Breaking Out Of The Box w/Coco Jones

Summary

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

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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

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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.

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To connect with the show:

• Follow Crystal Renee Hayslett: @lovechristarenee
• Show: @keepitpositivesweetie

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

Transcript

[A]

Coming up on Keep it positive, sweetie. Speaking of performances, you just did the Usher tribute at the BET Awards this year. Phenomenal. Thank you. The way you crawled up on that stage, I said, only a tall girl could do that. Because I'd have been like, you did it so gracefully. Thank you.

[B]

That is so sweet because literally, in my mind, I felt like I was.

[A]

Like, no, you look. It was good.

[B]

That is hilarious. Thank you. That is so funny. Yeah, I love that. I think that was such a really dope opportunity to show all the R and B girls in different ways that we all shine and uplift Usher, who is, of course, iconic. So I really loved that concept in general. But, yes, girl. So when I was walking down, like, you know, I'm trying to get sex with me. I'm trying to give that. But, like, it's a literal ramp, so I had these heels on and I was like, I felt like Shrek, but I was really trying to give sex.

[A]

So I'm Kris Renee Hayslett, and this is Keep it positive, sweetie. A safe space to heal, laugh, grow, and love. Today's show is brought to you by bet, and I'm discussing sisterhood and much more with Grammy award winning and one of the stars of Bel Air, Coco Jones. At only 26 years old, Coco Jones has mastered so much in the entertainment industry with top charting hits like ICU and here we go. Along with the wildly popular role of Hilary Banks on Bel Air, Coco seems to only be scratching the surface. I am so excited she's here to chat about her personal life, professional evolution and work life balance and her love life. Well, at least I hope so. Coco, thank you so much for being here.

[B]

Of course.

[A]

I am a huge fan of all your work. I love you on Bel Air. I love your music. Thank you. And then you were like a childhood actor as well. How has that evolution been going from being a childhood actor to now, like, being a grown woman doing your thing?

[B]

I think you have a lot more perspective on the business side of things. You know, as a child, it's just like a dream, and you don't really notice any of the entertainment business side of it. So I think that's the good and the bad of it because I do like the challenge of growing as a businesswoman while also growing as an actress. But sometimes it could take the passion away. It's like pros and cons.

[A]

That's good. So when you were a kid who was, like, handling everything, was it your parents handling everything?

[B]

It was my mom.

[A]

Yeah, your mom. Are you more hands on now as an adult.

[B]

Oh, absolutely. I mean, I learned a lot from my mom because she's had multiple companies that she's run, and she's my business manager currently. She just taught me a lot about being a businesswoman and fact checking things and holding people accountable to their word and being your biggest advocate. So, yeah, she taught me a lot, but it was her.

[A]

I love that you literally stole your mom's face. Like, y', all, look. I was like, oh, my.

[B]

No, for real. She says that when I was a baby, she would show me pictures of her as a baby, and she'd be like, that's mommy. And I was like, no, that's me. And she'd be like, no, it's mommy. And I'd be like, it's me. And she would if you was you as you. It's you as you.

[A]

Like, that is me. That is funny. No, when I saw you all during Grammy week this year, I was like, wow. I was like, spitting image. Literally. She could not deny you.

[B]

No, literally, the tweets were like, the father was not in the room.

[A]

Hilarious. So funny. As you're growing up and evolving in this industry, you've become a role model, but you're still so young. What does that feel like? Do you feel like I'm not there yet, or do you feel like, okay, I can take on this role as a role model?

[B]

I mean, humbly. I feel like I don't really know nothing. I just got here too. But I think that even, like, I'm an older sister, so I look at my younger siblings and to them, I've learned more than them in some areas. Even when I feel like I still have so much more to go, you know, somebody's looking at it as, wow, I'm learning from you, you know, So I don't really. I don't know. I guess it is just is what it is. And I want to, you know, continue to inspire young black girls. And if they're watching me and they're looking up to me, I want to be, you know, worth that.

