Pretty Confident with Pretty Vee

Summary

Keep It Positive, Sweetie: "Pretty Confident with Pretty Vee" – Podcast Summary

Podcast: Keep it Positive, Sweetie
Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Guest: Pretty Vee (Vena Excell)
Episode: "Pretty Confident with Pretty Vee"
Date: February 20, 2024

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Overview

This episode brings comedian and influencer Pretty Vee (Vena Excell) for an honest, uplifting conversation with Crystal Renee Hayslett. The themes revolve around self-confidence, authenticity, faith, navigating the entertainment industry as women of faith, and the power of community and support among Black women creators. The pair discuss struggles and triumphs, spiritual dilemmas in entertainment, the importance of service, and the ongoing journey of personal growth.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Celebrating Authenticity and Embracing Natural Beauty

• Both Crystal and Vena started the episode without makeup, embracing their raw selves and echoing the quote:
  "Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode, but the true beauty of a woman is reflected in her soul.” (00:43)
• Pretty Vee: "No makeup on... My skin is doing good. Let's just rock out. I'm pretty sure Krista will understand." (01:39)

Growing Up PK (Preacher’s Kid) and Faith’s Influence

• Vena shares about being raised "Jamaican and very strict" by a prayerful, ordained mother (03:04–04:31).
• Discusses the challenge of forging her own path while respecting her mom’s discernment and values.
• Quote: "My discernment is always on 100... But that's been taught." (04:07)
• Both women relate on the struggle of choosing roles or performances in entertainment versus their upbringing.

Balancing Faith with Entertainment Career

• The pressure of representing faith in a public, creative career—especially regarding "edgy" skits or performances (06:33–09:07).
• Vee talks about having to check with her spirit:
  "If that's bothering you, take it down... You gotta know what's going to be bothering you at night." (07:58)
• The power of the tongue: Vee recalls doing a skit referencing COVID and then actually getting sick—highlighting how words and art "speak things into existence." (09:06)
• As growth happens, both see the need to "elevate" and shift what they choose to share.

The Role and Responsibility of Representation

• Vee discusses the importance of showing young girls her full range—beyond the ‘skit girl’ persona (11:44–12:33).
• Shares about her nonprofit, Pretty Victory, which mentors and encourages young women across the country.
  “Outside of Pretty Vee... I’m a girl that’s gonna pray down for you.” (12:44)
• Both talk about the mental health challenges—the “mind is a battlefield”—and the need for real community and spiritual grounding (14:04).

Navigating Depression, Anxiety, and the Journey to Success

• Vee is candid about periods of depression and anxiety before fame (15:21–16:23).
• Shares how her faith and purposeful action helped her overcome:
  "God had... put you through a process before the promise." (15:45)
• Her path included college radio, admin work for DaBaby, getting fired, then going viral with her first skit, all fueled by tenacious faith (17:22–19:16).

Family, Community, and the Power of Connection

• Vee’s mother’s recent launch of her own church and move from Miami to Georgia (20:04–23:14).
• The importance of support (“the covering I needed”) and processes leading to promises—both in faith and in career.

The Realities of Being a Black Woman Creative

• Being “the only one” or “the new one” in rooms of creatives—how to walk with confidence and set a positive energy regardless of others’ demeanor (28:27–29:49).
• The supportive, “girl’s girl” atmosphere among peers like B. Simone, Jess Hilarious, Issa Rae, and others—celebrating one another’s unique paths.

Lessons from Industry Greats

• Vee describes powerful moments with Tichina Arnold, Taraji P. Henson, Issa Rae, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Monique, and others, emphasizing mentorship and paying it forward (30:15–33:12).

Career Highlights and Acting

• Vee discusses her move from social media to mainstream acting (Pretty Stoned, a lead role, a Christmas movie, and others) and ambitions for more live performances and character development (32:49–35:20).
• Aspires to have a Hollywood star, start her own production company, and direct/creative-direct for brands (43:23–44:28).

Handling Setbacks and Uncertainty

• Candidly addresses her reaction to the cancellation of “Rap Sh!t”—handled with gratitude and optimism, trusting Issa Rae, and focused on “what’s next” (35:23–37:49).
• Stresses: “People think when stuff get canceled... you just wait for the next call, but you gotta keep creating.” (37:25–37:49)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Pretty Vee on discernment and growth:
  “My discernment is always on 100... That’s been taught.” (04:07)
• On faith and elevation:
  “What you did back then, you can’t do now because you elevating.” (09:28)
• On being a role model:
  “Outside of Pretty Vee... I’m a girl that’s gonna pray down for you, that’s gonna send you devotionals, that’s gonna FaceTime you randomly.” (12:44)
• On entering entertainment:
  “I’ve always wanted to be in the entertainment industry... [but] I was still broke. But I know I had faith and I know I had a gift.” (17:23–19:03)
• On success and opportunity:
  “God will put you in places that you not even feel like you confident for.” (32:54)
• On process and purpose:
  Crystal: “There’s a process before the promise.” (23:14) Pretty Vee: “God had... put you through a process before the promise.” (15:45)
• On the industry’s ups and downs:
  “A delay is never denial.” (41:24)
• On being free as an artist, but true to one’s faith:
  “You want to create and you want to be free while you create... but still have fun.” (42:31)

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Important Segments & Timestamps

• Opening, embracing authenticity: 00:09–01:27
• Pretty Vee’s upbringing and faith: 02:59–05:43
• Balancing faith with entertainment career: 05:51–09:28
• Role modeling and mentoring young women: 12:33–15:21
• Struggles with depression and journey to entertainment: 15:45–19:03
• Mother’s move, church launch: 20:04–23:14
• Support for and from other Black women creatives: 28:27–33:12
• Film/TV projects, dreams for the future: 32:49–35:20, 43:23–44:28
• Handling the cancellation of “Rap Sh!t”: 35:23–37:49
• Listener advice segment “Positive Outcomes”: 44:32–47:48
• Personal growth reflections / “What I’m Going Through and Growing Through”: 47:48–52:02

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Listener Letter & Advice – "Positive Outcomes" (44:32–47:48)

A listener recounts leaving her comfort zone but feeling both excited and scared.
Crystal and Vena both stress the importance of being still and listening for direction from God—don’t rush, but trust the process.
Pretty Vee: “I used to hate the word ‘be still’... but just take a second, and like Crystal said, be still.”

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Personal Growth Reflection – "What I'm Going Through and Growing Through" (47:48–52:02)

Crystal: Learning to identify repeating patterns—especially with people and business—and setting better boundaries.
Vee: Striving for better balance, letting God lead rather than getting stuck in old habits.
Pretty Vee: "When you know who you are in God, those cycles become so like, oh, my God, minute. Like, that's a brush off the shoulder." (51:09)

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Closing Blessings and Friendship

The episode closes with mutual encouragement, prophesying greatness, and expressing gratitude for each other’s spirit and future trajectory.

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Find Them Online:

• Pretty Vee: @yesimprettyvee on all platforms (55:02)
• Crystal: @lovechriss (54:38)

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Overall Tone & Takeaways

• Uplifting and raw—full of laughter, honesty, spirituality, and wisdom
• Celebrates “keeping it positive”—even through challenges and uncertainty
• Highlights the importance of discernment, self-care, strong support systems, and staying grounded in faith and purpose
• A must-listen for creatives, especially faith-driven women navigating today’s entertainment space

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“A delay is never denial. Never. What’s for me gonna be for me.” – Pretty Vee (41:24)

Transcript

[A]

Hey, guys. Welcome to this episode of Keep It Positive, sweetie. Today I have the beautiful, the talented, the funny, pretty Vee. We are talking about all things pretty confident with pretty Vee. What's up, sis?

