Inspiration, Macaroni and Rotimi

On September 25, 2016 I attended #thePowerLunchDC, a networking event created by @FamousDave87 and @TheGspotDC. The event featured vendors, networking, good eating, and an inspirational panel. The panel consisted of; singer, songwriter and radio personality Lil Mo, singer and actor Rotimi, best known for his role on Starz’s Power, Charrisse Jordan of Real Housewives of Potomac, the Crab Boss, an entrepreneur known for his strong social media following and amazing seafood, and Tyann Hodges the 25 year old hair guru with over 65K followers.

I’m such a supporter of entrepreneurship. It was cool to see vendors with such great products and personalities. I brought my friend Erica with me, and she literally couldn’t stop shopping! One of the things I liked most was the way everyone supported each other. Everyone just had a “let’s all be great” mentality, which as we know is not always the case. After networking and vendors there was a full course meal that consisted of fish, chicken, desserts, and much more. Honestly, I didn’t have too much but what I tasted was great! The mac and cheese was definitely my fave.

OF course the biggest part of the day was the panel. It was inspiring and hilarious at the same time. Lil Mo is officially my friend in my mind. Currently, she works as a radio personality at WKYS in DC and lives in Philly. “It’s better to be tired than broke,” she said. Lil Mo stars in TV One’s RnB Divas, works as a radio personality, is an entrepreneur and a wife and mother. Suddenly, my life didn’t seem so hectic. She spoke about the power of having talent and not using sexuality to “make it.”  Lil Mo is Muslim and therefore believes highly in covering her body.” No one can take away your talent,” she said. Also, Rotimi spoke about his Nigerian upbringing and how important it is to work hard and stay humble. He’s been singing for years but acting is new. However, when the opportunity presented itself he worked hard and has been very successful. He jokingly explained one of his “mama I made moments” as the day a girl asked him if she could “just watch him go to the bathroom.” Charrisse spoke about how important it is to respect and support US and even paid homage to everyone on-stage. While the Crabb Boss spoke about the power of using social media to cultivate your brand and following. “I humanize myself and let people see what my days are really like,” he said. Tyann also spoke about the joys of gaining a following and how important it is to engage with them and utilize the power of connecting with people.

I drove about three hours there and back to this event. I never want to miss an opportunity to be inspired or share inspiration with my readers. The vendors had some really nice stuff. There are a few photos and plugs below. Also, since I’m currently obsessed with Power seeing Rotimi was a treat too. He’s actually even cuter in person for anyone who was wondering. But, what really touched me was seeing the youth engage with the panel and audience members. There were entrepreneurs in their TEENS with great questions and getting ideas! I know millennials get a lot of slack, but we’re taking over! You know I don’t promote anything unless I truly enjoyed it. IF you guys are ever in ever in the DMV I’d definitely try to make #thePowerLunchDC. Take a look at the pictures and IG plugs below. Support Us. Tweet/IG/Comment me any feedback.

• <33 @askKirbyCarroll

Creators: @FamousDave87 & @GspotDC

Panelist: @thelilmoshow @rotimimusic @crabboss00 @1charrisse & @allulreandmore

Food:@konsciouskaterers

Sponsors: Pretty Penni Events & Prissy Sweet Cake Treats

Check out the photos here.  Feel free to tag yourselves.

Review: Love Jones the Musical

Tuesday, September 20th I attended Love Jones the Musical in Norfolk, VA. The show was created in honor of the 20th anniversary of the  classic film, Love Jones. I had a really nice time, and give it a strong B. The singing was great and if you're a lover of RnB you will definitely enjoy and respect the talent onstage. Chrisette Michele did very well and looked amazing onstage. There were also performances from Raheem Devaughn, Musiq Soulchild, Marsha Ambrosious and more. Although this show was based around the movie, it was definitely not identical. While the storyline was similar there were a few differences. I really enjoyed how they modernized it. This version included emoji references, Rihanna songs, and online dating stories. Still, there was a very mixed age crowd and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

We did start a few minutes late, it made the show feel a little too long for me. I also wasn't a fan of the ending, it seemed pretty abrupt. I'm pretty sure anyone who has seen it would agree with this statement.

However, if the worse thing I can say about a show is that it felt long that's pretty good. Plus it could be a personal thing. I don't care for long shows or movies, except Batman and Django. Don't judge me. I felt the judgment.

Anyway, I definitely recommend this show for individuals who love theatre, soul music and the arts. I suggest being open minded and not a stickler for the original. I've had friends who went in other cities and they feel the same way. Let me know your thoughts. Do you agree or disagree with my review? Tweet me or comment below.

<3 - @AskKirbyCarroll

What Does Your Favorite Show Say About You

Call me lame but one of my all time favorite things to do is cuddle up with a bottle of wine and find a binge worthy TV show on my laptop. Literally, I'm an introvert trapped in an extrovert personality. My all time favorite shows are a lot like my personality, completely random. I honestly think one's favorite show, album, or novel says something about their personality. I've listed my all-time favorite shows below, and how it relates to me. What are some of yours and what do you think it says about you? 

1. The Wire 

I believe in never judging a book by it's cover. People are complex and grey. No one is all good or all bad but uncovering the truth is still important. Also it showed me, I'm obsessed with a good story. In my opinion, the writing in the Wire is second to none. 

-- > HBO GO

2. The Vampire Diaries 

I want passionate and unconventional love. I believe in taking risks and chances. Also, it's okay to have different interests. Let's be honest most of my friends are 20 something African americans so TVD isn't really their cup of tea. But, I couldn't live without it.  

