With so many recent layoffs in the media industry, it’s easy to understand why writers and editors who’ve spent decades in the industry are publicly voicing their concerns about the future of journalism. In a State of Journalism study by Muck Rack, lack of funding topped the list of journalists’ concerns in 2024.
As a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the industry, Darralynn Hutson has seen the shifts in the industry up close. Hoping to make a difference, she launched her company The Stylist Suite with hopes of uplifting and supporting the next generation of writers and storytellers.
In this candid interview, learn about how Hutson fell in love with storytelling, her thoughts about the current state of media, and how she’s using her real-life experiences to mentor the next generation of journalists.
Falling In Love With Media
Hutson’s love for storytelling began in her youth. “I fell in love with magazines— it takes you to another world,” she shares with a big smile while reminiscing on days when she read her parents’ Ebony and Jet magazines from the comfort of her room. “That’s where it started for me. I loved flipping through the pages. I knew it was something I wanted to do.”
Hutson explains that she initially pursued a career as a reporter but soon decided to pivot to journalism after getting her first job as a reporter and finding that it wasn’t something she had a passion for. Inside her soul, she always knew she wanted to be a journalist who shared untold stories.
“I love to tell stories that haven’t been told before. I like to talk to people who are not really being checked for and not really in the general media, but they’re doing extraordinarily great things. I know how important these types of articles are. If we leave it to someone else, they’ll probably tell it wrong or from a perspective that’s not on the inside. That’s what really motivates me,” she explains.
How Hutson Stays Motivated
Despite the many challenges facing the media industry, Hutson remains excited about the future of journalism. The proud Detroit native says her inquisitive mind keeps her inspired.
“There are a million stories that should be told! I’m like a filmmaker— a lot of writers have evolved into filmmaking,” she shares with enthusiasm. “I am one of those people who love to live my life vigorously. I love to meet people. I put myself out there to be vulnerable.”
The creator adds, “I love to tell my story. I’ve done a lot in my life, and if God continues to bless me, I will continue to explore. And you know, it starts with inquiring. And thank God I never want to stop learning about something. That’s what continues to motivate me.”
When asked about the biggest lesson she’s learned in her lengthy journalism career, she emphasized how important it is to learn how to talk to multiple audiences.
“I’ve learned how to talk to different audiences. I think that’s one of my skills. I’ve learned it’s not about me; it’s about the audience. I’ve written for white, Black, international. Yeah, that’s why I preach weekly on my live show to pitch to editors looking for stories. Get in the mindset that you are helping them do their job. If you want a career in this industry, remember, you’re helping them to do their job.”
The Stylists Suite
In addition to her fabulous career as a freelance journalist, Hutson owns The Stylists Suite, a platform dedicated to providing resources, networking, and advocacy for journalists, publicists, and entrepreneurs.
Inspired by her desire to help others in the industry, Hutson launched after realizing the power of journalists banding together to share opportunities and connections. Although it is not profitable (just yet), her passion for helping others pays off in long-lasting relationships.
“I want to make money from it, obviously, but I most importantly want everybody to thrive,” she expresses. “You’re getting a mentor at a magazine. The Stylist Suite is about elevating your game in this industry by connecting and networking with people with the same mindset. It’s all about getting access.”
To help those who may want to get a better foot in the door of freelancing, Hutson published the Big Fat Media Guide, a yearly directory filled with contacts to media publications.
“I update this book every year. The contacts are verified, and up to date,” she emphasizes. “It also features great tips on how to approach people. I break it into categories of food, fashion, and Black culture.” Hutson mentions that she plans to add business and tech because it’s an industry that people now desire. “It’s growing bigger every year!”
[Editor’s Note: If you are interested in getting your hands on the 2024 edition of the Big Fat Media Guide, you can currently get it on sale for $75. It is worth noting that purchasing the book acts as an entry point to the community.]
The Future Of Journalism
To Hutson, the best way to move the media industry forward is to unite and celebrate each other’s work. “I want more of us to highlight other writer’s articles. I’m an advocate of that. If you read a dope article, share it on social media. With so many challenges in the media industry, we should advocate for each other.”
Maintaining Soft Life Balance
Of course, we couldn’t end our conversation without knowing her secrets to maintaining a work-life balance, especially as a freelance journalist and entrepreneur.
“I’m a discipline fanatic. I work out every morning. I usually swim. I’m a sauna freak, so I do that every night. It helps me sleep. I also make time to have male company. That means I get my sex in, I get my affection and love when I need it,” she openly shares. “I also cook for my family. I used to just kind of cook for me and my daughter, but I spend time cooking for them because it makes me happy.”
To combat loneliness, which most writers and journalists experience, Hutson turns to faith and kindness.
“I live by a philosophy I started way back when I lived in Atlanta because being a journalist can be super, super lonely and you can feel like you’re by yourself. There were months when I was making a lot of money, but then there were months when nobody would respond. And it’s a cycle of life. It happens. My mentor told me in those times to make sure that I give— whether it’s offering someone some advice or doing something for someone else— make that a priority.”
Hutson learned that this philosophy works best when she is low on funds and feels down about herself. “I started to make that practice because God will take the rest. He’ll take it, and an assignment will come through. Like, I mean an amazing assignment!”
She continues, “And it’s always in those times where I feel most despair, like, ‘oh sh*t. I gotta get a job’ or ‘I gotta figure out something to do to make some money.’ I just give. I make that a part of what I do, and it’s my little self-care because it always works and materializes into something. As a woman of a particular age, I have these disciplines because I know what rewards will come from them.”
Moving Forward
To future writers, Hutson offers the following advice: “Join communities of other writers. It’s super important that you do that. Let’s take this sh*t offline. Start meeting in libraries. Start meeting at coffee shops. I promise you, it will help you get what’s in your head on the paper. Where you take that writing is up to you. It’s infinite where you can go!”
To keep up with Darralynn Hutson, follow her on Instagram!
