Today we’d like to introduce you to Nakia Walker.
Hi Nakia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Ever since I was a little girl starting at the age of 10, I knew journalism was the career choice for me. I attended Robert H. Jamison Elementary School where my teacher Mr. Sorger first introduced me to media. If I could find him and thank him for inspiring me, I would. He developed a weekly broadcasting show where I was selected to report the news and highlights of the week.
While on set, he even taught me how to maneuver the cameras, and film the show for taping and audio production at such a young age. I loved it! After graduating from Shaker Heights High School in 2004, I attended John Carroll University where I graduated with a major in Communications and a minor in Public Relations in 2009. There I studied broadcasting more effectively. I landed my first job at a PR firm PR Newswire where I worked in an editorial.
But, after being there for 5 years and out of college since then, I still felt like something was missing. Though, I loved writing and telling stories. I missed being in front of the camera and being behind the action. And, I took a hobby also of watching entertainment shows like “The Real, E! News especially red carpet shows and Access Hollywood, always thinking to myself I could see myself doing something like that one day.
So, I decided to go back to school, though I was nervous because I had not been in a classroom in years, I set a goal for myself to follow my dreams. My schedule became very hectic as I began working during the day at PR Newswire and at night, I attended a class to sharpen my skills at Ohio Media School. Their intense hands-on training led me to pursue my dreams further.
I graduated with honors in 2017 and then I landed my first media career as a Co-Executive Producer for Fox 8 Real Estate Showcase with Brenda Love and as an on-air personality. I’m so grateful for that opportunity and experience. After working there for a few years, I went in another direction back to my passion for entertainment news. I continued to add to the blog I had long developed at Ohio Media School, which started as an assignment given to me by my instructors, but little did I not know it would become so much more.
I created my very own website nakiaskeytothestars.com which at first featured all things entertainment and I expanded it to reach a wider audience. Later, in 2018, it became an online show called Nakia’s Key to the Stars, before you know it, local entrepreneurs and talent were reaching out to be a part of the show and I took it a step further to invite, celebrities, entrepreneurs, business owners, organizations and more to be guests.
My very first guest was R&B singer Queen Naija, followed by Grammy-nominated soulstress and Neo-soul singer Marsha Ambrosius. As the show has grown, my views have increased and I developed a brand called Stream Dreams Productions with my significant other Brian, which continues to expand. I thank my instructors, family, friends, and significant other for believing in me and for all their support. I am excited to see what 2023 has to offer.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Not at all. Getting started was tough. As my late grandmother Ruth always said, “Nobody said it will ever be easy. It does not matter how you start, but it is your willingness to try and how you finish.” I kept that saying with me throughout my college experience and career. It has helped me get through life. To be in any kind of leadership role takes extreme confidence and poise.
During childhood, I was often known as the quiet, shy, smart kid. But being the “smart kid” comes with the notion of feeling like you always had to carry perfection no matter what. I remember getting my first B and I cried. But, as I matured in life I realized that everything is not perfect and it is ok to fail. I learned to embrace failure and rejection because that is what led me to more opportunities and to the person I have become. I am grateful for the highs and lows which have shaped me and pushed me into my destiny.
Like most, I faced many adversities, and I grew up as an only child raised for quite a while by a mom who was a single parent. I watched her struggle, working long hours maintaining and providing for me and the things I needed but it was not easy. But, despite my single-family household, my mom never failed to mold me into a woman and push me further to pursue my dreams. She and my grandmother encouraged me a great deal. I often looked around my old neighborhoods seeing a bigger vision for myself and I always wanted more and better for myself.
I was the first to graduate college in my family. Throughout my struggles, my grandma gave me a Bible which I read scriptures often in times of need or fear. That was the best gift given to me because it strengthened me and developed my character. It brought me the confidence to speak in front of large crowds or front of millions on camera today. Developing a relationship with God has increased my awareness and brought me places and into rooms I never imagined.
I remember after graduating from Ohio Media School, I knew I wanted to start a business and expand Nakia’s Key to the Stars, but how could I do that with student loans, and the lack of funds or resources to develop further? I used to borrow the school’s equipment, but with my faith in God, I was able to get the equipment needed to make my show successful. Once I started practicing my faith and keeping God 1st in my life, my life started to change and everything started to fall into its proper place at the perfect time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an Executive Producer, Journalist, and Web Content Creator/Editor for my platform Nakia’s Key to the Stars. In 2017, I created my website from scratch nakiaskeytothestars.com which features interviews from various walks of life, from a diverse group of entertainment. Browsing through the website, you will see entrepreneurs, performers, celebrities, and more. I also have my own Youtube Channel- Nakia Key which showcases all the interviews from when I first began to the present day.
I specialize in producing my shows which include reaching out to get guests, and talent and afterward working with my significant other Brian, who is also my co-producer who also helps film each interview. We then go back and edit the show in its entirety before it is released to the public for viewing, I am still in the process of developing my brand Stream Dreams Productions by expanding merch worldwide and eventually helping children who are inspired to follow their dreams and not sure where to start.
What sets me apart from others is my willingness to get to know my guests for who they are and to tell their stories wholeheartedly. One of the goals I am most proud of so far is the power of manifestation and to have a vision, not only to envision it but to see it, believe it, and have it unfold right before my eyes.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I have been in the national honor society, was often on the Dean’s List, and was a staff reporter for John Carroll’s newspaper. I also met long-time reporter Harry Boomer through my college experience and my skills put me in his program Urban Journalism. He also invited me personally to his mixers and to be a part of the NABJ (National Association for Black Journalists) which helped my social skills a lot.
I won a contest at Ohio Media School, doing an audio spot which allowed me to intern for Z107.9 as a production assistant. Just recently, Ohio Media School recognized me as an influencer and Rising Star. And, spontaneously, for my 30th birthday, a few years ago, I traveled to Hollywood, California, and was randomly selected to be on “Let’s Make a Deal” with Wayne Brady and I won $800. It was so much fun and a dream come true, my costume was Ms. Ohio.
There I wanted to visit E! News but my trip ran short so I did not get a chance to, but after watching one of my favorite journalists, Jason Kennedy host the red carpet on E!, I messaged him about his work and how I love the show and he reposted and commented to me after viewing my blog post and reposted to his instastory.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nakiaskeytothestars.com/
- Instagram: @nakia_key
- Youtube: youtube.com/@nakiakey4316
