Loading summary
Transcript408 lines
- [00:01]
A
Calling all my sweeties to the forefront, I'm your host, Chris Renee Hazel, and this is the Keep It Positive Sweetie Show. Hey, sweeties. In this season, I have been so blessed to have conversations with people who I've been impacted by, people who I've grown up watching and admiring. And today is truly going to be special. My guest today is a wife, mom, artist, actress, philanthropist, just to name a few. Kips Family, please give a very warm Atlanta welcome to Ciara.
- [00:34]
B
Hey, Sierra.
- [00:36]
A
How are you?
- [00:37]
B
Amazing.
- [00:37]
A
You look amazing.
- [00:39]
B
Thank you so much. You look beautiful, too.
- [00:40]
A
Thank you. And thank you for coming.
- [00:42]
B
Oh, my gosh. Let me just say, in all my years that I've done interviews, I have never seen what I just saw happen before. We start our interview with jb.
- [00:51]
C
Yeah.
- [00:52]
B
Praying before an interview.
- [00:54]
C
Yes.
- [00:54]
B
That is amazing.
- [00:55]
A
Listen, we keep God first in everything.
- [00:57]
B
Amen.
- [00:57]
C
Yes.
- [00:58]
B
I love it.
- [00:58]
A
Thank you. No, that's. That's one of the things in everything we do. We always make sure we pray.
- [01:01]
B
Yeah. It's the best way to kick off the day.
- [01:03]
A
It is. No, for sure. So I want to start with a little story time. Okay. So just a month ago, two months ago, the top of June BET Awards, we were BET media house, and they were like, sierra's coming. We're gonna get you an interview with her. I was like, oh, my goodness. Sierra's coming. So we see you come. My little booth is right next to Angie Martinez's door. So I was like, all right, guys, I'm not taking any interviews. So, like, as soon as she comes out the door, we're gonna grab her. So you come out and they're like, she has to go to another interview. And I got a quick picture with you, and it was so cute. Actually, Drea shot that. It was a really beautiful picture of us. And I was like, it's okay. We're gonna. Something else is gonna happen. God has something better in store. And I really wanted to interview that day. And now I have you here, and that's just how God works. So I was like, God, always be looking out. I was like, come on, come on.
- [01:49]
B
And we're in Atlanta. Hometown.
- [01:51]
A
Your hometown.
- [01:52]
C
Yeah.
- [01:52]
B
So this is great.
- [01:53]
A
I love it. And Kaya and Dimples had hit me, and Kai was like. Kai's. She was like, you gotta get see there. Like, y' all are perfect for each other. Y' all have the same brand. She loves God. You love God. She's like, she's so positive. It'd be perfect. And then Dimples hit me, and she was like, we're gonna do it. And I'm like, yeah, no lie. Before you came in, they're like, are you nervous? And I was like, yeah.
- [02:16]
B
No, it's amazing, man. Yeah.
- [02:18]
A
But you have so much going on. You are busy. You just had the second. You opened your second. You had your second annual Sierra Day, and then you opened your second why not center.
- [02:29]
B
Yeah.
- [02:29]
A
That's, like, monumental.
- [02:31]
B
No, it's amazing. So, technically, it's my first time actually celebrating this holiday or this special day that the state and the city, you know, granted me. And I got to give thanks to Falana Williams because she really spearheaded that. And I've known her since I was a baby. At one point in time, she's my manager, really. She's known me since I was like, literally, when I got signed to Erisa, she was assigned to my project.
- [02:55]
C
Wow.
- [02:56]
B
So 20 plus years ago. Because 21 years ago, my album goodies came out. So it was before that came out. So I know. Since I was, like, 16.
- [03:02]
C
Wow.
- [03:03]
B
Or 14. 14, 15. Anywhere. Somewhere in that place. 15 to 16. That's when I met her. And so, no, it was amazing because Russ and I, we've always had a vision with our why not yout foundation, and we have a big vision to do a few things right. And one of those things were to create centers for kids.
- [03:24]
C
Yes.
- [03:25]
B
And we've been very fortunate in our partnership with the Boys and Girls Club that we're able to put why not yout Centers and Boys. Some of the Boys and Girls Clubs, we start off in Pittsburgh last year, and then we both said that we have to make sure we have the why not use centers, the places where we came from.
- [03:40]
A
Absolutely.
- [03:40]
B
Because, I mean, for me, you know, I've always wanted to get back to my city because I feel like the city has given me so much. And, you know, this. Atlanta is a city that made me, you know, so my. My, like, next tier of, like, growth and, like, leveling up is like, giving back in my hometown. So yesterday was just the start of that on Sierra Day. And it was. To me, it was the best way to kick off a day like that. Like, I really want, you know, every time that I get a chance to celebrate this day, I want to make it a day of impact. And it was so sweet, you know, giving the kids at the Boys and Girls Club our why not yout center and dance Hall. And, you know, there was the dancers that came there, and they were the first ones to dance in that space. And all the kids that go to the Boys And Girls Club. It was just so much great energy. It was so beautiful. Like, I was so touched. Touched and moved and just so thankful to God that we can do stuff like that, you know, Like, I want to do more and more of it, so that was beautiful.
- [04:39]
A
That is amazing. You mentioned impact, and that is actually the whole theme of this season for the podcast, because we. We inspire people, but what impact are we leaving? So I love that you are literally putting action behind your words and doing that. That's so dope. I love that. You also have a new album coming out entitled Cece, a new single with lotto.
- [05:00]
B
Yes.
- [05:01]
A
So what, you have an album called Sierra? What was the emphasis of cece now?
- [05:06]
B
Well, you know, it's my nickname, and a lot of my fans have called me cece over the years, and my family obviously calls me Cece. And I feel like when someone calls you by your nickname, it's personal.
- [05:19]
C
Yes.
- [05:20]
B
And so I just. I have a special connection with my fans, and my fans are really the reason why I am where I am today, you know, especially being an independent artist and running my own label. That is the most vulnerable place you can be in, and you really don't know what it's gonna be like in those independent waters. And my fans have showed me the power of, you know, who they are and what they mean and our relationship dynamic. You know, when I kicked off Level up, and within one click of a button, you know, my song was crazy viral.
- [05:53]
C
Yes.
- [05:53]
B
And it's one of my most viewed videos to date, and I'm so proud because it's mine. Like, I own that song. I own the master.
- [06:01]
A
Oh, come on, Sierra.
- [06:02]
C
Yes.
- [06:02]
B
Yeah. So on this album, I just really want to. It's like the chapter and Season of Gratitude for me. I kind of live my life in chapters. You know, sometimes you have transitional chapters. Sometimes you just have. You know, I just have. I just do Chapter life and chapters. So this is the chapter of gratitude for me.
- [06:19]
A
I love that.
- [06:20]
B
And I just wanted to simply say thank you to my fans, as I also had been when I started this project, it was in the form of an ep, and there's songs like How We Roll on There and Ecstasy. They've gotten a little taste of that, you know, But I had. And also, what's up with featuring Busta Rhymes? So I've been putting out songs like that, but I have been putting out songs along the way, and it's like, okay, let me just stop getting. Giving them one by one. Let me just give them this body of Work. And I have these amazing songs that I've been sitting on and also creating, and now it's time to complete the whole project. So I'm super excited about this album. It's a lot of energy, a lot of fun. My goal is always to make the world dance.
