Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtenay DeHoff.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Becoming a nationally syndicated television host wasn’t always on my radar. I grew up on a cattle ranch in Kansas. My childhood was spent competing in rodeos and showing cattle across the country. I am a cowgirl first and foremost, but television is my calling.
In college, I toured a TV station and was intrigued so I mustered up the courage to ask for an internship. That internship turned into a lifelong career in front of the camera. From Oklahoma to Nashville to Kansas City and now, Dallas, I have worked my way up the ranks in the television industry and had a blast along the way. I’ve sat down with politicians in Washington D.C. and walked red carpets with celebrities. You name it, I’ve probably done it on camera.
It hasn’t always been easy. I’ve been unemployed three different times. During one of those bouts of unemployment I was so desperate I submitted a video to Kelly Ripa to be her co-host for the day. The video was a tongue-in-cheek take on the fact that I was a television host stuck on the farm. After a month of competing, I was eventually named a top 10 finalist! I didn’t win, but the competition helped to realize that being a cowgirl is what would set me apart in the television industry.
In addition to hosting, I started creating original content focused on the people living in small towns all across America. I realized that their stories were not being told in mainstream media and I set out to create a platform to do just that. My Facebook page, Courtenay DeHoff TV, features videos that highlight the amazing men and women that live in Rural America. It started out as a fun way for me to be creative, but when several videos amassed millions of views each I realized there was a true need for this type of content.
From hosting to content creation, I do it all. I even landed my first acting gig on USA Network’s “Queen of the South” this year. It was the coolest thing ever. I tell everyone I’m an actress now.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a ten-year hustle. Creating a successful career in the television and entertainment industry is an absolute grind and only the strong survive. It sounds silly, but the industry will eat you up and spit you out if you aren’t willing to work like a savage.
There are so many things that are beyond your control when it comes to working in television. You may not be the right color, gender, height, weight or overall look for a job. The rejections fly in faster than you can imagine and you have to be able to handle it. Also, there are millions of people trying to do the same thing. Applying for the same jobs. It’s cutthroat, especially for women.
As I mentioned, I’ve been unemployed three times. Shows get canceled and contracts don’t get renewed, but that’s just part of the business. I’ve always worked in large television markets and often times, I was the youngest talent on the show. Being young and working alongside seasoned veterans who fought their way to the top just like everyone else also had its challenges. I had to learn to stand up for and respect myself even when I was working with people who had ten times the experience.
Please tell us about Courtenay DeHoff TV.
I am the company. Courtenay DeHoff is the brand and I spend all day thinking of new ways to market myself. Social media has completely changed the game when it comes to content. Everyone is creating something in front of the camera. It is such a saturated market I had to figure out how to set myself apart. My cowgirl background makes me pretty unique. I’m still learning how to capitalize on it. In fact, for a long time, I was embarrassed about my story. I didn’t think people in the industry would take me seriously if they knew I was a cowgirl from Kansas. I’ve discovered people are really intrigued by my background and I’m learning to use my on-air talents to capitalize on that.
I’m constantly thinking of new ways to create content that helps share my story, but I’m also 100% dedicated to sharing all the amazing stories of other men and women just like me. I’m working hard to create a platform for people who grew up in the “flyover states” who are yearning to have their voices heard.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I didn’t realize it at the time, but I had the type of childhood most kids can only dream of. We weren’t rich financially, but we were so rich when it came to living life. I grew up on the back of a horse. I mean what little girl doesn’t want a horse (or five)? I grew up riding horses and working side by side with my family on our ranch. I competed in high school, college and pro rodeo. When I wasn’t at a rodeo, I was traveling across the country showing Angus cattle. My parents sacrificed so much to make sure that my sister and I got to compete at the highest level and they drove endless hours to make it all happen. My parents are rockstars.
Contact Info:
- Website: courtenaydehoff.com
- Email: courtenay@courtenaydehoff.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtdehoff/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtenaydehoffTV/
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
