Rejections always serve as a way to make us wait for something that is truly tailor-made for us. PhaShunta Hubert, a Media Correspondent, turned her stories of rejection into a podcast that features some of our favorite celebrities such as Yvonne Orji, Dana Chanel, and Misa Hylton. On the "Celebrate Hearing No" podcast, Hubert made it her mission to showcase conversations with people who have dealt with detours on their journeys to success and ultimately landed in positions that allowed them to live out their dreams. I recently had the opportunity to catch up with PhaShunta to talk with her about her podcast.
When you were a child, did you always want to be in media? If not, what did you want to be?
PhaShunta Hubert: When I was a child, I definitely knew this was something I wanted to do. I was so impressed with the talk show hosts I watched on television. I remember telling myself that one day I was going to be like them. Being in media has always been a true passion of mine.
At what age did you decide you wanted to work in media enough to actively pursue it?
PH: When I was about 19 years old I kind of took things into my own hands. I knew the future and life I wanted to live. No one was going to make my dreams happen except for me. A lot of things were going on in my life at that time. Plus, I wasn’t getting good responses back from certain media jobs I had applied for. With that being said, I felt it was time to create my own way into the media industry, so that's when I started Missphashunta.com.
What do you hope to achieve with your fanbase with the "Celebrate Hearing No" podcast?
PH: I really would like for people to grasp the concept of what my podcast “Celebrate Hearing No” is all about. Which is NOT meant to encourage people to get comfortable with being told no. But to encourage people to keep persevering and just know that one day that word “no” will turn into a "YES" as long as you stay consistent, believe and focus on the goal at hand. I really just want my supporters to become inspired by everyone who is brave enough to come on to share their journey.
How do you plan to make your podcast stand out from the sea of other podcasts?
PH: With my podcast being 12 episodes each summer and winter I think that first and foremost makes it stand out. Secondly, everyone who is a guest on my podcast has built brands or success from the ground up. Last but not least, not only will listeners be able to listen to each person's story. Towards the end of every episode, each guest shares advice on how to overcome the word “no.” There are more ways that I have made and will continue to make my podcast stand out because there are indeed a lot out there. However, I like to be super creative and inspire at the same time all while just being me.
So far, what has been your most favorite moment or interview on your podcast?
PH: I honestly have enjoyed all of the guests who have been on my podcast. So, I truly have no favorite moment or favorite interview. But I would say that while interviewing Dana Chanel, entrepreneur and founder of Sprinkle of Jesus, we both learned that we shared similarities with our past and her story made me feel more comfortable opening up about my past, which I did on that episode. She also said a really nice prayer before we started the interview, and that moment I will never forget because it was so beautiful and very well spoken. She is truly amazing. But it has been a pleasure so far with everyone!
What kind of message can listeners expect to hear from you and the guests on your show?
Listeners can expect to learn how to turn that strong word “no” that people often get intimidated by into a "YES!" The main goal is to motivate and inspire, so be prepared!
What is one piece of advice that you can offer to women in media and aspiring entrepreneurs as to how to handle rejection?
The ONE piece of advice that I would have to offer would be to let rejection motivate you to go harder with your dreams. It's very normal to be sad for a while, but don't prolong that sadness. Get motivated, really creative, think positive and CREATE YOUR OWN OPPORTUNITY!