- [07:00]
C
Yeah.
- [07:01]
B
And to hopefully give inspiration, whether it's in love, whether it's in life in general, whether you just want to feel good and just, like, have fun. Like, yes. All that's on there.
- [07:11]
C
Yeah.
- [07:12]
A
I love that you talked about ownership in owning your. Your masters and owning the song. When you were actually in the studio doing Level up, did you realize, like, that you really had a hit and it was like, this is gonna go. Did you know?
- [07:25]
B
Instantly, I knew. I knew the song was a smash. I really believed in it. It's funny, because I was pregnant as all get out with my daughter Sienna. Like, the story of my life. Like, I was pregnant here. Pregnant. Yeah. Well, a lot of great things happen when I'm pregnant, apparently. No, I remember I had. I was carrying Sienna and jamming out with my friend Tyron, who I. Yeah. Who doesn't love Tehran.
- [07:50]
A
So amazing. Shout out to Ron. He's amazing.
- [07:52]
B
What's a Gwen? But Taron, you know, we've known each other for years. We've had great success together. And he and I were in the studio, and I was like. He. He had said to me, he was like, cece, there's this. This song that's, like, going crazy in the club. It's called Eff It Up. I don't like cursing. But he was like, it's the F it up challenge. And it's just, like, going crazy. And I'm like. He's like, I want to play it for you, because I think it'd be super cool. So he plays it for me. He's like, you know, to be a good inspiration. And I was like, he's playing. And I'm like, oh, that's a vibe. And then I started saying, like, level up, level Up. Like. But I knew at that point when we were creating the record, I wanted energy and I wanted to inspire through the song. But I was very intentional about every line. Like, we really walked through every line together to make sure that, like, every detail was buttoned up and really helping us tell the story, because that was the place that I was in. But I knew when we finished that song that it was special to the point that when I went to the label that I was signed to at the time, because I was in a traditional Label a traditional deal at that time. I went to the and it was a new CEO I had to re. Present to. Which is never fun. Right. But you're so optimistic.
- [09:01]
C
Yeah.
- [09:02]
B
So I went to present to him and I'm like, there's a song I have, or this is a song I have called Level Up. This is the visual. I had the visual as well that I had.
- [09:11]
A
Yeah, I love that.
- [09:12]
B
Proof of concept. I said, like, this is da da da. Like, I think this song's gonna be the next, you know, big song for me, blah, blah. And he literally looked at me and was kind of like. It just fell on like deaf ears, like flat, like he just was like, like, okay, like very. Like just tonal, like, you know, flat tone.
- [09:27]
C
Yeah.
- [09:28]
B
And he didn't see what I saw. And that was like, unfortunate in that moment, but it was like one of the biggest blessings in my life because literally, like that one day I had was like one of the most unfortunate days, but the next day was the one of the best days because I decided I'm going to start my label. But I knew that that song was special. And I've had moments in my life and in my career from the very beginning. Whether it was goodies or one two step or just certain songs, I'm like, this is going to be the song. And in most cases, I've been right when I felt that. So I did believe in the record.
- [10:03]
A
I love that. In that moment when you're in that conference room or in his office, what did it feel like to be Ciara, the acclaimed artist that you are, and for someone still not to believe and.
- [10:13]
B
Be like, oh my gosh, you know, you know what it does? It like, helps you. Like, it motivates me when people do that, you know, like, I feel like, okay, like, you. You're gonna wish that you wouldn't have said no.
- [10:26]
A
Absolutely.
- [10:26]
B
Yeah. You know that you're gonna wish that. So it really motivates me, you know, when that happens and it's life, like, it's perspective. I think some of the best of the best are always gonna get some. Someone's gonna try to knock the best of the best down. And that motivates me too. When I see people that inspire me and I see how they persevere through people saying you can't or saying it's not possible. It's like, okay, we're gonna find a way to make the impossible possible. That's always my mentality. But I really believe. That's why I always tell people, you have to believe in yourself. Because if I didn't believe in myself in that moment, I would have been so discouraged and I would have given up. And I also say proudly, at that time, it was like, I really became a big girl. I became a big girl really young in this industry, because you have to be. But I really was like, I felt so vulnerable. I'm like, oh, my gosh. Like, I don't have this big system that I'm used to being in. Like, what's that gonna be like? But, you know, like I said, it's one of the greatest blessings in my life and in my career, and I feel more empowered than ever. And the. The funniest thing of all of that is that when I had, you know, when we weren't seeing eye to eye, I asked for my master's back and he gave them back to me for free. Like, that's how, you know, come on. He didn't believe.
- [11:41]
C
Yes.
- [11:41]
B
But it's like, okay, God, you got me. Like, I'm a trust this thing. And I'm like, thank you. Because I'd have eat those costs. Right, Exactly. Thank you so much. That's the one good thing he did do, you know? But, yeah, no, it motivates me, though, when that happens and. And yeah, it's a good thing sometimes when it happens.
- [12:01]
A
No, absolutely. Going back to goodies like Young Tierra, to having your own label now, and it's Beauty Marks Entertainment, I absolutely love that. That's amazing. What are some of the lessons that you learned to get to the point where you're like, you know what? I need to start my own label?
- [12:18]
B
Well, I think the greatest thing is numbers. Like, I'll just keep it simple. It's numbers and it's the ability to create, you know, how you want to and when you want to. Like, the way that we get to flow right now is so fun because if I have an idea, I can express it right away. If I want to, you know, share something with my fans right away, I can click the button. Versus having to go through a whole, like, process of, you know, approvals because not everyone's going to approve. They're not going to like what you're doing. They're not going to prove it. And honestly, at points, I was investing into myself, but. But I wasn't reaping the full benefit because of the back end part of it.
- [12:54]
A
Right.
- [12:55]
B
And that is real. Like, I. You know, when you're young and you, like, I'm living my dream. I'm getting to, like, you know, do this thing I've always wanted to do. You don't think about that stuff, right?
- [13:06]
A
No.
- [13:06]
B
And then what happens is when you're like, you're like, you get to do a number check and you're like, wait, I thought that there was going to be way more in my bank account than that. And it's like, oh, wait, do the math. You have to pay your manager, you have to pay your accountant, you have to pay your lawyer, you have to pay, you know, all your invoices, you know, all those things. And then you have to do taxes. And then after that, you're like, wait, what the heck, right? Like, hold up. Like, wait a minute. Math ain't math. Then, like, I'm busting my butt, right? I'm giving, I'm sacrificing so much, and. But I'm not seeing. Seeing the full benefits of my labor. And that. That's real, like. And that's what really motivated me for the chapter again. Chapter? Yes. Of ownership. Ownership became significant for me because that's where you know, to me, your true financial and wealth success is on the finance, on the economic side of life.
- [14:02]
C
Yes.
