Wyllisa Bennett

CALL ME WYLLISA

WELCOME TO MY WORLD!

Thank you for stopping by!

I invite you to join me live on Zoom every Thursday at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET  for my podcast, CALL ME WYLLISA. And while you’re here, explore my witty, little musings of Hollywood and commentary about all things poppin’ in pop culture from a Southern girl’s perspective  Oh, and one more thing: this blog comes with a disclaimer; so, be sure to read it. xo

EVERYBODY HAS A PODCAST!

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And now, so do I!

I’m finally putting my gift of gab to use with my new podcast, CALL ME WYLLISA. People have told me that I talk too much!!  Well, that sounds like the perfect reason to start a podcast. I’m excited to use the platform to connect with fascinating guests, share powerful stories, and inspire women around the world. The podcast  is a personality-driven podcast, offering a celebrity publicist’s POV on everything poppin’ in pop culture. It’s real conversations and unfiltered commentary mixed with personal stories and anecdotes from the world of entertainment, media and culture.

I’m excited to launch CALL ME WYLLISA during the month of August, which is National Black Business Month, marking my 25 years in the entertainment business. The podcast can be found on all major digital platforms including Apple, iHeart Radio, Spotify and Amazon. Just Google “Call Me Wyllisa podcast” Or you can check out the latest episodes below.

Let me know what you think.

JUST DROPPED!
Check out the latest episodes below.

Ep.11 – I Like My Wine Like I Like My Men: A Conversation with Tuanni Price – CALL ME WYLLISA

On the latest episode of CALL ME WYLLISA, celebrity publicist and host Wyllisa Bennett sits down with Tuanni Price, a certified sommelier, cultural curator and entrepreneur. She’s also the founder of Zuri Wine Enterprise and the Afro Wine Week Summit, as well as the author of I Like My Wine Like I Like My Men. For cork dorks and wine connoisseurs alike, Tuanni makes wine culture approachable by stripping away the pretense and replacing it with authentic storytelling, relatable analogies and unforgettable social experiences. In true Price fashion, she draws a fascinating comparison between wine culture and relationships, showing how choosing the right wine can be a lot like finding the right partner. Just like dating, Price explains, wine is about discovering what you like, understanding your preferences and knowing when something simply isn’t the right fit. She brings humor and real-life relationship wisdom to the wine experience, proving that you don’t have to be a wine expert to appreciate the journey. Pour yourself a glass and press play! #CallMeWyllisa #TuanniPrice #WineCulture #WineAndRelationships #ZuriWineEnterprise
  1. Ep.11 – I Like My Wine Like I Like My Men: A Conversation with Tuanni Price
  2. Ep. 10 – Unladylike: Regina Louise on Love, Healing & Reclaiming Her Story
  3. Ep. 9 – Quiet on the Set: Angelique Bates on Life Beyond "All That"
  4. Ep. 8 – The Art of the Audiobook: Bringing Stories to Life
  5. Ep. 7 – The Power of the Pen: Poetry, Purpose & Transformation
  6. Ep. 6 – Malinda Williams on Faith, Purpose & the Power of Manifestation
  7. Ep. 5 – Publicist to Publicist: BET, PR & Finding Purpose
  8. Ep. 4 – Here Comes the Judge! The Honorable Tara S. Merchant Talks Race, Law & Justice

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25

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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!!

May is always a special month for me, And this year, I’m celebrating a meaningful milestone of 25 years since I landed in Los Angeles, and started building my boutique public relations  agency, wrb public relations.  That’s 25 of years writing press releases. And 25 years of walking red carpets. And most importantly, 25 years of making people famous and keeping people famous!

This week marks National Small Business Week, which celebrates the contributions of entrepreneurs to the U.S. economy.  I’m proud of my many accomplishments over the years as an entrepreneru; but I’m most proud of the becoming a certified small business for the City of Los Angeles and the state of California.

CLASS OF 2025! Honored to be recognized by the city of Los Angeles for participating in the Small Business Academy, facilitated by the Bureau of Contract Administration (BCA)! I was selected from hundreds of applicants! This experience provided valuable tools, resources, and mentorship to help entrepreneurs like me grow sustainable and impactful businesses. Grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect, and continue building. .

The class of 2025 was recently presented with certificates at City Hall during a session with the Department of Public Works Board of Commissioners. Last year, I set a goal to become a certified small business, and I’m proud to have achieved it! Being part of the Class of 2025 for the city’s Small Business Academy is just the cherry on top!.

Special shout out to our fearless leaders John L. Reamer and Melissa Savage of BCA . Special thanks to Department of Water & Power (DWP), the Port of Los Angeles (POLA), the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Public Works (DPW), the Bureau of Engineering (BOE) along with the Bureau of Contract Administration (BCA) for making the Small Business Academy possible.

Luck is when preparation meets opportunity; so always prepare to be lucky!

