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How She Got There: Diana Madison, Host and Executive Producer of Hollyscoop / Co-founder of Hollyscoop.com

Name: Diana Madison
Age: 30
Job Title and Description: Host /Executive Producer of Hollyscoop and Co-Founder of Hollyscoop.com
College/Major: University of California at Santa Barbara/ Political Science and Communication
Website: dianamadison.com / hollyscoop.com
Twitter Handle: @dianamadison

What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Diana Madison:
My typical day starts at 5 AM and sometimes goes until 10 PM. I host Hollyscoop and help produce the weekly program. I also help create content for Hollyscoop.com.

What is the best part of your job?
DM:
My best part of my job is having one-on-one interviews with some of my favorite celebs. I also enjoy covering big Hollywood events such as the Oscars, Golden Globes and Grammys.

What inspired you and your co founders to create REV New Media?
DM:
Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of having my own talk show. I would carry a spoon around family events and interview my family members. Interviewing people has always been my dream and now I get to make my dreams come true with the creation of REV.  

You started your career when you were only 18 years-old. Did you face any difficulties because you were so young? How did you overcome them?
DM:
The entertainment industry is one of the toughest industries in the world. You must always have a thick skin and be able to take rejections on a daily basis. The key to making it in this industry is to keep going and never give up!

What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
DM
: It takes time and to be patient. If I knew earlier, I would have pursued my career at age five.

Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
DM:
My husband, who is also my partner in REV. He has helped me overcome my fear of failure and always pushes me to keep going when the going gets tough.

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?
DM:
When I worked at Entertainment Tonight, I learned from the show’s Executive Producer Linda Bell Blue that you can never take “no” as an answer. “Everything can be possible with a little effort!”

What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
DM:
I learned that you can’t always trust your sources or Wikipedia. I have asked celebrities questions off of Wikipedia, which got me in trouble. Not everything you find on the Internet is true.

Do you ever get starstruck when interviewing celebrities? If so, how do you keep your cool during interviews with your favorite celebrities?
DM:
Yes. If I said no, I would be lying. I try to focus on the interview and not show the interviewee that I am drooling. I have learned through time that everyone is human. At the end of the day, we all breathe the same air.  

What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
DM:
Never give up and keep pursuing your dreams. I was told I could never make it as an on-air host because of my ethnic background, my accent and my looks. With hard work and perseverance, you can achieve the unattainable. 

 

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Kelsey is a senior at Boston University, studying Magazine Journalism  in the College of Communication. As a magazine junkie and fashion fanatic, she loves being a part of the Her Campus team! At BU, Kelsey is president of Ed2010 at Boston University.  She has interned for Time Out New York, Lucky, Anthropologie, and Marie Claire. Kelsey also has a fashion blog, The Trendologist, where she covers the latest trends, fashion shows, and red carpet reports. When she isn't busy, Kelsey loves hanging out with her friends and family, shopping, reading style blogs, going for a nice jog, listening to music, creating baked goods in the kitchen, watching movies, and eating tons of frozen yogurt and sushi! After graduation, Kelsey hopes to work as an editor for a fashion magazine. Follow Kelsey on Twitter and Instagram at @kmulvs and don't  forget to check out her "Catwalk to Campus" blog posts!
As the Senior Designer, Kelsey is responsible for the conceptualization and design of solutions that support and strengthen Her Campus on all levels. While managing junior designers, Kelsey manages and oversees the creative needs of Her Campus’s 260+ chapters nationwide and abroad. Passionate about campaign ideation and finding innovative design solutions for brands, Kelsey works closely with the client services team to develop integrated marketing and native advertising campaigns for Her Campus clients such as Macy’s, UGG, Merck, Amtrak, Intel, TRESemmĂ© and more. A 2012 college graduate, Kelsey passionately pursued English Literature, Creative Writing and Studio Art at Skidmore College. Born in and native to Massachusetts, Kelsey supplements creative jewelry design and metal smithing with a passion for fitness and Boston Bruins hockey. Follow her on Twitter: @kelsey_thornFollow her on Instagram: @kelsey_thorn