- [14:03]
B
You know, so that matters. Like, you know, I. I hope you know, you know, when I look back years later, because legacy is everything, right? That's the one thing that I really work hard to protect. And, and again, like, when you're with labels, sometimes they don't have the same passion to protect your legacy like you do. Right. And so that's important for me. But I hope that I can also do something that hasn't been done even within my own family. Legacy, right, is the extension of wealth for our babies. Right. You know, and that's like my mentality, like, I'm working hard for that. I'm working hard. So when I'm in a certain place in my life, I'm gonna say mid-50s, I ain't gotta hit that matrix no more unless I want to. You know what I'm saying? I won't hit the matrix to the bank. Okay. You know, like, so what are we working for? Right? It's like, I got goals that I'm trying to get to, and at some point, you want to work, you know, smarter, not harder.
- [14:59]
C
Yes. Yeah.
- [15:00]
B
That's really big part of my, like, baseline perspective on how I approach business and life in general. So it was a combination of all those things that motivated me. And I'm so glad that I took the risk and allow myself to be uncomfortable and, you know, I'll never look back.
- [15:23]
A
Yeah, I love That. I love that from the outside looking and you talk about somewhere in your 50s, you won't have to do the Matrix. You can pick and choose when you do the Matrix, which is so funny. From the outside looking in, most people look at you like, why is she still going so hard? You know, because you got it made in the shade. We looking like, she got the husband, she got the beautiful children. You know, it's like some women would just be like, yep, I'm done. I'm just gonna take care of these babies. But you still go, what is that push besides the legacy that keeps you going?
- [15:54]
B
It's my passion for what I do. I love being an artist. I love performing. I love traveling the world and, you know, meeting my fans and meeting new people and, you know, learning different languages and, you know, I have an appreciation for what God has blessed me to do.
- [16:12]
C
Yes.
- [16:12]
B
And that is to be an artist and plus all the other things that, you know, that I'm fortunate to be a part of. It's that, like, heartbeat. It's like that. That. That beat. Like, it's a. It's a. It's a beat that. That's like. It's like. What is it like to the beat of your own drum? Like, it's a. It's a drum pattern that I feel. Like, the things that I'm doing, like, it's feeding me. Like, it's like music. Movement within itself.
- [16:39]
C
Yes.
- [16:39]
B
You know, and so those are the things that I. I love doing. They fill my cup. They are part of my identity.
- [16:45]
C
Yeah.
- [16:46]
B
Right. And so I'm. I'm so, so blessed. Like, I'm not gonna, you know, front. Like, it's a blessing that I get to wake up every day knowing that I'm doing exactly what I want to do.
- [16:55]
C
Yes.
- [16:55]
B
Like, if that's something I could wish for. Every person in this world or anyone is that you want to do what you love. Because the truth is that when you do what you love, you never work a day in your life, and. Or if that's how it feels. And I think it's like, I. Cece sets goals. Like, I said, goals, and. And I'm trying to achieve those goals, so that's a big part of my motivation, too. Right. And I just feel more empowered, you know, the. Little more on my plate in life. Like, I. I love that, you know, I. I get to go from the. The stage to the classroom with my babies, literally. I. I'm. I was performing in London. It was, like, I don't know, almost 30,000 people. And, I mean, that was, like, insane. The love that London showed me was amazing. Amazing. But literally the next day or like, the. After I left London, I was humbled, and I was in that classroom, like, okay, what do I need for the kids? I need this, this, and this and this.
- [17:46]
C
Wow.
- [17:47]
B
You know, and then Russ has football. I like being there for him. Like, these are blessings. All them are blessings. Like I said, I was like, listen, we ain't stressed out. We blessed out.
- [17:57]
A
I know that's right.
- [17:57]
B
You know, I like that it's perspective, you know, But I. I just love what I do, and it's a big part of my identity. And I think that as women, especially, you know, you have to fill your cup. You have to do things that, you know, that feed you what you need. And these things feed me.
- [18:14]
C
Yes.
- [18:15]
A
Now, is there anything else, like, in your downtime? Because you have so many things going on. You're an artist, you're an entrepreneur. You have skincare line. You have a spirits line. You have so many different things that you're. That you have your hands in. How do you balance it all with the children and then taking time for Sierra, what do those moments of, like, when you're like, okay, this is my time, or do you even get that?
- [18:34]
B
So I'm actually trying to master that a little better because I do sometimes take the greatest hit within my schedule. Right. In reference to, like, me time.
- [18:42]
C
Yeah.
- [18:43]
B
But schedule is everything. I was literally just talking to dimples on my team, and I was saying, I want to walk through how we're going to do a couple of promo days so we can stack some things, because I'm like, I got to give myself a little room to breathe.
- [18:56]
C
Yes.
- [18:56]
B
But I'm so hungry. You know, it's the drive. Like, I'm hustling right now, and there's something that's really fun about it, but also, life is important, too. So I really do try to master it by my schedule. Like, I schedule, you know, whether it's like. And again, sometimes you go off the beating path, but it may be like these four hours of my time with my kids.
- [19:18]
C
Yes.
- [19:18]
B
Okay. Then after that, I have two calls, and then after that, I go do, you know, to the gym or. And then after that, I go to date night with Russ. Like, my days, I get to, like, schedule them, even the personal time. So that way, I'm also intentional with carving out the time.
- [19:36]
A
Right.
- [19:36]
B
If I don't have a schedule, then it's like we're just kind of what they say. Willy nilly. Like, we just kind of freestyle it.
- [19:42]
C
Yeah.
- [19:42]
B
Floating through laps. That's when it gets really crazy. Because before you look up, time passes you by. And sometimes, like, you know, I do really master being punctual with my flow. Like, I'm just efficient.
- [19:55]
C
Yeah.
- [19:55]
B
And then I'm also looking forward to date night. I'm looking forward to just block the time to put my phone down, be with my babies, like, because I have to. But I. I would recommend to any mom schedules, you know. Yeah. That's like a game changer.
- [20:12]
C
Yeah.
- [20:12]
B
Yeah.
- [20:13]
A
I don't have children, but my life is. I have to, like, at nighttime, I kind of go through everything I have to do. And then even, like, the insular things that I have to kind of pencil in. In between my mandatory things, I had to put it all in the schedule so in the morning I can look at and be like, okay, got it. This is what I gotta do here.
- [20:28]
B
Exactly. It's game changing, right?
- [20:30]
A
It is that structure and the intentionality of making sure that you make time for what's important.
- [20:34]
B
Yeah. And you know what I'm trying to really master? Excuse me. I'm trying to master rest.
- [20:41]
A
Come on, Sierra.
- [20:42]
B
Yeah. Because rest is so vital.
- [20:44]
C
Yes.
- [20:44]
B
And I never knew I needed rest until, like, these stages. At this stage or in my life, we gotta get rest. You know, sleeping is vital for, like, health. I have gotten sick twice within the shortest time frame that I ever have. I'm like, okay, now. Okay, God, now I hear you, Lord. And then my body. I hear you, body. So I need to, like, make sure I, like, you know, do that too. Because your body gets to recover. Your body can, like, endure everything when you're grinding, you know, trying to work on building my immune system. Like, all these things.
- [21:19]
C
Yeah.
