By Portland Tidwell
SAN ANTONIO–
A media agency that specializes in advertising and marketing has graced the city of San Antonio by providing clients with the best forms of marketing.
Grace Star Media Group LLC, Owned by Karen Grace, an ex-anchorwoman of 20+ years, chose to broaden her horizons and expertise by starting her own marketing agency.
Grace not only is the founder of San Antonio’s top advertising agency, but she is also the owner and a proud publisher of Boerne Monthly Magazine.
I am an aspiring True Crime reporter and investigative journalist who has been able to see what goes on behind the scenes of Grace Star and Boerne Monthly, shadowing their videographers, creating drafts for magazine campaigns, and even working closely with Grace Star team member, Tamara Shannon.
In the world of news, a reporter must be multifaceted, and an internship can help you hone in your skills and make them even greater.
Courtesy of Grace Star Media
With that being said, meeting with various clients under Grace Star and interviewing them while learning how to get the “proper shot” for a video is key to a successful future in media.
With Grace Stars videographer Andres Holliday, I was able to interview several people at SA Spine for a promotional video. I helped set the scene, and even took video.
Taken after the end of the first event shadowing and filming with Grace Stars videographer
But that’s not all.
I was able to meet Texas governor, Greg Abbott on behalf of Grace Star Media, and created various flyers for the Boerne Monthly dog campaign, taking photos of my chihuahua to be the cover girl for the advertisement.
Flier for Boerne Monthly’s dog campaign
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Marc Lahood’s at his endorsement event
Grace Star works with a wide range of clientele both local and national.
Their team consists of various people who are skilled in their jobs, and the agency aims to create media content like commercials, professional corporate videos, website development, publishing, and the growth of their social media analytics.
Every single thing I’ve done so far has proven to be useful for my future endeavors, and if there is one thing I would say about Grace Star; they truly care about their clients, and they run their operation like a smooth well-oiled machine.
The team of Grace Star courtesy of Grace Star Media
Tamara Shannon, an account executive at Grace Star Media Group says that marketing and advertising are key elements for any business to grow and sustain profits.
Courtesy of Tamara Shannon
Shannons role as an account executive consists of account acquisition and retention.
“The world of marketing and advertising is constantly changing, which makes it difficult for any business to keep up. That’s where Grace Star Media comes in”, Shannon said.
Shannon says that the marketing agency Grace provides alleviates the stress put on a client who is struggling to follow the trends of today.
She also stated that sometimes it can be tough to understand and learn how to navigate the marketing industry but luckily, with Grace Star Media, clients can expect the best results.
From reporting, writing, using photoshop, canva, adobe premiere, interviewing, taking video, and creating promotional videos, my journalistic skills have grown.
My dream of becoming a True Crime journalist started in the second grade.
Every night, my mother and I would sit down and watch True Crime reporter and former prosecutor, Nancy Grace’s segment on HLN.
During this time, the case of Caylee Anthony was everywhere, and widely talked about.
Through watching Nancy Grace and her ferociousness as a reporter, I felt compelled to follow a similar path.
My ultimate goal is to work on Inside Edition alongside reporter, Chris Hansen, who many may know from To Catch a Predator.
The end goal of my career would be investigating and reporting crime on True Crime Daily, a branch of Inside Edition.
I work closely with the first responders as a spokesperson for the 100 Club of San Antonio of six years, a non-profit organization that provides funds for the families and children of fallen first responders, and have seen first hand through a ride along with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office the work and sacrifice involved in handling various cases.
With Sheriff Salazar, first responders, and talking about the 100 Club at City Hall and at their annual meatball rolling contest
Through my titles in the world of pageantry, I have been able to raise awareness for the 100 Club of San Antonio and the support of our first responders on a national scale, and accumulate over 20,000 hours of community service work.
After I graduate from Our Lady of the Lake University in May 2024 with my BA in Mass Communications with a specialization in Multimedia Journalism and a minor in Criminal Justice, I’ll be on my way to making my dream a reality, and I can say for certain, interning with Grace Star Media has helped me grow into a better journalist only kick starting my career quicker than ever.
Proud mentor! You made us sound amazing and great use of facts and creative writing. You rocked this.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.