Averianna Patton of Streetz 99.3 on Community Building, Media Adaptability, and Amplifying Nashville's Hip-Hop Scene

As a part of our series about Nashville’s rising stars, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Averianna Patton.

Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Averianna is not only a popular radio personality but a thriving entrepreneur, host and the Program Director of Streetz 99.3 in Nashville. Seen on our favorite red carpets, Averianna has had the opportunity of working at the NAACP Awards, BET Awards, BET Hiphop Awards, Black Music Honors and BET Soul Train Awards. She has also worked on the set of Dr. Phil, The Real, The Four, BeatShazam, and Family Feud just to name a few. Averianna now hosts one of the hottest shows “ATP Hourz” on Streetz 99.3 and she talks to the Streetz of Nashville with some of your favorite faces in Hollywood today. With Averianna’s extensive background and hard work ethic, this is just the beginning for the young radio personality and host!

Thank you so much for joining us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

Journalism is always something I wanted to do. Growing up, I always said I wanted to be a host on the television show, 106 and Park, like Free was. I made funny videos and danced and soon I learned the term broadcast journalism. College helped open a lot of doors for me and got me a chance to build my portfolio up. At Middle Tennessee State, Averianna the Personality was born.

Can you share the most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your music career?

Right after college, I moved to LA. I packed up my things and said Ima figure this out. I got into doing seat filling and audience work then built myself up in television to do PA work. I learned that if you have the will to do something there it’s possible. It’s a lot more opportunities there in LA than in Nashville. Most of all I learned I couldn’t get caught up in just being a journalist. Media covers a lot of things. I have to be a videographer, PA, and whatever else is needed.

Which people in history inspire you the most? Why?

One person, in particular, would be Don Cornelius. The legacy he left in the black community and film and television world. Watching how hard it was for him and his tenacity reminded me it was possible for me. Everything I want to go after is possible. His work ethic inspired me. Aside from him, Kamala Harris. Listening to her speak- she’s so powerful. I want to be that impactful for the world one day.

Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?

Rapper NBA Young Boy. He answered me without question. I didn’t have to go thru a middle man, and he honored his word for an interview. It’s my most viral video today despite the misplaced credit. Next would be Steve Harvey. Meeting him on different sets such as Family Feud, listening to his inspiring stories daily and seeing him use his platform has always inspired me. So to be building such a platform for my city and its hip-hop scene means a lot.

What do you aspire to be like one day?

I want to give off that transformative aura and energy. That energy that when I walk in a room, it’s transforms the people around me whether I am aware of it or not. I realize that I am bigger than just myself. Any way I can elevate others around me is a goal of mine.

Can you share with us a few of the best parts of living in Nashville? We’d love to hear some specific examples or stories about that.

Nashville is just a great place to live in and work in. The community is supportive and they really embrace upcoming artists. A lot of established artists come to Nashville to promote and even though the city is known for country, it’s becoming more than that.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why?

Mine is going to sound cliché, but truthfully it would be Oprah Winfrey. She came through these very grounds I walk on. Of course, I would ask her about her entrepreneurial skills and wealth, but really, I’d like to know what her mindset was like when she was in different phases of her journey starting out. I would want to know what she was thinking about and feeling when she was in Nashville. She was in a similar situation as me, and so I know she has some insight that I don’t! I’d love to know if she journaled about any of it. That would help me determine if my mind is in the right space!!

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”?

1. You’re not simply a journalist. You need to be what the situation calls for. Sticking to one thing blinds you and keeps you from opportunities.

2. It is a dog-eat-dog world. You can’t wear your emotions on your sleeve.

3. There is no real competition. In college, we were bred to see things in that light and we felt we had to be the one great black girl. But if you have something to say, it’s going to be heard by the people you need. Once I realized that it gave me more peace about what I was doing.

4. There’s no actual blueprint to success. There isn’t a right or wrong way to do things.

5. Be authentic. Be true to yourself. Be open, but remain true to yourself.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

Personally, I use my platform at the radio station to serve as a conduit between the artists and the community. I’ve helped spearhead a number of various workshops for the community and helped promote artists here in Nashville. Being able to be the bridge between people and helping them get the real-world experience they need is mainly what I do. I want my city to have a voice so that we can be heard and promoted.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

Here in Nashville at the station, we have a weekly event where we get a mainstream artist, producer or entrepreneur to visit and speak on air. We also invite a lot of local talent on as well so that we can be that hub the city needs. Hot or Not Mondays is coming soon. It is going to be big.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity. Oprah said it and over time it has become my mindset. Everything I have and everything I want is coming to me. It is just a matter of time before my opportunity meets my preparation.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

Learn to separate work from your personal life. If you don’t you can get caught up in the hustle. Always come to interviews prepared. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. We all make them. Last, embrace being a jack of all trades.

How can our readers follow you online?

You can follow me online at Averiannathepersonality on Instagram and YouTube and you can also listen to me on Streetz 99.3’s radio station here in Nashville.

This was great, thank you so much for sharing your story and doing this with us. We wish you continued success!