Today we’d like to introduce you to Riley Couture.
Hi Riley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In one way or another, I have always been on the stage. By the age of 11, I performed in The Nutcracker with The Tampa Bay Ballet Company. From there, I did competitive cheerleading, theatre, pageants, and gymnastics.
Needless to say, I was bread to be in the entertainment industry. Fast forward to college, I was studying sign language interpretation and although I loved it I knew it wasn’t my passion.
I wanted to find something that married my love for performing with a career that I could grow with. I got an internship at 93.3 FLZ in Tampa Florida and the late Kane (Peter Deibler) became my mentor. Little did I know what an impact that short 11 months would have on the rest of my life.
From there, I did morning radio as a co-host in markets across the country. With time in Michigan, Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta, and ultimately having live come full circle rejoining Kane this time as his co-host on Hot 995 and Z103 in 2017.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I like to say, I have been a person to learn things the hard way. But the bumpy road has always proven to be worth it because it taught me how to truly fight for anything I want in life. Radio in general is a cutthroat business for anyone, but especially for women.
It’s thankfully changed a lot since I started 18 years ago and more and more women are becoming hosts which makes me so hopeful. I always tell my interns that radio doesn’t always love you back. It was truly my first love and I believe I was truly destined to do it, but it was a lonely road for a long time.
Moving every two years and leaving friends, family and the things I love was hard. Contrary to popular belief, radio personalities rarely ever make much money in the beginning. But I wouldn’t change one day of it. It’s made me who I am today. My life would have been vastly different without it. In a strange way, you could say my drive for radio saved me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Radio was my first love and will always be. I often say that I want to continue to sit behind a mic as long as I have breath because I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. But radio has also opened a lot of unexpected doors for me.
Through a radio endorsement, I did when I first started in the DMV I’ve now become a fitness ambassador for One Life Fitness and Sport and Health. I’ve also launched my successful podcast “Really Riley” on iHeartRadio , where I go deeper into things like motherhood, mental health, product reviews, marriage, fitness, and all things Riley.
I think what sets me apart from others is my ability to connect with radio listeners from a no BS approach. I lived most of my life a hot mess making mistake after mistake, but I think there’s a true opportunity to be relatable in that. I’m never afraid to speak my mind even though that often comes with scrutiny.
I really do try and treat our listeners like family. Because for me, for a long time they were all I had. We can’t do what we do as on-air personalities without them.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Obviously, the first thing people can do is listen to Your Morning Show on Hot99.5 and Z1043 and my Really Riley podcast on iHeartRadio where I’m always open to interviewing people with small business ventures or interesting stories of inspiration.
But most recently, I created a custom denim jacket line. It’s bridal, kids, special occasions, and streetwear. It was inspired by the bridal denim custom jacket I made myself for my wedding. And my newest creation are my crystal intention candles. Custom made with specific crystals for manifestation. Yet, another way that my life has inspired a business venture.
Spreading the word to any candle or crystal lovers, brides, mamas, or anyone looking for a custom denim piece would be amazing.
Contact Info:
- Email: rileycouture@iheartmedia.com
- Website: hot995.com
- Instagram: @rileycouture
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riley.couture.143
- Twitter: @rileycouture5
- TikTok: @rileycouture7
Image Credits
Tori Watson Photography and Body Love Studios
