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When Chanel Nicole Scott received a call from In The Black Network’s CEO James DeBose, she had no idea that she would walk away from the conversation with an offer to be the new streaming service’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). It just goes to show you that you never know who is admiring your work and waiting for an opportunity to grow together.
“I didn’t believe him,” Scott tells BrownStyle Magazine in an interview days after announcing her new position. “I was like, he’s playing, right? It was great! It was also overwhelming in the moment. I didn’t want to take on the role and not be prepared, so I took about a month to consider the opportunity and weigh the pros and the cons. Then I agreed to take the role!”
Holding a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Marketing, Scott found the role to be a natural fit. It also helped that she was the creator and executive producer of several relationship-based shows on the In The Black Network (ITBN), which allowed her to build a valued working relationship with DeBose. She also credits her team for allowing her to learn with grace.
Since signing on board ITBN earlier this year, Scott has made it her mission to create a flagship show for the platform, as well as help find new shows for the free streaming service to highlight original stories of Black and Brown people.
“We’re talking about equity and inclusion. We’re allowing content creators to have more freedom to create their stories and not have influence from people who can’t relate to us,” she shares about the vision for the network. “As a content creator, I know what that side looks like to have some network exec come in and change your whole idea. Well, we don’t do that at In The Black Network. We allow you to operate in authenticity so that the product comes from a place of authenticity, and you become more relatable to the people.”
Creating Balance In Life
Scott is an advocate for setting healthy boundaries in life, being intentional with time, and recognizing red flags early in relationships.
“Set boundaries. That is something that I’m horrible at, but I’m getting better at,” she admits. “Learn how to set healthy boundaries. If someone is draining, you remove them. Single women, you’re married to your purpose until God says otherwise. Operate in purpose and do what God called you to do, and he’ll connect you with the right people at the right time.”
And for those who have busy schedules but want to make time for a romantic relationship, the author of Relationships Matter (Buy On Amazon) suggests being intentional.
“If that’s what you want, you just gotta be intentional. But that applies to anything in life. Remember, we do what we want to do,” she reminds us. “Make sure that you’re spending time with people who actually deserve it. Don’t waste time on people. Recognize the red flags early. If it’s not in alignment with what you want and desire, exit stage left. Leave the situation alone. Don’t wait to see if the person is going to change. This is the exploratory season, where you’re vetting people and getting to know them. So the moment you see the red flag, don’t hang out and see what’s next. It’s time to move forward before you become attached.”
Self-Care And Faith
When it comes to self-care, the North Carolina-born, New Jersey-raised entrepreneur truly enjoys shopping and treating herself to gifts when she has a bad day. And while she enjoys wearing a fly suit, she is truly a sneakerhead at heart and loves a luxury car that commands attention.
“I’ve got a shopping spirit,” she shares with a chuckle. “I love cars. I love bags, and I love shoes. I’m a sneakerhead all day long! Like that is something that nobody knows, unless you know me, know me. As a matter of fact, if you don’t see me doing shows or whatever, I’m probably somewhere with a onesie on and a pair of Air Force ones.”
Her self-care routines also include family vacations and prioritizing her spirituality.
“God is always telling me when to move, who not to connect with, what to do, what not to do,” she explains about operating with faith. “And I don’t always get it right, because there are times when I want to do my own thing and he’ll allow me to mess up, but then I’ll get right back up and keep it moving. But that’s how I maintain my mind. Just having that relationship with God and studying the Word.”
What’s Next
Her future dreams include possibly doing reality TV to showcase her life and help people get to know her on a more personal level.
“I want to do reality TV. I would love to have an opportunity to have that platform. One of the things I hear people say about me is that they know what I do, but they don’t know me,” she explains, noting she has to be aligned with the production team to move forward with the project. “I want to get out there more. It has to be respectable, though. I want to showcase my life to a certain degree. I want to maintain some level of privacy, of course, but also want to gain exposure as well.”
As for her role at ITBN, Scott says that she plans to continue pushing forward the culture with content that uplifts the community.
This just goes to show you that doors open when you align yourself with forward-thinkers who positively speak your name in the room. Think opportunities, jobs, and wins! And you never know who is admiring your work, so be consistent and move with a mission.
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