[A]

Yeah. Speaking of sisterhood, I'm a sister on Tyler Perry's Sisters, but also a big sister in real life. And you as well. You portray a big sister on tv. How has that been? I love you and Ashley's relationship. I love. And I also love how they. At a young age, she's going through trying to figure out her sexuality. She likes men or women or boys or girls. And I love how you're so supportive of her. How has it been playing Big sister and then being on such an iconic show as Bel Air, because I grew up. We both grew up watching Fresh Prince. And now you're on the Spin Off. How does it feel? And playing that role as a big.

[B]

Sister, Playing a big sister is so fun because that's me. It very much is so authentic to me. And Akira, who plays Ashley in real life, she is such like this little Bambi, you know, just looking at me. And Simone, who plays Lisa, looking at all of us. Cass, who plays Aunt Viv, like, just looking up to us. And I see myself in her because I was always the youngest. Wherever I was at, where I was always working, so I was always the youngest. Like, how do I. What do I do? Like, you know, so to me, I feel that natural, like, protective instinct with her that I have with my own sister. It feels very authentic.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I think playing such an iconic role on such an iconic show, that's such a black classic is. It's an honor, you know, and to be able to represent Hillary the way she is, she's educated, driven, she's dark skinned and she has choices. She says no, she makes mistakes, she asks for help. Like, all of those things are such a well rounded perspective on what a black girl can be. And I just know that that representation for me when I was a kid changed my. The course of my life. So it just feels like an honor to be able to do that.

[A]

I love that saying. Now, being in the industry and having sister circles, have you been able to find your own sister circle within industry? Because we get a. We get flagged for not being, you know, saying girls.

[B]

Girls. Yeah, that's real.

[A]

Yeah, that's real.

[B]

Can get a little shady.

[A]

Yeah, very shady. How's your experience been? Because there are some good girls in the industry.

[B]

Yes, absolutely. Absolutely. It's hard wherever you are because, you know, people have been through their own journeys. And I kind of feel like, especially with girls, it's like, are you gonna hurt me?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Ooh, I heard you first, girl. Don't even, don't even try it.

[A]

Right?

[B]

I know you, you know, and then it's like, you gotta. Everybody's gotta slowly let their guard down. For me, it takes a long time. For me, I'm like, it's been decades and I'm still like, questionable. But that's me, though. That's my, you know, like, that's the. I'm the product of literally being in this industry. And so for me, the trust is like, it's like, ooh, hard to give. But Because I started so young, I 1 had friends who didn't care about all of that at all. They didn't know what that even meant. Like going to la, girl, where or even is that on the map? You know? And I met girls, like, I met my best friend through a TV show that we both were guest starring on. And we've been best friends since. We've been friends for like, I don't know, 10, 10 years. But I think for me, I. I'm grateful that my family too, was like a big source of support. Because for a lot of the time, like I said, I was still like, kind of holding my breath on people expecting them to disappoint me because of, you know, my experiences. But, like, through therapy. Through therapy, I've healed from that.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And I have found my circle. A couple. I mean, honestly, half my circle is my siblings. I ain't even gonna hold you. That comes my dogs. But I also have some girls that, like, I really, really feel get me.

[A]

Yeah. That's beautiful. You did start this industry at a very young age. What were some of the pressures? I know you said you were the one always looking up to the older girls. Cause you were the youngest. What are some of the pressures that you dealt with? And then even some of those things that kind of broke your trust where you had to be more guarded.

[B]

Just this pressure to be marketable. I didn't even know what that meant. But I knew the girls that were getting the opportunities and they didn't look like me. So how do I change? Like, what can I change to look like them so I can do what they're doing? You know, I'm grateful that I had and have my mom who always told me, you're beautiful.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I don't know what they thinking. I don't know what they. They don't know we know. Just because it's so much to mess with your head at that time. And I felt like too. The way I sang was too much. That's what I had been told sometimes, like, really just do it. Like in the demo, like, just do it like that. But like, my natural instincts were to be doing this and doing that. And I felt like I had to be in some sort of box for a really long time just so I could be employed.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And as a kid, I didn't even really know. I was just like, okay, okay. But you know, as you get older, you don't have an identity. You don't even know what you like.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because you just have been studying what works So I did have to break out of that. And then there was the other part of your question. What did you say?