- [21:20]
B
Are vital. So I'm really trying to, like, level up my rest. I'm trying to level up, like, my. My immune. My immunization. Or am I saying that right? My immunity, like, my care.
- [21:31]
C
Yeah.
- [21:32]
B
I'm trying to make sure I'm, like, doing these things that are going to also feed me too.
- [21:35]
C
Yeah.
- [21:36]
B
I really want to master, like, resting.
- [21:38]
A
That's so good. Because our industry has this whole mentality, sleep when you're dead, and it's like, no, you're gonna die if you don't sleep.
- [21:44]
B
That is true.
- [21:45]
C
Yeah.
- [21:45]
B
It's big facts. Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So we don't want to do that now.
- [21:50]
A
Are you, like, a nighttime? I know in the studio a lot of people work better. Like in the wee hours of the Morning. I'm not like that. I have to have, like, daytime hours when you're recording. When do you normally.
- [22:00]
B
I used to do the wee hours. I actually did wee hours last night. This is the craziest thing. I came from Africa. We traveled for 17 hours. I landed. I went to go to do the Boys and Girls Club, the why not yout Centers. Then I went from there to a podcast taping, and then I went from there to the studio, and we were up to, like, almost 1 o' clock in the morning.
- [22:22]
A
See here?
- [22:23]
B
2 o'. Clock. She said 2 o' clock in the morning.
- [22:25]
A
It was like, no.
- [22:26]
B
So that's, like, an abnormal night. Okay. But I did that again because I knew, okay, today I'm gonna come see you, and then I'm gonna, you know, have the rest of my. I have, like, a couple more things I have to do in this day. Work, work, work related.
- [22:40]
C
Yeah.
- [22:41]
B
And then when I get home, I gotta go into mommy.
- [22:44]
C
Yes.
- [22:44]
B
And also hubby wifey mode, you know? So I had to, like, being strategic again. Like, my babies aren't here. Russ is working, doing his thing. Okay. Now mama can, like, grind it out, you know? But normally I like to work early. So, like, if my kids are at school, I do studio. When I was young, I didn't do that. I worked to the wee hours. But now it's like, take the kids to school studio at 9 o'. Clock. Which is so, like, crazy how life evolves like that. But I like to try to get my heavy stuff out the way early in the day.
- [23:15]
A
That's good. It's so important. And I go. We get so caught up in, like, just loving what we do that we forget. Because, like, it's literally. It's feeding us, it's keeping us away. And it's like, oh, I haven't slept. I need to eat. Even eating.
- [23:28]
B
Yeah. Yes. And I love to eat.
- [23:30]
A
Me too, girl.
- [23:31]
B
Love.
- [23:31]
A
What's your favorite food?
- [23:33]
B
Oh, my gosh. Okay, so I always sound blexican, because, you know, black and Mexican. I love Mexican food.
- [23:41]
C
Food.
- [23:41]
B
I'm also Blasian. I love Asian food.
- [23:44]
C
Yes.
- [23:45]
B
Those will be my top two cuisines. And also Italian.
- [23:48]
A
Italian is my favorite.
- [23:49]
B
Is fire.
- [23:50]
C
Yes.
- [23:51]
B
And I love carbs. Like, help me, Lord, I need a master. That too. Because I swear, I feel like every meal deserves a carb, and that's just not the way to live. So I gotta work on that.
- [24:01]
A
I gotta work on that, you know?
- [24:03]
B
But I love eating. It's just. It's so fun, like, eating Is like, you know, where it's community. Like, it's. You know, it's. It's just everything.
- [24:12]
C
Yeah.
- [24:13]
A
No, it really is.
- [24:14]
B
And I'm from Atlanta, you know. Yeah. We do everything with seasoning and butter. Yeah. Butter lorries. Yes. All that stuff, you know, so it's kind of what I. How I grew up. Every Sunday was, like, Thanksgiving at the church.
- [24:26]
C
Yeah.
- [24:27]
B
You know, and, like, every other day is, like, Thanksgiving, so it's just in me.
- [24:31]
C
Yeah.
- [24:32]
B
I do love for you.
- [24:32]
A
You love food, but your body is always tea. How.
- [24:35]
B
Oh, thank you so much.
- [24:36]
A
Yeah, it is tea, honey.
- [24:37]
B
Okay. I try. Okay. So after my baby girl, Amora, my last baby I have, I still haven't gotten all the way back to my base weight. And at one point in time, it's funny because I weigh the same weight as Russ.
- [24:52]
A
Oh, wow.
- [24:52]
B
Yeah. So she. I gained the most with her. And it's. Honestly, it's hard. But I. I will say this. What I do try to do is moderation.
- [25:01]
C
Yeah.
- [25:02]
B
Stop when you're full. And it's hard. Like, when food is good, it's hard to stop.
- [25:05]
C
Yeah.
- [25:06]
B
But moderation is key. Right. So sometimes I'll realize I went a little too crazy.
- [25:11]
C
Yeah.
- [25:11]
B
Let me, like, dial it back this evening. Like, try to eat just fish and veggies. Like, but I have to literally talk to myself. Like, don't do it. Don't do it. Don't do it. Like, that's how bad it is. Like, it's really bad.
- [25:22]
A
I hear that voice and I don't listen. I'm like, girl, shut up.
- [25:24]
B
Oh, my God. Do it. Yeah, exactly. Don't do it. I did it. You're right. Yeah. You know, and also tons of water. Like, when you're training. You know, I did this thing with my nutritionist years ago, and he did a body mass index calculation on me, checking your muscle mass and, like, all these different things. And he gave me, like, the water ratio versus, like, my weight and all that stuff. So when I'm trying to come down, like, sometimes I'm drinking a gallon and almost a half. When I gain, like, 75 pounds. Right. So it's like you're just being mindful, like, you're water intake. Those things matter. But moderation.
- [25:58]
C
Yeah.
- [25:58]
A
When you're thick and you look amazing, like, when you gained away from a baby a more. I was like, this girl looks so good, but I knew you were thicker than normal did. Was there ever a moment where you looked in the mirror and was like. Or were you like, I see you, girl.
- [26:12]
B
No, I ain't going to lie. I loved every step of the way.
- [26:14]
C
Good.
- [26:15]
B
And you know what it is? I got to give my husband some love because Russ really made me feel even more like, okay, I'm liking my curves. I'm liking that put a cup on it kind of thing, you know, because he was like. He tells me. Even I was like, don't you get too crazy because he likes my hits.
- [26:30]
C
Yeah.
- [26:30]
B
You know, so that makes me feel good. Right. It's like that stuff, you know, can, like, give us ladies a little. Okay.
- [26:36]
A
Absolutely.
- [26:38]
B
Okay. We can. We can appreciate these extra little, you know, grips or, you know, grippers, whatever you want to call it. So. No, it's really sweet. And I think there's something too about, like, where you are in your life. Like, I love having a little more on me.
- [26:55]
C
Yeah.
- [26:56]
B
You know, I've always been a little smaller, but I like it. I like how the jeans fit me. I like it. I'm liking it.
- [27:02]
A
You look good. Yeah, no, I saw it, and I was like, cece is looking good. Thank you so much. No, for sure. You just gave props to your husband, Russell. You guys are couple goals. Like, everybody. All the women are praying your prayer.