Always be ready when your name is called!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT! 25 Years of Making People Famous

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For National Black Business Month, I’m honored to be featured in Tap In Magazine and VoyageLA, Magazinewhere I had the opportunity to share the story behind my journey as a publicist, entrepreneur, storyteller, and the host of ny new podcast, CALL ME WYLLISA..

For more than two decades, I’ve built a career around one simple belief: great stories deserve to be told—and the right people deserve to be seen. From working with entertainers and filmmakers to authors, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and changemakers, my career has been rooted in creating visibility, building brands, and helping people turn their stories into opportunities.

In the articles, I opened up about my path to Los Angeles, the early experiences that shaped my career, launching my public relations business and the evolution of an industry that has changed dramatically since I first stepped onto a red carpet in 2003.

I also talked about what it means to celebrate 25 years in the entertainment industry, the lessons I’ve learned along the way, and why storytelling remains at the heart of everything I do.

Read more: IN THE SPOTLIGHT! 25 Years of Making People Famous

The conversations also provided a glimpse into a new chapter—that is, CALL ME WYLLISA, my conversation-driven show where I sit down with folks to talk about the person behind the public persona.

Being featured in Tap In Magazine and VoyageLA Magazine are more than a press mentions for me. It’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate the journey—from a North Carolina native who moved to Los Angeles with a dream to a publicist who has spent years helping others make their dreams visible.

I’ve spent 25 years telling other people’s stories. This time, I got to tell mine.

Thank you to Tap In Magazine and VoyageLA for taking the time to share my story and for recognizing the journey behind the brand.

Read the full features and get to know the woman behind the PR.

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FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE:

Tap In Magazine | August 2026 issue
https://online.anyflip.com/siaak/fwmm/mobile/index.html

VoyageLA Magazine | posted August 25, 2026
https://voyagela.com/interview/exploring-life-business-with-wyllisa-bennett-of-wrb-public-relations.

FROM LOS ANGELES TO LAGOS: Black Fashion + Beauty Shine During BET Awards (The Extended Version)

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PLEASE NOTE: This is my original, unabridged feature. A condensed version of this story was published by the Jacksonville Free Press due to print space limitations. https://jacksonvillefreepress.com/from-los-angeles-to-lagos-black-fashion-and-beauty-shine-during-bet-weekend/

Maleena Lawrence

As Black America gathered in Los Angeles to celebrate the BET Awards —  the culture’s biggest weekend —  the Jacksonville Free Press was on the scene capturing the sights, sounds and unforgettable moments of the BET Experience 2026 weekend. While music was undoubtedly at the heart of the festivities, the weekend also served as a vibrant showcase for high fashion, streetwear and beauty, proving that style is just as much a part of the culture as the performances themselves.

Leading up to the BET Awards, there was a plethora of red carpet events, exclusive industry gatherings and VIP celebrations that set the tone for the culture’s biggest weekend. Both men and women offered a stunning preview of the fashion to come, expressing their individuality, creativity and cultural pride through every look. Perhaps Los Angeles, in its own way, encourages both genders to be bold in their expression—still, it was interesting to observe how that boldness took shape individually.

Throughout the weekend, several trends stood out above the rest – that is, a conscious effort to support Black designers and creators as well as the embrace of statement-making designs by African designers, whose bold prints, striking silhouettes, and rich cultural influences were impossible to ignore. Plus, there was a celebration of natural hairstyles in all its glorious forms. Still, from locs, braids and Afros to silk presses, curls and elegant updos, to Caesar cuts and clean-shaven heads, both Black men and women embraced styles that reflected their individuality.

Wyllisa Bennett
Fashion designer Abiola Olusola
Angela White formerly known as Blac Chyna
Fashion designer Omar Cook
Rapper/Singer/Songwriter Tia P
Comedian Rolando “Lil Roc Tha God”  Breathwaite
Continue Reading

ME + THE DAYTIME DIVA!!!

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I can’t wait to chat with award-winning actress, author, and producer Victoria Rowell! The last time many of us saw her iconic character, Drucilla Winters on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLETSS, she fell off a cliff in 2007… but her body was never found! 👀.

A versatile actress of theatre, primetime, daytime and feature films, Victoria is known around the world for her various roles.  Of course, she’s an an icon in daytime television, and she’s been nominated twice for a Daytime Emmy and awarded eleven NAACP Image Awards.She also co-starred in the CBS hit primetime television series DIAGNOSIS MURDER with Dick Van Dyke for eight seasons while simultaneously continuing her role in daytime.

On the big screen, Rowell has worked with some of Hollywood’s award-winning leading men, including Beau Bridges, Jim Carrey, Dick Van Dyke, Mario Van Peoples, Will Smith, Eddie Murphy and Samuel L. Jackson. Her film credits include as THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMENwith Eddie Murphy, DUMB AND DUMBERwith Jim Carrey and EVE’S BAYOU, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Diahann Carroll – just to name a few.

