Interviews

Interview: Comedian Zainab Johnson On Who Makes Her Laugh, Moms Mabley and More

September 9, 2024

Laughter is universal. Whether you’re Black or white, young, or old, Catholic or atheist – none of those things matter when it comes to the things that we find funny. Zainab Johnson, a former teacher-turned-stand-up-comedian, actor, and writer, knows firsthand the power of laughter and how it’s one of the common threads that ties society together.

Growing up in Harlem, as one of 13 siblings in a Black Muslim family, Johnson shares her unique perspective and experiences through a humorous lens. In fact, she debuted her first one-hour comedy special, Hijabs Off, on Amazon Prime last fall. To say she’s been booked and busy would be an understatement.

Johnson is a regular on Amazon’s original series, Upload, and has made appearances on popular late night TV shows, Late Night with Seth Meyers. If she’s not on the screen, you can find her hitting the stage as a regular at renowned comedy clubs around the country.

I recently caught up with the quick-witted comic who boasts nearly a half million Instagram followers, and talked about her recent partnership with Bounty, Saturday morning cleaning routines, Moms Mabley, and more.

Photo courtesy of Bounty

Check out our Q&A below:

Brown Girl Gumbo: You recently headlined a show in New York City in collaboration with Bounty called “Come Clean,” tell me about that partnership.

Zainab Johnson: “My partnership with Bounty was to highlight and create content that shows the cleaning standards for black moms. I think that there are some universal truths that we all know just as black women by way of our black moms when it comes to cleaning. I think Bounty was trying to highlight that and I was very happy to partner with them because I genuinely use Bounty and, I have a black mom.”

BGG: Speaking of cleaning, do you recall those Saturday morning household cleaning routines while growing up?

ZJ: “Yeah, of course. I recall cleaning Saturday morning house cleaning. It’s ingrained in you. You can’t forget it! I was never woken up on a Saturday morning by my mom or an alarm clock. I just heard ‘Sweet Thing’ by Chaka Khan coming from the stereo. I just knew that meant, ‘Oh, it’s time to wake up and clean!

Everybody has their house song. I remember my ex-boyfriend knew every word of Anita Baker’s songs, I would be like, ‘How do you know this? You’re too young to know Anita Baker. He was like, ‘Every Saturday morning that’s the first thing I heard with my mom. When it was time to clean, my mom would be playing Anita Baker.”

BGG: It makes me wonder what non-Black people do on Saturday mornings. Are they blasting music too while deep cleaning?

ZJ: Honestly, they’re probably using Bounty as well. Now, what they got playing in the background and who’s in the house, that ain’t none of our business!

BGG: I know you used to be a teacher. When did you know that comedy was your true passion?

ZJ: Yes, I was a teacher. However, at the time when I was a teacher, I had no idea that I would ever be a standup comedian. I think that I knew after the first open mic I ever did. I wasn’t a comedian, performer, or an aspiring artist. It just was like one day I said, ‘I’m going to try standup.’ It’s like I had the thought that day, went out and tried it that day, and I got confirmation that day. I was like, ‘Oh, this is what I’m going to be doing.’ And I got that confirmation because not that, I was good, but it was a good experience for my first time. It just felt more right than anything else had ever felt.

BGG: What was your motivation to get up there and do it if you had never performed before? What made you say, ‘I’m just going to get up here and try this?’

ZJ: I used to watch a lot of standup comedy and really enjoy it when I was in college and girls would be like, ‘Let’s go to a bar or club,’ and I used to say, ‘I’m going to a comedy show.’ I just enjoyed watching it so much and I really love laughing.

Then in my more adult life, I started being around a lot of comedians. A lot of comedians were like my closest friends. I was at comedy clubs a lot and I started working for someone who’s booking comedians. And so, through that experience I was seeing a lot of the same thing. I was seeing few women in this space and even fewer black women in this space. And I don’t think that that was at the front of my mind, but I think that it just was something happening subconsciously. I was aware of something lacking.

BGG: Tell me more.

ZJ: Right around the time that I did it [open mic], I was not only working for a booker, but I also had been going out to comedy shows with a more intentional approach, meaning I was really looking to find and appreciate good talent.

I started being very analytical when I watched performers and analytical in a way of rewriting their jokes in my mind. I would understand, I would go through the process of understanding why a joke worked, why one person could get away with saying something and making it funny and another person maybe couldn’t.

It was just all twirling around in my head. And that day that I went to the open mic, I quit my job. Like I said, I was working for a booker, and I knew I didn’t move to L.A to work for someone. Not in that capacity. If I were going to just work a standard job or more traditional job, then I’ll just use my degree. I’ll teach. I loved teaching and there’s a certain level of performance to that too. And I mean, I say this humbly, but I was a cool teacher.

BGG: Do you feel like as a former teacher that you’re still teaching people but now it’s through comedy?

ZJ: Yeah, sure. I’d like to believe that, but the humblest part of me is saying that somebody else can say that.

