Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandi Vee.
Mandi , let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My passion for the entertainment industry began my junior year of high school. I was the Entertainment Editor for a Chicago publication. As the editor, I would make assignments and write my own features and interviews. It was there that I began meeting and interviewing celebrities such as OutKast, Usher, Timbaland, and the late singer Aaliyah. One of my highlights as editor was pitching to the board to send myself, another reporter and a photographer to Los Angeles to cover the Soul Train Awards. They approved the pitch, and we had full access backstage during the show.
I majored in Communications in college, but took a hiatus from entertainment after graduation and attended law school. Knowing Entertainment was my first love, I decided to start CHI-Fuzion. I started it with the premise of it showcasing the positive aspects of Chicago via interviews with local entrepreneurs and featuring those contributing to their communities. I also featured and reviewed local events and interviewed celebrity acts that would stop through the city for an event.
Although we still cover those events, CHI-Fuzion has grown beyond that! We now offer Speaking Engagements/Panels on blogging, entertainment industry tips, legal topics in entertainment, interviewing skills, and motivational topics. I also host events. We also offer classes on social media for businesses. In addition, we offer legal assistance/consulting services for copyrights, trademarks, contract review/drafting, and LLC formation. Finally, we offer contributors services to other blogs.
We also began a series of weekly shows on our YouTube page called the Hot 5 which counts down the top 5 moments in Entertainment each week. The show is informative and humorous! After 10 episodes in, we are on a short break, but will return soon!
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. There has definitely been a learning curve since I do everything-writing, videos, business side, social media, web design, interviews, attending shows-by myself.
Also, although some would call it a challenge, hearing “no” to an interview request or not being granted credentials to a big music festival or awards show is part of the business. It actually builds character and helps me realize how persistent I must be.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
CHI-Fuzion is an entertainment magazine. We are known for providing entertainment in the form of interviews (both written and in video form) with celebrities and local entrepreneurs. We also feature Chicago Artists of the Month and review concerts, theater and occasionally local restaurants.
CHI-Fuzion is different from other entertainment magazines because we do so much more than report Entertainment. CHI-Fuzion is one of the few magazines of its kind that has a vested interest in placing a positive spotlight on Chicago.
Because I have an array of experience and education in vastly different fields, I also provide legal consulting to artists and panel discussions related to entertainment to help both amateurs and professionals alike navigate this crazy world of entertainment!
I am proud of what CHI-Fuzion has been able to accomplish over the last 2 1/2 years given that it has been operated and grown organically and independently.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I believe Chicago-although not the huge hub of entertainment like New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta-has a market for Entertainment magazines. It takes a lot of networking and “being on the scene,” but once you begin to build relationships, the opportunities are boundless.
There is room for improvement. There are not a lot of people here who are willing to mentor, and that means there will be a lot of trial and error. You have to work hard anywhere to be successful in his industry, but you have to work even harder in Chicago.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chifuzion.com
- Email: amanda@chifuzion.com
- Instagram: @chifuzion
- Facebook: @chifuzion
- Twitter: @chi_fuzion
- Other: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqyyims9kM_JW-_t-hlD_2g
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
