Born and Raised: I was born in the Georgetown area of Washington D.C. but raised on the Southside. It’s how I developed the “Fancy & Trill” (a chapter in my first book) mindset.
MBTI: ENTJ
Educational Background: I have my associate of applied science degree in fashion merchandising and my bachelor’s in marketing from LIM College in New York City.
Current Computer/Mobile Device: I currently have two iPhones (6+ and 8) and a MacBook Air. Apple takes all of my tech money, but it’s cool because I am loyal.
What do you do for a living?
I work full-time in television on the corporate side; I freelance in event production and talent/media relations, and I am an author.
What do you love most about your work?
I honestly love the chaos. You never know what the next day may bring because the industry is always changing. I am constantly challenged to adapt to new ways of thinking and operating on a daily basis.
What is your most significant accomplishment? Is there anything you hope to do even greater?
I can’t say that I have a most significant accomplishment because there are even greater ones I hope to accomplish. I am grateful and ecstatic for the short and long-term goals I’ve achieved thus far like becoming an author, but there is so much more in me that I don’t want to cap that as my most significant.
How do you keep track of what you’ve done?
I keep an ongoing physical portfolio of my work. While everything is done online these days, I am a firm believer in having a hard copy.
What are your favorite apps/tools that help you do what you do?
My favorite app is the Bible app. There is a scripture for everything. My constant prayer is that people are drawn to God through working with me, and this app helps me accomplish that.
Do you have a morning routine or ritual? If so, what is it?
I have a prayer closet thanks to my friend Shar’del. Most mornings (trying to get better at doing it every morning), I open the door of my prayer closet and talk to God about whatever it is I am working on (I have certain words written on sticky notes on the wall), thankful for or need that morning.
When you make sacrifices for your work, do you tell people or keep it to yourself?
I usually tell my parents, and my best friend, Bri. However, I will say I am transparent when necessary.
What do you do to recharge yourself?
I travel out of the country. Wifi isn’t as strong, so it’s the only way for me to unplug and recharge fully.
What was your childhood dream?
My childhood dream was to be either a teacher or an aerobics instructor. My mom thought the fitness route was the direction I was headed in.
For what are you most grateful?
I am most grateful for my family. I know I can be a lot sometimes, and the unconditional love and support they continue to show me is something I genuinely appreciate.
Who is the most influential person in your life?
It would have to be an even tie between my mother and father. Both naturally have played a considerable role in my moral beliefs, personal growth and development and ongoing success.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
One thing most people don’t know about me is that I was born with one kidney.
What inspires you?
Life inspires me. Every day we are faced with new adventures; we meet new people and also endure new challenges. I use those as tools of motivation and inspiration to maneuver through life, create and accomplish my goals.
What scares you most?
“Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.” (Psalm 112:1 KJV)
What do you feel your impact is on those around you? What would you like it to be?
One of my aspirations is to become an international humanitarian. So, if there’s anything I’d want others to take away from meeting or being around me, it’s my spirit to give back and always help others.
Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a while? If so, what is it and why haven’t you?
Yes, I want to take floral arrangement classes. I’ve come across some that I can take here in New York City; I just haven’t had the time.
Where is your favorite place?
So far (because there are so many places to go), Italy is my favorite place. I want to move there again.
If you could take a one-month trip anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go and what would you do?
I would go to Fiji. I participated in a program with the International Volunteer HQ, where I volunteered to be an English teacher to high school students and would LOVE to do that again.
In conversation do you tend to talk or listen more?
Totally guilty of talking more. My dad recently gave me some literature on listening; I am working on it.
What are you looking for when you have a conversation with someone? What topics do you want to discuss?
The first thing I always look for is good energy. I am very protective of my mental space, so it’s important that I engage with those that give off positive vibes. Sometimes you can’t control the energy you encounter, but I make it a priority to keep those that I know with good energy around me for balance. With good energy, we can talk about anything! I am open to discuss any topic honestly and respectfully.
If you were guaranteed honest answers to two questions, what would you ask and to whom?
I’d ask Rihanna where’s the new album, sis, and I’d ask Warren Buffett to review my business plan and give his honest critique and best advice on moving forward.
What’s the next big step you need to take?
Remember those floral arrangement classes I mentioned before? Registering for one. I keep registering but having to cancel due to my schedule. My goal is to retire with a flower shop, so to even get started, I NEED to take those classes!
What piece of literature has influenced you the most?
The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah. I thought about books to name that I’ve read in college/adulthood that have had huge impacts on my life, but I vividly remember the imaginative world The Coldest Winter Ever created for me. I believe this sparked my ability to creatively and expressively write.
What are you currently reading or is the last book you read?
I just recently finished a collection of Rumi readings. I highly recommend him to those that are interested in philosophy, enlightening ideologies and even self-help.
What is the most exciting thing you’ve read online recently?
They’ve opened a restaurant at Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue where you can have breakfast.
Who is your favorite person to follow on social media?
Right now, I am in love with Tanaya Henry. But my forever favorite will always be Rihanna.
Do you have a favorite restaurant? If so, what is it?
There’s a place called Teranga in Naples, Italy, where they serve authentic West African dishes. Good gracious is all I can say.
What is your favorite comfort food?
All food. Seriously, I love to eat.
What is your favorite food to prepare?
I do a mean lamb, mashed potatoes and spinach combo. But, a strong second would have to be macaroni and cheese because it’s something I do at Thanksgiving with my grandmother (88). At this point, I know how to make it myself, but it’s something about making it with her, that makes it special.
What is a song, album or playlist that everyone should hear?
“I Smile” by Kirk Franklin is a song everyone should hear.
When is the last time you cried and why?
The last time I cried was a few days ago. My sister is teaching in China, and I missed her LOL.
What has been your biggest disappointment in life, and how did you handle it?
My biggest disappointment in life was not checking on my friend Taylor in the 8th grade because she soon passed away in the 9th from rare cancer. I knew she was sick, and my mom kept reminding me to check on her, but I didn’t. It was hard to handle for a long time, but I learned to start cherishing and checking on the ones you love whether sick or healthy.
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
The most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done was take a solo trip to a random country (Curacao) because I saw airline tickets for sale. Had never heard of the country or knew of anyone that visited, but it was a good deal online, so I went.
How do you define success and do you consider yourself successful based on that definition?
Success is being able to leave a wealthy inheritance for your grandchildren. I consider myself accomplished, not successful yet. I have a lot of work to do!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be in a rush to grow up and take full advantage of nap time.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned?
Trust God. I used to panic a lot, especially when things would spiral out of control. Over the last couple of weeks (because I am honest), I’ve developed this calming spirit. I know that everything will be OK because I have faith and love surrounding me every day.
What is happiness to you?
Happiness is any time I can spend with those I love. The honorable mention would have to be good food in a foreign country.
How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
Based on my looks, I’d say 23. Based on my resume, I’d say 50.
Do you have a mantra or quote that guides your life?
“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible.” — Audrey Hepburn
How would you like to be remembered?
As a woman who loved and served God, had a giving heart, kind spirit and outstanding shoe closet.
Who would you like to answer these questions?
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