Becoming an influencer is never easy and LeahJoy Pearson gives people an opportunity to begin.

For those who don’t know, Pearson is a poet from Southbury, who hosts her own show called “Speak Your Mind.” The writer uses Newtown Spectrum’s local access channel for good, featuring local artists and helping them grow.

“I wanted a way to reach them, for them to feel like they have permission to write, as well as bring in some writing prompts, for them to get ideas, but also for me to learn new writing prompts from all of our wonderful local artists,” said Pearson when asked why she decided to start a show.

The idea of starting a show arose from a friend who invited Pearson on her program. After the episode, the friend begged Pearson to start her own, which eventually happened.

With a broadcasting background, the dream of producing a show was Pearson’s goal. During her time at Eastern Connecticut State University, the artist capitalized on using the TV station there, reporting the weather and starting their own shows. While at school, the poet utilized editing software and cameras, prepping herself for the future.

When first beginning at Spectrum, Pearson overcame obstacles, while trusting the process.

“We had a couple different ways we did the format where we had the stage over there for a while and [were] figuring out where to put the cameras and trusting that it’s okay to make mistakes in the beginning,” said Pearson, who also performs under the stage name MayaRose.

“We’re still learning that the show’s going to evolve ... and learning how to relax, not get so stressed out and not putting the cart before the horse,” she added.

Along the journey, using Spectrum’s local access studio helped Pearson increase an audience locally, rather than globally. For many years the poet has involved herself in community events, engaging with local peers and relating to others. With the help of public access, Pearson puts the community first by inviting people to join her program and showcasing their talent.

“I feel like public access is another extension of being able to highlight what’s great about us individually on the smaller level rather than ... get[ting] global about things all the time, but it really is about your neighbors,” Pearson said when asked how the local public access channel helped her.

For those interested in starting a show, hustling and not letting anything hold you back is the way to go. Not engraving all the details before walking in day one is normal and trusting the process is the best way to deal with that, she said.

“People think that they have to have a fully fleshed idea before they walk in the door, but the reality is you are really well taken care of,” said Pearson.

“Even if you don’t have an idea, you come take the producer’s class and Mark [Ingram, Access Manager] really walks you through it,” Pearson added when giving advice.

Viewers can tune into “Speak Your Mind” on Spectrum’s local access channel, airing on 192.

The Western Connecticut Community Access Studio serves residents of Barkhamstead, Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Colebrook, Harwinton, Kent, Monroe, New Fairfield, New Hartford, New Milford, Newtown, Roxbury, Sherman, Southbury, Trumbull, Washington, West Hartland, Winchester (Winsted) and Woodbury.

The studio is on Commerce Road in Newtown and features cameras, an LED lighting grid, colored curtain options including a green screen, and a set that can morph into five different shapes. Tours are available by appointment and free producer training workshops are available for residents of the service area.

Call 203-304-4050 for more information.

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Tyler Pruneau is a journalism student at the University of Connecticut interning with The Newtown Bee this summer. He can be reached at intern@thebee.com.