- [27:15]
B
Oh, my gosh.
- [27:17]
A
I was like, when she comes, I need her to pray over me.
- [27:19]
B
Oh, my gosh.
- [27:22]
A
You both have your own careers, your own lives. How has it been managing the relationship and now having a family but still, like, you're doing your thing and he's doing his thing. How do you guys. What are those conversations like? All right, babe, we gotta. How do we keep together?
- [27:35]
B
Yeah. Communication is really important. And you know what's really great is that with him doing football, his world is more structured.
- [27:43]
C
Yes.
- [27:43]
B
My world. I can kind of, like, plan around his world. So that is, like, you know, I would say is a blessing in the dynamic of what we do. And we're just really big on, like, you know, communicating. Like, he knows my schedule. Like, he tell me my schedule back sometimes before I can even tell it myself, you know, but we're really, you know, lock and step on that, you know, and we find ways to stay connected even when we're apart. Whether it's like watching a show, we have a thing. Like, you can't watch the show without the other. Right. When you're in two different places, that's the thing. But if we're going to do it, we're watching it, like, simultaneously. Like, they put your computer on mute, you know, so we don't have the sound right, you know, so we'll do little things like that or like, you know, we really do work on coordinating things as best as possible. And I think that that's like the game changer against schedule.
- [28:34]
A
Yeah, it's huge.
- [28:35]
B
Right. So we kind of know, okay, I'm going to be gone these amount of days, or, you know, if he has to do something, same thing. But we're, like, mapping out so we can, like, make sure it comes back to us. Like, we're very intentional, you know, even date nights. Like, we do date nights every Friday, really, when he's in the season. And I've been a big believe, like that little thing, you know, or that I don't call it little, but that moment has been, like, game changing for us over the years, I think, because, one, I'm always looking forward to it. You're not forgetting to date each other.
- [29:07]
C
Yes.
- [29:07]
B
You gotta do that. Right? We always talk about that. He always says, you gotta always compete, you know, like, that was one of his things that he loved it. And I like that idea because it's like searching for the beginning. Always searching for the beginning. Like when we first met, I'm like, yeah, I'm aware. You know, you still want to do that? You still feel that? Yeah, you know, it's still. It keeps it exciting, you know, so it's. It's honestly just being intentional. Intentional. I would say that's the thing. Like, we both want our love to be as sweet and full as it can be, and so we're very intentional about achieving that.
- [29:42]
C
Yeah.
- [29:42]
B
Now we don't get it right all the time.
- [29:44]
A
Right.
- [29:44]
B
You know, but we. The place that we come from is it's. The foundation is set and it's clear.
- [29:50]
C
Yeah.
- [29:50]
B
And so, yeah, we're very, very intentional.
- [29:53]
A
I love that. And your relationship is built on the foundation of God.
- [29:56]
B
Oh, my gosh.
- [29:57]
C
Yeah.
- [29:57]
B
He. We say Jesus at the center.
- [29:59]
A
Amen.
- [29:59]
B
When we first got engaged in Seychelles, he actually, the. The first thing that we did is we went and we prayed and, you know, he actually initiated, you know, the. The. The thought of, you know, having Jesus at the center.
- [30:14]
C
Yeah.
- [30:14]
B
And I really love that you have a man that want to cry. I don't know why I'd be up here crying like this. I have been, like, on a trail, a chapter of tears. Are you afraid of again? No, no. Hold up now. Let's not get crazy, okay? Kip's exclusive o right now. Okay.
- [30:31]
A
You're like, why am I crying?
- [30:33]
B
No, I really have been, like, an emotional, like, gratitude. Yeah. It is it's gratitude. It's real. You know, but that was really sweet and powerful to have that, you know, connection or like in that very moment, like, that's the foundation we're going to set this on. Like, and it's honestly real. Like having Jesus at the center is significant because when man leans on man, listen, that's when it get a little murky.
- [31:02]
C
It do.
- [31:03]
B
Right. We start trying to be like, well, I feel it's like, okay, what does God want? You know, where is the spirit in all of this? Like, where is the, you know, go to the place of love. Right. When we do that, like, it brings everything back down, like, to like the right place, you know, so. And I think that's huge.
- [31:22]
C
It is.
- [31:22]
B
You know, especially in our world. Like, it's. Our worlds are crazy, like, hectic and like fast moving and convenient. Like, you know, so it's like, okay, whenever we have a little funky something, like the spirit is what brings us back.
- [31:36]
C
That's good.
- [31:36]
B
Yeah. It brings us like back to where we need to be. And it takes both. Yeah, right.
- [31:41]
C
Yeah.
- [31:41]
B
Like we were saying, you have certain, like, rules too. Like the Pat, our pastor Judah, who actually officiated our wedding. And he's one of our. He's like amazing. But he, you know, talked about like how in relationships, like, you can have an idea where you never say the D word. Like, you never say, oh, that word. Okay, got it. Yeah.
- [32:00]
A
Or what's the D word?
- [32:02]
B
Yeah, exactly. And then also you say, wow, you got to be able, like when you make the mistake or you cause the turn up or the friction, you got to be able to say, will you forgive me? And that is hard for me because I'm stubborn. I'd be like, I ain't asking if he would forgive me because I went wrong. And then I be, I might be wrong. It's like, Sierra, just say it. Like, I'm talking about, like, just say it, girl. I'm rolling my eyes. Like, I don't want to say it. Just say it. You better say, you know, it's a whole thing. Like, that is hard, I think, to be like, will you forgive me? You know, but it's like it's game changing.
- [32:41]
A
It is, right?
- [32:41]
B
And we both have that understanding. Like those little things, you know, they're really, they're really helpful.
- [32:47]
C
Yeah.
- [32:47]
B
Yeah.
- [32:48]
A
And it's beautiful that you can. Because asking for forgiveness is not only an humbling state, but it's also very vulnerable to like, look at yourself in the mirror and say, wait a minute, this is Me, I messed up. And to be able to go to the person and admit that, you know, so the fact that you are so comfortable with each other, to allow each other to see each other in that state date is so beautiful.
- [33:06]
B
Yeah. And I think feels good when someone takes accountability. Right. You know, you don't want to. Crazy. Exactly. Yeah. Okay. And I'll give Russ credit. He does pretty good with coming back around. Like we were saying the other day, he gets, like, more worked up. I get very quiet. You know, like, when he raises his voice, it's funny because, like, you know, his love reminds, like. Reminds me of, like, my dad's love. Right. And I remember, like, my dad would, like, reprimand me. Like, the tone of the voice was just, like, enough to make you go, you know, you just crumble. And so if he gets, like, loud, it's like. And depending on what it is, I'll be like, you know, I just sit back, like, where you going with this? You know, like. Or I might feel like, you know, I have all these different feels, you know, but, like, he typically is the one that can, like, get a little more turnt up than me. I. I get quiet turn, like, you know, I'm talking about.
- [34:01]
A
I would have thought it was the opposite.
- [34:02]
B
Yeah. No, but he's so. You know, he's really good about, like, he'll come back around, like, you know, so I. I'll give him that. He does that really well.
