If you live in Charleston, chances are you know about Quintin Washington. After leaving the newsroom at WLCN-TV, he launched his own weekly YouTube show called “Quintin’s Close-Ups.” Since starting the show in 2012, Quintin’s taped over 1,000 one-on-one interviews with celebrity chefs, book authors, politicians, lawyers, community leaders, school leaders and other newsmakers. His interview with United States Congressman Mark Sanford in 2014 made headlines around the world with MSNBC and BuzzFeed running stories about the interview. 

Below, we flip the script and ask Quintin a few questions about his commitment to journalism, his proudest accomplishment, and how this morning person stays awake without coffee. 

What do you love most about what you do? Serving the public.

How did you get into your field of work? Working at local independent station, WLCN, as the host of the “Quintin Reports” Web show.

Did you always know you were going to be a journalist and entrepreneur? Absolutely.

How do you start your day? Praying to God in the name of Jesus.

Tell us about your proudest moment or accomplishment. Being on the front cover of the Charleston City Paper in 2016.

What’s one skill you think everyone should have? Being punctual. 

Who or what gives you creative inspiration? The Holy Spirit.

What’s your go-to coffee order? I hate coffee. The Arizona Herbal Tonic is my drink.

What is your favorite place in Charleston? The Mount Pleasant Towne Centre.

How do you unwind or de-stress? Running and praying.

Rapid fire: 

• morning person or night owl? morning person
  
• summer or winter? summer
• mountains or beach? beach
• pancakes or waffles? none. I actually like oatmeal.
• fiction or non-fiction? The Holy Bible.
  

Photos by Keely Laughlin Photography