Next year, Victoria will celebrate the 20th anniversary for the  release of her New York Times best-selling book, “The Women Who Raised Me.” It is a tribute not only to the amazing women who cared for Victoria when her birth mother could not, but also to the foster care system that brought them into her life

Having spent eighteen years in foster care, Rowellbecame a passionate voice for children like herself. In 1990, she founded the Rowell Foster Children’s Positive Plan (RFCPP), which enriches foster children through artistic and athletic expression.

✨ FUN FACT: Victoria was my very first client, and she discovered me on the red carpet at the BET Awards in 2003!

Recently, Victoria and I met up at a cool spot in West Hollywood to reminisce about the good old days, and let me tell you, I laughed so hard! She has an incredible sense of humor, and we had the best time catching up. Honestly, there’s so much to talk about, I don’t even know where to begin. Starting as a dancer with ABT II to modeling to her groundbreaking career in television to her work as an author, producer, and advocate, one conversation simply isn’t enough. We may have to do this interview in multiple parts, so let’s call this Part 1.

Join the conversation.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026
5 p.m. PT | 8 p.m. ET

PHOTO CREDIT: Victoria’s photo by Stephanie Girard

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EVERYBODY HAS A PODCAST!

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And now, so do I!!

I’m finally putting my gift of gab to use with my new podcast, CALL ME WYLLISA, set to premiere today at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET on the Intentional Talk Radio Network, which is one of the largest internet radio networks, heard in more than seven countries. ITRN can be found on all major digital platforms including Apple, iHeart Radio, Amazon and Pandora. Plus, I’ll be uploading the show on YouTube.  Soooooo, look for more deets about CALL ME WYLLISA on ITRNRadio.com.

People have told me that I talk too much!!  Well, that sounds like the perfect reason to start a podcast. I’m excited to use the platform to connect with fascinating guests, share powerful stories, and inspire women around the world. The podcast  is a personality-driven podcast, offering a celebrity publicist’s POV on everything poppin’ in pop culture. It’s real conversations and unfiltered commentary mixed with personal stories and anecdotes from the world of entertainment, media and culture.

Rolonda Watts

AND I’M HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE MY FIRST GUEST: Drumroll, please!! When I thought about my first guest   — I wanted someone who shares the same North Carolina roots as I do!! That’s why I tapped the very talented talk show host, actress, voice coach, comedienne, author and my very dear friend … the amazing ROLONDA WATTS!! For more than three decades, her name, face, and distinctive voice have been known by audiences everywhere, thanks to her many award-winning works in television, radio, film, digital media and comedy. Plus, she is the author of a romance suspense novel, titled, DESTINY LINGERS, which is endorsed by her Godmother, the late Dr. Maya Angelou. The National Book Club Conference awarded Rolonda with the Bebe Moore Campbell Award for Excellence in Storytelling. Plus, she received the Editor’s Choice Award, as well as the Rising Star Award.

Rolonda launched her own eponymous, internationally syndicated talk show, ROLONDA, which ran from 1994 to 1998, and produced by her company, Watts Works, in association with King World Productions. Interestingly, Rolonda began her television career as a local CBS news reporter at WFMY-TV in Greensboro, North Carolina, before she landed a television gig in New York City, and the rest is history1 Today, she continues to hone her many talents as an actress, comedienne and voice coach.

I’m so happy to have my home girl in the chat today!! ROLONDA WATTS!!

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026
5 p.m. PT | 8 p.m. ET

LISTEN LIVE ON ZOOM:

Join Zoom Meeting

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Meeting ID:  959 758 6957

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FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH!

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ODE TO ANGEL AVILES, Life Coach, Influencer + Author

On the heels of Hispanic Heritage Month, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the “chingona” in my life. I got to give a shout out to my friend, my neighbor, my confidante and at times, my life coach! That is, Angel Aviles!

The best neighbor ever,  we exchanged  pots of food for the soul and our bodily nourishment. We borrowed each other’s clothes  and jewelry for celebrations and special events. We celebrated #girlpower with impromptu glasses of wine on a girls night. It was soooo empowering to hear the hopes and dreams of another woman of color. As a Latina, she offered a different perspective; but we shared the same experience as a woman.  But most importantly, she was one of the few people I could share my secrets, my intimate thoughts and my insecurities.

This year, Angel became an empty nester.  With two kids in college, she decided it was time for a life change, and sooooo she and her hubby, Rey, packed up for a temporary move to Mexico City! She wanted to experience life in a new way. I miss her!! But I can’t blame a girl for living her life like it’s golden! A look at her Instagram at @AngelAwakened tells me she’s happy as can be!

Angel is a Latinx  life coach,  influencer and the author of the new self-help  book,  “Too Happy to Be Sad Girl.”  I became her publicist when her new book dropped. For Mental Health Awareness Month, she was recognized by Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez —  the first woman and only woman of color to hold this position in the City of Angels.  The title is a nod to the famous role Angel portrayed in the 1993 cult film “Mi Vida Loca,” directed and written by award-winning filmmaker Allison Anders.

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Thank you for reading my rantings from the red carpet! xo

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