[B]

What they do, sis?

[A]

Nothing. Oh, my goodness. Thank you so much.

[B]

I'm so happy to be here. Your energy is always, like, team, but just in a way of just grace, your poise, just the love for just us as influencers and just supporting me. It's always warm. When I met you at Shiloh.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Just thank you for having me.

[A]

No, thank you for coming. Seriously. I like to start off the show with a quote or song. And I had this quote that I want to read because this morning you called me, you said, hey, sis, I'm not wearing no makeup. And I was like, all right, what should I eat? Either. Let's do it. Standing in solidarity together. And I found this quote, and it made me think of what we're doing today and just being ourselves, raw and unfiltered. And it says, everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it. Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode, but the true beauty of a woman is reflected in her soul. Wow. And I saw that, and I was like, that reminds me of what we're embodying today.

[B]

Yeah. You know, no makeup on. Look when I say nothing. Right. Look when we leave here, it could be just like, ooh, let's go to bed.

[A]

Yes. I love it. So thank you for helping me to just embrace that today.

[B]

Yeah. And I wanted to do that because I felt like, like I said, my makeup artist here with me, but we usually do these little cute little touch ups with concealers and stuff like that. But I was like, you know what? I just want to. At this point, I'm running late, you know, I don't want to, like, drag the time. So I'm like, my skin is doing better because I always break out. Like, it depends on what I eat. And so I'm like, you know what? My skin is doing good. Let's just rock out. I'm pretty sure Krista will understand.

[A]

So, honey, you actually made my morning. I was like, look, that's one less thing I got to do. Look.

[B]

I know that's right. Look.

[A]

So to that, I say thank you.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. Period.

[A]

Oh, my goodness. So we mentioned that you met me. We met each other at Shiloh High School. We did a panel together speaking to young women and high school kids just about life and Things that they need to look out for and how to help them navigate. Because things are a lot different than when we were growing up. Yeah, it's just changed so much with social media at a very young age. And when I met you, I was like, oh, my gosh, she's so cool. Like, she's a girl's girl. Super supportive, grounded in your faith. And immediately you're like, okay, let's connect. Like, stay in contact. And you send me devotionals very regularly. And I appreciate that. So I just wanted to say thank you for that. So let's take it back to the beginning when you were born in the church, a preacher's kid. What was that like?

[B]

So my mom. My whole life, let's be very clear, my mom has been praying down.

[A]

I know that's right.

[B]

Like in the closet, in the car.

[A]

Oh, she one of them, right?

[B]

Don't care where she at, she gonna speak out loud. I love that. I watched my mom faith heightened over the years, you know, especially with my brother. When my brother got into a big motorcycle accident and the doctor said, honey, your son has 72 hours to live. So mama said, well, I got 72 hours to fast.

[A]

I know.

[B]

You know, so just for her to believe in someone that's not here, but his spirit is here, we have to keep that faith. So my mom been ordained for like 10 years, right. But my whole life she's been in the Word and been a leader, you know, for God too. So I just admire that about her. So growing up, of course I'm Jamaican, so it was very strict, both parents, you know, you gotta be something, you gotta do this. You can't depend on this person. No, man, it was a whole shindig. And still to this day, you know, just growing up is so hard because you wanna make your parents proud, you know, you wanna make sure they're happy with your decisions. So it was hard, but it was. I love what how I've been, how I was raised. I love how my parents raised me. Because I'm here, I'm quick to spite out when people don't like me. I'm kidding. Spied out. My discernment is always on 100, you know, so. But that's been taught, you know, so I didn't have no issue. It's just like. It's just always a let me do this. My mom was like, well, no. Cause you can't do what they do, you know, and if everybody jump off.

[A]

A bridge, you're gonna go, right?

[B]

Look, so I. Right. So I grew up in a space of trying to do my thing, but knowing, like, I have a mother that sees and gets it. And I used to always feel like if I. If my mother said, don't do this, and it's like, well, this what makes me happy, you know, and I want to do this, but she sees something that I don't see. But sometimes we try it and she like, well, you all broke up. What I told you that man wasn't for you. Like, we want to move on that, but not knowing, like, they have discernment too, you know, and sometimes we're not using our gift. We just want to make fleshly decisions. So it's a little hard to this day, especially I'm in this industry. Like, it's tough because you want to make those moves and make those moments happen. And your mother voice in your head, like, get up off that man couch. Don't need to be there.

[A]

You know, that's real.

[B]

So it's those moments. But I've gotten better with moving with my own discernment and moving with my own spirit because my mom is going to love me regardless. She. She's gonna say, I told you so when you go out there, just call me back when it. You know, so that's how she is.

[A]

I love that. So speaking of that mother's voice, I know for me, being in this industry as well, and being a child that was raised in the church.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

My mother's a pastor as well.

[B]

Come on, Pete K. I know. That's right.

[A]

Yes. And it was one of those things where, like, now I still struggle with certain scenes. Yeah. You know, skit. Right. So I want to ask you, what is that like for you? Because I know for me, like, I actually had to have a conversation with my parents and with my pastors, you know, about certain spiritual conflicts that I was having that started to arise especially as I began to, like, strengthen my own walk with God. Certain things were like, okay, this is not who you are, but this is what you're portraying.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I'm like, well, am I wrong for portraying this? So do you ever have, like, instances where you hear your mom's voice or were you conflicted with like, should I do this skit or should I do this role?

[B]

Yeah. I mean, my mua could tell you, because that's like my sister, like, all day, every day. Because it's always, we as creators, we're always thinking about something over the top.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

That someone ain't doing. So if we gon do a. If we gonna rock A G string and walk around the street. Then that's when we gonna walk around. Cause we wanna get them hits, you know, we want people to look at us, want people to laugh. You just wanna be bold and daring like we are. But we gotta understand, like, let's pull back. Because you do represent something. Yes, you do represent Grace. You do represent a woman in this industry that's trying to break through. I don't want to be just a skit girl. That's why I've very off and did the TV hosting Verito and do the red carpet hosting in movies. But I still have a love for what I do, and that's skits. Because I do have a fan base on social media that wants to see me in that element on the table playing characters, doing this. So I used to send my mom the videos. Like, mom, don't go on my page. Cause I got. Me and Dancy just fought in the street. And he done, you know, I done ran him over. Don't text me talking about, don't watch this. And you could, you know, so it's like, if that's not good in your spirit, don't post it, you know? So then it hit it like that and I'm like, yeah. So it makes me feel like, okay, like what I'm doing, is it good? Is it this? Is it that? Then I have to sit with myself and it's like, no, you're called to do that. You just got to know how to balance that.

[A]

That's good.