As a comedian, I expose things through my personal experiences. So, I guess I would say I expose rather than teach. I expose people to my experience and my experience is reminiscent of a lot of experiences that go untold. And so, I strive to do that via my comedy.

BGG: Who were some of the people that you admired before you took that leap of faith and got up there on the stage?

ZJ: I always admired Wanda Sykes, but she felt far removed. She’s somebody on TV, but the people I was seeing in clubs every week were comedians like Bill Burr, Keith Robinson, Dean Edwards, and even Tiffany Haddish. She was the go-to Black girl on the L.A scene before Girls Trip. I used to just see a lot of people in the clubs. These funny people would be killing the clubs, killing the stage, but they don’t necessarily have the major or mainstream exposure. Also, I obviously admired the bigger people like the Dave Chappelle’s and those who we all love.

I’ll never forget, years ago when I first started stand-up, I watched a documentary on Mom’s Mabley produced by Wanda Sykes. I don’t think I’d ever heard of her before, but I knew how interesting and good that documentary was because I was at my mom’s house and younger siblings watched it with me. At the time they were 19, 22, and 6. They all sat down, and we were all fully engaged. It’s like today you ask a lot of people who Mom’s Mabley is, and most can’t tell you.

BGG: Who or what inspires your comedy today?

ZJ: My comedy is completely fueled by my specific experiences. Obviously, I talk about my family a lot because they are a very large part of my existence. My mom is a great source for humor. As much as she walks through life thinking that she’s not, I recognize a lot of her personality is funny. And I do feel like a lot of times when I’m talking about my family, I am punching up, if that makes sense. They’re the joke, but in a very celebratory way.

BGG: That makes sense.

ZJ: I try my best to do that when I’m speaking in any way about the Black experience, the Black family experience, and the Black female experience. Do you get what I’m saying? I try my best to, even if I’m highlighting what is humorous, I am always trying to celebrate. Yes, this is funny, but this is great.

BGG: Who do you turn to when you need a good laugh?

ZJ: When I need a good laugh, I turn to my siblings and my friends because they’re so funny. Also, my comedian friends Will Vince, Keith Robinson, Monica Saunders, Chloe Hilliard, and Sidney Washington. They just make me laugh nonstop. And again, my siblings. That’s who I turn to when I just need nonstop humor. Sometimes I go to them for the deep therapeutic conversations, and it just ends up being so hilarious.”

BGG: What are your thoughts on cancel culture in the comedy space? What is your take on that?

ZJ: I think that comedians may be the last line of free speech. At least we try, but I do think that some people try to use the cloak of comedy to spew awful things or push a boundary. I say a lot of things that people can get on board with, but I’ve also said things that have rocked somebody’s boat.

I feel like my intentions are always good. My intentions are not to be sexist, racist, xenophobic, homophobic, or prejudicial in any way. Those are some people’s intentions and if those are your intentions, then I do believe we have to put you in time out. But I think that if those aren’t your intentions and your intent is to bring levity to something that is a very real thing in our existence, then you should not be canceled. There must be some room for that.

BGG: What’s next for you? What’s in your plans for the upcoming months or year?

ZJ: In the long term I feel like the sky’s the limit. Not to sound cliche, but my mind is like, ‘What God has for me, I don’t even know it’s if it’s graded in my vision.‘

In the next few months and weeks, I’m wrapping up the last season of Upload. I’m also working on my next hour special. Additionally, I am in development for two shows that are my own creative ideas. So, in a broad way, I’m just continuing to grow, continuing to be fun, as well as being a true and authentic representation for people who identify the same as me. I’m also continuing to expose the people who identify differently than me. I want them to be like, ‘Oh, I like that as well. That’s different than me, but I like that as well and want to open up my experience and existence to more of this.’

*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Category: Interviews, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Interview: Celebrity Chef Carla Hall Dishes On Quaker Partnership and New Max Series ‘Chasing Flavor’

February 1, 2024

Carla Hall may not have won season five of Bravo’s Top Chef, but she’s been winning ever since. In fact, the effervescent Nashville native’s star has continued to rise. Her culinary talents have taken her to unimaginable heights.

From sought-after caterer and restaurateur to author and network TV personality, Hall has been cooking up a variety of ways to whet the appetites of those who crave her delectable dishes, southern charm and on-screen charisma.

Now, she’s teaming up with Quaker to donate $250,000 to GenYouth, a nationally recognized youth health and wellness nonprofit, to help tackle food insecurity among children. She’s also working with the brand to bring an unparalleled culinary, sports, entertainment and philanthropic experience at Taste of the NFL, presented by Frito-Lay, Quaker, and the PepsiCo Foundation, which takes center stage during Super Bowl LVIII Weekend.

In addition to manifesting a relationship with her dream brand, she’s also gearing up to take audiences on an entertaining and enlightening culinary journey with her new show, Chasing Flavor, which premieres today on Max.

I recently caught up with Carla to learn all about her partnership with Quaker, her favorite game day snack, who she’s rooting for in the Big Game, and more.

