Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel George.
Hi Rachel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Being a native of Queens, New York, you are born with a level of hustle and bustle that most only understand if they lived there. Although my journey to writing began in college, I fell in love with the idea of creating stories and characters back in middle school. Fast forward to 2004, my family moved to Tennessee where I went to high school and later majored in Journalism at Middle Tennessee State University. While there, I joined my school’s chapter of The National Association of Black Journalists. I worked my way from member to President to supporting a friend as Vice President because we all can win. It was exciting for years until the reality hit that I was a soon-to-be graduate with no job in my field.
The summer after graduation in 2014, I moved to Atlanta, GA with no job and every intent of launching my journalism career. I began conducting interviews with celebrities, and CEOs of multi-million dollar companies with small media outlets and launched my personal brand and blog, Opinionated Ray. Still uninformed about the industry, I applied to four graduate schools but was only accepted into Syracuse University — the best damn journalism program in my opinion. I graduated in 2017 from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications with a Master’s Degree in Magazine, Newspaper, and Online Journalism. Years later, I’m still writing, creating content, and pursuing all things media. I’ve recently relocated back to Atlanta from New York to further my hosting dreams and hopefully land on someone’s red carpets.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been easy but something you’re truly passionate about will never be. I’ve been passed over for positions I knew I was qualified for and I’ve had opportunities stripped away because I wasn’t able to jeopardize my integrity. I call my accomplishments blessings because it’s everything I manifested. My timing rarely aligns with God’s but everything I’ve prayed for has pretty much come to fruition in terms of my career. I love that for me but I want that for others as well.
I hope that people look at my work and understand the magnitude of work, effort, and dedication I put into each story. As I continue evolving my career, I know I’m destined for greatness. Having the courage to take risks and stay true to yourself un-taps another level of authenticity. I know that as long as I pray and prepare for what’s next, everything will work itself out.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m currently a Freelance Entertainment Writer for Atlanta Black Star, Blavity, and other outlets. I write daily news and feature stories bout the latest news in music, pop culture, and entertainment. But most know me for interviewing your favorite celebrities, actors, and socialites and attending some of the hottest events in the industry.
I’ve spoken with Jadakiss, A$AP Ferg, Chance the Rapper, H.E.R., Eric Bellinger, OG Parker, Layton Greene, Tayla Parx, Earthgang, and many more, including several women from the “Real Housewives” franchises in Atlanta and Potomac. Some of my most notable conversations were Slutty Vegan owner Pinky Cole, social entrepreneur Tabitha Brown, and Earn Your Leisure founders Rashad Balil and Troy Millings.
I’ve enjoyed telling stories and creating content at the intersection of music, lifestyle, and culture over the last decade. If it’s on social media, I know about it! My writing skills have also earned me scholarships in the past and a variety of accolades including Freelance Journalist of the Year.
But my passion and creativity led me to start The Opinionated Ray Podcast, which will launch season two at the top of 2023. It’s my safe haven to share personal details about my life and give unsigned artists a platform to share their stories their way.
What were you like growing up?
I was always a helpful and curious kid who asked more questions than needed. I’ve always had a great support system in my family and close friends, who often call out my inquisitiveness or enthusiasm for getting all the facts.
Prior to developing a love for writing, I was a trained dancer. I would sit and watch hours of BET and MTV and imitate the moves in the videos. It was all I knew until an English teacher encouraged me to write more stories in class. At times, I was very meticulous about sharing my writing with others. Over time, I gained confidence and created an authoritative voice for myself that speaks volumes to the work I still create today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @opinionatedray
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/opinionatedray/
- Twitter: twitter.com/OpinionatedRay
- Youtube: youtube.com/channel/UCAdO8EdJwsLX-oS1STyXEYw
Image Credits
Candice Williams, Def Jam Photo, Olivia Jackson Photo, Michael Evans Behling, Chauncey Jackson, and Danielle Long