[B]

You got to know what's going to be bothering you at night. If that's bothering you, take it down. Or how do you need to just change it up to make it make sense for you so you don't have to have that in your spirit or in your heart. Like, what am I supposed to do? Am I doing something right? Or I'm not. So I just try to just like, move with my own spirit and own discernment. So if it's bad, I know I could take it down. Like, that's not good. But if it's something that I know, like, okay, this is cool. Like, it's bad, but it's still like, okay, they gonna get it, you know, because it's time to elevate. Like, I can't. Me and Desi. Desi ain't gonna be pulling my hair in the street. Like, this is 2024. We done did that. 2017, 2018, 2019. Just for those moments to see that we are a relatable brand, you know, that's what goes on in the hood. You know, girls fighting they baby daddy and yelling and doing all that. So I've taught what we portray is what we speak into existence. Because when I had Covid, I just told Estee yesterday, when I had Covid. Well, before I had Covid, we did a skit at McDonald's. And I was. He was like, man, I said, where your mask at? He was like. He was like, I'm home. And he said, something's like, I'm home. And I said, well, I'm positive. Two weeks later, I got Covid. Wow, that was down bad.

[A]

The power of the tongue.

[B]

The power of the tongue. So I'm like, I have to really speak life into what I do, but still be creative, still do your thing, but know that you gotta move a little different. They still gonna catch it. You funny. That's not gonna change. Absolutely right? This ain't gonna catch it, but kind of move a little different. Because what you did back then, you can't do now because you elevating.

[A]

That's it, sis.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That is so true.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I found that even as I began to elevate. And the friends that we have around us who don't understand sometimes, like, we can't do what we used to do, you know, because they don't understand that you're moving in a different place. Pace.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And like, even, like, posting, like, while we're out, we can't post in real time. We can't do certain things anymore, you.

[B]

Know, because everybody's watching. Everybody's watching, and they want to know where you're at. And for me, I play characters, right? I have Peanut mom, who's a single mother, Bobo Ghetto Girl, Sharon, all these different characters. And sometimes, too, people don't understand with the mind. You have to know how to control those things. Right? You have to. So I can't always be like, well, I'm gonna post this skit and think this. No, I have to really sit with myself to know, like, do I wanna bring this character out? You know, because those are outlets. I've watched Tyler Perry's documentary and talked about him creating these moments. And the greatest thing about creators, we have to learn how to get out of those moments, because some people stay in those characters. Some people really be acting like Cheiron all day. And it's like, baby, that's just for 30 seconds of my time. Right? But I have to understand, too, if I wanna bring these characters alive on stage, then it's gonna be every day. It's a Five city tour, ten city tour. You have to master that. So I'm in a space of mastering those skits, mastering my characters, but also putting them on a stage where they belong, because we giving social media free content, right? And so it's time for my time to be wrapped around those lines and those buildings for them to see me. And I admire Tyler Perry because that's what my characters one day will be, you know, like on those woman shows, those. Those big live stage, because it's time. So I'm moving room for those moments to enter in, because I could do ghetto girl skits all day. I could dance for y', all, twerk for y', all, do all that stuff, because it's not gonna stop. But it's time to say, you know, what. What are you gonna do with these four or five characters that you have? And how are you going to, you know, monetize the right way and turn the funny into money, you know, which I have. But it's more now, like, let's use these characters so people could see. See me on the, you know, on the live stage.

[A]

I love that.

[B]

Yeah, we're ready for it. Yes. I'm excited for it. It's happening. Yeah, I'm excited. I'm excited.

[A]

So many young girls look up to us. So what do you. And just talking about how you're looking to the next level. What are you doing to separate Pretty Vee and how people can't differentiate your different characters when they see you? I'm sure they're like, oh, be so and so.

[B]

Yeah. Can you be this oh, Lord, all day, right? Like, I accept.

[A]

Cause I'm like, I'm not Fatima. Look, I'm Crystal.

[B]

Come on now. I'm at Zaxby's eating. I don't wanna be Bobo right now.

[A]

Hello. Come on.

[B]

Now.

[A]

How do you differentiate and how do you also set an example for young girls? Like, what is it? Cause I know for me, I have, like, I am very particular about making sure that women see me in a certain light off camera, you know, in my everyday life, and try to inspire them in certain ways, whether it's my daily Bible reading, daily journaling, or working out things that can help them be better. What do you do to kind of balance that out?

[B]

Well, my life is God one, you know, that's. And some people don't understand. Your faith can be shaky some days, right?

[A]

Absolutely.

[B]

Because you like God, you done did this for me for the last four or five years. This year, a little shaky now. God, do I need to change my prayers up a little bit for you. Now am I saying. Am I saying the same things now? You know, so I am. All my friends could tell you, I am a God fearing woman. Do I fall short? I do. But outside of Pretty Vee, outside of what you guys see, I'm a female that loves to help souls. I'm a girl that's gonna pray down for you, that's gonna send you devotionals, that's gonna FaceTime you randomly. That's gonna be speaking life into a teenage girl that I see on the street or even someone. Because I have an organization called the Pretty Victory, where I speak to young girls and young kids all over. We done did like four or five schools. One was in Seattle, one was out here in Georgia, and the other ones was all over the other place. But I do that outside of what you guys see. And I posted it two times on my page and I'm gonna do that more often so they can see, like, this girl have range. It's not just what you guys see. And yeah, the accolades, but this gets. But this is what I'm passionate about because I really do have a community of women who help me when I fall short. But for real, for, I really take the time to say what everybody needs.

[A]

You do?

[B]

Yeah. Like what y' all got going on in the morning? I'm on FaceTime with all my girls. We praying down, just speaking life into them.

[A]

I need to get on that call.

[B]

Yeah, no, period. Like, you have to like speaking life into them. Because I know that the mind is a battlefield and if we do not treat it as such, you will be wandering all over this world. Look, without leadership.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And I don't want to be out here with no leadership. I have to have God with me all throughout the day. Even when I don't understand, sometimes I'm gonna still say his name. Oh, yeah, because I know he's hearing. So that's what I do. Outside of all the noise and commotion, I'm giving back, you know, and just really focusing on, like, hey, I'm this age, so what do I do now in this big age? Like, what do I have going on and how is this gonna help me and benefit me and balance my life? I work out, I write, I read, I play all day. I'm calling everybody, you know, and I'm working on my internal because that's what matters.

[A]

I love that.

[B]

Yeah, I love that.

[A]

And I heard you say how you have your nonprofit and organization that you reach out to younger kids. I love that. And I know a lot of times when it's your hard work, you don't post about it, but it is good for people to see it. You know, they can maybe be inspired, like, oh, I need to do that. Or maybe I can call her to come to my school. So you guys heard it here. Make sure you hit her up. Because I love that.

[B]

Yes. And it's been. And people don't understand. You can't speak life unless you okay too. But my thing is, I done spoke to kids when I wasn't feeling good. I done had anxiety. I been depressed. I ain't been. I didn't sleep in, like, months. This was like back in 2016, when the enemy was just fighting. Right. And sometimes we don't have good days, but we still get up and spend speak life. Because me speaking life helps me too. Because now I'm in my purpose.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Now I'm standing in authority. So now I'm like, okay, I got this. You know, I'm. This is what I'm called to do. But back in 2015, 2016, before I came into the industry, I was depressed. I didn't know what anxiety was. It was just my body was just hurting depression. My mom, let's open this windowsill and the door every so we could pray that out. But God had. Sometimes God get. Put you through a process before the promise. And that's what I was going through then. So I'm able to share my story and do I have days for sure. But when I know that I'm called to do something bigger than me, I just gotta be like, all right, this is. This is. That's just the enemy. God, come on, leave.

[A]

Yes. Yeah. So what was that transition from 2015, 16 to. Is that when you really decided, hey, I want to take this serious? What really helped you get out of that moment?

