Written by: Maya Perry
Phoenix Kaye’s personal slogan is, “A Phoenix ALWAYS rises from ashes”. She further explains how to maintain your power within the industry, “self- advocacy. Don’t diminish your voice to make those of others resound better. Advocate for yourself! You are your own best advocate, not worst enemy.”
Phoenix Kaye gave a brief history of how she got her start in radio. “I started as an intern. Once they let me in the door, I never allowed them to forget me. After my internship was completed, I would constantly show up at the station, just to touch base. It worked because when a position became available, I was fresh on their minds and they extended a job offer to me.”
Assuming she was from Arizona like most, she explains how she got the name “Phoenix Kaye”. “So, a really good friend of mine gave me the nickname Phoenix. I initially started my on-air journey using my actual name, while I was producing and co-hosting a show for our Hip Hop station, K97.5,in Raleigh. When I switched over to our R&B station, Foxy 107/104, I decided to mix things up. I love the symbolism of a Phoenix and got a kick out of the nickname. So, I kept Phoenix as a first name and paired it with my given middle name and Phoenix Kaye was born.”
Branding is defined as the promotion of a particular product or individual by means of advertising. I asked Phoenix Kaye what she thinks her brand is and she explains, “The funny thing about branding, for me, is that I feel there is a certain fluidity in what I hope our listeners perceive my brand to be. I can be upbeat, goofy, informative, and sincere. I really want them to see me as someone they can relate to. I want them to feel like I’m an old friend from way back.”
The advice Phoenix Kaye would give to upcoming women in radio is, “Stay consistent and try to learn all facets of the radio business. There are so many components to radio that I didn’t know anything about before I started. You may have your mind set to pursue radio for one specific role, but then find that you fit another role better. Be adaptable. If you love it, it won’t feel like work and it will also keep you focused and centered when the going gets tough. It may get tough, but you have to WANT to grow and succeed. Please, don’t compare yourself to others. Find your niche and be fabulous! You have to be relentless, resilient, and passionate about this craft. It can feel like a one-sided relationship, at times.”