Wednesday Wonder Woman: Iesha Bryant

Iesha Bryant is the owner of the catering company Bert’s Granddaughter’s Place, hostess of The Up Close & Personal With Mz. Radio Diva Show, a radio producer at WNLK 1350 a.m. which powers her show,  the visionary of inspirHER, a travel agent, and a mom. I’ve known Iesha several years; we connected, because we are both Libra women and in media, as well she is always sharing yummy looking creations on her page! Plus I’ve been a guest on her show, so I’m happy to share her story with you all.

Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Iesha, Iesha?

Iesha: As you already know, I’m a Libra, and it’s something about Libra women, especially those that are in and/or running businesses, that brings out the best in us. I’m just simply BLESSED to be able to use these gifts God gave me & believing in myself enough to go for it EVERY chance I get. 

Fancy: What inspired The Up Close & Personal With Mz. Radio Diva Show?

Iesha: Well honestly, Angie Martinez!  I was an avid listener of interviews and Angie Martinez, and FunkMaster Flex and a few other New York City deejays always had my undivided attention with the best in studio interviews. Being that Angie was a female, she made hosting more realistic and obtainable for me. I registered, attended, and graduated from Connecticut School of Broadcasting in 2009, and from there it was destined that I host my own show. 

Fancy: What type of topics do you all discuss?

Iesha: I typically sit down with the who’s who of my community and beyond. If you have a unique business, I want to know about it and you, the highs and the lows… to have my listening audience know it’s not always roses. If you have impacted me in any way, I want to get to know you “Up Close & Personal”.

Fancy: Now you are also a Producer at WNLK 1350 AM. What exactly does a radio producer do?

Iesha: Yes I am a studio manager, host, and producer and my job as a producer is to make sure my show and whomever else show I produce is clean as a whistle. That means the audio, content, and creativity of that show must meet our company standards and/or guidelines. You don’t want to listen to a radio show and the audio is low then high or high then low….I am the person responsible for managing what goes out to our audience. 

Fancy: Outside of your show you also have your catering business, Bert’s Granddaughter’s Place. Tell us a little about it and the significance of its name?

 Iesha: Bert’s Granddaughter’s Place is my babyyyyy! I started this catering business in honor of my grandmother, Alberta Swinton. She was the former owner of Bert’s Place, a soul food restaurant where I worked as a little girl and where she taught me everything I know in the kitchen. When she passed away, I felt it was a must to keep her legacy alive and carry on her dream, so #iAmBertsGranddaughter. 

Fancy: You recently partnered with a venue, so now Bert’s customers can sit down and eat. I think that is really cool and unconventional, do you mind sharing how you all worked to create that partnership?

 Iesha: Yes, convenient is an understatement! I am thankful for all these businesses believing in me while I try to gain a building of my own to call home. The establishment is located in the heart of our downtown area; it’s a great location and already has a welcoming presence in our city of Hartford. I started this “businessship” through my homemade BBQ sauce “Lil’ Sudie’s B.B.Q. Sauce, and from there kept ties to expand and partner for a time like this. 

Fancy: I know that you are big on women empowerment, and you were working to start your women organization, inspirHER, when we last spoke. How are things going?

Iesha: Yes, inspirHER is my personal favorite because it deals with the heart and issues of women. This was and is an assignment from God I remember being on prayer call and the prophetess prophesying to me about this same organization that I’m still in the process of birthing it. I am currently making, writing, and working on my vision board for 2019 and this is at the top of my to-do list….Stay tuned! 

Fancy: If you had to pick a favorite, what do you enjoy doing the most?

Iesha: Radio, it is my first love and passion…I’m “kinda a people person”, lol! So it comes naturally. I feel like Lil Oprah when I get in my zone. 

Fancy: How do you balance your work and personal life?

 Iesha: I don’t! It’s all mixed up in one…I feel I need to work smarter not harder, so I can be at a place where I’m comfortable and content enough to sit back and enjoy my personal life. Right now I’m all work with less play. 

Fancy: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you care to share?

Iesha: I am currently planning my next Women inspirHER Seminar for 2019 and a Wing Tasting in a few weeks. Please stay connected to my social media for upcoming announcements. 

Connect with Iesha below.

Website: www.lilsudiesbbqsauce.online

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheUpClosePersonalWMzRadioDivaShow

 www.facebook.com/BertsGranddaughtersPlace

Instagram: @ mzradiodiva

@_bertsgranddaughtersplace