Check out our Q&A below:

BGG: Tell me about your partnership with Quaker.

Carla Hall: Well, my Quaker partnership is two-fold. My friends know I was the unofficial Quaker Oats girl. I had Quaker on my vision board to work with them. So, it’s one of the organizations that I wanted to work with. I was already a founding board member since GenYouth’s inception.

So, this campaign came out of that relationship because Quaker was going to give GenYouth $250,000 to further their work for childhood hunger and food insecurity. So, it’s like my worlds came together and it is so authentically me and who I am and the things that I’m already doing. So, I am here to basically use my platform to say the other things that Quaker is doing and that they are passionate about with GenYouth. So, everything’s coming together.

BGG: Tell me about your upcoming participation with the Taste of the NFL.

CH: So, the Taste of the NFL has been going on for about 30 years. They’re working to make it special. They’re bringing in other chefs and local chefs, as well as Andrew Zimmern, Tim Love, Mark Bucher, Lasheeda Perry, and me.

We are the chefs who work with GenYouth in addition to all these other chefs. It is a fun event. It’s like any other food taste event, but with a twist and giving back (proceeds will be donated to GenYouth). I’m excited to see some of the football players. I won’t know their names, but I’ll be standing alongside Eli Manning when I present this big check from Quaker to GenYouth. So, that’ll be fun.

BGG: What dish will you be making at the Taste of the NFL?

CH: I am making a croquette dish made with Doritos, ham and cheese — so that’ll be super fun. Again, I’m just excited to taste and to meet the local chefs. I’m looking forward to tasting the culture of Nevada and how that food is indigenous and what that culture tastes like — especially on the heels of my new show Chasing Flavor. So, I’m excited to see how they’re going to express themselves.

BGG: Speaking of your upcoming show, Chasing Flavor, which premieres February 1 on Max, what was your inspiration behind it?

CH: So, I was talking to someone at a dinner party and told them that when I have car service and the driver is from another country, instead of asking, “how are you?” I ask, “what foods do you miss from home?” And I just watch their faces light up.

The person who was at the dinner party told a friend of his who was the president of a production company. Then, I get a call saying, ‘Hey, I think that’s a show.’ It literally happened like that. It’s about celebrating our differences and honoring all the cultures who had a hand in a dish. And as a Black woman, I know a lot of our contributions have been lost and not told.

BGG: What do you want viewers to take from “Chasing Flavor?”

CH: After watching the show, I want people to want the thing. I want them to want the ice cream, shrimp and grits, al pastor or chicken pot pie. I want them to want that thing because the cinematography is so great. But also, I want them to realize that they can’t separate the culture from the dish. You can’t say, ‘oh, I like Mexican food, but I don’t like Mexicans.’ It all comes together. You have to realize that food comes with culture and people.

BGG: How did you come up with the locations that you wanted to visit?

CH: We started with the dish. We were looking for dishes that had a deep and varied story where we could sort of dig in and get into the juicy story — but we also shot it during the pandemic. So, we were limited in terms of where we went, especially abroad because of quarantine protocols. So, there were a lot of places that we couldn’t go. For instance, when we were talking about barbecue, we wanted to go to Korea, but we couldn’t go.

BGG: What was your favorite place to visit for the show?

CH: My favorite place? It’s hard. It’s between the fried chicken or the hot chicken journey. It started in Nashville, and it took me to Accra, Ghana.

I also love the al pastor journey because I don’t really have a connection to al Pastor and tacos. I grew up in Tennessee! My tacos were hard coming from a box (laughing). And so, understanding that story and talking to people, I saw the effects — like the butterfly effect. It started out a tragedy, but what we wanted to show was that out of this tragedy, something beautiful came out of it.

BGG: Going back to the Big Game, what’s your favorite thing to make for the snack-centric event?

CH: So, I think you must have your dips and everything. Everybody has dips. You have your cold dips, and you have hot dips. And generally, these dips should be from pantry items. I am a big fan of hummus, but it doesn’t have to be chickpeas. I make hummus out of black-eyed peas. You can also make hummus out of black beans. So, you just choose a bean, throw in some roasted garlic, tahini and olive oil, and you have a beautiful dip.

Also, you can do any kind of dip with sour cream and a soup packet and then throw in some vegetables.

BGG: Is there any other dish that you enjoy making for the game?

CH: I would also do some kind of chili. So, the Quaker Playbook, has 32 recipes inspired by the NFL teams. I made the Quaker baked oatmeal and it’s almost like a cupcake, but you can have that as bread. You can also have it at a dessert station. You can add chocolate sauce or fruit sauce.

BGG: I know your home team, the Tennessee Titans, aren’t in the Big Game, but who will you be rooting for next Sunday?

CH: I’m always rooting for the team with the ball (laughing). I’ve watched more football since I’ve been married than I have in my entire life. I love the joy that happens around the game. I love the food that happens. I love the Taste of the NFL. I love all the things that happen around the game. I love it!

What’s your favorite Big Game snack?