[B]

Well, for me, well, one God did. But when I was in college, I've always wanted to be in the entertainment industry. Like, I've always wanted to be like Lala on the radio and Ludacris, Angie Martinez and Wendy Williams. Because my passion was radio. And I went to St. Aug in Raleigh, and I did all four years. And I had my own radio show called Lounge 22, where we played nothing but the 80s, 90s, and today's. We did all of that. But I was still like, okay, what's the plan after? Because you already know how when you graduate from college, there's no plan. It's hard for me to get into the door. So I was like, well, I'M gonna start my own show. So I did, and I was with the NET station in Charlotte, North Carolina, and I stopped doing that. And I was working in a building, and it was playing so much noise. I was like, who is playing this music? I want to know. So come to find out now. He's the baby. But back then, he was called Baby Jesus. And I. Oh, yeah.

[A]

Cause he's from Charlotte, too, right?

[B]

Yeah. I was like, I want to work for whoever this person.

[A]

Wait, he was on the radio?

[B]

No, he was in the building where the radio station was playing music.

[A]

Playing music?

[B]

Yeah. And whoever was playing the music, South Coast Music Group at the time, they were like, just playing music in there. And I was like, who the heck is it? Because I just want to be in the entertainment industry, you know? So I fell in love with them and I got hired and I was working for Dababy doing his admin and Arnold Taylor and just having a great time. But I was still broke, right Though that money wasn't helping me pay my bills. It wasn't doing what I needed to do. But I know I had faith and I know how to gift, so I know gift gonna make some doors shake and some doors open for me and some rooms walking in. So I'm like, all right, let me just get it done. So after that, I got fired from that job. And then I just began to walk in faith, and I did one skit that got me viral, and now we're here. But in the midst of that, though, depression came before that. Like, my anxiety was before all of that, though, so. But my mom already told me, God said in middle school that you're going to be in the arts. I thought I was going to be a painter. My mom said. I said, what the arts mean? And then I thought about it. I was like, oh, she's talking about performance artists, entertainment, this, that, and I carry that for a long time. And I still to this day, when I get weary, because I know what I'm called to do. But before it all, I was in a space of like, what do I do? I done got these words over my life. Where's that? You know, not knowing that we had to go through a process and God led me to fight myself in the street, do something funny. And then I got viral and still was broke. I was working at Fairfield Marriott. I was working all these jobs, and. But faith kicked in and said, you know what? I gotta leave this alone if I want this door to open, because I don't have a plan B. You Know my plan A gonna work. So.

[A]

Yeah, I love that. And I love people to hear the journey because they think they just see where you are now and they don't know all that you went through and all the steps that it took and what led to you even getting to this point, you know, job after job. Yeah.

[B]

Same look, nos after no's.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You know, but that one yes, you know, made me to be like, okay, here we are. And sometimes, too, we can't depend on. And, you know, like I said, our mothers and our parents are PKs. My father's not, but my mom is. And we'll tend to call them for everything. You know, tell me something or read this thing. Not knowing that our attention span gotta be on God, you know, So I just be like, you know, let me focus on him. Call my mom when it's done, or when I'm in a little space of confusion. So we don't. People don't understand. Like, it's a process. It is a process because you got to build your own lane and build your own faith.

[A]

You do. You do. All right. So raised in the church, and your mom just opened up a church here in Georgia. Tell us about that.

[B]

God's Redeeming Temple. Pastor G. Like I said, my moms have been in church since I was a kid, since I done popped out. So I've heard the yelling, the screaming. They don't know what's going on. Speaking in tongues. Are we doing Hispanic? Are we Spanish? What we're doing. Right. I didn't know what she was talking until she broke it down and said, I'm speaking in tongues, you know? So like I said, she's been so grounded in her faith for a long time. And my mom, before everything, she's a counselor, too.

[A]

Oh, wow.

[B]

So when she was a third grade teacher, when I came into this industry, she was teaching high school. And then when she went out to elementary school, so she was always in that space of serving. And then before her church, she was working in her counseling building. Her counseling building. Something happened to the building. The guy didn't pay the bill. The attendant, whatever it was. And they would say, you gotta go. So mom was now preaching out of her home recently. So the February 2, February 3, and February 4 was when her launch dedication happened. And she is just, like, so happy and so delighted, and she's so ready to save these souls, because again, like I said, she's been doing this for a long time. But now you have a home where people could come in. So ATL Honey, you are in the Georgia area. Come out to Galsey Dummy Temple. And it's not too far. It's on Jimmy Carter Boulevard. 6825.

[A]

Oh, Jimmy Carter.

[B]

Yeah. 6825 Jimmy Carter Boulevard. So my mom is so excited. Now she has a place that she calls our own. And God's gonna just continue to do the rest.

[A]

He will.

[B]

Yeah. So I'm happy. And that's the thing too. It's like being the comedian and having my mom as a pastor, you know, is some things you be like, I want to tell everybody. I'm telling everybody.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And you know, when we get to posting, I gotta watch how I. I can't just follow up with that. I'm like, look sexy red. What? And then it's like, well, come on on down. You know, so I got to balance that thing out, y'.

[A]

All.

[B]

We got to separate the thing and thing. We could put the thing on that thing.

[A]

But if he was working on Saturday, right? Still come to church on Sunday.

[B]

Okay. You know that what we doing now?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. So I'm happy for my mom. She's a beautiful soul and she's deserving of it all. Like, I just, I'm so happy for what she's about to do because she did not want to come to Georgia. She was like, I'm coming out there.

[A]

Was she in North?

[B]

No, she was in Miami. She was like, uh huh. I ain't coming out to Georgia. It's just too much. People are just weird to the duh.

[A]

What made her like, be like, I do wanna do Georgia. Did she come down here and visit you?

[B]

Me?

[A]

It was you.

[B]

It was me. The covering that I needed. I was doing this thing for a long time by myself. And she was like, no. She actually lied to her principal and said, I'm coming. He was like, I gotta leave. And the principal was like, why are you leaving? Mom said I made up something. And what she made up was, I gotta go help Vena. And helping me led to her being here, being over my finances, but also starting her church. So it was a call here, you know, she just didn't see it yet. Just like when God gave her the name, God redeemed Temple. What am I using this name for? But again, she had to go through a process before her promise, so. Yeah.

[A]

Oh, that's a word. Can we get that? A process. She had to go through the process.

[B]

There's a process before the promise.

[A]

Okay, I like that.

[B]

So she had to go through all that. You know, she didn't know. No one knows. We do things and be like, oh, my God. Now it adds every time.

[A]

It always works.

[B]

Every time.

[A]

It's good.

[B]

It always works like, it's like we don't know what we be doing, you know? And again, I met you at Shiloh. Hi. And now we're here, you know? But someone has to say, hey, let's connect. We don't know where it's gonna go, you know, because we can't do this thing alone.

[A]

We can't.

[B]

We cannot do this thing alone. I think I'd be like, I'm in my house. I'm chilling. I'm good. And next minute, you need somebody to talk to who gets it and understand without judgment, you know, because people like to judge, and they want you to tell them the issues because they like, oh, this girl's on social media. She's so pretty. She has it all together. But, oh, let me hear her business. And once they know that, then it's like, yeah, that's why my circle is very small. I don't play those games.

[A]

Same. I don't either.

[B]

Oh, my goodness, girl, I don't play those games. I be like, nope, my lips are sealed. Until I want you to know what's going on exactly.

