CEO
twells@buzzmg.com
About Tina
There are interesting, inspiring stories to be told and then there is that one story that strikes a chord and makes you believe your dreams can become your reality. Tina Wells' story is that story.
Tina Wells, CEO of Buzz Marketing Group is in her 12th year of business after starting her career writing for New Girl Times magazine at the young age of 16. Buzz Marketing Group, a youth marketing agency that specializes in youth needs, desires and trends.
In keeping with the mission of BuzzMG, Tina has created a network of 9000 teen consultants ("buzzSpotters") with who have the same passion for pop culture as herself.
Through innovative marketing strategies, research initiatives and youth marketing, Buzz has acquired clients in the fashion, beauty, entertainment, business and lifestyle sectors such as: St. Martins Press, PBS, Procter + Gamble, AMAZAR Holding, SonyBMG, And1, Sesame Workshop, and Time Inc with many more under her belt.
With Tina's early success, she did not neglect her education. She earned a B.A. in Communication Arts and graduated with honors from Hood College in May 2002. She is currently in a post-baccalaureate program at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business for marketing management.
Tina's ascent from teen dreamer to CEO has landed her a long list of honors such as: Essence 40 Under 40, Billboard's 30 Under 30, AOL's Black Voices Black Women Leaders in Business top ten list, Inc Magazine's 30 Under 30 and 2009 Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Tina has also been appointed to the National Board of Directors for the Friends of Orphans, and is on the Board of Directors for the Philadelphia Orchestra.
She has been quoted and featured in such high profile publications as O Magazine, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Essence, Entrepreneur, CosmoGirl, Brandweek, Savoy, Justine Magazine, Ebony, Brass CU's cover and Link Magazines.
Tina is also the author of the upcoming tween series "Mackenzie Blue", which debuts in May 2009.
Tina resides in southern New Jersey with her vast collection of shoes. :)
5 Must-Haves of the Moment
1. Lanvin flats
2. VBS.tv
3. 944 magazine
4. True Religion skinny jeans
5. Vitamin C chewables (gotta keep the cold away!)
21 Questions
If you could go back into any decade, which would you choose?
The ‘90s! I would thoroughly enjoy some 90210, a little more Boyz II Men, and Clueless just as much as I did the first time around.
What is the one object in your home that you're embarrassed to own?
A mixing bowl. Most people can’t believe that I cook and I love doing it. I also bake, and apple pie is a specialty of mine.
What was your favorite meal growing up?
My dad’s spaghetti. I’m not a fan of any other spaghetti but Dad’s!
Where is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Up until a few months ago, it would have been Mykonos, Greece. But now I would have to say Hawaii. It was just breathtakingly beautiful.
What is your greatest addiction?
Duh. Shoes.
Where is the worst place to be stuck waiting?
Let’s go back to the college days…bus stations, train stations, AIRPORTS! All bad. With an iPod, though, it’s not so bad now. Oh, and an iPhone.
Name one celebrity that has no right being a celebrity.
I can name so many, and it wouldn’t be right to out one of them when there are SO MANY that should be listed. Let’s just say there is now an A-list and everyone else. B-Z combined.
What hobby have you always wanted to pick up?
Crocheting. My mom taught me when I was like 9 or 10, and now I forget! I need more lessons, Mom!
What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Turn on the Today Show. I have to know what’s going on in the world from the moment I wake up.
How do you relieve stress?
For 12 years, it was by hitting a field hockey ball. For those of you who haven’t tried it, you should. Relieves an unbelievable amount of stress. Now that I can, I work out. That helps a lot, and I love to read, sit on my porch, cook, or just watch bad reality TV.
What book would you suggest for everyone you know to read?
The Kite Runner. To me, that book shows the best and worst of humanity, and opens up a place many of us are scared of. I’ll never look at Afghanistan the same way again. It relieves so much fear, and to me, shows us all that as citizens of the world, we share so many commonalities.
When flying, are you a window person or an aisle rider?
Window. Only. Ever.
What is your favorite childhood cartoon?
Jem & The Holygrams! Ask me to sing the theme song and I promise I will!
Where was the first place you were employed and what did you do?
Contrary to popular belief, BuzzMG was not my first job! I worked for a place called QM Reader’s Service selling magazines. Not the coolest of jobs, but I had a lot of good friends there, and I was so proud of my little paycheck!
If you had to be in a music video would you be a backup dancer or backup singer?
My dancing skills are up for interpretation, so I’d say singing. Or neither. Maybe I could do some styling?
Did you ever play a musical instrument; if so what did you play?
Piano, for like, 10 days.
If you could choose to posses a superhuman power what would it be?
Teleportation. I love to travel and it would be nice to just instantly be in Rome for the day and Hawaii for the sunset.
If you could open your own restaurant, retail store, or on-line website what would it be like? What products or services would you provide?
It would be a tea shop called Teana’s. I’d serve tea and little munchies.
What was the last concert you attended?
John Legend/Robin Thicke. I have to say that I am really not a concert person, though. I think I have event ADD or something. Too much sitting still in one place.
What have you done for the environment lately; do you have any “Go Green” advice?
I buy my fruits and vegetables from local farmers, I use environmentally friendly lightbulbs, and I recycle. My next big project is a compost. I am also working on a garden.
What is one fun fact you can say about yourself?
"I have friends named Yes, No, and Ok!"
