Meet Demia Avery

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Demia Avery a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Demia, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I get my resilience from life itself — from every challenge, every setback, and every “no” that pushed me to find another way. Growing up, I learned early that nothing worth having comes easy, and that mindset has carried me through every stage of my journey. Whether it’s working in media, launching Whatchu Doin’ NC, or working as an Arts Reporter for WHQR Public Media, I’ve had to reinvent, refocus, and keep moving forward even when doors didn’t open right away. My faith, my purpose, and the people who believe in me — they all remind me that resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about getting back up with more passion than before.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Professionally, my focus is all about storytelling and shining a light on the people, places, and creativity that make North Carolina so vibrant. As the host and creator of Whatchu Doin NC, I get to celebrate the beauty of North Carolina, but I also get to highlight the positive — the movers, shakers, and dreamers across our state who are doing incredible things in their communities. It’s exciting because every episode gives me a chance to uncover hidden gems — local artists, small businesses, events, and inspiring individuals who deserve recognition but might not always get the spotlight.

In addition to that, I also serve as an arts reporter for WHQR, where I cover emerging artists and cultural stories throughout the region. I truly love connecting with artists and helping share their work with broader audiences. There’s so much untapped creativity in North Carolina, and being a part of that storytelling process feels both fulfilling and purposeful.

Right now, I’m continuing to grow Whatchu Doin NC with new features, more on-location coverage, and community-driven segments that highlight the best of our state. My goal is to keep creating uplifting, authentic media that connects people and reminds us all of the good that’s happening right around us.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been curiosity, consistency, and connection.

Curiosity keeps me open — it’s what drives me to dig deeper in every interview and find the story beneath the surface. That natural desire to learn about people and their “why” has helped me build genuine conversations, not just content.

Consistency has been the key to growth. In media, you don’t always see results overnight, but showing up, staying prepared, and producing quality work time after time builds credibility and trust.

And connection is at the heart of everything I do — whether it’s connecting with artists through WHQR or uplifting communities through Whatchu Doin NC. Building authentic relationships has opened more doors than anything else.

For anyone just starting out, my advice would be: stay curious, stay consistent, and stay connected. Ask questions, keep improving your craft even when no one’s watching, and value every relationship along the way — because your reputation and your relationships will carry you further than talent alone ever could.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My mother taught me about determination and resilience. Watching her handle life’s challenges with strength and grace showed me what it truly means to keep going no matter what. She always reminded me that setbacks aren’t the end — they’re just redirections toward something better. That lesson has carried me through every stage of my career, from the early days of Whatchu Doin NC to my work as an arts reporter for WHQR. Whenever things get tough, I can still hear her voice reminding me to stay focused, stay faithful, and never give up on what I believe in. Her example is the foundation of my drive and the reason I show up every day with purpose and passion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatchudoinnorthcarolina
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatchudoinwilmingtonnc