted to be in this industry. It was a truly special moment that I will always remember, not just because of who encouraged me but because it uplifted me in a moment of confusion and when I thought I was off-track.
After my month or so of globe trotting is was back to business and we all know that I don’t do things half heartedly. So, with this new fire in my belly I got commissioned to write about Mixed-ish and mixed race identity in TV for Digital Spy and off I went on my way. By November, I re-established my freelancing and joined the planning team at CNN London. This is full circle for me as we all know that I worked with CNN previously. I did one day of work experience with them in winter 2017 and was invited back during the summer of 2018 to work as a runner during the Royal Wedding and when Trump visited the UK. God was planting seeds nearly three years ago because he knew that all good things take time. I still can’t believe my career journey, I am constantly humbled and amazed at what God will do if you choose to trust him.
And now, the reason you probably clicked on this post and also the epitome of God’s faithfulness. I’VE GOT MY OWN RADIO SHOW ON PREMIER GOSPEL. Now, the Premier Radio family is iconic in the UK Christian community and I grew up listening to it, a particular memory I have is that it was always on in my grandparents home in Croydon. The story of how this show came about is a bit wild and I’ll save that for another time but 🗣I HAVE MY OWN RADIO SHOW. It’s the Latin gospel show which is every Friday evening from 9pm until 11pm.
All I can say is… Alexa play Blessings on Blessings. My life flipped 360 in the space of six months because I took a risk and followed my intuition. I know that I’m living in my purpose now and all of the detours are designed to prepare you for your moment of greatness. If you’re in a place right now where you feel lost, confused or uncertain – please be encouraged and know that God has got you. When I was doubting my talent and capability I became stronger emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It can be frustrating when you rate yourself and know that you’re talented. But maybe you need time to prepare and level up in other areas of your life before you can secure the bag.
May your faith be stronger than your fear and your courage greater than your doubt. 💛
Hannah Lovejoy 