- [34:11]
A
He's passionate.
- [34:13]
B
Okay. I love you, too. You know, I love that.
- [34:18]
A
That is so beautiful. Now, word on the street is that y' all started a matchmaking service.
- [34:23]
B
Oh, my Lordy. We did not start a matchmaking service.
- [34:28]
A
Because we trying to sign up. The people are like, where do we look?
- [34:31]
B
We should actually, like, think about this thing. Let me tell you. We love seeing our friends experience love.
- [34:38]
C
Yeah.
- [34:40]
B
We have fun, like, and we're so blessed that we have a really great group of friends, like, you know, in all different parts of the world. And I. For me, like, especially with my girls, I'm like, I just want my girls to be happy, like, if that's what they want. Right? You know, like, I have a. I don't want to call her out, but I have someone. I have a dentist in my life. Oh, my gosh. I'm not gonna say her name. She was, like, Sierra. But, like, she's so, like, sweet, smart, boss, owns her own dentist, you know, dentistry, like, business. Like, she has. She's amazing. Like, great vision, and, like, she's, you know, single, and I'M like, okay, we've got to figure this out. Like, so I will be like, on the side search. I love it because I'm like, she is a queen and she deserves a king. Like, that's my mentality, right? Yes. So I just love trying to help in any way that I can. We both love it. We have been very fortunate to introduce people. And that's the fun stuff.
- [35:42]
A
Your track record is tracking. You got Coco and Donna.
- [35:45]
B
Okay, so wait, we did not.
- [35:46]
A
Okay, so they just assumed that they.
- [35:49]
B
Okay, so this is what happened.
- [35:50]
A
What happened was.
- [35:51]
B
Okay, so Coco and Donovan shout out to both of them, and I'm so happy for them. My girl Coco is the sweetest.
- [35:55]
C
She is.
- [35:56]
B
And Donovan is so cool and just amazing. And Russ and Donovan have their boy flow. Honestly, they've been having their whole, like, boy flow for some time. Like, low key, behind the scenes. And I love that. Like, I love how the men connect on that kind of stuff. But basically, you know, the fellows are over there doing their thing. Russ and Donovan. And Russ has like, he's really. Obviously, I think he's the best on the field, but off the field, he has, like, this creative mind that runs wild with a lot of cool ideas. So he actually has a company, West East Lux, where he's doing, like, providing luxury, like, experiences and stuff like that. So it's his passion for him. But basically him and Donovan connected. And all of a sudden, I look up and like, Russ is like, we set this up, blah, blah, blah. Like, he had the whole, like, they were doing the whole thing, planning the engagement for him and Coco. So it's just so sweet, you know, and so we're just really happy for them. It's so beautiful, and it's just amazing. Like, God is so good.
- [37:00]
A
He is so good. He is so good. At BET Media House, you stopped by Jim Jones interview.
- [37:06]
B
Oh, yes.
- [37:07]
A
And you said you need to. I think it was seal it properly.
- [37:10]
C
Yes.
- [37:12]
A
That let me know that you love life. And you meant the.
- [37:16]
B
Oh, my gosh. I was told, you know, sometimes that's just me. I think it's my passion to just, like, want, you know, the best for people. And listen, you know, I don't know them from a can of paint, but I just remember my last memories of them and knowing that they've shared, you know, their journey with the world. And I think the greatest thing that we all have to remember is that imperfect love, like, in imperfect love, that's where perfection is.
- [37:46]
C
Yeah.
- [37:47]
B
You know, it's like there's not a Perfect way to do love. The perfect way to do love is just to love in the best way that you can. And to love.
- [37:55]
C
Yeah.
- [37:55]
B
Right. And that doesn't mean you're going to always get it right. And that doesn't mean you're going to have the perfect story where you. You went through this phase, this phase, this phase, and now it's voila. Some people go through a phase. It's amazing. Then it falls flat, then it comes back again, then it goes. Everyone's love story is their own.
- [38:11]
C
It is. Yeah.
- [38:12]
A
And that's what makes it beautiful.
- [38:13]
B
Yeah. And there's no judgment in love. Right. And so I think that when I saw, you know, when I was in that moment, I just was. It was from a place of love.
- [38:23]
A
Absolutely.
- [38:24]
B
You know, and just, you know, wanting, you know, something beautiful from my perspective or wanting that, you know, for the people that I love watching on tv. Like, you know, y' all gotta do this.
- [38:36]
A
I was like, baby, it's passionate.
- [38:38]
B
Yes.
- [38:38]
A
You know, feel it properly. And I felt it because I'm a hopeless romantic. I love love. And I'm on this new journey really being more intentional about my walk with Christ in my Bible. And through that, God convicted me on sexual. So I stopped having sex. And. Because I want to love the way God intended, and I wanted to do it properly. So when I heard you say, seal it properly, I'm like, exactly. Because that was my conviction. God was like, you doing it wrong. This is not how I designed this. I need you to trust me. And do you trust me to bring you love the way I intended it so that you're not continuously getting hurt?
- [39:14]
B
I love that.
- [39:14]
C
Yeah.
- [39:15]
A
So I felt that. I didn't take any. I didn't read it as judgment. I was like, I'm with her because she all about.
- [39:21]
B
Yeah, seal it. You know, I mean, I think that we owe that to ourselves, you know, And I. I think that when, you know, it always hurts. Like, in general. Like, you know, we live in this era, and I'm gonna say era, because this has been like. It's just a new word that they coined it, like, love bombing, you know, which is not right either, because oftentimes for us as women. Excuse me. Okay, so when guys see a girl, it's exterior first.
- [39:47]
C
Yes.
- [39:48]
B
When we see a man, it's interior and exterior. We see you on the front, like, okay, you look amazing. But, like, what is he like? Like, we start, like, fantasizing or thinking about, like, you know, is he a family? Used to be thinking about all of.
- [39:58]
A
These things, Literally, instantly, we're like, yeah.
- [40:01]
B
You map it through and you think in your mind through all those things. And sometimes, too, like, a guy can mishandle, you know, where we are, and that's, like, crushing.
- [40:11]
A
It's very crazy.
- [40:12]
B
It's like you're set back.
- [40:13]
C
Yes.
- [40:14]
B
You know what I mean? Like, it's like a blowback because we're going with the right intentions, but then a guy has different intentions, and, like, it's like, man, you just wasted a chunk of my life. Yeah, no, this was a chunk of my time. Like, I'm. I'm really rolling. Like, I'm really, like, in this thing, and you over here kind of playing. Like, now we just losing a little time. Like, what are we doing?
- [40:31]
A
What are we doing?
- [40:31]
B
What are we doing? But I. I can relate to where you are in your life in reference to just, like, pausing, like, wanting to, like, be very intentional with yourself. Your body.
- [40:43]
C
Yes.
- [40:43]
B
You know, how you're loving on yourself, like, being, you know, set to me. Like, you talk about prayer. Like, prayer really works. It does, right? And I do think there's something about when we start to envision who we want to be within ourselves and we cement it with prayer. Like, the evolution starts to happen, like, overnight.
