Keep It Positive, Sweetie

Episode Title: Breaking Out Of The Box w/Coco Jones
Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Guest: Coco Jones
Air Date: February 2, 2025

Episode Overview

This vibrant, affirming episode of Keep It Positive, Sweetie features Grammy-winning singer, actress, and all-around multi-hyphenate talent, Coco Jones. Hosted by Crystal Renee Hayslett, the conversation explores Coco’s journey from child actor to major music star, her take on sisterhood and representation, the pressures of working in the entertainment industry, growing into her authentic self, and practical wisdom on faith, business, mental health, and keeping it real.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. From Child Actor to Grown Woman in Entertainment

(02:08 – 02:56)

Coco shares that growing up in the entertainment industry shifted her perspective, especially on the business side.
As a child, the work was “just like a dream,” but as an adult, she’s learned to balance business acumen with creative passion.
Her mother, a business manager with entrepreneurial experience, played a foundational role in her life and career:

“She taught me a lot about being a businesswoman and fact checking things...being your biggest advocate.” (02:56, Coco)

2. Embracing the Role Model Mantle

(03:47 – 04:35)

Despite her accomplishments, Coco admits she still feels like she’s just getting started:

“I don’t really know nothing. I just got here too...Even when I feel like I still have so much more to go, somebody’s looking at it as, ‘Wow, I’m learning from you.’” (04:03, Coco)
She feels a responsibility to inspire young Black girls and strives to be “worth that.”

3. Sisterhood On-Screen and Off

(04:35 – 08:12)

Portraying Hilary Banks on Bel Air and being a big sister both in real life and on TV aligns closely with Coco's authentic self.
She describes a genuine, protective connection with Akira, who plays Ashley on Bel Air.
Representation on Bel Air is essential to her:

“She’s educated, driven, she’s dark skinned and she has choices...all those things are such a well-rounded perspective on what a Black girl can be.” (05:51, Coco)
Coco opens up about finding her true "sister circle" in an industry sometimes marked by competition and guardedness. Family, therapy, and a small group of trustworthy friends help anchor her.

4. Pressures and Breaking Out of the Box

(08:12 – 12:18)

Coco discusses industry pressures to be "marketable":

“The girls that were getting the opportunities didn’t look like me. So how do I change?” (08:28, Coco)
She shares how being told to tone down her singing or fit a mold left her feeling boxed in and disconnected from her own identity.
Breaking out of the box began when she moved to LA at 17 and found space to explore who she really was, integrating that authenticity into her music:

“So how do I make this translate on music? … If I'm really an artist, then it all needs to correlate. So that means I gotta talk on these records the way I talk with these girls. Like, the way I really am.” (11:19, Coco)

5. Achievement, Balance, & Saying No

(12:21 – 14:57)

Coco reflects on winning a Grammy and her mixed feelings of gratitude and unworthiness:

“It's just hard to, like, really process if that really happens, you know, because I also feel like in my own head, I'm like, I haven't even put out an album yet… I didn't earn this, but I'd be like, girl, not too much on yourself.” (12:28, Coco)
Work-life balance remains a challenge, but she’s learning to prioritize health and rest over the “fear of missing out.”

“If I truly believe that I'm gonna be good, then I can go to sleep today. I can say no to that opportunity.” (13:24, Coco)
Memorable quote from Crystal referencing Tasha Cobbs:

“Rest is trust. Trusting you.” (13:48, Crystal)

6. Self-Care Rituals

(15:03 – 17:03)

Coco’s favorite self-care activities include binging movies (Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs is her comfort pick), eating ramen or crab legs, journaling, getting massages, and taking long walks in nice neighborhoods.
She credits “inner child” healing through cartoons and escapist films.

7. Financial Literacy & Brand Growth

(18:59 – 20:44)

Coco advises young women to let go of scarcity and invest in themselves:

“If your hands are tight, nothing can go out, but nothing can go in there either, you know? ... Invest in yourself...in your happiness...that all increases who you are, which increases your brand.” (19:41, Coco)
Potential business ideas include clothing for tall women and products like chapstick (“I hate when my lips are chaps...I don't like to see it, I don't like to feel it.” (21:22, Coco)).

