Podcast Summary: "Keep it Positive, Sweetie"
Episode: Breaking Out Of The Box w/Coco Jones
Release Date: February 2, 2025
Hosted by Crystal Renee Hayslett, "Keep it Positive, Sweetie" offers a safe space for women to heal, love, and grow. In this episode, Crystal engages in a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Grammy Award-winning artist and "Bel-Air" star, Coco Jones. The discussion delves into Coco's journey from child actor to accomplished entertainer, her experiences in the industry, personal growth, and future aspirations.
1. Introduction and Background
Crystal opens the episode by welcoming Coco Jones, praising her performances both in acting and music. She highlights Coco's achievements, including her role as Hilary Banks on "Bel-Air," and her hit songs "ICU" and "Here We Go."
"I love you on Bel Air. I love your music." (02:08)
Coco expresses gratitude for the warm welcome, setting a positive and engaging tone for the conversation.
2. Transition from Child Actor to Adult Career
Coco discusses her evolution from being a child actor to navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry as an adult.
"As a child, it's just like a dream, and you don't really notice any of the entertainment business side of it." (02:22)
She highlights the dual challenge of growing as both a businesswoman and an actress, acknowledging that this transition can sometimes dampen passion.
3. Family Support and Business Acumen
Coco credits her mother for being a pivotal influence in her career, serving as her business manager and mentor.
"She taught me a lot about being a businesswoman and fact-checking things and holding people accountable to their word." (02:56)
This mentorship has empowered Coco to advocate for herself and navigate the industry's demands effectively.
4. Role Model Responsibilities
Despite her young age, Coco feels the weight of being a role model for young black girls. She approaches this role with humility, striving to inspire while acknowledging her own ongoing journey.
"I want to 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." (04:03)
5. Sisterhood and Building Trust in the Industry
Crystal and Coco delve into the idea of sisterhood within the entertainment industry. Coco shares her challenges in finding trustworthy relationships, emphasizing the importance of authentic connections.
"It takes a long time for me to trust you. I'm like, it's been decades and I'm still like, questionable." (06:37)
She celebrates the supportive friendships she has formed, both within and outside the industry, highlighting the significance of family and therapy in her healing process.
6. Breaking Out of the Box: Overcoming Industry Pressures
Coco reflects on the pressures of being marketable and the struggle to maintain her authentic self amidst industry expectations.
"I felt like I had to be in some sort of box for a really long time just so I could be employed." (08:28)
Moving to LA at 17 was a turning point for Coco, allowing her to explore her identity and integrate her true self into her artistry.
"I felt like this is who I am. So how do I make this translate in music? Why do I feel like I have to perform to write?" (10:45)
7. Balancing Work and Personal Life
The conversation touches on the difficulties of balancing a demanding career with personal well-being. Coco emphasizes the importance of operating from faith rather than fear, trusting that opportunities will continue to arise.
"If I'm burnt out, I'm not gonna be giving my job what I need to give it." (13:09)
Crystal shares her own experiences with overcommitting, underscoring the necessity of listening to one's body and prioritizing self-care.
8. Self-Care Practices
Coco outlines her favorite self-care activities, which include indulging in favorite foods, watching beloved movies, journaling, getting massages, and taking long walks.
"I love to get all my favorite foods and get one of my favorite movies and just stay in the bed and eat." (15:10)
These practices help Coco maintain her mental and emotional health amidst her busy schedule.
9. Creative Process in Music
Coco shares her meticulous approach to creating music, emphasizing authenticity and personal involvement in every step.
"Nothing gets added if I don't feel it right to me, you know, because I gotta sell it." (22:13)
She strives to ensure that her music unmistakably reflects her identity, aiming for each song to be distinctly "Coco."
10. Recent Achievements and Performances
Coco discusses her recent performance at the BET Awards, where she paid tribute to Usher. She humorously recounts the challenges of performing on a ramp in heels, likening herself to Shrek in the process.
"I felt like Shrek, but I was really trying to give sex." (24:58)
Crystal praises Coco's graceful performance, highlighting the mutual support between Coco and her mother.
11. Financial Literacy and Empowerment
Coco offers valuable financial advice to young women, cautioning against a "poverty mindset" and encouraging generosity as a path to abundance.
"Having a poverty mindset... If your hands are tight, nothing can go out, but nothing can go in either." (19:23)
She underscores the importance of investing in oneself, whether through personal development, beauty, or health, as a means to enhance one’s brand and overall well-being.
12. Future Projects and Endeavors
Looking ahead, Coco reveals her plans to release her debut album at the top of the year and embark on a summer tour.
"My debut album will be out at the top of the year, and I'm gonna go on tour this summer." (33:03)
Crystal expresses her excitement and support for Coco's upcoming endeavors, reinforcing the positive and encouraging atmosphere of the podcast.
13. Mental Health Advocacy
Coco emphasizes the critical role of therapy in her personal growth and mental health, advocating for its acceptance and integration into daily life.
"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?" (28:24)
She highlights how therapy has transformed her understanding of herself and encouraged her family to seek their own therapeutic support.
14. Authenticity in Personal Relationships
The discussion concludes with Coco sharing insights on maintaining authentic and meaningful personal relationships, both within and outside the spotlight.
"It's about finding somebody who you can be off with." (30:38)
Crystal and Coco reflect on the importance of genuine connections, balancing public personas with private selves.
Key Takeaways:
- Authenticity is Crucial: Coco emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself in both personal and professional spheres.
- Support Systems Matter: Family, trusted friends, and therapeutic practices are essential for personal growth and navigating industry pressures.
- Financial Empowerment: Adopting a positive financial mindset and investing in oneself can lead to personal and professional success.
- Self-Care is Non-Negotiable: Prioritizing mental and emotional well-being through self-care practices is vital for sustaining a demanding career.
- Embrace the Journey: Transitioning from a child actor to an adult artist comes with challenges, but with resilience and support, one can achieve remarkable growth and success.
Coco Jones's candid and inspiring conversation with Crystal Renee Hayslett offers listeners a profound look into the life of a young, dynamic artist striving for authenticity and balance in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
For more uplifting conversations and positive insights, follow Crystal Renee Hayslett on all platforms at lovechristalrenee, and stay connected with the show "Keep It Positive, Sweetie" at keepitpositive.sweetie. Remember, in between time, keep it positive, sweetie!