Meet Loni Swain | Digital Media Creator & Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Loni Swain and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LONI, how do you think about risk?
I think about risk as necessary for growth. I’ve found that the bigger the reward often comes the bigger the risk. Risks have been a huge part of my life and career. I, like most people, enjoy the comforts of familiarity and the seemingly secure stability found in routine. I noticed that in my desire to stay close to my comfort zone, my comfort zone would eventually start to get more and more uncomfortable until I would be dragged or forced out of it. I eventually realized that I did NOT like the feeling of being dragged or forced out and vowed to take ownership of when and how I transitioned from one adventure, job, client, career, or relationship to the next. The biggest responsibility of that ownership, and the most challenging, is that I often have to leap and take risks long before I feel ready. In every instance, I rise to the occasion, make deposits in my self-confidence bank, and help each risk going forward to feel a little less scary.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I graduated with a BA in Mass Communications and wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do with that career-wise. I had been interning in radio since my freshman year and was hired six months later which began my career as a radio broadcaster and later transitioned into television. A storyteller at heart, I quickly began to build my brand by leveraging social media, blogging, content creation, and strategic partnerships. These skills would all come in handy to later transition into my current career. While it was a relatively seamless transition in terms of skills, it was difficult having to almost go back to ground zero in terms of building credibility in a new industry. This was a little more challenging because while I had the skills, I had only utilized them for my projects. At that point, most people weren’t aware that I had been creating my graphics and website and producing all of my content. I also hadn’t held a job in the Digital Media space, so my resume didn’t appeal to many employers. Having my resume rejected along with interviews not leading to offers, I decided to leap into freelance entrepreneurship to start building my portfolio and my client list just kept growing through client and friend referrals. The biggest lesson that I’ve learned along the way is to trust the process. While you may not see the value in the detours and delays now, you will eventually understand why they were necessary for where you are heading. I also had to realize that you cannot wait for other people to recognize your value-you have to be willing to bet on yourself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I wanted to show someone a good time we’d definitely::: have to hit up LACMA Jazz Night on Friday to kick off the weekend. EAT in Noho for casual breakfast vibes, Catch a “Don’t Tell Comedy” secret comedy show, Dinner at Bacari. Cupcakes from Frosted Cupcakery. Book an Airbnb experience. I’d pick something random like Beekeeper For A Day with Marvin. Do some thrift shopping. Brunch in Malibu. Catch a show at Peppermint Lounge. Yoga class at Walk Good Yard. Do a bouquet-making class at Oldvine Florals. And grab coffee at Hilltop Coffee or catch a jammin on the hill session if it’s the 3rd Thursday of the month. Make smores at a bonfire on Dockweiler beach.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is dedicated to KAO for always believing in me, supporting me, and making me feel like I am never alone in any risk, choice, life or career season – every day, in EVERY way. TP, thanks for finding a way to include me in every project and for recognizing my ability to excel far beyond any given title or role. IOG and JG thank you for speaking my name in so many rooms and sending me so many referrals. You are all amazing friends, my support system, and I am so grateful to know you!

Website: https://www.loniswain.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loniswain

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/loniswain