[A]

And tell it on your own terms.

[B]

I love that. Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's good. Yeah, I'm excited. Yeah.

[A]

I'm excited for it all. Love it. At what point did you say, I want to be a comedian? Like, how did we get there? Was it this? Was it the skit that made you think, oh, I'm actually funny. Let me do this? Was it the response that you got that made you say, I got something here, let me do this, girl.

[B]

No. Elementary school.

[A]

You've been funny since. Yeah, that's why your mom knew, right?

[B]

Elementary school, like, elementary school, middle school, class clown. I got most dramatic, you know, most funniest. Like, you know, best dressed. Like, I literally was in everything, especially in college in Raleigh. Like, I was in every curricula, whatever activity, activity board, hosting everything on campus thinking I'm pledging. Like, I'm everything on campus. Like, it was a shindig with me. So I knew it was something special. From elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. I just had to find my lane.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So when I left college, the process began, you know, the faith had to build, you know, so that's when I was in that kitchen revving up, not knowing the spirit was doing that. Come on. The spirit was doing that. I didn't know what was going on at that time. See, people think anxiety and depression is going through things like, oh, you losing your mind. But God's like, well, I'm going to give you this, honey, to get your faith together.

[A]

Yes. Ain't that it?

[B]

People be thinking, oh, it's so bad something's going on. It's like, no. God is trying to get you right.

[A]

He's trying to get your attention.

[B]

Trying to get your attention. So whatever he needs to do for you to call my name through this, you better call it.

[A]

Listen.

[B]

And I did that. I did. So.

[A]

Oh, gosh.

[B]

And after that, I went to Miami and then came back with my best friend Anika, and she was like, do this skit. Fight yourself in the street. Boom, boom, boom, boom. And here we go. It led there. My cousin Tok told me when she was in Virginia, we was at her booking, and she was like, go on Instagram. Do your thing. Everyone's getting famous off of it. And I was like, okay, yeah, wow. Cause I know I'm funny. I just needed a platform to put it on.

[A]

There you go. Wow.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That is amazing. I love that. So now you and Desi are doing cc.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

Y' all have amazing chemistry. Y' all are funny.

[B]

I love Desi. He is amazing. You gotta bring him here. Cause he loves the whole house. Turnt up. Okay.

[A]

All right. Desi, you heard it, period.

[B]

You know, and you should have everybody here, I think, to be Simone's. I think, oh, she's coming.

[A]

That's my girl. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. Funny Marco. Because we. There's all of the minds. We all have different minds, and we carry things so special. But I love Funny Marco. I love D.C. young, fly. I love Coach.

[A]

I hit him, too. I actually talked to him at the game. I was like, I need you on a podcast. Yes.

[B]

I got you, B. Simone. Jess. Hilarious. We are all doing our thing, and we're doing it so gracefully, you know, and we're still the talk of the town, you know? It's like, there's no other B Simone. There's no other pretty. There's no other. Just hilarious. There's no DC or Desi. And the list goes on and on. But we just. We just. I just love my peers. I just love them so much, and they just became my brothers and sisters along the way.

[A]

I love that you mentioned Beast Simone, which is my sis. I love her, too.

[B]

I was with her last night, acting up.

[A]

I love her. I saw y' all were on live the other day.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Like, silly. Playing around, calling your Phone.

[B]

You're like, what's this calling my phone? When I say. I'm like, B, why would you. Why would you call the boy and ask? I mean, I did tell her to ask him, like, how he got my number, though. But when he said that, I didn't know how to get my number, like, the icloud was just clouding, and I had to. And actually, till this day, this phone is actually turned off. I said, I gotta go to A and T, whatever. When I leave here, I have to. I gotta get the 15. Something gotta happen.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Ban them, folks. Don't call me now.

[A]

Look, seriously, I love it, but mentioning those women that are in the same realm as you and see how you guys support each other.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Cause I know B personally. She's such a girl's girl. You're a girl's girl. Look, I don't know Jess personally, but same thing.

[B]

Same thing. Yes.

[A]

How is that with other women? You're on Wild N Out. I know you're in other circles where it may not be as, hey, girl.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So how do you manage that? And then how is it in the comedian world, like, are the women as embracing as they are in the acting world? I wasn't sure how that goes for you.

[B]

To me, it just depends on how you control the room. Right. I've been in rooms where it's not so pleasing, and I've been in rooms where it's like, what's up, girl? I'm a fan, you know, So I think, for me, I take whatever it is, honey. Cause when, you know, you that girl, and you walking in, I'm gonna say, what's up, y'?

[A]

All?

[B]

Look, dressing room's gonna be loud with my name on it. Because I want people to know, like, whatever they're going on with or whatever's happening internally, I could shift that, you know, just by the energy, just by grace, just by the smile, just by how you move and your sauciness. So I think comedically, I love all of them. Like, I haven't met a lot of other legends yet, but I know, like, they're. They've been supporters of mine, so I can't wait to, like, meet, like, some more. And Monique and you know, and even, like, Jim Carrey, you know, forget all that. I love Jim Carrey. He's, like, one of my favorites, you know? Right. So, like, the Kevin, like, me and Kevin met and like, Tommy Davison, but, you know, just different people like that. But, like, for the women, like, it's just. For me, it just Depends on how you just control you. And everything else is gonna be a magnet. When you stanking nasty. And I'm like, oh, what a girl think she who she is. But when you, like, not sweating what they got going on and you be you, that's when you attract just the good vibes. So I haven't really had any issues. I love Issa Rae.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

You did her show raps?

[B]

Yes. I love Issa, you know, and I just love the women that just have helped me along the way, you know, Tichina Arnold. Oh, my God. Like, it's just amazing. Amazing women, amazing people.

[A]

That's amazing. Speaking of Issa, shout out Issa and all the amazing things she's doing and how she is working tirelessly to make sure that our stories are told.

[B]

Shirley Ralph was the first person when I went to college. I was telling B. Simone's story. Someone stole my laptop, right? And we used to have. You know, when you go to hbcu, people come on in, they gotta speak at your commencement and all that good stuff. So Shelly Ralph came on campus, and I was, like, a freshman, I think. And I was so mad. I was like, somebody stole my laptop. And my head was, like, down like this. And I was so sad, you know, if y' all don't know who Shelly Ralph is, she's the mother of Moesha. And I literally. My head was, like, down. And she was like, you pick your head up. And I looked, and I'm like, who the heck is talking to me? So I was like, oh, my goodness. Like, shut her up. She's like, what's wrong with you? And I was like, somebody stole my laptop. And she was like, okay, something's whatever she talked about. And then I went to church, and she was there, you know, on campus, because it was a freshman thing you had to do and go through. And then she said, somebody stole this young lady's laptop. You better give it back to her. Girl walked upstairs to the Westin hall dorm, and my laptop was sitting right there on that table. But even women like that, that I hold still dear, you know, And I haven't seen her since then. But even those women, like, just really don't know what the impact will be. Absolutely.

[A]

That's amazing.

[B]

I love that.

[A]

And she's Jamaican as well.

[B]

She's Jamaican as well, too. You know, a lot of women just have embraced me, and I'm just excited for who else to meet. Like, who? My tifa, like, working with them, you know, Like, I love Missy me And her is really co. She's pointed out to me before it all, like, you're gonna be a star. You are where you're supposed to be, you know, so just people in different eras of this business is just everything to me.