8. The Creative Process

(21:43 – 23:56)

Coco is deeply involved at every musical stage—from the beat to the lyrics, needing the final product to feel distinctly her.
Sessions can be long and draining, but her perfectionism comes from wanting her art to be authentic.

“Nothing gets added if I don't feel. If it doesn't feel right to me...I gotta sell it.” (23:05, Coco)

9. Mental Health, Therapy & Relationships

(27:25 – 31:29)

Therapy became transformative after an eye-opening conversation, helping Coco challenge old stories, address bitterness, and model healing for her whole family.

“I just felt so challenged...I've done my life, whole, whole life, I felt challenged to question where that came from, where that was rooted in. Is that even my truth?” (28:24, Coco)
She's a vocal therapy advocate:

“Before you go and get your eyelash extensions and your nails, girl, are you well?” (29:24, Coco)
On dating, Coco values privacy and authenticity, noting it can be tough finding someone who loves her “off” and not just her public persona.
Advice for women desiring partnership: “You gotta work on yourself and you gotta work for it. Get outside. Who you gonna date, the mailman? Get out your house.” (31:03, Coco)

10. What’s Next for Coco Jones

(32:58 – 33:10)

Coco announces her debut album is coming “at the top of the year”, with a summer tour to follow.
Crystal is excited to attend:

“I'm coming to see you on tour. I cannot wait.” (33:06, Crystal)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Authenticity & Breaking Out:

“If I'm really an artist, then it all needs to correlate. So that means I gotta talk on these records the way I talk with these girls.” (11:19, Coco)
On Self-Care:

“I love to get all my favorite foods and get one of my favorite movies and just stay in the bed and eat. Just stay, eat, chill, sleep, wake up, eat again.” (15:10, Coco)
On Money Mindset:

“If your hands are tight, nothing can go out, but nothing can go in there either... Giving away increases your storehouse.” (19:41 & 19:56, Coco)
On Representation:

“She’s educated, driven, she’s dark skinned and she has choices...that representation for me when I was a kid changed my...course of my life.” (05:51, Coco)
On Therapy:

“Before you go and get your eyelash extensions and your nails, girl, are you well?” (29:24, Coco)
On Rest & Trust:

“Am I operating out of fear or faith?...Rest is trust.” (13:24 & 13:48, Coco/Crystal)
On Dating as Herself:

“I don’t want to have to be on, baby. I want to take these lashes off, wipe this makeup off, put my scarf on, and my bonnet, and be off.” (30:41, Coco)
On the Usher Tribute at the BET Awards:

“The way you crawled up on that stage, I said, only a tall girl could do that...You did it so gracefully.” (24:45, Crystal)
“I felt like Shrek, but I was really trying to give sex.” (25:15, Coco)

Timeline of Important Segments

[02:08] – Coco on growing from child actor to businesswoman
[04:03] – Discussing role model responsibilities
[05:51] – Authenticity of her on-screen sisterhood on Bel Air
[08:28] – Pressures of being marketable in the industry
[11:19] – Breaking out of the industry box and finding her voice
[12:28] – Winning her first Grammy
[13:24/13:48] – Work-life balance and power of saying “no”
[15:10] – Coco’s self-care favorites
[19:41] – Financial advice and investing in yourself
[23:05] – Coco’s hands-on creative process
[28:24] – Impact of therapy and breaking old patterns
[30:41] – Desiring realness and vulnerability in relationships
[33:03] – Announcing new album and summer tour

Final Thoughts

This episode radiates positivity, empowerment, and honest reflection. Crystal creates an inspiring, safe space for Coco to laugh, share, and dig deep—from navigating the pitfalls of childhood stardom and fighting for authentic representation, to the courage found in therapy and the importance of rest, boundaries, and true self-expression.

Fans and listeners wanting to be uplifted, laugh, and get real-life advice on identity, career, sisterhood, and self-love will find this episode both healing and motivating.

To connect with the show:

Follow Crystal Renee Hayslett: @lovechristarenee
Show: @keepitpositivesweetie

Stay tuned for Coco’s debut album and summer tour!