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Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured, Features, Interviews | 4 Comments

Interview: HBO’s ‘Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project’ Filmmakers

January 5, 2024

Nikki Giovanni is arguably one of the greatest poets to ever live. Now, her inspiring life story, prolific poems and literary gifts are being showcased in HBO’s new documentary, “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project.”

Produced and directed by Michèle Stephenson and Joe Brewster, the critically-acclaimed film takes viewers on an imaginative out-of-this-world journey that transcends space and time to uncover her enduring impact and undeniable influence on American culture.

Peppered with captivating archival footage and creative visual treatments of her work, the 104-minute project is a poignant expression of love and reverence. What’s more, it highlights Giovanni’s dedication to justice, featuring poems from pivotal moments in history including the Civil Rights and Black Lives Matter movements.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with the filmmakers to get their insights on their inspiration behind the movie, what they hope audiences take from the unique film, and more.

Check out our enlightening Q&A:

Brown Girl Gumbo: Tell me how this project came to be. Did the process always include a time travel aspect?

Michèle Stephenson & Joe Brewster: After completing our 13-year-long observational film, “American Promise,” which centered on Black male achievement, we were searching for a new project. Our initial idea was to create a musical genre film, but we encountered difficulties in obtaining the necessary musical licensing commitments from artists. One morning, while listening to an NPR broadcast, we were struck by the musicality of Nikki’s poetry. We contacted her manager and received a response within a week – Nikki was interested in working with us.

BGG: Why was it important to tell Ms. Giovanni’s story in this way?

MS and JB: Initially, we chose not to prioritize continuity editing in our documentary because we wanted to explore our creativity as filmmakers. We believe that centering the film around a linear timeline would limit our possibilities, as our day-to-day lives are not lived in a linear fashion. For instance, when walking to the supermarket to buy soap, one may dream about soap they had in the past or consider how they’ll use soap in the future. Non-linear storytelling is not uncommon and allows us to tell the story with infinitely more creativity.

BGG: Describe “Going to Mars” in a four words.

MS and JB: A Black love song.

BGG: What can viewers expect when they watch this film?

MS and JB: When you watch this documentary film, be prepared to have your perspective challenged and to see the world from a different angle. Nikki Giovanni’s poetry is thought-provoking and urges us to question the status quo. Poetry has the power to make us reevaluate our choices and beliefs, and that’s precisely what Nikki Giovanni’s poetry accomplishes. Additionally, you should anticipate laughing, getting angry, and even shedding tears throughout this 104-minute journey. Maybe they should expect to be unapologetically self-assured.

BGG: Congratulations on winning the Grand Jury Prize for Best U.S. Documentary at Sundance and being on the Oscars shortlist. What is it like to be recognized in this way?

MS and JB: We are proud to receive these honors and many more. We acknowledge the support that we have received from our peers and fans. However, we understand that the honors can be taken from us and that our affirmation must come from within. Unfortunately, internal affirmation doesn’t come with a plaque or trophy. Some of our greatest moments will come when we challenge orthodoxy and risk cancellation. I hope we are ready when the time comes.

BGG: Why is it so important for you to tell the stories of people across the Black diaspora?

MS and JB: White supremacy has been able to thrive through the control and centering of information. White supremacy devalues our history and our sense of self, as well as decreases our hopes and aspirations. Counter-narratives or stories that reflect our achievements are key elements in elevating the hopes and dreams of future generations. This is often difficult because we do not own the media outlets nor the power to authorize the placement of our stories on these media outlets. But remember, it was the poets, the griots, and the preachers who traditionally delivered the messages of hope to our communities.

Watch the trailer below:

“Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project” debuts Monday, January 8 (9:00-10:42 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.

What’s the first thing to come to mind when you think of Nikki Giovanni?

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Interview: PeachFuzz Laser Studio Owner Keisha Wagner-Gaymon Talks Entrepreneurship, Motherhood and More

August 12, 2022

They say necessity is the mother of invention. For Brooklyn resident Keisha Wagner-Gaymon, her need for hair removal services that catered to Black women sparked a business idea. The nurse practitioner with an entrepreneurial spirit and background in advertising and marketing, decided to utilize her expertise in these areas to open PeachFuzz Laser Studio, a laser hair removal service in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

Wagner-Gaymon, who suffers from excessive hair growth, wanted women, specifically Black and other women of color, to have a place where they could go and have their specific hair removal issues and concerns addressed in a warm and welcoming environment. Additionally, thanks to her background in dermatology, gynecology and surgery — PeachFuzz Laser Studio clients also receive professional advice on the possible underlying causes of their hair and skin conditions.

Since opening her studio in 2020, Wagner-Gaymon has experienced tremendous success and has expanded her brand with FuzzClinic, a complementary skincare line — all during the Covid-19 pandemic.

I recently caught up with the mother of two to discuss her business, new skincare line and how she juggles it all while raising her young children.

Below, check out our Q&A.

