Podcast Summary: Keep it Positive, Sweetie Episode: Create Don't Wait w/ Nzinga Imani
Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Release Date: March 16, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of Keep it Positive, Sweetie, host Crystal Renee Hayslett welcomes her close friend, sister, and dynamic guest, Nzinga Imani Zingzing. Nzinga is a celebrated actress and entrepreneur known for her roles in Tyler Perry's Zatima and Sistas, as well as BET's Curves, Pretty for a Big Girl, and The Queen's Men. The episode dives deep into Nzinga's journey in the entertainment industry, personal struggles, faith, and the power of sisterhood.

Career Journeys

Nzinga shares her path to acting, highlighting the challenges she faced as a plus-size actress in an industry often pigeonholing talent. She reflects on her early days working in theater, music, and makeup artistry while striving to break into television.

“I was a preschool teacher, I was doing anything you can think of... I knew I had to do something else.”
[07:33] – Nzinga Imani

Nzinga discusses her strategic use of social media to build an audience, emphasizing the mantra "Create Don't Wait." Her dedication to producing content independently eventually led to breakthrough opportunities, including her role in Zatima.

“You can never know what kind of doors it'll open. If you have a phone, honestly, if you have a phone some time and the confidence to put it up and let people see it, you never know what kind of doors it'll open.”
[08:27] – Nzinga Imani

The Waiting Season

The conversation delves into the often unseen "waiting season" in an artist's career. Nzinga emphasizes perseverance and consistency as key factors that sustained her through a decade-long struggle before achieving recognition.

“When you’re waiting, waiting, waiting, and then when it happens, all these other doors open.”
[05:31] – Nzinga Imani

Both hosts highlight how success often appears sudden but is typically the result of prolonged effort and dedication.

Personal Struggles

Nzinga candidly discusses her financial hardships and the lengths she went to make ends meet while pursuing her passion for acting.

“Ubering, sleeping in my car, just Uber… I was terrified.”
[17:54] – Nzinga Imani

She recounts the tough decision to leave her stable job as a preschool teacher to fully commit to her artistic endeavors, a leap that required immense courage and faith.

Self-Image and Boundaries

Addressing the challenges of being a plus-size actress, Nzinga opens up about the industry's limited roles and her determination to break stereotypes. She speaks about personal boundaries, especially concerning intimate scenes in her acting roles.

“I do still want to draw boundaries. I do. I am mindful that I want to have children... I want to be married.”
[32:57] – Nzinga Imani

Nzinga shares an incident where a love scene reportedly strained her personal relationship, illustrating the delicate balance between professional work and personal life.

Faith and Church Experiences

Nzinga reflects on her deep-rooted church background and the painful experiences that led her to question her faith. From being let down by a pastor to a manipulative relationship within the church, she discusses the concept of "church hurt" and its impact on her spiritual journey.

“It made me question everything. It made me step away from that church.”
[35:34] – Nzinga Imani

Despite these challenges, Nzinga remains hopeful and committed to her faith, seeking solace and connection through personal prayer and moments by the water.

“When I'm at a beach... I feel like God is speaking to me directly in that moment.”
[40:37] – Nzinga Imani

Sisterhood and Friendships

A significant portion of the episode celebrates the bond between Nzinga and Krystal, underscoring the importance of sisterhood both on and off the screen. They discuss how their real-life relationship enhances their on-screen chemistry and mutual support.

“Those are my people. Those are my best friends in the world.”
[42:47] – Nzinga Imani

Their shared experiences growing up close with siblings further solidify their unwavering support for one another, creating a strong foundation for their personal and professional lives.

Personal Growth

Both guests touch upon their ongoing journey of self-discovery and personal development. Nzinga speaks about the importance of self-belief and the sacrifices made to pursue her dreams, while Krystal shares her experiences overcoming financial struggles and finding stability in her career.

“You have to believe in it. You have to pursue it. You have to take the sacrifice.”
[17:54] – Nzinga Imani

Acting Insights

Nzinga and Krystal explore their acting methods, balancing script adherence with moments of improvisation. They share anecdotes about challenging scenes, maintaining professionalism on set, and the physical demands of their roles.

“Crying scene or a fight scene? Fight.”
[46:09] – Nzinga Imani

Their discussion highlights the versatility required in acting and the importance of setting personal boundaries to maintain emotional and physical well-being.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts reflect on the key takeaway: the significance of second chances and resilience. Nzinga's journey exemplifies how overcoming setbacks and maintaining faith can lead to personal and professional fulfillment.

“Confidence, perseverance, and consistency can take you places.”
[Final Statement]

The episode concludes with a playful "This or That" game segment, providing listeners with a light-hearted glimpse into the personalities of Nzinga and Krystal.

Notable Quotes:

• Nzinga Imani [05:31]: “When you’re waiting, waiting, waiting, and then when it happens, all these other doors open.”
• Nzinga Imani [07:33]: “Ubering, sleeping in my car, just Uber… I was terrified.”
• Nzinga Imani [17:54]: “You have to believe in it. You have to pursue it. You have to take the sacrifice.”

Key Takeaways:

• Perseverance Pays Off: Nzinga’s decade-long wait before gaining recognition underscores the importance of consistent effort and resilience.
• Breaking Stereotypes: As a plus-size actress, Nzinga challenges industry norms, advocating for more diverse and authentic representations.
• Faith and Healing: Navigating faith amid personal and spiritual challenges highlights the complex relationship between belief and personal growth.
• Power of Sisterhood: Strong, supportive relationships are crucial for personal and professional success.
• Setting Boundaries: Balancing professional roles with personal life requires clear boundaries to maintain well-being.

Connect with Crystal Renee Hayslett:

• Instagram: @lovechristalrenee
• Keep it Positive, Sweetie: keepitpositive.sweetie

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