Keep It Positive, Sweetie

Episode Title: Breaking Out Of The Box w/Coco Jones
Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Guest: Coco Jones
Air Date: February 2, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. From Child Actor to Grown Woman in Entertainment

(02:08 – 02:56)

Coco shares that growing up in the entertainment industry shifted her perspective, especially on the business side.
As a child, the work was “just like a dream,” but as an adult, she’s learned to balance business acumen with creative passion.
Her mother, a business manager with entrepreneurial experience, played a foundational role in her life and career:

“She taught me a lot about being a businesswoman and fact checking things...being your biggest advocate.” (02:56, Coco)

2. Embracing the Role Model Mantle

(03:47 – 04:35)

Despite her accomplishments, Coco admits she still feels like she’s just getting started:

“I don’t really know nothing. I just got here too...Even when I feel like I still have so much more to go, somebody’s looking at it as, ‘Wow, I’m learning from you.’” (04:03, Coco)
She feels a responsibility to inspire young Black girls and strives to be “worth that.”

3. Sisterhood On-Screen and Off

(04:35 – 08:12)

Portraying Hilary Banks on Bel Air and being a big sister both in real life and on TV aligns closely with Coco's authentic self.
She describes a genuine, protective connection with Akira, who plays Ashley on Bel Air.
Representation on Bel Air is essential to her:

“She’s educated, driven, she’s dark skinned and she has choices...all those things are such a well-rounded perspective on what a Black girl can be.” (05:51, Coco)
Coco opens up about finding her true "sister circle" in an industry sometimes marked by competition and guardedness. Family, therapy, and a small group of trustworthy friends help anchor her.

4. Pressures and Breaking Out of the Box

(08:12 – 12:18)

Coco discusses industry pressures to be "marketable":

“The girls that were getting the opportunities didn’t look like me. So how do I change?” (08:28, Coco)
She shares how being told to tone down her singing or fit a mold left her feeling boxed in and disconnected from her own identity.
Breaking out of the box began when she moved to LA at 17 and found space to explore who she really was, integrating that authenticity into her music:

“So how do I make this translate on music? … If I'm really an artist, then it all needs to correlate. So that means I gotta talk on these records the way I talk with these girls. Like, the way I really am.” (11:19, Coco)

5. Achievement, Balance, & Saying No

(12:21 – 14:57)

Coco reflects on winning a Grammy and her mixed feelings of gratitude and unworthiness:

“It's just hard to, like, really process if that really happens, you know, because I also feel like in my own head, I'm like, I haven't even put out an album yet… I didn't earn this, but I'd be like, girl, not too much on yourself.” (12:28, Coco)
Work-life balance remains a challenge, but she’s learning to prioritize health and rest over the “fear of missing out.”

“If I truly believe that I'm gonna be good, then I can go to sleep today. I can say no to that opportunity.” (13:24, Coco)
Memorable quote from Crystal referencing Tasha Cobbs:

“Rest is trust. Trusting you.” (13:48, Crystal)

6. Self-Care Rituals

(15:03 – 17:03)

Coco’s favorite self-care activities include binging movies (Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs is her comfort pick), eating ramen or crab legs, journaling, getting massages, and taking long walks in nice neighborhoods.
She credits “inner child” healing through cartoons and escapist films.

7. Financial Literacy & Brand Growth

(18:59 – 20:44)

Coco advises young women to let go of scarcity and invest in themselves:

“If your hands are tight, nothing can go out, but nothing can go in there either, you know? ... Invest in yourself...in your happiness...that all increases who you are, which increases your brand.” (19:41, Coco)
Potential business ideas include clothing for tall women and products like chapstick (“I hate when my lips are chaps...I don't like to see it, I don't like to feel it.” (21:22, Coco)).

8. The Creative Process

(21:43 – 23:56)

Coco is deeply involved at every musical stage—from the beat to the lyrics, needing the final product to feel distinctly her.
Sessions can be long and draining, but her perfectionism comes from wanting her art to be authentic.

“Nothing gets added if I don't feel. If it doesn't feel right to me...I gotta sell it.” (23:05, Coco)

9. Mental Health, Therapy & Relationships

(27:25 – 31:29)

Therapy became transformative after an eye-opening conversation, helping Coco challenge old stories, address bitterness, and model healing for her whole family.