[A]

That is beautiful. I love that you've had that experience. Cause a lot of people can't say they have.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That's so beautiful and encouraging, you know, so encouraging.

[B]

Ooh, Lord. And just so inspiring, too, to know. To hear their story and to know, like, we are actually like the millennials trying to do they walk, but walk. They walk, but we just got two different pair of shoes. You know, I can't wear your size queen. But I know that I'm on my way to get there. You know, like, Taraji, she's embraced me so much. Oh, my God, I love Taraji.

[A]

She's a girl's girl.

[B]

She's a girl's girl and a big supporter.

[A]

Like, she will help connect dots wherever she can. I love her.

[B]

Haley and Chloe, like, they all been so nice. I've been meeting a few of these.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Ladies. They've been dope.

[A]

Amazing. I love that.

[B]

Yes. I'm so excited.

[A]

You did. You're into acting now. You had a movie. Was it something hot? What movie was it that you just did?

[B]

The movie I just did was a Christmas movie that we did in December. Before that was Pretty Stone.

[A]

Pretty Stone.

[B]

That's what I was like. And then I did Run the Hood Story. Then I did Hip Hop Christmas. Yeah. So, you know, just trying to build that resume. Yeah, it was amazing. I played lead in Pretty Stone, so that was amazing. I was like, honey, God will put you in places that you be like, you not even feel like you confident for it.

[A]

That's been my whole life. Look. And everybody else is like, how, as Khaled says, God did.

[B]

He would do what to confound the wise, baby, Listen. He will put somebody in a place that people can understand. This is. You have no resume. You don't even have the criteria. You don't have none of that, but God will put you there.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

So the mouth that spoke around you say, oh, Lord, how she did that? Yeah. So I was so excited because I was God, trust me, you know, with that, you know, that's a good feeling, right? When he could trust you and you haven't sold him out. Listen, listen, that was a beautiful moment for me, and that was a great moment for my career, because now that could go to directors and producers say, like, she could lead a movie, you know, and people don't understand, like directors and like producers, we are so talented on social media. All people gotta do is just say, here's a script and read, you know, because sometimes when people do these self tapes, it's cool, but you don't really see the passion. Yeah, you know, I think Covid stopped a lot of stuff, but it's just like, people just gotta see how passion we are when it comes to what we love to do. And our minds are so creative, you know, and yeah, I can't wait till those moments happen when all my friends and peers just say, you know, I just, I did it, you know, and I got it, you know, from just God will make you have a conversation with Lee Daniels and Tyler Perry. And they just love your energy through that phone. Oh, you hired. That's what we wanted. We want miracles like that.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You know, but it don't happen. But we just saying we want those type of miracles because, you know, when you're passionate of something, all people gotta hear it is in your tongue.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

You know, so yeah, I'm building that resume with acting. Cause that's the goal, you know, to be one of those ones that names are in Hollywood on star, you know, got pretty me, you got crystal on a star. You walking back, taking pictures. You come off. Come on. So, you know, but the other thing is like having my own production, putting on my live performances with my characters. So just a lot goes through my mind. A lot gets written down, but a lot get executed.

[A]

Absolutely, we see it.

[B]

Yeah. So I'm excited about it all.

[A]

That's amazing. A lot of people know and I can attest in our industry, there's highs and lows and there's up moments and there's down moments. Recently you were on rap shit and then the show got canceled.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

What did that feel like when you got the call? Like, can you just give us that play by play and like how you took it? Yeah, because a lot of times we see like the highlights, but we don't see like, dang, like.

[B]

Well, for me, I got an email saying staying up and I text Issa and I told her thank you. And Sarita as well, and I text them and I said thank you. You know, because you didn't have to. You know, some people, like I said, these directors and producers take people who have, you know, who are seasoned in the acting business. So Issa took a chance on me, so I felt like she deserved a call, she deserved a text, and she deserved it publicly. And that's what I Did on my page, on my story. And I said, thank you so much. So, so much. But it didn't really bother me, because I know what's next. Cause wherever Issa go, I go, you know? And I saw her that I was like, wherever you go, I go. And, you know, she's always so pleasant and so graceful. She's like, for sure. So I didn't really feel away. I just know there's another home for that, you know? And maybe it wasn't supposed to be there too long. And God gonna make some shifts and changes.

[A]

I feel like it is because people love that show.

[B]

They love rubbish.

[A]

They love it.

[B]

They love it.

[A]

I don't know. For some reason, I don't feel like that's the end.

[B]

Yeah, it's not. I think they're gonna be like, oh, my God. Because people have to. They wasn't, so. They didn't know it at first, you know? And then season one came. It's like, okay, it's a cute show. Y' all on it. But I think the hype came when season two came. So I feel like once they get that moment and get people who really believe it. Cause all you need is a believer beside you, you know, you don't got to be like, oh, I'm this person. No, I believe in you.

[A]

That's it.

[B]

And then they'll take your thing and run with it. So Issa's gonna be fine. Issa.

[A]

Oh, okay.

[B]

Come on, girl. You know, like, she gonna be good. She's always making something happen, you know? And a black woman in the business doing her thing. Doing her thing, you know, and just always rooting for us.

[A]

Yep. Everybody black.

[B]

Everybody black. So, you know, I didn't feel away. I just said, you know, we wait for the next call, but we keep creating in the midst of it. Yeah, that's what you gotta do. People just. People think that when stuff get canceled, our shows get this and that. It's like, we gotta just wait for that call. It's like. No, create.

[A]

Create it. Oh, my God.

[B]

Look what you're doing.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You're creating.

[A]

Oh, honey. Like, literally, there's a vision with this.

[B]

That's what I'm saying.

[A]

For something else.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah. And people are seeing it now when you start getting the calls. Have you ever thought about, like, that's.

[B]

What'S been on my heart.

[A]

Hello?

[B]

Yeah, I'm writing this in my book. You just confirming? Yes. Yeah. This is your creative. Creating a world for us, your friends, people who you love. Look up to. To sit with you and have these conversations. Like, this is amazing. It really is. And I want to tell you, too. You don't even have to, like. Because I know that we come from PKs, right? And parents are that. And like I said, it could be very much like. Like what? Like, these roles come in you. Like, how can I figure it out? My. I want to disappoint y', all, but I have to tap into team of times 10, you know? So I want you to know that you can balance that. I have figured it out. Yeah, you figured it out. So it's like. And how did you figure that out?

[A]

I'm gonna tell you one. I talked to my dad.

[B]

Okay. And your dad's a minister?

[A]

No, no, it's your mom. Yeah, my mom.

[B]

Okay. Okay.

[A]

I was like, dad, I was like. I got these scenes. And he was like, honey, that's a character. Cause I was telling him, like, certain stuff you just can't watch. Like, I'll call him like, hey, turn your head. It's coming up. Cause some things just pop up. Like, oh. So he was like, no. He's like, you're playing a character. I get it. And then I talked to my pastor, Pastor Shamika Daniels and Pastor Darius Daniels.

[B]

That change.

[A]

Yes. Church. And they were like, it's a character, you know? And what you're doing outside of that is bringing people to God.

[B]

Jesus.

[A]

Yes. Come on. Yeah. It's really just a platform. And I noticed more. Have you noticed the trend of more and more people turn their life over to Christ that have a huge platform? Girl, it's almost like God was like, I trust you. Cause I know where I'm taking you. Cause all this gonna come back to me. Like, I'm like, these people have, like, when I wanna.

