Keep it Positive, Sweetie: "Bigger Than Brunch" w/ Trell Thomas

Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Guest: Trell Thomas
Date: August 31, 2025

Episode Overview

In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, host Crystal Renee Hayslett welcomes activist, mentor, and media expert Trell Thomas, the creator of the Black Excellence Brunch. Together, they explore Trell’s journey from hosting intimate gatherings to curating a global movement that celebrates Black joy, community, and excellence. The conversation dives deep into themes of purpose, faith, building safe spaces, authenticity, and legacy, all while maintaining the positive and real tone characteristic of the show.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origins of Black Excellence Brunch

00:46 – 05:12

• Inspired by Southern Traditions:
  Trell shares how the idea was born from the cherished tradition of Sunday dinners growing up in a Southern Baptist family, where joy, community, and Black excellence were palpable.

  • “It was honestly one of the first places, Crystal, where I got to feel and see the joy of being a black person.” (Trell, 01:37)

• First Brunch in 2017:
  What began as a going-away dinner for friends in New York, with everyone in all-white attire, quickly revealed a sense of unity and vibrancy that drew public attention—a feeling Trell sought to recreate endlessly.

• Purpose and Calling:
  Trell realized the gatherings were more than parties—they were a calling and a responsibility to create joyful, affirming spaces for Black people.

  • “If you’re doing anything and it starts and stops at you, then it’s not big enough.” (Trell, 04:11)

2. Growth & Impact of the Brunch Movement

05:13 – 10:10

• Scaling Up:
  From groups of 40-50 people to brunches with up to 3,000 attendees, including landmark events at SOFI Stadium and the White House.

  • “We’ve done as many as 3,000 people, which I’m still, like, pinching myself about.” (Trell, 05:28)

• Moments of Realization:
  Seeing "Black Excellence Brunch" on the SOFI Stadium jumbotron was a pivotal, humbling moment. Trell shares the importance of pausing to appreciate milestones.

• Brand Partnerships:
  Trell invested his own money at first, which set the foundation for lucrative brand partnerships (e.g., Netflix) because he was willing to invest in his own vision first.

  • "If you’re going to ask anybody to invest in you, are you investing in yourself?" (Trell, 08:13)
  • “The very next brunch after I made that investment, I got $50,000 from Netflix…” (Trell, 09:48)

3. Faith, Alignment, and Manifestation

10:11 – 12:19

• Faith in Action:
  Trell attributes his journey to faith—praying, releasing worries to God, and trusting divine timing and alignment. Key relationships and sponsorships, like with Netflix, unfolded organically from moments of trust, preparedness, and authenticity.

4. Meaningful Moments and Honoring Excellence

12:20 – 16:01

• Brunches as Sacred Spaces:
  Trell highlights the “divine” and authentic nature of the brunches, where attendees feel seen and family-like camaraderie emerges.

  • “Everybody is a VIP... people always show up with their heart.” (Trell, 13:05)

• Memorable Guests & Conversations:
  Honoring icons like Kelly Rowland, Tabitha Brown, Ms. Tina Knowles, and hearing heartfelt stories from guests like Kiki Layne—these are standout memories for Trell.

  • “You see people authentically and they feel seen too.” (Trell, 14:35)

5. Mentors, Manifestation & Ms. Tina Knowles

16:01 – 20:16

• Manifestation in Action:
  Trell recalls a dark corporate period soothed by listening to Ms. Tina Knowles’ voice on Solange’s album. Years later, after manifesting a desire to speak with Ms. Tina, he meets her, works on her projects, and she becomes a mentor.

• Lessons from Ms. Tina:
  “You have to make space and take up space.” Trell credits her for teaching him self-advocacy and the importance of proactively claiming opportunity.

6. From Corporate to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship

20:16 – 25:57

• Leaving Comfort Zones:
  Trell discusses moving from the Obama campaign, Viacom, and NBC to entrepreneurship, prompted by discomfort and listening to divine signs.

  • “At every place...I was putting things in my toolbox…” (Trell, 20:55)

• Lessons from Corporate America:

  • Advocate for yourself—“If people don’t know what you’re capable of...you’ll get looked over over and over.” (Trell, 23:30)
  • Be kind, but not always “nice”
  • Persistence, preparedness, and follow-up are essential for success.

7. Validation, Representation, & Historic Moments

27:21 – 33:42

• Black Excellence at the White House:
  Trell details the out-of-body experience of orchestrating a brunch at the White House, underscoring the profound meaning of taking up space in places built by, but often denied to, Black people.

  • “Somebody’s always watching you.” (Trell, 30:25)

• Importance of Kindness:
  Many career breaks stemmed from treating everyone, especially those overlooked, with genuine respect.