[A]

What were some of the experiences that happened that made you guard yourself?

[B]

I literally cannot. With the amount of times that, like, people told me, oh, my gosh, you are perfect for this. We are doing this for you, and you are a star and da, da, da, da. And I would literally never hear from them again. Like, it would just go the complete opposite way. And it just makes you feel like everybody's lying. Just like it's a waste of your time to even get excited. Literally, it'd be like if every Christmas you are expecting gifts and then there's no gifts, but a certain amount of Christmas, I'm not even gonna feel nothing no more, you know, for real. Not even looking forward to it. So, yeah, it took a while for me to like. To really. I still be looking at words like, you gonna have to show me something. I can't. But the people that are meant to be in my life, they do what they say.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And it's just a good. For me, it's a good way to, like, be able to tell, you know? Cause people could be chatting, but when you gotta walk, what you talk.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

It'll show you who people really are.

[A]

Yeah, for sure. You talk about being put in a box. At what point were you like, I'm breaking out of this box, I'm gonna be fully me and I'm gonna do this thing?

[B]

That's a great question. So when I moved to LA, I was 17 and I just started to live, you know, I had been super focused on work. So I didn't do anything. I didn't rebel at all. I wanted to be hired. So I wasn't trying to party. I wasn't trying to beat no boys, no thinks. Where are the jobs? So I got to live and make mistakes and I got to, like, find myself. I met these girls. Like, I like this one guy and he had all female friends. And I was like, ooh. And I love the friends, though. I love the girls. I was like, dropping you these girls.

[A]

Yeah, right.

[B]

Literally. And so we would have so much fun. We'd go to parties, girl, take jello shots, and I just got to live. I got to, like, talk the way I want to talk and, like, learn, like, lingo, what's cute, like what, like, new artists and, like, what they talk about. And I just felt like, wait a minute, this is who I am. So how do I make this translate on music? Why do I feel like I Have to, like, you know, perform to write. If I really want to write what I. If I'm really an artist, then it all needs to correlate. So that means I got to talk on these records the way I talk with these girls. Like, the way I really am. So, yeah, around, like, 18.

[A]

I love that. And it translates. Because we have a big age gap. I ain't gonna tell you we have a big age gap. But the things that you talk about, I'm like, girl, me too.

[B]

No, for real. I really feel like we're all, like, humans living the same experience in different ways. That's why with my music, I try to, like, really bare my soul. Cause I'm like, somebody gonna feel this.

[A]

Oh, honey. Well, if nobody. I know that everybody feel it, but I feel it. Yes.

[B]

Thank you. Thank you so much. I appreciate that.

[A]

Yeah, I listen, like, I love. Here we go. I see you just won a Grammy for that. How was that?

[B]

I don't even know.

[A]

It was like.

[B]

I don't even know how to. Yes. Cause I'm like, y' all, get serious, please. What are we talking about? This is just. 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 have way more work to do. I didn't earn this, but I'd be like, girl, not too much on yourself.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's actually been decades.

[A]

Hello. Yeah. You have been working towards this for a very long time.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. But it's still crazy. Still crazy. It's at my mama's house. I'm like, girl, I can't look at that. I can't believe this.

[A]

That's awesome. In the middle of all this, there's so much happening. Do you ever find yourself having a hard time balancing your work life and your personal life?

[B]

Yeah. Sometimes it is hard to feel like you want to say no, but you're like, but what if that. What if that event was the one where I met the girl who made me introduce me to the.

[A]

Ugh.

[B]

Whatever, whatever, whatever. You know? And then it's like, but I'm tired, you know?

[A]

Listen.

[B]

So, yes, sometimes it is hard, but I feel like that's where I'm like, am I operating out of fear or faith? Because if I truly believe that I'm gonna be good, then I can go to sleep today. I can say no to that opportunity and trust that there will be something else on the back end. So there's not really? Balance. But you gotta listen to yourself. Cause if you're burnt out, you're not gonna be giving your job what you need to give it.