[B]

I wanna put my pinky toe. My big toe at the camera. We gonna do it right now. Will y' all see what she said?

[A]

So silly.

[B]

Like, no, seriously. Because it's happening. It's happening. But I struggle with that sometimes. Because sometimes I'll be like. My pastors would tell me because my mom got her pastors, which is my pastors, too. Pastor Rose, my mama, God's redeeming temple. What's up, Mom? And also, just like, my friends that have grown spiritually, they'll tell me like, oh, no, it's a character, right? And then it's a moment where you be like, well, you know, you got to change some things up now. So it sounds like it bothers me. Because it's like, is it like, do.

[A]

It right or not?

[B]

Or change it up.

[A]

But then it's like, you can't be free as an artist.

[B]

Ooh, I know.

[A]

Because it's like, it's a part of the artist. I do have boundaries, of course. You know, there are certain things I won't do, but I want to be free in the art and not feel like, oh, gosh, like, I'm going to be condemned for doing this.

[B]

That's the thing. We just don't want to feel that way. Because, one, you just don't want to tap into spaces where, you know, like, we know it's okay. We feel that. But then you have someone that's more spiritually inclined in saying, well, that ain't what it was. And then sometimes people don't understand the opportunities that we take hinders the next thing. You be waiting for that blessing to come, like, well, let me sit back and we'll see what I did. What caused this booking and this opportunity and these shows and these deals not to really come through. But what I go by is a delay is never denial. Never what's for me going to be for me. And it's just delayed. It ain't denied. But sometimes I do struggle with that, to know, like, okay, it's a character. It's a character. It is a character. Venus, a character. But I don't want to be on different shows and, you know, talking about, well, let's do this. I don't know. It'd just be weird. So I'd be like, all right, let me just. Just go to God and then he'll show you what you need to do. So I just wanted to know, like, how did you.

[A]

Yeah, I knew. I had conversations with people I really cared about, who I knew could kind of guide me through that because I was struggling with it just as of last year, you know. Yeah. And I had been Fatima for three years. Wow. Still trying to figure out, oh, is this.

[B]

Well, that was your spirit and your discernment to ask questions.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Yeah. Before it keep you up and you be like, what do I need to do? You know? Yeah. Wow. Wow, wow.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because mothers could be very hard because they see different things in the world. They had us. So they like, well, what you want to do? Because I want to make sure this is alignment with what we got going on.

[A]

Right.

[B]

But not knowing. My mom always tell me, she told me, she said, you can balance it off. You know, it's a character, but you don't want to be dropping it like, it's hot now. It's just too much. Pounding. Like, you gonna have to just come on hot. Not too much pounding. Come on out of that. That ain't what it is now. I would say, get up, get up. Get up off that. So I get it, you know, so we gotta just watch what we do, you know, but still have fun. Because you want to create, and you want to be free while you create. You don't want to be in your role. And you're like, well, I don't wanna do this. Cause, you know, my mom.

[A]

No, I needed to have that lifted off of me. I needed to know that my parents are cool and if y' all cool. I don't care about nothing else, you know? But then my own discernment and my own struggle started to kick in. I was like, oh, gosh, let me talk to somebody else about this.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Cause they could say yes. And then you, like, you still like.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

Right? You still like. Okay, well, let me talk to some. One more person. Yeah, I love that. I'm happy that, that. Cause like I said, we all people, even that's not even in the spiritual realm, they struggle with that too.

[A]

They do. They really do.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. So we know that you want to produce. You want to take your acting career to the next level, your platform to the next level. You're a host. You do all these things. What else is there that we want that you want the world to know that is up for you, that you want to do next? Is there anything you haven't touched on that.

[B]

I can share one thing. Because I don't like sharing everything, but.

[A]

I'm sure, yeah, don't share that.

[B]

Right. I'm gonna share one thing, which is one thing. I want to create a direct more. Like, I really, you know, I'm such a visionary. Like, I could create music videos in my head plays, you know, just see people, outfits, and, like, baby, you could change that. You know, like, that's me just. Just with even working with big brands, like, really creative, directing these brands to go big with their brand. So I think I'm gonna tap into that. Yeah, that's what I want to do. That's one thing I would, like, want to tap into. I do it with my friends now, but, you know, I want to do it with my friends now. I want to do different companies because they can take me serious and know, like, I'm really passionate about, like, really reforming and rewiring what you already have going on. So something like that. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's what I would love to do. Because everything Else, like giving back philanthropy and all that great stuff. Like I, I do but like really taking the time and taking time out of my time to serve somebody else could be a bit much. But I love it though because I like to see like me in control of that moment because I know like it's going to be beautiful. Cuz I'm not going to fail nobody. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

That's so dope. Love it.

[B]

Thank you so much. Thank you, thank you.

[A]

Of course. So we are to the end of the show and this is my favorite part. It's where the listeners write into us. It's called positive outcomes.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And they write into us and we give them advice.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

All right. So this young lady said, hey Crystal, first things first, thank you for being authenticity never looks so good. I love your work and appreciate your decision to share us the world who God is simply by being yourself. Priceless. I'm a 45 year old love Jesus, mom, fine tech professional, single and bored with my 9 to 5 inside hustle. Truth be told, I never get comfortable in any area of my life. I always look for my next. And while decisions made in my 30s got me to where I am sis, I am bored. God has always directed my life. So while pivoting is my jam, as he has always taken me higher and made me better. But lately the thought of making a change is skydiving exciting and bullet train off the rail scary. Ooh, girl. All right. Yes, that's where I am. Thing is, in this particular headspace, I usually thrive, but like a parachute or emergency airlift on standby. But this time it's different. To be honest, my 40s are real cute right now and I'm enjoying the journey. But the moment I felt the shaking itch to pivot, instead of my usual I chose reckless abandon. I moved, chopped my hair off, put up the neon leopard print do not disturb sign and I'm out here on this tightrope like, okay, Jesus, what are we doing right? Any experiential advice on how to navigate this reckless abandon. New level, pivot transition. All right.

[B]

A whole thing.

[A]

She said a whole thing. A whole thing. Well, one thing is the 40s is real cute. I gotta agree with that. And you're enjoying the journey. That's the most important part. Even though you're feeling a little shaky and a little ista be pivot and feeling like I don't know if I should do this or not, you're enjoying it. And that's the most important part. And you said you chose reckless abandon. You moved. You chopped your hair off. I do feel like it's a little impulsive because I used to do that all the time. Every time I had a breakup, I would cut my hair off. It was like I was cutting off, like, dead weight, and it felt so good. So I can see. I know what you're doing right there. Like you're trying to get rid of something. You're trying to run from. From something. So what I would tell you is to be still for a minute. I feel like you've been impulsive, you've moved really fast. You made a lot of rash decisions in a short amount of time. So I would say just be still and try to hear the voice of God, because he'll help you decide which way to go. Because if you're feeling a little hesitant, that means you need to take a second to listen to God. That's what I would say the same, too.

[B]

I used to hate the word spirit still. I'm like, why I gotta be still, right? Be still. Well, I may be thinking now if I'm still, you know, but like Crystal said, definitely be still and just hear from God. We hear from him in all of our places, cars, rooms, cleaning up, all that good stuff. So just. I know sometimes the intake of breathing and outwardly is stressful because you're like, okay, I'm breathing. It ain't working. But just take a second, know. And like Crystal said, be still.