Crooks Lane Media

BGG: You’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart, what made you know for sure that you wanted to open a laser hair removal studio?
Keisha Wagner-Gaymon: My husband will tell you I’ve come up with several ideas all over the place for the past 10 years. But every time I started something I would lose interest or get scared and talk myself out of it. But this particular time, right before the pandemic, I was really contemplating starting a business. I just didn’t know what I wanted to do. I focused and homed in on my interests and my background. I have a background in advertising and marketing, and I’m a creative person. However, I’d been working in the medical field for so long. I wanted to get back to doing something creative and was trying to figure out how to combine the two. I started focusing on issues that I had. Like, if I can solve a problem, then I can figure it all out. And one of the big issues I had was hair and dealing with facial hair since I was like 16. And then I thought, there’s no black-owned laser hair removal services (in my area).

BGG: Opening a business during a global pandemic is no easy feat. Describe your experience and process.
KWG: After landing on a business idea, I started looking into getting a bank loan, looking at spaces, and then the pandemic hit. That was actually a good and bad thing because I was kind of stuck into an almost signed contract for a space. And it was just not a good situation. I was just like, ‘Oh my God,’ and felt the pressure and was like what should I do? And sometimes you just have to be still, and the pandemic made me still. I was like, this isn’t going to work, and I let that go. I used the empty apartment in my home and that’s where we started the laser hair removal studio. Thankfully, I was able to get a construction crew in to renovate my downstairs area. We opened up and people started coming. However, I knew I didn’t want to stay in that space for long. Eventually, we moved to our location on Nostrand Avenue (in Brooklyn).

BGG: How did you get the word out about PeachFuzz Laser Studio? Did you tap into your marketing and advertising expertise?
KWG: Thank God we got customers, which was so nuts because we just started. We started advertising on Instagram. My sister and I set up the systems and were like, ‘Okay, let’s see what happens.’ Social media played a tremendous role with getting the word out. I also think what brought so many people out was my authenticity. I was vulnerable and shared my own story and struggle with facial hair. I also shared “before” and “after” shots, which always resonate.

BGG: Speaking of authenticity, facial hair is such a taboo subject for many women. Why do you think transparency is so important in this line of business?
KWG: It makes such a difference because I see so many businesses where people are trying to do what I do. I think many believe that it’s easy once they see somebody else doing it and say, ‘Oh yeah, I could do that too.’ But you really have to find a business that resonates with you and tells your story. People will see if you’re just in it to try to make money or whatever. It has to be something authentic. I think that’s why we’re still around and we’ve done fairly well.

BGG: Tell me about Fuzz Clinic. Why was it important for you to develop a skincare brand too?
KWG: There are brands that have specifically targeted women of color when it comes to hair because they already know that our hair type is different. It needs moisture. It needs all these things. However, it’s the same type of hair, but we are trying to get rid of it, but there’s no differentiation when it comes to hair removal.

So, I figured that we need products that really cater to us and our skincare issues like hyperpigmentation and ingrown hair. For example, for some people, if they shave — no matter what they do, they’re going to get an ingrown hair. That’s just the nature of how our particular hair grows — in a thick, curly fashion. It just goes right back underneath the skin. And yes, laser hair removal does help with that, but we developed these products to work in conjunction to support clients’ laser hair removal or just their laser hair removal journey. Also, at first, we just made samples and would give them out for free — we did that for two years. Customers would come back and tell us how well it worked. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to create a skincare line because there was a void missing.

Crooks Lane Media

BGG: I know there are several Fuzz Clinic products available for purchase. What product would you recommend for your average customer?
KWG: I would say our Silky Botanical Shave Oil because that’s something, even if you were in Nebraska and you didn’t have a Black laser hair removal tech, you can go in a retail store and buy that and use that to shave. You put the oil on, and you would shave with it and then rinse it off. Just the oil itself helps to coat the hair. A lot of the time when I’d used shaving gels and stuff, it would just run right off and wouldn’t allow for a smooth shave where I wasn’t getting bumps or ingrown hairs. We find this works very well. This product is something that I’d recommend. Another preferred product is our sunscreen. Sunscreen is something that a lot of women of color don’t use although we know it can help prevent cancer and premature aging. When I tell them that it will prevent their dark marks from getting darker, that’s like the lightbulb going off. That’s when it kicks in.

BGG: What sets PeachFuzz Laser Studio apart from other hair removal salons?
KWG: Everyone is treated like a VIP! I love speaking, seeing and serving all of my clients.

BGG: What’s been the most surprising thing that you’ve learned since launching your businesses?
KWG: I’ve learned to give myself grace. I put a lot of pressure on myself and it’s like, I know what I know. And I’m now figuring out what I don’t know. And there’s a lot that you don’t know when you’re entering a situation where it’s new. I don’t have a precedent there for me to figure this out. A lot of times when you’re a woman of color and starting a business, there is no role model — you’re just rolling with it and figuring it out. I’m learning to give myself grace. Things are going to go wrong, but what am I going to do about it?

I also want to enjoy the ride while I’m on it. I’ve created this business and I’m able to move from what I was doing before and now I’m working for myself and not only that, but I also have a staff of women as well, where this is circulating the Black dollar. It’s now more than just myself — there are other people involved. I know I have to work hard and keep at it. I’m still learning as I go, but trying not to drive myself crazy. So, I’m learning to give myself grace.

BGG: What are Peach Fuzz Skin Studio’s most popular services?
KWG: The two most booked services are the full-face laser and resilient laser. We cater to women of color number one and then women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A lot of women end up having excessive facial hair as a result of that condition. So, I feel like there’s no clinic or hair removal spot that is talking to these people about this issue, especially when there’s women of color dealing with it.

Keisha Wagner-Gaymon with her two children at the PeachFuzz/FuzzClinic launch party in Brooklyn. Photo: Crooks Lane Media

BGG: Being a wife and mom of two comes with its own set of challenges. How do you balance being an entrepreneur and mother? What does your support system look like?
KWG: Thank God I have my sister, Kristin (Wagner), who is also the chief operating officer. She helps out with my kids. I also have my mom who is probably about six minutes away from where I live. She’s always going to be there to help take care of them. So, I’m very blessed in that way. I don’t know how else I would do what I do without them. It’s like when your kids are not in a safe space or you don’t feel comfortable, you can’t function. Of course, my husband is supportive, but it can be challenging.

BGG: What advice would you give to other aspiring Black female entrepreneurs?
KWG: My advice to any person that’s trying to start their own business is this: You’re going to be scared — do it scared, do it nervous, but just do it!

PeachFuzz Laser Studio is located, 449 Nostrand Ave 2nd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11216. For bookings and more information, click here.

Do you get laser hair removal treatments? If so, do you go to a Black-owned studio/salon?

Category: Health, Interviews | 2 Comments

Magical Memories: Interview with Disney Dreamer Kayla Nelson

April 11, 2022

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a month since I attended and covered the 2022 Disney Dreamers Academy in Orlando, FL. The 4-day event and mentoring program hosted by Walt Disney World Resort was an unforgettable experience for me, so I can only imagine the positive impact it had on the 100 teenagers from across the country who were accepted into the coveted program.

Having the chance to unlock their imaginations and dream big with the encouragement and support of mentors at “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” was an experience I’m sure they will never forget.

For Kayla Nelson, a high school senior from the suburbs of Chicago, being a Disney Dreamer was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that she’ll forever cherish. I had a chance to catch up with the dedicated basketball player and aspiring educator to hear about her memorable experience.

Below, check out our Q&A:

Photo by Todd Anderson

BGG: How would you describe the Disney Dreamers Academy in three words?
Kayla Nelson: Inspirational, informative and fun!

BGG: How did you hear about the program? What was the application process like for you?
KN: I heard about the program through my mom. She told me to apply and I did. I had to answer a couple questions about my aspirations and why I wanted to accomplish these things and how I would make them happen.

BGG: Tell me how you felt when you found out you were selected to be one of the 100 students to attend the 2022 Dreamers Academy? What were your first thoughts?
KN: When I first found out, I was definitely excited but also nervous because I had no idea what to expect. The first things that came to mind was what I was going to wear and how my teachers would react because they knew about my application. So overall, I was extremely excited and overwhelmed.

BGG: Had you ever visited Walt Disney World prior to the mentoring program? If not, did it live up to your expectations? If so, how?
KN: Prior to the Dreamers Academy, I hadn’t visited Walt Disney World. While I was there I was extremely overwhelmed by how much there was to do. Between the four parks and the fireworks shows, Walt Disney World definitely lived up to my expectations. My teachers and friends had been telling me that I would have so much fun. They told me what rides to get on and they didn’t lead me down the wrong path!

BGG: Can you share your most memorable moment from the entire event?
KN: My biggest highlight was meeting Kelly Rowland. I got the opportunity to talk to her and get a picture, which had me a little star struck. But getting the opportunity to talk to her and have a conversation with the one and only Kelly Rowland was truly the highlight.

BGG: Have you kept in touch with any of the other Dreamers?
KN: I’ve kept in touch with a lot of the other Dreamers. I text them all the time and they comment on my pictures and I do as well. It’s really like a family that we have and it’s funny because we were only around each other for four days.

BGG: What was the most surprising thing that you learned from attending the Disney Dreamers Academy?
KN: The most surprising thing I learned was how many jobs there are for people within the Walt Disney Company. This whole time I just thought it was the typical amusement park where you have the people who operate the machines and the people who let people into the park etc., but there was so much more within the company that makes it more than just a TV channel or an amusement park.

BGG: What advice would you give someone who hopes to be selected to participate in this program?
KN: My advice would be to just go for it! There were so many doubts in my head when my mom first told me about it like maybe my dream isn’t big enough, or what if i don’t get picked, but looking back I wish someone would’ve told me not to worry and to just do it.

Photo by Todd Anderson

BGG: What was your biggest takeaway from this experience?
KN: I learned that my dream is big enough. I also learned to persevere through the setbacks because my time will come and when the time comes to take it head on.

