Originally for California, American alum, Markette Smith, made a statement in Washington when starting the entertainment website, DC on Heels. During her time in the School of Communication, Markette recalls the master’s program to be very hands on, as she learned most of her technical skills such as Final Cut Pro. She says that even though interactive journalism was her concentration, she is thankful she learned these skills, as she used them when starting DC on Heels and at her job as a reporter for either WAMU 88.5FM and CTV News. In addition to her already busy schedule, she also writes for Essence as a contributing health and fitness writer.
When starting DC on Heels, she and her partner, Vanessa Camozzi, made sure that the nation’s capital was more then just the monuments. While looking for jobs in 2008, Markette and Vanessa grabbed the chance at pursuing what they love, and became DC’s new entertainment correspondents. Simply with one of the many of the Internet’s free platforms, they went to different events around the city and blogged six days a week. DCOH showed that DC contained just as much great food, fashion, and events as any other city. Since starting DC on Heels, she gained the opportunity to meet and interview celebrities such as Lauren Conrad from MTV’s The Hills, Christian Siriano of Project Runway, and E!’s very own news anchor, Giuliana Rancic. When not on the red carpet or the Capitol, she covers fashion shows and food tastings at restaurants in the area for DCOH followers. As the website grew, it earned plenty of sponsorships such as Kim Kardashian’s website, Shoe Dazzle.
During the four years working on her DC on Heels, Markette plans on expanding herself in the blogging world by starting a new website focusing on a global perspective. Markette wishes to also grow professionally and aspires to work for Entertainment Tonight or Extra. She hopes to move to New York City or Los Angeles, even if it means leaving her favorite DC spots like Cactus Cantina and Georgetown.