#MediaMonday – Kyley Warren
Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from Kyley Warren, both a style writer at Entertainment Tonight and the managing editor of Fabulous Media Group. Kyley’s bylines have appeared in the Associated Press, U.S. News & World Report, MSN, Miami Herald and the San Francisco Chronicle, among others. Her work primarily covers fashion and lifestyle topics.
So, Kyley, time to share!
Tell us how you got your start in writing? Tell us your story!
Throughout my childhood I always gravitated towards writing — whether it was short stories, poetry or even school assignments, I just loved it! As a kid I was definitely on the shyer side, and I think writing felt like an outlet where I could articulate what I was feeling or thinking, even if I couldn’t verbally express it. Fast forward to today, and while my shyness has definitely dissipated since then, my connection to the craft feels more in-tune than ever before. It’s difficult to explain without sounding super cliche, but it feels less like I ever chose writing, and more like it chose me. Even pre-college, when I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to do in life, I never had much of a plan B. I just trusted that somehow this thing that I loved (and was evidently pretty good at it) would be enough. It’s a mindset that’s served me well so far — I mean I get to tell stories for a living, how special is that?
Tell us how you came to start working in the media scene?
I graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication through ASU in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism, as well as with a minor in communication studies. Throughout college, I was often balancing several internships and part-time jobs at once — working with local entities like Arizona PBS, Phoenix Film Festival, Arizona Foothills Magazine and the Arizona Office of Tourism, along with more national brands like ROUTE Magazine, Deliberate Magazine and The University Network. That season of my life definitely required a lot of discipline and multitasking, but it also gave me the opportunity to network with a wide variety of people in the media — many of whom have ended up being key resources for me in my postgraduate career. So much of the work that we do as journalists is centered on building meaningful relationships — whether that’s with sources, publicists, editors or all of the above. I was so fortunate to start making those connections even before my professional career had started, and I credit that with helping to make my transition into the media much more seamless — now working with brands like CBS and Fabulous Media Group, among others.
And how did you come to Fabulous Media Group?
I’m a big believer in aligning yourself with people and brands that inspire you. Even prior to knowing Cynthia personally, I’d felt really connected to Fabulous Media Group and the work she was doing through the brand, so I’d reached out to her last year about opportunities to contribute in some way. It was around that time that Melissa Larsen — another woman I’m massively inspired by — was brought on to serve as the brand’s Editor-in-Chief (I’d previously worked with Melissa while at AZ Foothills Magazine), and the stars just kind of aligned for me to step into a more involved role with the company. Now, I get to contribute features across the brand’s five sites and collaborate with the team on cultivating fresh story concepts.
Tell us about the outlets and types of story pitches you want?
My work primarily focuses on fashion, business, lifestyle and celebrity coverage. While my pitch preferences/needs might vary by publication, I think at the end of the day, I’m really just looking for a well-rounded, meaningful story — and that can come in a lot of different forms. People want to connect with the creatives, businesses and products they’re reading about, so if there’s a human angle to your pitch, odds are there’s an even better story that can come out of it.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Peoria, Ariz., which is one of the major suburbs of Phoenix.
Favorite type of music?
I appreciate all music, so I’m not sure I have a go-to genre. As of late, I’m listening to a lot of Leon Bridges, Frank Ocean, Atlas Genius, LANY and John Mayer.
Favorite color?
It honestly depends on the day, but right now I’d say purple!
Favorite TV shows or movies?
I (unintentionally) find myself watching a lot of British television — Downton Abbey, The Crown, Fleabag and even The Great British Baking Show always find their way onto my TV. Friends and The Office are staple comfort shows. And in terms of films, I love period pieces, musicals and basically any ‘90s romcom with Meg Ryan in it — though Sleepless in Seattle is a personal favorite.
Favorite local restaurants or other haunts?
For me, good food and a good atmosphere go hand-in-hand, so I love the vibe of local restaurants like Culinary Dropout, The Canal Club, Chantico or Cottontail Lounge. Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour is usually a go-to happy hour spot for me and my girlfriends. And for daytime hangouts, you’ll pretty much always find me at Luci’s at the Orchard.
Least favorite food?
Anything with tomatoes!
If you’d like to connect with me more, you can follow me on Instagram @kyleywarren, visit my website at www.kyleywarren.com or email me with any story pitches or tips.