[A]

That's real. Tasha Cobbs said something that was so profound to me. She said that rest is trust. Trusting you, you know, because she ate. No, ate. I was like, okay, okay.

[B]

And period. Go to sleep.

[A]

Yes. Cause there's so much power in no. And I'm 42, so I'm joined.

[B]

Oh, period.

[A]

I'm 42.

[B]

You look great.

[A]

Thank you, thank you. But I was such a people pleaser.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And a yes. Yes. Like you. Okay. This is the one event. If I don't go to this, I may miss something. And it's so funny. This is like a joke. But bad boys for the latest bad boys came out. And Jacob, the guy who played Will's son, fine. But Alicia Keys. I got invited to this event during BET award weekend. And I ended up getting like this migraine. I was like, I just. I'm so tired. I can't go. Woke up the next morning and Jacob was there. I said, I should have got work, but I was so.

[B]

You were fighting.

[A]

I was fighting. Literally fighting for my life. But it's moments like that where I was like, I had to listen to my body. But then you wake up and you're.

[B]

Like, no, for real, girl. I'll be the one to. I won't even look it up. I don't even wanna know how it went. I don't wanna know who. I cannot.

[A]

I cannot.

[B]

I cannot. But that is so real. Rest is trust.

[A]

That is trust.

[B]

So real.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I love that.

[A]

For self care. When. When you do have time. What are the things that Coco Jones likes to do to take care of herself?

[B]

Yes. Okay. So 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.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

That was me Saturday.

[B]

That's literally one of my favorites.

[A]

I did not leave the bed unless it was to go get food from the door. Hello.

[B]

I really don't get up unless that Uberman is there. And he better not ask for that code. I'm like, sorry. Come on, make a snack. Make a snack. I'm not trying to see you. You're not trying to see me. I look crazy.

[A]

Yep. I'll put it in the chat. Like, okay.

[B]

No, for real. Yeah, yeah. Cause I'm like, you hit the door, I'll tell you the code as you exit. I'm like, literally, I love Doing that. I love journaling. Me too. I feel like that is such a good way to, like, empty your brain of, like, whatever's heavy. I might get a massage. Girl, if I can rest my brain, I will get that massage. Because I love a good massage.

[A]

Because that's like, that 90 minutes or however long you get it. That's somewhere. I literally put my phone down. Don't answer anything.

[B]

Yes. For real. For real. And last thing I love is I love going on walks.

[A]

Really?

[B]

I really do. If the weather is nice and, like, it's somewhere nice that you might have to drive somewhere so you can walk somewhere.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But once it's, like a nice area, I could just walk forever and think.

[A]

I just love it. Yeah, I love that you need that time. So you said you like to eat your favorite foods. I'm curious, what are your favorite foods and your favorite movie girl?

[B]

Ramen. Crab legs.

[A]

Ooh, I love crabfish. Okay.

[B]

I mean, they're chaotic on their own. Chaos. That buffet. He's feeling me in the back. He's feeling me in the back. But to see them all in array, I'm like, this could bring me to tears.

[A]

That is hilarious. Literally hilarious. I love it. And your favorite movie.

[B]

My favorite movie. Okay, this is a little embarrassing. Not too much on me, y'. All. But I do love Cloudy With a Chance to Meatballs. Just let me explain. I think it's because my inner child. Me therapizing myself. My inner child, she had to work so hard. No, but really, I love cartoons. I think they're so cute. And, like, the little jokes they be doing, like, you know the jokes for the adults that are watching. Cause the kids are watching. Yeah, I'm the adult watching. But the kids should be watching. But I'm watching, so I just love that.

[A]

I love how they do that now where, like, adults can enjoy it too. The kids have no idea what they're laughing at.

[B]

No, for real. The kids have no idea. But I'm like, y' all ate that.

[A]

It's for everybody.

[B]

It's so cute. It's so cute. Have you ever seen Inside Out?

[A]

Yes. Yeah, that.

[B]

I'm like, this is kind of deep, cuz I'm crying in the club.

[A]

Yeah. No, seriously, it is. Beyonce had even quoted that movie in a recent interview. And I was like, wow. Listen. Hello.