  • “My mom taught me...treat the janitor the same way you treat the princess.” (Trell, 32:26)

8. Brand Differentiation and Integrity

34:15 – 37:15

• Divine Vision & Provision:
  Trell believes that a divinely-inspired vision comes with resources, emphasizing abundance over scarcity.

  • “When God gives you a vision, God will give you provision.” (Trell, 34:15)

• Brand Distinction:

  • All-white dress code centers the beauty of Blackness.
  • Integrity and clear purpose—Trell has turned down lucrative deals to stay true to his brand values.

9. Legacy, Authenticity, and Safe Spaces

37:27 – 38:44

• Legacy Goal:
  Trell wants people to feel safe, seen, and affirmed in his presence and at brunches, empowering them to embrace authenticity.

10. Behind-the-Scenes: Challenges & Resilience

38:45 – 42:36

• Unpredictable Event Hiccups:
  In Austin, unexpected kitchen issues required on-the-fly improvisation, revealing the persistence and teamwork behind successful events.

• White House Event Logistics:
  Balancing inclusivity and security for guests from all backgrounds, including those who had never attended such events before, was a unique challenge.

11. Personal Grounding and Boundaries

42:36 – 47:07

• Self-Care Practices:
  Trell finds peace in curated bath rituals (“my Rev Run moment”) and travel, especially to Ghana and London.

• Boundaries as Self-Love:
  As a Virgo and “recovering people-pleaser,” he stresses the importance of firm boundaries, rejecting the need to justify “no”, and doing everything from a place of love and intention.

12. Affirmations & Uplifting Truths

47:08 – 49:12

• Guiding Affirmation:
  “Leave it better than you found it.” (Trell, 47:16)
  Trell brings value to every space and encourages giving rather than just taking.

• Music as Connection:
  Music, especially 90s R&B/hip-hop and Lauryn Hill’s “The Conquering Lion,” centers him and reminds listeners of the power of imperfection and authenticity.

  • “In our imperfection, we are made perfect.” (Trell, 49:15)

Notable & Memorable Quotes

• “If you’re doing anything and it starts and stops at you, then it’s not big enough.” (Trell, 04:11)

• “I feel responsible for bringing joy to us, for shifting the narrative, for creating safe spaces.” (Trell, 04:49)

• “Somebody’s always watching you. That thing...People don’t know that, but that was like three years in the making. And it came to me in a dream.” (Trell, 30:25)

• “When God gives you a vision, God will give you provision.” (Trell, 34:15)

• “Leave it better than you found it.” (Trell, 47:16)

• “In our imperfection, we are made perfect. And somebody will catch that, right?” (Trell, 49:15)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:46 – 05:12: Inspiration & roots of Black Excellence Brunch
• 05:13 – 10:10: Scaling, milestone moments, brand partnerships
• 10:11 – 12:19: Faith, alignment, and trusting the process
• 12:20 – 16:01: Celebrated guests & authentic spaces
• 16:01 – 20:16: Manifestation, lessons from Ms. Tina Knowles
• 20:16 – 25:57: Journey from corporate to entrepreneur, lessons learned
• 27:21 – 33:42: White House event and power of kindness
• 34:15 – 37:15: Brand differentiation, integrity, and abundance
• 38:45 – 42:36: Behind-the-scenes event challenges
• 42:36 – 47:07: Grounding, boundaries, and operating in love
• 47:08 – 49:12: Affirmations and peace through music
• 49:46 – 51:21: Fun “This or That” Brunch Edition lightning round

Memorable Moments

• SOFI Stadium Jumbotron: Trell realizing the magnitude of his movement seeing “Black Excellence Brunch” displayed during a landmark brunch. (06:31)

• Manifestation with Ms. Tina Knowles: Trell recounts listening to her on Solange’s album for solace, then years later partnering with her—a “promise” fulfilled. (16:01 – 20:16)

• White House Brunch: Hosting Black Excellence Brunch on the White House lawn, giving people, some for the first time, the opportunity to be celebrated in historic spaces built by their ancestors. (27:21 – 32:00)

• Kindness Unlocking Doors: Trell offering water to a PR assistant, which led to his work being featured in O Magazine, exemplifying the long-term impact of genuine kindness. (33:07 – 33:42)

• All-White Dress Code: Meant to center the beauty and variety of Black skin, not just for “branding” but to honor Blackness as a birthright. (36:00 – 36:45)

Closing Vibes

The episode closes with warmth, gratitude, and prayer, reinforcing the values of faith, love, legacy, and intention that ground Trell and the Black Excellence Brunch. Crystal and Trell end with a lighthearted “This or That” brunch lightning round and blessings for continued success.

“I want people to feel a little safer and a little more affirmed and a little more seen when they're around me or when they're in spaces that I created.”
—Trell Thomas, 38:35

A movement, not a moment: This conversation is a testament to the collective power of showing up authentically, giving back, and building community rooted in love, faith, and positive intention.