“I just felt so challenged...I've done my life, whole, whole life, I felt challenged to question where that came from, where that was rooted in. Is that even my truth?” (28:24, Coco)
She's a vocal therapy advocate:

“Before you go and get your eyelash extensions and your nails, girl, are you well?” (29:24, Coco)
On dating, Coco values privacy and authenticity, noting it can be tough finding someone who loves her “off” and not just her public persona.
Advice for women desiring partnership: “You gotta work on yourself and you gotta work for it. Get outside. Who you gonna date, the mailman? Get out your house.” (31:03, Coco)

10. What’s Next for Coco Jones

(32:58 – 33:10)

Coco announces her debut album is coming “at the top of the year”, with a summer tour to follow.
Crystal is excited to attend:

“I'm coming to see you on tour. I cannot wait.” (33:06, Crystal)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Authenticity & Breaking Out:

“If I'm really an artist, then it all needs to correlate. So that means I gotta talk on these records the way I talk with these girls.” (11:19, Coco)
On Self-Care:

“I love to get all my favorite foods and get one of my favorite movies and just stay in the bed and eat. Just stay, eat, chill, sleep, wake up, eat again.” (15:10, Coco)
On Money Mindset:

“If your hands are tight, nothing can go out, but nothing can go in there either... Giving away increases your storehouse.” (19:41 & 19:56, Coco)
On Representation:

“She’s educated, driven, she’s dark skinned and she has choices...that representation for me when I was a kid changed my...course of my life.” (05:51, Coco)
On Therapy:

“Before you go and get your eyelash extensions and your nails, girl, are you well?” (29:24, Coco)
On Rest & Trust:

“Am I operating out of fear or faith?...Rest is trust.” (13:24 & 13:48, Coco/Crystal)
On Dating as Herself:

“I don’t want to have to be on, baby. I want to take these lashes off, wipe this makeup off, put my scarf on, and my bonnet, and be off.” (30:41, Coco)
On the Usher Tribute at the BET Awards:

“The way you crawled up on that stage, I said, only a tall girl could do that...You did it so gracefully.” (24:45, Crystal)
“I felt like Shrek, but I was really trying to give sex.” (25:15, Coco)

Timeline of Important Segments

[02:08] – Coco on growing from child actor to businesswoman
[04:03] – Discussing role model responsibilities
[05:51] – Authenticity of her on-screen sisterhood on Bel Air
[08:28] – Pressures of being marketable in the industry
[11:19] – Breaking out of the industry box and finding her voice
[12:28] – Winning her first Grammy
[13:24/13:48] – Work-life balance and power of saying “no”
[15:10] – Coco’s self-care favorites
[19:41] – Financial advice and investing in yourself
[23:05] – Coco’s hands-on creative process
[28:24] – Impact of therapy and breaking old patterns
[30:41] – Desiring realness and vulnerability in relationships
[33:03] – Announcing new album and summer tour

Final Thoughts

Fans and listeners wanting to be uplifted, laugh, and get real-life advice on identity, career, sisterhood, and self-love will find this episode both healing and motivating.

To connect with the show:

Follow Crystal Renee Hayslett: @lovechristarenee
Show: @keepitpositivesweetie

Stay tuned for Coco’s debut album and summer tour!

wavePod

Breaking Out Of The Box w/Coco Jones

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

Keep It Positive, Sweetie

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. From Child Actor to Grown Woman in Entertainment

2. Embracing the Role Model Mantle

3. Sisterhood On-Screen and Off

4. Pressures and Breaking Out of the Box

5. Achievement, Balance, & Saying No

6. Self-Care Rituals

7. Financial Literacy & Brand Growth

8. The Creative Process

9. Mental Health, Therapy & Relationships

10. What’s Next for Coco Jones

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timeline of Important Segments

Final Thoughts

Summary

Keep It Positive, Sweetie

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. From Child Actor to Grown Woman in Entertainment

2. Embracing the Role Model Mantle

3. Sisterhood On-Screen and Off

4. Pressures and Breaking Out of the Box

5. Achievement, Balance, & Saying No

6. Self-Care Rituals

7. Financial Literacy & Brand Growth

8. The Creative Process

9. Mental Health, Therapy & Relationships

10. What’s Next for Coco Jones

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timeline of Important Segments

Final Thoughts