[B]

But, yeah, I love those. What's your favorite movie? I'm curious.

[A]

The Devil Wears Prada.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

Tell me fast. I can watch that movie any day. If I'm sad, I can watch it and quote it word for word. I love that movie.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

And they're coming out with a part two. Hello.

[B]

You want to be in that?

[A]

I do. What?

[B]

I'm in.

[A]

Come on.

[B]

Book her.

[A]

Yes, please.

[B]

That's iconic.

[A]

It's such a. I love Meryl Streep. Oh, my God.

[B]

She's great.

[A]

Anne Hathaway. It's just a beautiful movie. Wow. Yeah.

[B]

That's fire. I love that. Yes.

[A]

Now, you love cartoons. Is there any, like, cartoon that you would love to play, like, or. It's giving Disney princess.

[B]

Like, I felt that on the horizon. I mean, of course I would play a Disney princess. Who wouldn't? I know to be able to show my future daughter that one day and be like, that's your mom.

[A]

That's me.

[B]

It's iconic. I would love to do, like, a Pixar. Like a Pixar one. Those would be timeless. For real? Seriously? For real. Or something like Shrek or something?

[A]

Yep.

[B]

Please. That's a good one. I want to be like. I want to put on my funny, goofy voice and be like a literal, like, rabbit or, like, something random and cute, but, like, have an attitude. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. I live for that so bad.

[A]

I love what's going to happen. I can already see that.

[B]

Yes. It's written already, period. Amen.

[A]

I love it. So you're grown. You're running your businesses. I love talking about financial literacy, and you said your mom taught you a lot of things. What are some things that you can give young women who are also, like, growing up? And we have so many entrepreneurs now at a very young age. What are some things or some tips that you could give them to say, hey, these things you need to watch out for, financially watch out for.

[B]

I mean, everybody knows the ins versus the outs of what you're making versus what you're spending. I don't want to say anything, like, too obvious, but I do think one of the biggest things that I knew is I would hold on to money so tight because I would be so scared. Scared.

[A]

Yeah. That poverty mindset. Like, I don't want to lose this.

[B]

Yes. Literally. And. And my mom was like, if your hands are tight, nothing can go out, but nothing can go in there either, you know?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So having that type of mindset, I do also believe that giving away increases your storehouse. Come on.

[A]

Come on.

[B]

But I do. I see that in my own life. Like, I'll be the. I'll give things away now that I'm like, it'll come back to me. And it does. Like, in different ways. In different ways. And lastly, invest in yourself. I really do feel like there's a noticeable increase in my brand and in me when I invest in hair, makeup, glam acting classes, fitness instructor, food, better food. Like, I see the payoff, you know, instead of cutting corners somewhere or instead of sometimes being in my mind, like, I'll buy that later when I. When I deserve that later. You know, like, investing in yourself, investing in your happiness, investing in like, you know, filling up your cup. Go places, don't just wait to travel. Like, you know what I'm saying? Like, that all increases who you are, which increases your brand, you know?

[A]

Yeah, no, it does. Speaking of brands, what are some things that Coco wants to get into outside of what we've already seen?

[B]

Yeah. Well, I feel like, I think to myself, like, what stuff do I really like or what do I really feel like I need? And I think one thing I always be, like, looking for is pants that are long enough.

[A]

Cause you are tall, honey.

[B]

Yes, I am a giraffe. And I'm like, okay, not too much on it. Y' all don't even make them. Don't make em. I'll make em. I see that for myself.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

And I love chapstick, girl. I hate when my lips are chaps. I really do.

[A]

That's the first thing I tell em.

[B]

Getting barged.

[A]

I'm like, chappie, no, for real.

[B]

I can't. I can't. When I'm staring at somebody, I'm like, are you parched? I can't. I don't like to see it. I don't like to feel it. So I can see myself doing something like that too.

[A]

You probably drink some more water, honey, because you deep.

[B]

Please love yourself in this area.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

That is hysterical.