[A]

Yeah, I love it.

[B]

Thank you. Yeah.

[A]

So we didn't get your name, but I hope this helps. And the next we're going to do is what I'm going through and what I'm growing through. Yeah, we like to do this just because in different seasons of your life, it may be this. You may be going through the same thing and still learning it. But for me, I feel like right now I am growing through. I'm going through seeing the signs of patterns. So, like, you know how, like, you'll go through something like, okay, I know what that is. And then it comes up again.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

And instead of, like, making it just, like, maybe it's gonna be different this time. Yeah, I'm learning now to, like. No, I've seen this before. Stop. This isn't gonna be any different. Let's not go. Come on. Because, girl, I would go through the same thing over and over, over and.

[B]

Over again, over again. So is that in relationships, is that with just life, or is that with.

[A]

Just, like, habits, people, anything? Just always being an empath and trying to give people the benefit of the doubt and even, like, business choices. Just making sure that, like, okay.

[B]

Too nice.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, you know, too nice.

[A]

You know, and stand on business.

[B]

Stand on business. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

So I think that's what I'm going through. And I'm going through. I'm getting better at it. Where I'm listening to that voice.

[B]

Boundaries.

[A]

Yes. And say, oh, yep, Been here before. We're not going to keep learning this lesson. And sometimes, like, God tests us to see if we've learned the lesson before he can take us to the next level. Yep. I got something good for you. But I'm just seeing if you going to keep falling for this.

[B]

Right. And keep saying to the same company, yes, yes, I do it. I don't know. I don't need it. And the next minute we complain when we get there. We did need it. Then we became that diva. Ish. And this definitely. It'd be a whole cycle.

[A]

A big cycle. Vicious.

[B]

I love this little game. Thank you. Did you just say what you was. What you're growing through? Did you say what you. You said? Patterns.

[A]

Yeah. What I'm going through and growing through.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Yeah. So that's pretty much what I'm all in one. I'm going through that and growing through it.

[B]

Yeah. I think for me, what I'm going through is just the balance of it all. You know, I think because like I said, I'm such a creative person and my mind is my superpowers because that's how I create. And knowing that there is the world, there's me, there's the business, there's this. It's life. Take a second, because I, too, can go through the cycle every minute. Your head hurt. Now your chest hurt. You like this. And the third, you trying to figure out why you're not. But just like, you went through the same thing three weeks ago.

[A]

Come on, sis.

[B]

You went through the same thing a year ago. You didn't find the formula yet. So when you in your quiet place now, you want to add up. You want us to be still, and you want to add up. Now your head hurt. Now you got to take all these Tylenols. So for me, how I'm growing through is knowing who I am in God. I love that you know, when you know who you are in God, those cycles become so like, oh, my God minute. Like, that's a brush off the shoulder. Like, oh, my God, I'm good. Now I was able to, like, make a decision and not like. Or make a decision or be somewhere and not feel like, okay, I'm doing the most, or just taking that moment. Because the cycles are very hard to get out of if you just don't know who you are.

[A]

That is so true.

[B]

So when you know who you are, you're like, oh, I can get out of that because I've been here before. This is a familiar place for me.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

So let's get unfamiliar. And that's what I'm doing. So I'm balancing. Balancing. Knowing that I'm good, but knowing, like, I'm growing through God so I don't have to go back through those cycles and just depending just in your mind so much and just, like, going through those overthinking space, this space, that space is something going on, something wrong? Oh, what you think is it? Then you got Daniel Google, your best friend. And, you know, the word is your best friend.

[A]

It is.

[B]

You know, because what we go through is in the word. It just, you know, so I'm in that space knowing, like, I gotta let God leave. Cause my understanding ain't working, child. My understanding over watching Moesha eating cheetos all day. Hair, you know? So now it's time to be like, all right, girl, do what you gotta do what you're doing. It's working.

[A]

Yep. Absolutely.

[B]

And that's all that matters.

[A]

That is so.

[B]

Yeah. I love that. I love that.

[A]

Thank you so much for coming by. I'm serious.

[B]

Thank you so much for having me. And I just cannot wait to see God. Just do his big one on you continually. Just do his big one. Because you're so deserving of it. How many kids do you want? I'm just saying. How many kids do you want? I'm just saying. Cause how many kids you want? Two.

[A]

I used to say two. Yeah. But I'm getting older. I'm just trying to figure out. Yeah.

[B]

I literally was looking at you. I was like, she's gonna. Let me tell you something. I was like, she's gonna have two kids, right? And I was like, she's gonna have a husband that's gonna be so, like. I won't say like a football player or athlete, but he has to have that demeanor. Cause you're like a spirit.

[A]

I am. Oh, my gosh. And I love sports.

[B]

Yeah, you're like a sports mom. Like, you're like, ooh, like a Layla Lee, you know, like, her demeanor. It's like, you have to have somebody in your lane to just, like, lead and, like, take charge and be that person. Because you're gonna be the ones that's picking up soccer balls and footballs and different things. I can see you with two, and I can see you with a dominant man. He gotta.

[A]

He gotta be dominant.

[B]

He cannot be less than.

[A]

Cause I would run all over anything else, girl.

[B]

What?

[A]

Cause I feel like because I run so much in my life, I need someone that can tell me what to do.

[B]

But, yeah, he's coming, though. He's literally coming. He is on the way. Cause I could see that. I was looking at you talking. I was like, she had two kids.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Oh, you got this man that is going to be taller and tall. A little chocolate. Little Mixed with a little caramel chocolate. But, yeah, I appreciate this conversation. I really do. And like I said, I'm so excited for what's up, and thank you again for just opening up your doors and having me come and just, you know, have this great conversation, you know, in your home. Because this is your secret place, you know? So it is very. It's very, you know, serious when you come to somebody. Doors. And my sister today, Tish, was like. I said. She said, I have to use the restroom. I said, well, go in there and ask. She was like, no, get somebody home. But I get it, you know? So it is very important that you keep yourself covered through every storm, every up, down, side to side, whatever it is. Cause we have those days.

[A]

Yes, we do.

[B]

And especially when you come in your home because you don't know. Dropping energies.

[A]

Yes, honey. That's why I'm very particular about who I am.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

Everybody's been on this sofa. Is someone that I trust, I love.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And that I know is gonna bring good energy and not leave any residue. And. Come on.

[B]

Cause today when I was getting my hair done, I said, God, whatever this hairstylist coming in with, I ask that you throw it at the door. I got to sleep. So I'm very. I'm very. Ask my team. I'll be like, let's get that right. So, yeah. Thank you again, y'. All.

[A]

Thank you, guys. Thank you so much for tuning into this episode of Keep It Positive, Sweetie. If you want to write into our positive outcomes listener letter, write into keepitpositivesweetie gmail.com and that's sweetie with an ie. You can follow me on all platforms at lovechris, ornanis l u. And you can follow Keep It Positive Sweetie on Instagram @keepitpositive, sweetie. All right. And tell them where people can find you.

[B]

Yeah, I know what time it is with your girl Pretty Vee. You can find me on Instagram at yes, I'm pretty v Facebook at yes, I'm pretty v TikTok as I'm pretty v All over the world. Yes, I'm pretty v. Let's get it. Let's go.

[A]

Yes. Worldwide. Sis, I wish you the best.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Thank you so much for stopping by. I'm praying for you. You are going places. Thank you. And I cannot to see where you go, so I'm so excited.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.