- [41:04]
A
Oh, my goodness. Sierra, seriously, Right? Gotta be moving fast. It's like, wait, I just.
- [41:09]
B
I just said that he, like, and it trickles to. Down to everything. It could be, like, in your business.
- [41:15]
A
It can be your podcast and Sierra's here. I literally just said it.
- [41:20]
B
You know, it can be just. Even if somebody's off in your friend circle, like, just when you start to be, like, in tune with yourself.
- [41:29]
C
Yeah.
- [41:29]
B
And you start to pour into yourself, like, everything starts to become more clear, and you start to walk with a different pet. Like, you start to feel like, you know, it's like, okay, hold up. My shoulders start to get taller. Like, my walk starts to get more, like. Like, okay, she know who she is. Like, she know where she want to go. She ain't there yet, but she gonna get there. Like, that's the kind of mentality you start to have.
- [41:52]
C
Yeah.
- [41:52]
B
So I love, you know, I'm. I love, like, what you're saying, and I relate to what you're saying, and I think that the season for things. Right. The season you're talking about is like, okay, this is before. This season is important.
- [42:05]
A
Yeah, very.
- [42:06]
B
This season you're talking about is important because, like, you know, like, when we do that, when we make commitments to ourselves and, like, what we're Trying to do and trying to evolve. Like, we gotta really, like, okay, let's do it.
- [42:17]
C
Yes.
- [42:17]
B
Right. And then I swear to you, like, God is so, so good. The blessings start to overflow.
- [42:22]
C
Yes.
- [42:23]
B
You know, come on. And they come.
- [42:25]
C
Yeah.
- [42:25]
B
And. And like, I was saying to somebody. To someone the other day, it's like, you want to be right.
- [42:29]
C
Yeah.
- [42:29]
B
Right. You know? So like, I love that.
- [42:32]
A
Yeah. Ari Lennox, she had just posted something about she's been abstaining from sex on. She's posted on Instagram. And she was like, I was abstaining from sex. But it's hard dating guys because that's all they want.
- [42:43]
B
Yeah.
- [42:43]
A
And she's saying, it just seems like we're not winning. The girls who are are trying to just do things, date the right way.
- [42:49]
B
Yeah.
- [42:49]
A
So I DMed her and I was like, listen, I'm in the same boat with you. So we exchanged information because we have been knowing each other for. Since earlier this year. And she's like, you too. And I was like, her sweet little voice. I was like, me too. So, yeah, just having the friendship, the circle.
- [43:02]
B
Oh, my gosh, the circle that you surround yourself are really important. Who you share information with when you're vulnerable is really important because what they say back to you can impact your life so significantly. You can have a friend that encourages you to do the right thing and one that encourages you to do the bad thing. And when you're vulnerable, sometimes you go with the bad thing because, like, that's how the devil works.
- [43:25]
C
It is.
- [43:25]
B
You know, like, the feeling can feel like that's the right thing, but it's the wrong thing.
- [43:29]
C
Yes.
- [43:30]
B
So who advises you is really important.
- [43:31]
A
It's so important. And I was in a state like that last year where I've been open about it. I was kind of running from Jesus. I was like, ah. You know, like, I just felt like I just want to be me. And I was trying to straddle the fence where I, like, I want to, like, be me. And it wasn't aligning with where God was taking me.
- [43:49]
B
Lean on, man.
- [43:50]
C
Yes.
- [43:51]
B
Lean. Not on your own understanding.
- [43:52]
C
Yes.
- [43:53]
A
And I was like, but you know.
- [43:54]
B
What you made me think about too? When you're talking about, you know, abstaining and, like, that phase you're in, the right guy will respect it and the right guy will appreciate it. And, like, we'll hold your hand with you.
- [44:07]
C
Yes.
- [44:08]
B
That's what I do know. Right? I know that for a fact.
- [44:12]
C
Yeah.
- [44:12]
B
Okay. Like, you know, I could cry again, but I know that. Right. That the right person. You know, listen, we're not perfect, you know, not gonna always, you know, say everything perfectly and do everything perfectly, but the right person, like, they're going to wait for you and they're going to respect you and they're going to, you know, be patient with you. And when they're thinking like Russ and I be talking about being equally yoked, like, that's a game changer. Right. Because that already. Already changes the playing field big time. Now we're. We're operating from the same platform, same foundation perspective. Like, now we can really go up together.
- [44:53]
A
Yes.
- [44:53]
C
Yeah.
- [44:54]
B
You know the place. Yeah. Like, we. You know what I'm saying? So it's like, that's the thing, right? And I think there's a difference between boy, boys and men. Right? You know, so, like, men, they gonna wait for you, they gonna be patient with you, they gonna put the time in, they gonna send you flowers, they're gonna think of you. It's gonna be the little things that are gonna actually make the biggest difference.
- [45:16]
C
Yes.
- [45:17]
B
But they're gonna be so intentional because they real men. Like, that's so. You know, I think that to me, is also something that I learned in life through my journey. Right? There's a difference between boys and men.
- [45:27]
C
Yeah.
- [45:28]
A
That's so true.
- [45:29]
B
Yeah.
- [45:29]
A
Oh, and you're raising young men and a daughter. Like, how is that, like, seeing your images of you walking around the house and instilling these principles into them.
- [45:39]
B
Oh, my gosh, it is the best. Being a mom is the best job. The best job on earth because it is a job. Okay? So I'm a shout out all. I don't care if you a stay at home mom. Like, it is work.
- [45:53]
C
Yeah.
- [45:53]
B
Okay. But I wouldn't have my life any other way. And I think, you know, it's fun. You know, Sienna, especially Lil Cece, baby.
- [46:03]
A
She'S got so much personality.
- [46:05]
B
Lil Cece, boy, she be coming in hot. Okay? But she loves me so much, like. And I'm like, looking at her, I'm like, I'm seeing she's going to this interesting face. She just wants to do everything with me and like, me and I'm like, wow, like, what a gift. What. What a. How sweet is that? My daughter looks at me and she, like, looks up to me, like, wow, that is so precious. Like, you know, God, like, please help me to be the best example I can be for her. Please help me to teach her the best way possible. Please give me the words to say to her when she's going to need it the most. Like, please let her feel comfortable to come and lean on my shoulder, you know, when she's going to need it the most. Like, that's what I hope for with my babies, my baby girls. And like, like I said I was saying to JV earlier, I was like, I'm out here grinding. Like it's the early 2000s and she is not feeling it. Like, she had the greatest cry the other day and I'd never seen her do that before because she didn't want me to travel. But I do hope that when she sees Mommy can do it, I can do it.
- [47:06]
A
Absolutely.
- [47:06]
B
I hope that for Amora. Amora is just one years old. She's like 20 months now, and this girl is one going on 21 for sure.
- [47:15]
A
Like, these new babies are different.
- [47:17]
B
I think she's gonna be really confident too.
- [47:19]
A
Oh, I love that.