[A]

So I'm an artist as well. I love music. So I would love to talk to you about your creative process. You said you speak from your real life experiences. And we feel it. We can feel it. I feel like, I think me and Big west were talking about this, about how people can write songs for you. And then the artist gets in the booth and they have a hard time singing it because they can't really relate to it, but we feel it. So what is your creative process when you're starting to create music? Or is there like a thought and you just call someone, like, hey, we gotta get in the booth so we can do this?

[B]

Well, I like to have, like, a concept in mind, but I'm very, very hands on. Dare I Say picky. I don't really live for that. But I'm trying to be specific because I feel like eventually I want them to be like, oh, that's a Coco song. Oh, like, if you hear that, that's Coco. But that comes with me being involved in every part of it. So, I mean, we. Girl, sometimes I start from the beat. I'm like, from scratch. There's no sound silence in the room with us. And, like, we just go with what tempo? What are you even feeling tempo wise? I want to be like, here. Okay, cool. So then it's like, all right. Are we starting to write with a piano? Are we starting to write with a guitar? Do I have an idea? And we're writing to that. We're building around this idea. So my process is kind of all over the place. But the overall theme is nothing gets added if I don't feel. If it doesn't feel right to me, you know? Cause I gotta sell it.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

And I want it to be so authentically me that it doesn't compare to anybody else's product.

[A]

It doesn't. Yeah. Now you doing that.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

You're doing that. You are grill.

[B]

I try at least take a long time. Them sessions be eight hours. I'll be sick.

[A]

Listen, I love the live performances.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

It's that studio process that is draining, girl.

[B]

And then you be like, by the end, you done heard it so many times. You're like, is this even good?

[A]

Right?

[B]

What the hel. What's going on?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

No, but seriously, I'm such a, like, weirdo after. After I make music I, like, cannot. Like, I don't know, girl. I don't know. Like, my family will be like, we don't hear anything you make. I'm like, oh, my God. I can't. I don't know. I just feel so uncomfortable. Like, I'll send it to my manager and I'll be like, don't say anything.

[A]

Don't say anything.

[B]

But how do you. What do you think? Like, give me all your constructive criticism, but don't say anything, girl. I cannot. I cannot.

[A]

A lot of actors are like, that. They can't watch their work. Like, but for me, it's like watching film.

[B]

So I can see where you get.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm like, oh, I should have taken a longer beat there. I should have did something different there.

[B]

Yeah, I feel that too. I like to study my own performances.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That. I like to watch those. Like, okay, okay. You could have done that better. The spacing was off there. I'll watch my acting, too. If it. I'm not searching for it, but if it comes around, like, on socials, I'll be like, let me see how she did. She ate a touch.

[A]

She ate it.

[B]

Literally just a crumb. I like that for her.

[A]

I love you. I love your. You are so funny. It's a crumb. I love that. Speaking of performances, you just did the Usher tribute at the BET Awards this year. Phenomenal.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

The way you crawled up on that stage, I said, only a tall girl could do that. Cause I would have been like, you did it so gracefully. Thank you.

[B]

That is so sweet. Because literally, in my mind, I felt like I was like, no, you look.

[A]

It was good.

[B]

That is hilarious. Thank you. That is so funny. Yeah, I love that. I think that was such a really dope opportunity to show all the R and B girls in different ways, that we all shine and uplift Usher, who is, of course, iconic. So I really love that concept in general.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But yes, girl. So when I was walking down, like, you know I'm trying to get sex with me. I'm trying to give that. But, like, it's a literal ramp. So I had these heels on, and I was like. I felt like Shrek, but I was really trying to give sex. And so literally, when I watch this talk, nobody knows what's going on in my head, but I can't. I was literally like, ah. Cause I know what's going on. And. Oh, my God. It was so hilarious. But thank you so much for thinking it was graceful.

[A]

Cause I was so. Because I was like. I would have looked crazy, girl, Trying to get up on that stage.

[B]

No, literally. So my mom was also. My mom was also watching it intensely, and she. She's like me. So we know all the things. Like, she taught me a lot about performing. And my mom was like, shout out, moms. Okay. She knows she's that girl. She did not. She did not cut anything dry. She would tell me exactly. Boring. Didn't believe you.

