Whitney Reynolds is the star of The Whitney Reynolds Show, a weekly talk show that strives to not only inform people but to impact lives across Chicagoland. Doejo has been working with Whitney to develop a new site with a clean, fresh and young identity to represent her inspiring show. We have also been acting as her communications team and public relations representatives, tasked with helping her promote the show.
Today we caught up with Whitney to find out how she became such a successful young entrepreneur, how her job has changed as the show has grown and her plans for the future.
Deojo: For those who don’t know, tell us a little bit about the Whitney Reynolds show.
Whitney: The Whitney Reynolds Show is a topic-based talk show that will hopefully impact the way people think, motivating them to go out and make a difference.
You are an inspiring young entrepreneur. How did you start your business?
I dreamed of having a show since I was a little girl. For me, it’s always been about progressing the right way. I created the talk show in hopes that it would get picked up and it did. Now it’s upward and onward. I always say go after your dreams!
Congratulations on your new airdates on WTTW. How did you grow the show to reach this point?
Last summer I evaluated the show and where we would love to be. Each year it’s important to grow and spread the word about our show. I looked around for a channel that was a staple of Chicago and found WTTW.
How has your job changed as the show has grown?
I still am a very hands-on person. I know all the ins and outs of the show. That being said, I have also learned you have to surround yourself with the best. I understand that while I don’t know it all, it’s important to surround yourself with people who do.
What advice do you have for others who aspire to grow their business like you did?
You need to have passion and love for what you are doing, so when times get tough you can fight through.
How do you manage all the different aspects of your job?
I love my lists. Not only do a keep a daily electronic calendar, but I also have a real old fashion list. At the end of each day I make sure everything is checked off.
What makes you stand out from your contemporaries?
A lot of shows are around town type programs; we are topic based. We cover real issues that are impacting the world.
What has been the most challenging part of your career? How did you overcome this challenge?
Managing a work life balance. For years I didn’t understand how important it is to manage both, because in my field it kind of overlaps. I realized that while I am always an advocate for my show, it is important to do things each week that make me really happy. For me that is running, walking my dog, date night with my boyfriend, bunco club, church, etc.
What is the most important lesson you have learned as a young entrepreneur?
You can do big things no matter your age!
What are your future plans?
I want to be national by the time I am 30… (That’s 3 years.) For me it is also important that we continue to make a difference with our platform.