Milana Brown Shares Her Journey of Faith, Media and Self-Expression

Image Credit: Shaniah Wilson

For Milana Brown, a 24-year-old Georgian, media is about making an impression, not only about flashy lights and red carpets.

From high school TV segments and school talent competitions to red carpets and live-streamed interviews with prominent figures in the industry, Brown has gained popularity as "DH Barbie". She is making a name for herself in the media industry by taking risks and seizing opportunities rather than waiting for them to present themselves.

“I’ve always had a thing for being in the spotlight,” Brown said. “That’s just always been me. But I’ve also always had a love for people. So growing up, I was always in talent shows, modeling, dancing—always in some type of spotlight, always being recorded or on a stage.”

Brown's media career started in earnest at South Cobb High School when she and a friend, Aaliyah, were given their own program on Eagles TV, the school's YouTube channel, by her audio-video technology instructor, Aisha Davis. With its cheeky title, "And That's Just That on That," the show grew popular among peers.

“We were just being ourselves—giving advice, giving the tea and just being girls who wanted to look pretty on camera and talk about stuff,” Brown said. “That’s when my love for being a host began.”

Following high school, Brown continued her love at Albany State University, where she studied mass communication with a focus on film, television and radio. She became completely involved in the media, working for student news and at the college radio station.

I missed a lot of fun nights out,” Brown said. “But I made the radio station fun by inviting my friends to come hang out, record and pick the songs. It became our thing.”

Her work on campus prepared her for the realities of the industry.

“We had to do everything ourselves—filming, editing and producing. That trained me for what’s expected in the real world. Some companies give you a full team. Others? You do it all. I was ready for both,” Brown said.

She was initially volunteering at Invest Fest with Fanbase, where she got her first big break after graduating. Brown was called upon to fill in for one of the hosts who was unable to attend. She presented the names of attendees she had never met, was ill-prepared and was also anxious. She, however, stepped up to the plate.

“I killed that first interview,” Brown said. “And then they had me do more. And more. I was so nervous—raw footage, live on Fanbase, no prep, but I did it. That was when I knew: I’m going to be that girl.”

Brown has never forgotten the fear, thrill and sheer adrenaline of that moment, which changed her life.

“Even though I blurted out something wild like, ‘I want to be better than Oprah!’ Oprah is literally one of my inspirations. It showed me that I could do this. That I belonged.”

Reaching out directly to Jalisa, the founder of Media Girls Network, was her next big step. 

“I took the chance for myself,” Brown says. “I DM’d her and said, ‘Hey, I’m very interested and really love what you’re doing. Can I join, please? I just graduated, I have experience in this and that.’”

Jalisa didn’t hand her an easy yes. Instead, she shot back: “What can you bring to the table?”

The deal was sealed by Brown's assured reaction. She soon became a member of the Media Girls Network, a sisterhood she attributes to helping her advance in her career. 

“It’s been a blessing in disguise,” Brown said. 

She joined Media Girls Network and flourished through every opportunity within it.

“I did my first red carpet interviews with them on Media Girls on Tour. I got invited to the BET Awards. I’ve met so many industry professionals, built my network and found a community of like-minded, beautiful and talented Black women. It really feels like family,” Brown said.

Brown acknowledges the network's contribution even as she develops on her own.

“After Media Girls Network, I started having my own opportunities—hosting red carpets, being invited to events just for being me. It gave me that launch.”

Through it all, Brown has held fast to her personal mantra: “I pray every day that God’s light can shine through me to make a positive impact on every person I meet.”

She describes herself in three words: light, water and persistent. 

“I’m a light because everywhere I go, I shine. I bring positivity. I’m water because I keep flowing through obstacles. And I’m persistent because no matter what, I don’t stop. If I can’t go one way, I’ll find another,” said Brown.

Regarding the realities of pursuing dreams, Brown is open and honest. In order to maintain stability while investing in her future, she juggles her growing media career with a job in healthcare.

“Don’t go broke trying to chase your dreams,” said Brown. “Keep your 9 to 5 and invest in your future. Bills don’t stop because of your dreams. You need a foundation.”

Brown’s faith is key to her journey. 

“I’m not perfect. I make mistakes. But I know my relationship with God, and I ask Him daily for guidance and discernment. This industry is hard, and it can pull you away from your path. I never want to lose sight of Him,” Brown said.

As she looks to the future, Brown draws inspiration from Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and Lala Anthony—women who established media empires by being genuine, relating to their audiences, and producing opportunities.

“When Oprah gave people gifts, when Ellen made people laugh and when Lala transitioned from radio to film, I loved all of that. They showed me that you can start anywhere and grow everywhere,” Brown said.

Brown accepts that there will be challenges along the way, but she views them as a necessary part of the process. She acknowledges that sometimes discouragement comes in and progress seems to be slow. But even though she hasn't arrived at her final goal yet, she has already made significant progress in the past year, serving as a reminder that every step is a step toward improvement.

For Milana Brown, becoming famous isn't the only way to succeed. It's about lighting it on other people and believing that doing so will only make her own light shine brighter.