[A]

Oh, wow.

[B]

Do it better. You know what I'm saying? And I appreciate that. Like, that you needed honesty. Yeah. Yes. So, girl. She was watching it, and she was like, was that a slant coming down? Cause she looks at all the details just like me. Because I'll be like, what did you think?

[A]

Like, tell me.

[B]

You know, she gonna give me the real.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I was like, girl, yes. And she was like, how did you do that?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I'm like, they'll never know. They'll never know.

[A]

Oh, my goodness.

[B]

But it was amazing.

[A]

That's the performer in you. Like, we definitely.

[B]

The show must go on. The show must go on as I climb down Mount Everest towards Usher.

[A]

That is hilarious. That was so dope. I love Usher. He's also from Tennessee, is he?

[B]

I thought he was from Atlanta.

[A]

No, he was born in Chattanooga. What? Yeah. Chattanooga. Yeah.

[B]

Wow. I did not know that. I had no idea.

[A]

Yeah. So we all got.

[B]

We're all great, period.

[A]

When is your birthday?

[B]

January 4th.

[A]

Okay. Cuz he's a Libra too. So if you were a Libra, I'd say, oh my God.

[B]

Now that would be crazy.

[A]

That would be crazy.

[B]

That would be crazy. When's your birthday? What's your sign?

[A]

It was October 18th. Friday.

[B]

Oh, yes. Yes. Yeah, we did say Friday. Okay. I love that. Yes.

[A]

That's awesome. I thought that was so dope, especially with all the women doing it. That was really dope.

[B]

Thank you so much. Yes, you're welcome too.

[A]

Yeah. You talked about therapy and I know in this industry it can have such a strain on our mental.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

At what point or can you pinpoint some things that you were like, you know, I need to talk to somebody. Because you've been doing this for a very long time. And it's also a lot of pressure from a childhood actor being famous all these years and we've seen it happen. You've maintained and done so well for yourself.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Yeah. No, seriously, I'm proud of you for that. Thank you. When was the point where you're like, I need to talk to somebody?

[B]

Well, I was in the situationship and I just hated it there.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But I was like, you know what? Maybe this is just how life is. You don't get what you want, you know, I was just like kind of bitter. And I remember that the guy was talking to me about this therapist that he was seeing. And I was like, who you letting tell you about yourself? I was like, I want to talk to her.

[A]

Right.

[B]

And so I talked to her and I just felt so challenged. Like my thoughts, the thoughts that I had about myself for years, like the baggage that I carried for years, the things that 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? You know? And I just felt like it made me. It just expanded my mind so much that I was like, oh my God, this is. This is crucial. Yeah, this is crucial. And now literally all my family has their own, like, therapy because they saw the growth in me. Because you just really never Know what you're holding onto, what stories you've told yourself so much that they are literally. They're your world, you know?

[A]

And you believe them.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah. That is so true. Our mind is so powerful.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

There's things that we can literally forget that happened until you start talking to someone.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

You're like, wait, what? I lived through that.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

That happened. And I've been holding on to this girl. Yeah, it's real.

[B]

It's really crazy. But, yeah, I'm a huge advocate of therapy. I just feel like before you go and get your eyelash extensions and your nails, girl, are you well?

[A]

Are you well inside?

[B]

Before you look at sickening. Are you healthy?

[A]

True. That is so true. That's good. You talk about, we've all been in situationships. How is it dating as Coco Jones? Like, you are this big figure now. Like, I know for me, like, I find it hard to, like, I always want to keep everything private and low key and, like, protect that. And, like, we're not hiding, but if you see us, you see us. I'm not gonna put it out there. For sure.

[B]

For sure.

[A]

How is that for you in this time?

[B]

I agree with that. I think, honestly, the same core elements that all my girls go through. I have girls that are in the industry, I have girls who are not. And everybody wants to be fully understood and feel safe in their decisions. Like, it's the uncertainty for me, you know, I can't do that in my job and in my career and in my relationship. I need it to be certain. So I think the only difference is I have a different world of people around me. So maybe it's somebody that I also know. Maybe it's somebody who has a brand, you know? But really, it's just about finding somebody who you can be off with. I don't want to have to be on, baby.