- [47:20]
B
So I just hope they both will look at mommy that way. And I just pray over our bond and our boys, you know, I think they get to see how dad loves me, you know, I think that's important. Absolutely. You know, I hope that they also get to. To, you know, have the right perspective on me, you know, like, when it comes to them meeting a lady in their lives, like, you know, it's an interesting dynamic with boy and girl, but it's a blessing that I have both. Yeah, you know, it's. It's non stop. Boys think everything is a jungle gym. He'll be eating food, eating a quesadilla, like, jumping from. I'm like, what we doing right? And CT's like, I don't do hair and makeup. There's a clear dynamic between both of them, both boy and girl. But I do get the best of both worlds.
- [48:07]
C
Yeah.
- [48:08]
A
The state of the world that we're in. I have a fear of bringing children into this world. When you're raising children, is there ever fear that creeps in as they're leaving the house? What influences are gonna interact with them as they leave the house?
- [48:21]
B
100%. That's why I'm trying to really work on communicating even more at home. Because we come from the air. I'm not sure if you feel this way, but I feel like we came from the. The era where a lot of conversations were just like. You don't talk about them.
- [48:33]
A
Absolutely right.
- [48:35]
B
It can be sex conversations. It can be, you know, how just anything like it, you know, we just wouldn't like, talk about things. And so for me, I'm trying to really challenge myself to create A line of communication and also tell them about things before the world tells them.
- [48:52]
C
Yeah.
- [48:52]
B
Because oftentimes, unfortunately, kids go to school and they get information.
- [48:55]
A
Yes.
- [48:56]
B
Right.
- [48:56]
C
Yeah.
- [48:57]
B
You know, and like, that's never good in most cases because they're like sponges and they absorb so easily.
- [49:04]
A
They do.
- [49:05]
B
So, you know, I try to find the fine balance between, like, what we talk about and how far we go with things, but also equipping them for the world because it is a whole new world.
- [49:17]
C
It is.
- [49:17]
B
It is really interesting. When we were growing up, I'm like, yeah, it's crazy.
- [49:22]
C
Yeah.
- [49:23]
A
And they have so much access now to things that we didn't have access to growing up.
- [49:27]
B
You know. They do. They do. You know, but I think if we talk about things, like, you know, try to avoid as many surprises as possible for them, like, when they go in the world, it's like, okay, mom, we talked about that. We. I. My mom told me, like, I know what that is.
- [49:41]
A
Right.
- [49:41]
B
And they can also know, like, they need to be able to know stuff when someone's telling them.
- [49:45]
A
But, like, no, that's not right. Yeah, that's so true. That's good. I love this here. Thank you so much. Congratulations on your new album that you're dropping. Thank you for excited about everything you have going on. Make sure you guys go buy her room. It's 10 to 1. 10 to 1 rum. And then you have a skincare line, OEM skin. Where can they get that?
- [50:04]
B
So you can go to oemskin.com but I also want to share with my friend, my. My fans, and just the customers that have been like, the best supporters with OAM in particular, is that I'm on this. I'm on a mission to keep evolving in this space. So I'm also, even though it's me, my. My business is still really small. So I go. Go through those growing pains that a lot of small business owners go through. Yeah. And it's a beast. So there is an evolution that's happening behind the scenes with oam. And so because you're probably like, what's my posting cadence? Like, it's like a slowing down. Like, if you're a true fan of oem, you're probably like, okay, what's happening? But what fortunately did happen for me is a lot of my SKUs sold out multiple times.
- [50:48]
A
Okay.
- [50:48]
B
So that was great. And our subscription, subscription world has been amazing and growing, but now people, when they go to oemskin.com, you'll see I have my serum and my Brightening pads, and those were two of our, like, strongest sellers. And so luckily, I have a great amount of inventory. So I tell everybody, get it while it lasts, because OEM is about to evolve, and I have new formulations that I'm working on, and it's super exciting. I'm using them every day. I honestly can't go without them.
- [51:17]
A
Your skin looks good.
- [51:18]
B
Thank you so much.
- [51:19]
A
So beautiful.
- [51:20]
B
Yeah, I'm excited. Good.
- [51:21]
A
Amazing. Before we leave, I want to play a quick, quick game. It's called love it or leave it.
- [51:27]
C
All right.
- [51:28]
A
The first one is 5:00am Workouts.
- [51:31]
B
Leave it. Well, I do it. Yeah, but leave it, leave it. Okay.
- [51:34]
A
Group chats.
- [51:35]
B
Love it.
- [51:35]
A
You love it. Who's in your group chat?
- [51:37]
B
Okay. It's funny because. Okay, my group chat with my girls. We have one with me, La V. Yeah, we have Mila V. Sometimes Mila V. And Kelly.
- [51:53]
A
Oh, love Kelly.
- [51:54]
B
Yeah, that's my girls and also my best friend at makeup artist Yolanda. I have to shout her out because she's been in my career since I was my very first professional shoot, really, when I was 16 years old. So we have sometimes it might be me, La Yoli. Between Russ and I, we be doing multiple group chats. It depends on the topic. And it just be like, okay, we have our flow.
- [52:18]
C
Yes.
- [52:18]
A
I love that. Long phone calls or text messages. You stay on the phone for a long time. You like, I ain't got time.
- [52:26]
B
You said love it or leave it, right?
- [52:27]
A
Oh, yeah. So, yeah, long phone calls.
- [52:29]
B
Yeah, love it. With my love. Love it.
- [52:33]
A
Yeah.
- [52:34]
B
Right? Yeah, I love it. I love chatting.
- [52:36]
A
So what's the longest you, like, looked at him? Like, oh, my gosh. You were on the phone for three hours.
- [52:40]
B
No, babe, do not kill me. See, this is one thing we ain't been doing lately, but, you know, we've been busy or whatever, so I would get look great, but in our early days of especially, we fall asleep on the phone on the FaceTime, and then you wake up and then he's there.
- [52:56]
A
Ah, that's so sweet.
- [52:57]
B
Good morning.
- [52:58]
A
I love it. I love it.
- [53:00]
B
That's a long time.
- [53:02]
A
TikTok. Dance trends.
- [53:04]
B
Love it.
- [53:04]
A
Yeah, I know you're gonna love that one.
- [53:06]
B
You love to dance.
- [53:07]
A
I love it. Sierra, thank you so much.
- [53:09]
B
Thank you.
- [53:10]
A
You are amazing. This was incredible to sit down and talk to you. I'm so glad we were able to make this happen.
- [53:14]
B
Me too. This was so much fun. And congratulations to you on all your success. Everyone loves to see what you talk about.
- [53:21]
A
Oh, thank you.
- [53:21]
B
You're doing a great job.
- [53:22]
C
Thank you.
- [53:22]
A
They're going to love this one. I'm excited.
- [53:24]
C
Yes.
- [53:24]
B
Let's go.
- [53:25]
A
All right, babe. Thank you. So today I am wearing silver L bow sandals. These are my favorite new sandals. L shorts, a Balenciaga cross tie shirt, Scaparelli earrings, and my signature jewelry. Bow, bow, Bow, bow. Y', all, I cannot believe we just had this moment. With the mention of gratitude, I'd like to take this moment to thank you, my sweeties. You all have supported this platform. You've grown with me, and I am truly, truly thankful. Remember, we ain't stressed out. We blessed out. In the meantime, in between time, keep it positive, sweeties.
- [54:19]
B
Sam.