Pedestal Professionals is a weekly spotlight series on our blog that highlights Black women entrepreneurs who are forging new paths in their respective fields.
Meet this week’s Pedestal Professional, Mia McClure, Creator and Executive Producer of BackGround Music podcast. Mia, also known by the musical moniker Mia Love, hails from Charlotte, NC and has a knack for getting to the heart of the music we love. Her groundbreaking podcast takes listeners on a musical journey as she sits down with artists to figure out the inspiration behind their art. We were honored to chat with Mia and get a closer listen to her magic!
Tell us a bit about yourself and your podcast, BackGround Music.
I am the creator and executive producer of the podcast show: BackGround Music. On the show, I interview different musical artists to find out what album inspired and influenced them to want to become a musician or want to do music professionally. It is featured on 2 Internet radio stations and gets hundreds of listeners per episode.
How did you get started?
My background is in radio. I worked for two stations, and then came to a point where I wanted to try and do my own thing! I talked with my mentor about other options and then decided to begin my own podcast. I combined two of my favorite loves: music and radio, and I created the show BackGround Music.
Tell us about your educational journey.
I graduated from Appalachian State University in 2012 with a Bachelors degree in Sociology. I initially set out to major in Communications in the School of Broadcasting at App State, but I couldn’t because of my first year GPA. Instead, I vowed to get my foot in the door some other way and for the time being, just major in sociology and I did JUST THAT!
What’s the most rewarding part of entrepreneurship?
Seeing your vision come to life! There’s just something about writing it down and speaking it and then with time, watching it grow. It’s honestly like gardening.
In your opinion, what is unique about being a professional Black Woman?
I think Black women are commonly looked at as the underdogs. I’m ALLLLLL about proving people wrong and that’s what professional Black women do! We exceed the bar. We literally view the stereotype and trash it and then go back and create our own path and avenue. We’re one of a kind for sure!
What’s your business mantra?
“Go ye therefore and INSPIRE”
What’s one piece of advice you would give to aspiring Black women entrepreneurs?
“Don’t Quit”- Everything is about time and timing. Things may not look like what you might have wanted them to look like NOW, but if you’re putting in the work, grinding, and honestly giving your all, then IT WILL be where you want it to be! Don’t give up cause it gets hard some days! It’s just preparation for the next level.
How can the Pedestal Project readers learn more about you and BackGround Music?
They can visit my website (bgm.podbean.com) and check out episodes or they can follow me on social media (@mialovelive) and get all that they need to know!
If you, or someone you know, would like to be featured in Pedestal Professionals, please complete the form in the “Connect” section or email us at pedestalprojectorg@gmail.com.
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