[A]

I want to take these lashes off, wipe this makeup off, put my scarf on and my bonnet, and be all.

[B]

Right and be loved just the same.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

No, it's real. It's definitely real. But I've told my girls, I'm like, y' all not outside enough? Cause I also. I also feel like if you want a relationship, if you want those things, you gotta work on yourself and you gotta work for it.

[A]

Hello.

[B]

Get outside. Who you gonna date, the mailman? Get out your house.

[A]

They used to make fun of me because I would not leave the house. And they're like, krista, who's gonna be your doordash? No hello? I was like, why don't you go to the door for him, so.

[B]

No, I'm serious. I'm serious. I do feel like a lot of it is, like, God will help you, but you also need to help yourself, you know, that's real. I don't really agree with, like, the. It'll all happen when it. I don't know. This is magic, girl.

[A]

It's real.

[B]

It's real life. Get outside.

[A]

Yeah, I like that. That's good. Because. Yeah, I wasn't leaving the house. My friend's like, you need to put yourself in positions and in places to meet the type of man you want to meet.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

Cause then you have to look at, like, well, I keep meeting all these type of guys, but where you going, girl?

[B]

You at the club.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

Nothing good comes of the club.

[A]

Come on. Well, one thing.

[B]

What?

[A]

I met somebody in the club.

[B]

Oh, my God. You did?

[A]

Yeah. Are y' all still together?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Something good comes in the club every once in a while. Don't stop going to the club.

[A]

But it's so funny, because that was the. His. Both of our initial thoughts were, like.

[B]

Who gonna really take this seriously? Yes.

[A]

Like, they don't know how to take. Yeah. And his mom was like. He said his mom used to tell him, like, whatever you meet in the club, leave it there.

[B]

Oh, my goodness.

[A]

And I was like, the next morning, I woke up, and I was like, I hope he doesn't think because of where he met me that that's how I am. And he, like. He said. He said. I thought the same thing. He said, but then I talked to you one time, and I was like, no, she's different.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

And then got to know me. And he was like, okay, yeah, she's real. I was. I mean, it was during the Olympics. I was out having fun. Like, if you're not in a club during the Olympics, like, what are you doing?

[B]

Facts. It's literally a time to celebrate. That is so cool. Yeah, I love that.

[A]

So that's the one. That one.

[B]

Okay. There are exceptions.

[A]

Yeah, there are exceptions. I actually had another friend who met her husband in the club.

[B]

Girl, you gonna have everybody going to the club.

[A]

Going to the club, looking for love. Loving the club. That's what I said.

[B]

Loving the club. Facts.

[A]

But no, you have to put yourself, like, in spaces where you want to be. For sure.

[B]

Absolutely. Absolutely.

[A]

I love it. Coco, is there anything you have coming up that we need to know on the horizon?

[B]

Well, my debut album will be out at the top of the year, and I'm gonna go on tour this summer.

[A]

Okay. I'm coming to see you on tour. I cannot wait.

[B]

I love to put on a good show.

[A]

I love you do put on a good show. I can't wait. Thank you. I'm excited for you.

[B]

Thank you so much.

[A]

Yes. You are such a. Oh, my gosh. Just a joy and a light.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

You too. I really enjoy talking to you.

[A]

Yes. Coco Jones, everybody. My conversation with Coco was so much fun, and one of the things that she shared that really stuck with me was being authentically her. She said that when she was doing music, a lot of times her voice did not match what she was singing, but she was really going through those things. When those two came together and she was authentically Coco, that's when it all came together. So that was my main takeaway. Thank you all so much for spending time with me today. Coco Jones came through with all the love laughs positivity, and it was so needed. You guys can follow me on all platforms at lovechristarenee, and you can also follow our show at Keep it positive, sweetie. If you run right into our positive outcomes listener letter, you can send us an email@keepitpositsweetie gmail.com. in the meantime, in between time, you know what to do. Keep it positive, sweetie. I'll see you guys next time.