We had the good fortune of connecting with Tracey Morrison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tracey, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking a risk can bring about uncertainty, especially if you’re used to having a plan. It’s much easier to remain on the other side of your comfort zone if you lack the mental capacity to see beyond your situation and capabilities.

When I took the risk to start a business, particularly in a field I love, it demonstrated that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. On the opposite side of your comfort come blessings. All I knew was that I wanted to exercise my freedom to write, and that requires taking a risk of doing something out of the norm. I achieved this by conducting extensive research on how to start a blog, investing my time and money to establish my website, and creating content for social media. Once I started writing professionally, I experienced numerous breakthroughs after placing my trust in myself to get myself out there.

I realized that I was gifted and had to show the world what I’m capable of. My writing gift was too great and wasn’t worth squandering. Having a blog allowed me far more flexibility to write whatever I wanted. “Why not take the risk and start your own news and blogging site?” I asked myself this question in response to my friend’s encouragement to start my own blogging and news website. In addition to writing, I create social media content on my social media pages.
Once I took the risk of putting myself out there, it filled me with an inner sense of satisfaction that I had taken a chance on myself. It helped to change the trajectory of my life and career as I transitioned to operating my website full-time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a blogger and social media content creator for The Exclusive Press. I can say that I’m proud of betting on myself. My professional journey began with that “just do it” attitude of determination and obedience to pursue my calling. I wanted it so badly that I was willing to sacrifice my time and finances to start the website. I would encourage anyone with a special talent to take it to the next level by executing their talent or turning their gift into entrepreneurship. Although I experienced moments of physical exhaustion, I remained steadfast in my belief that my talent was irreplaceable and that my consistent efforts would reap rewards. So far, I have received traction from celebrities such as Kevin Garnett, former NBA player Cedric Ceballos, Tina Thompson (former WNBA player), Sanaa Lathan, Queen Latifah, Vivica A Fox, Snoop Dogg, Rapper Killer Mike, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Taj from SWV, and many others, indicating that my efforts are paying off.

Along the way, I learned to make time for pursuing your dreams, whether it’s using your lunch break to work on your craft. Many times, we find ourselves drawn in multiple directions, walking further into the “I can’t make time for it” journey. It’s all about putting in the time to manifest the vision into reality.
My brand showcases a variety of content, including blog stories, current events, news, entertainment, and enlightening stories from deserving individuals making waves in their local community, as well as unsung heroes and events.

The Exclusive Press (EP) refers to its fans as “Peeps!” Families, including my own, commonly use the term “peeps.” I treat my fanbase like they’re my peeps (family), giving them exclusive access to our world. I share content as if I were having a conversation with my “peeps” about global events, community heroes, humorous clips, politics, events, intriguing topics, and much more.

When it comes to writing, the scope is limitless, encompassing topics such as community news, profiles of individuals making a positive impact in the community, opinion pieces, and top news. Everything we see, hear, or do revolves around a story. I create wonderful stories by staying in tune with my senses. I have a special ability to translate thoughts and ideas onto paper. I receive a lot of feedback from readers on how emotionally charged and well-written my articles are.

As an interviewer, I write stories as if I’m listening to a friend share their story with me, giving them a voice while adding a positive touch to the story. I take immense pride in sharing stories with my fanbase.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My goal is to make the most of the experience. For the initial day, I will chitchat with my friend to catch up. Later in the day, I will invite my friend to dinner at a locally owned and good-quality restaurant, followed by the Wagram, NC, winery. On the second day, we will visit stores, view art at the Arts Council, have a spa day or get a manicure or pedicure, and enjoy tea at Fayetteville’s Winterbloom.

We will spend the third and fourth days in Charlotte. We leave early in the morning to visit Charlotte, explore the city, and engage in various activities, such as dining at NoDa restaurants, participating in fun “Things to Do,” according to Tik Tok, and attending a concert or comedy club. On the fourth day in Charlotte, we will play golf at Top Golf, go to the Museum of Illusion, and eat out in Ballantyne or South Park before heading back home.

The fifth day will be a relaxing day spent binge-watching movies. The following day, we will travel to Oak Island, NC, to explore the island by driving around in a golf cart. Hang out at the beach and enjoy some seafood. Afterward, we will travel to Wilmington, a nearby town, to visit the movie studio.
On the seventh day, I will take my friend to church and brunch.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My daycare teacher, Mrs. Mary Morrison, is the recipient of my shoutout; I would like to dedicate it to her. Simply by observing how I expressed myself through art and sketching, Mrs. Morrison prophesied to my father that I would become a writer one day when I was a toddler. She knew me well from a young age, and she was spiritually inclined to see me as God saw me, not as the world saw me.

In addition, I would like to thank my writing mentor, John Caldwell, who saw my writing gift and opened doors for me to write for news outlets such as Greater Diversity News and the Fayetteville Observer. He has been instrumental in nurturing my writing talent, providing a pathway to propel my gift to new heights.

Website: https://www.theexclusivepress.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexclusivepress

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theexclusivepress

Image Credits
Courtesy of Tracey Morrison

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutNorthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.