BGG: What is your dream for the future?
KN: My dream is to become a teacher within two years of me graduating college. I want to become a history teacher because I feel like history is one of the most important subjects simply because it forces conversation and allows students to see other perspectives.

BGG: How do you hope to change the world and make it a better place?
KN: I hope to change the world starting with teaching students history. Teaching students history will show students how the world has evolved. With students knowing and understanding how the world has evolved for the better will hopefully give students the push to evolve themselves and contribute to making the world a better place.

For more information about the Disney Dreamers Academy, check out the program’s official website.

Are you a mentor or did you have a mentor as a high school or college student?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, DE&I, Disney, Interviews | 2 Comments

‘Pip’s Island’ Puts Your Child in the Center of a Unique Immersive Adventure + Q&A with Co-Creator Rania Ajami

June 12, 2019

Family entertainment is changing. Immersive experiences are taking hold and Pip’s Island is a prime example of where engaging, interactive fun for children is heading. Located steps from Times Square in New York City, the sprawling multi-level space is the perfect spot to embark on the incredibly unique journey.

The hour-long adventure is a one-of-a-kind hybrid performance that successfully blends powerful storytelling, digital gadgetry, animation, captivating space design and music into one unforgettable theatrical experience. From dance breaks to puppetry to problem-solving scenarios, the innovative production puts your child (ages 10 and under) in the center of it all.

Tiny explorers are sent on a heroic quest to save the island from an evil villain, with obstacles at every turn. Led by an effervescent park ranger and Pip — the show’s central character — the mini explorers encounter a wondrous cast of personalities.

While kids are the main attractions, accompanying adults are far from left out. In fact, we’re referred to as the assistant explorers. With a little help from us here and there, the kids walk through several scenes with various activities that ladder up to five empowering pillars: activate, investigate, build, imagine and connect. Each of the experiences has a teachable moment that resonates with children. Throughout the mission, the mini explorers are called by name (thanks to the handy nametags) to assist with tasks. This is a nice touch that parents will appreciate because it creates a sense of belonging and personalization within a group setting.

Photo by Paul Mariano

To say my kids (ages 5 and 9) loved the experience would be an understatement. My son, Marcus, was tasked with the job of carrying the treasured handbook throughout the experience. Let’s just say he took his responsibility very seriously! My daughter enjoyed steering the ship in one setup, as well as the enthralling storytelling and eye-catching details of each design space.

As a mom who’s always on the hunt for fun family activities to do in the city, Pip’s Island tops my list of recommendations. If you’re looking for a memorable, unique and entertaining way to unlock your child’s imagination, this is it!

I recently caught up with Rania Ajami, one of the co-founders behind this fascinating venture. Read on to learn more about what sparked the creation of Pip’s Island and what visitors can expect.

BGG: What was your inspiration behind creating Pip’s Island?
Rania Ajami: Being a mother was my greatest inspiration. Plus, my background is in filmmaking and storytelling. It was just having my own kids and seeing that there’s really nothing out there that was enriching and unique for children. I was also frustrated by the fact that I’d have to book a lesson or schedule something. There weren’t many options outside of the usual offerings of the museum, etc.

BGG: What was your mindset when conceptualizing the brand?
RA: We wanted to create a children’s brand where any child would feel that it’s enriching. In fact, there are children that sometimes they show up and they’re timid or they’re scared, but when they go through the entirety of the journey, they come out feeling so happy about themselves. We’re really about making kids feel like heroes.

Photo by Paul Mariano

BGG: What can visitors expect when exploring Pip’s Island?
RA: It’s a true hero’s journey for children where they are part of the entire unfolding of the story. From the moment they enter our submersive world upstairs, they move through these very rich multi-sensorial environments. They are met by actors who are different characters from our world. And from the get-go they’re given a mission to save the island. In every room you have a task, the story unfolds, and you really become wrapped up in the world and journey. We’ve had children walk out and say that it felt like they had walked into a book.

BGG: We know that it’s an interactive, immersive experience for kids, but how do adults factor into the experience and what can they expect?
RA: The emphasis is really on the kids, but the design, music and the script are also done in a way that grownups enjoy it. There’s humor that grownups get that the kids don’t. We want it to feel entertaining, like a Pixar movie for everyone.

BGG: How would you describe Pip’s Island in three words?
RA: Wonder, empowerment, and magic.

Photo by Paul Mariano

BGG: How did you come up with the name Pip’s Island? Is there any significance, background or history connected to that name?
RA: For us, Pip is the hero of the story. Ultimately, only he can defeat the bad guy. But the idea of Pip came many years ago when we were thinking of something that represented new life. So, that’s where we came up with this boy’s name being Pip. Sort of the beginning of this island, life and nature.

BGG: What surprised you the most when creating Pip’s Island? Was there anything that surprised you that you weren’t expecting?
RA: The empowerment element was the most surprising. When we first started we didn’t realize that kids would come out feeling as if they found this inner power. When we saw that in our very first workshop, we thought, ‘Wow that’s the key to this!’ So, we began thinking about how to nurture that. How do we bring that about in children? How do we make them feel like they’re part of this expedition and that they’re working with other kids? Everything we’re doing serves this idea that children are the heroes, the stars of the show.

BGG: Why did you choose Times Square for the location?
RA: After I graduated from college, I moved to New York where I earned my master’s degree in film at NYU. After that, I started working as a filmmaker in the downtown theater scene. So, my community of collaborators are here in New York. Again, as a mom living in New York, I was privy to what the city offered for kids. As for the Time Square location, it was almost by chance. It just happened to be a property that was large enough. And the landlord believes in what we’re doing. It just kind of all magically came together.

Photo by Paul Mariano

BGG: What’s the biggest takeaway you want visitors to have upon leaving Pip’s Island?
RA: We want kids to realize that they all have an inner star, unmatched power and amazing potential. We want them to know that they can come back again and again. It isn’t just a show that you just go and see once. The whole idea is that there are many adventures that will constantly change. We want people to know that we’re a children’s brand that offers so much more than just seeing a one-time show.

BGG: What’s next for Pip’s Island?
RA: One thing we’ve been developing alongside the experience is this very large mythological world. Right now we’re working on a comic book and other books. The idea is that kids will come back and there will be different adventures that they’ll go on during their visit to the island.

Pip’s Island is located 400 W. 42nd Street, New York, NY. Visit Pip’s Island for tickets and more information.

Have you ever visited Pip’s Island? How do you keep your kids engaged and entertained beyond a typical trip to the movies or museum?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured, Features, Interviews | Leave a Comment

Dermatologist-Approved Winter Skin Tips To Keep Skin Healthy All Season Long

January 23, 2019

It’s no denying that Old Man Winter has arrived. With cities across the country dipping into the single digits over the weekend, freezing weather is officially here. That means keeping skin moisturized is more important than ever. Frigid winds and cold temperatures can wreak havoc on skin so taking the proper steps to keeping it healthy is key.

I caught up with Dove dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara to get her tips and advice on how to keep skin in tip-top shape all season long.

BGG: What are the biggest changes your skin undergoes during the colder months?
Dr. Mona Gohara: In the winter months, your skin is subject to cold temperatures outside and the jacked-up heat inside. Both can irritate the skin barrier causing inflamed, itchy and flaky skin.

BGG: For women suffering from skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, what’s the most crucial tip to help them protect and treat their skin during the winter?
DG: Be gentle to your skin and avoid irritants. Wool sweaters or a harsh cleanser used in the shower that strip our protective skin barrier could be stoking the fire.

BGG: Should you apply extra moisturizer during the winter to your skin? If so, why is it important to your skincare regime? What do you recommend?
DG: I think it is important to provide moisture to your skin every single day. This can be in the form of cleanser, such as Dove Body Wash, which has a formula with 1/4 moisturizing cream, leaving your skin softer after just one shower. If additional moisture is needed, using a cream instead of a lotion will give you the most bang for your buck. Creams are mainly oils, while lotions are primarily water based. Moisturizing right after the shower within 3 minutes is optimal.

BGG: There’s a misconception that SPF is only necessary during the summer and warmer months, why is it critical to apply year-round?
DG: If you can see your hand in front of your face, then there is enough UV light to cause skin cancer or damage. Also, visible light which comes in the form of lightbulbs in your office or home can cause skin damage. Therefore, SPF 30 or higher should be a part of your daily routine, not just when the sun is shining bright.

BGG: What temperature is the best for showering during the winter?
DG: Warm water is the best temperature. Keep it not too hot and not too cold.

BGG: When it comes to properly cleansing the body via bathing or showering, is one better than the other for your skin?
DG: It’s a personal preference, but I prefer showers.

BGG:Is there a motion (circular, etc.) that you tell your patients to use that’s more beneficial for washing your skin? Loofah sponge or wash cloth? Which is less harsh for the skin?
DG: Soft cotton washcloths or your hands are the best to use. Loofahs can be a bit too harsh and can do damage to the skin barrier. Use a circular motion to stimulate blood flow.

BGG: How often should the skin be exfoliated with scrubs, polishes, etc.? Why?
DG: Exfoliate once a week at minimum. We lose 50 million dead skin cells a day – that’s a lot! Leaving them to linger can leave the skin dull and less vibrant.

BGG: Why do you recommend Dove’s Body Wash and/or Foam Wash?
DG: Dove Body Wash and Shower Foam are made of the gentlest cleansers, are sulfate free, pH neutral and Dove Body Wash is also microbiome gentle. The skin microbiome is a living protective layer and requires gentle skin care to remain balanced. Harsh cleansers can disrupt the microbiome, but Dove Body Wash is microbiome gentle. A win-win!

What moisturizers and body wash do you use to combat harsh winters?

Category: Beauty, Gumbo Mix, Interviews, Travel & Lifestyle | 1 Comment