-- > CW, Netflix 

3. Scandal 

I like the idea of being a woman in power. The fast pace way Olivia owns her business with the support of her Gladiators is so #GOALS. I don't care whats going on with her love life or B613. She gets through it. I believe if your work ethic matches your passion no one can stop you. 

4. The Game

Let's be honest, the idea of the fancy life and fancy friends just seems pretty lit. But, it's cooler to be in that lifestyle and still have genuine people around you. I also love the characters in this show. I see my actual friends in so many of the characters. Sidebar, my friends say I'm the Kelly. 

-- > DVD's available online 

5. Fresh Prince of Bel Air 

Fresh Prince will always make the cut! I believe it's okay to laugh and have fun sometime. Family is always the most important thing ever and as long as you got them you're good. 

-- > BET, TBS 

-- <33 @askKirbyCarroll 

Being a Boss and Dating in 2016

As some of you may know I am an ambassador and senior editor for Black Girls Do. Black Girls Do is a social group dedicated to destroying the negative perception of black women by celebrating them in action. They host fun and engaging events and community service projects on the East coast.

The creator asked me to write an article on being a boss and dating in 2016. I told her I wasn't in a relationship and still building my business, but she persisted. So, I gave it my best try. Check it out here. 💜


Plugs:
FB: Black Girls Do
IG: @blackgirlsdo
Website: Blackgirlsdoseries.com


- @askKirbyCarroll

Twenty-Six

So, my birthday is tomorrow. I'll be twenty six years old. When I was seventeen I just knew I'd have my whole life together by 25. Then, 25 happened. I'm pretty sure on midnight of my 25th birthday I was walking around DC intoxicated eating a quesadilla. Anyway the point is, it wasn't all together. I had just finished graduate school and was moving back to my hometown to start the job hunt. It was a hard time. Someone very close to me was sick, I had gained weight, and I kept getting that email. You know the email. "While your resume was very competitive, we regret to inform you." You get it, please don't make me finish it. But soon enough I was offered a job. It was in television, and just forty minutes away from home. Was it my dream job? Heck no, but it definitely paid the bills and it was media related, like I wanted. However, that's not what made me the happiest. The happiest was my family. I've lived out of state pretty much since I turned eighteen and I'd forgotten how being at home makes me feel. I can unapologetically say laying on my parents bed talking about my plans for the future and/or explaining the dynamics of the Kardashians and Blacc Chyna makes me beyond happy. Not to mention, this was the first summer in years that I got to spend with my sister. We talked about our goals, relationships, and love for chipotle. She also was with me every time I filmed Ask Now and always gave me feedback on scripts. I'm not the girl who wants to be away from her family. I'm the one who wants to be wrapped around them.


But then August hit. I looked at "Family Book" aka Facebook. All I saw were weddings and babies being born. I looked at Instagram and saw so many of my peers living in places like LA or NY and living their dreams, and that familiar feeling came back. Why am I still single? Am I not doing enough professionally?  People who really know me are aware that I can't turn off my mind. Like literally, when I sleep my dreams are even super vivid. There are so many stories inside of me that I'd like to share and create. The closer 26 came the more I realized I'm not telling them all.

Then, I realized something. Life is short, and I forced that moment to pass. I lost two people close to me this year. While it hurts that I will never see their face again. I feel their spirit. I'm learning to make myself follow rules, not only for me but for others who love me. Be unapologetic. Be you. Spend time with people you love. Be happy. Take risks. Trust the Creator's timing. Believe in love. Be creative not combative.

God will allow everything to work out if you live every day like this, with purpose. So that's what I'm gonna try to do this year. There may be days I need wine, a netflix binge day, or a hug.

But, I will give it all my all. I owe it to myself and the people who love me.

So 26, be lit. 

--- <3 @askKirbyCarroll 

Ask Now Show Hampton Roads: Top Rope Zeus

This season, when I asked readers what topics they'd like to discuss, the bulk of them revolved around dating, relationships, and sex. I also had a few questions specifically about online dating, and the effect of social media on relationships. I really wanted to talk about all of these topics. So I combined them into one episode. Will swiping right lead you to Mr. Right? 

However, I'm single, a girl, and dating confuses me lol. So I wanted to give y'all a different point of view. That brings me to @TopRopeZeus. He's a very talented actor and creator of popular Youtube series, Hump Day Romance. By the way, if you haven't seen it, check it out and thank me later. On this episode, we have a very open and honest discussion about a lot of things like online dating, having friends of the opposite sex and so much more.

I'm sure you guys are gonna laugh and have a lot to say about this episode. It got very REAL. I can't wait to hear your thoughts. Check it out
here.  

Keep up with Top Rope Zeus on social media at @TopRopeZeus and subscribe to his Youtube channel here. 

--- > <33 @askKirbyCarroll

Ask Now Show Hampton Roads: LaQuayle Agurs

Recently, popular series like Fox's Empire and BET's Being Mary Jane have been discussing mental health and suicide. This is very interesting due to the fact that many African american families have made mental health a very taboo topic. On this episode of the Ask Now Show I spoke to LaQuayle Agurs, the first ever Miss HBCU. We discussed the significence of historically black colleges, suicide prevention, and her amazing plans for life after graduation!

@MissHBCUPageant

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide please call this number 1-800-273-8255. Never be afraid to share your story. Check out this week's episode here and let me know your thoughts. 

<33 @askKirbyCarroll 

Ask Now Show Hampton Roads: Dominique da Diva

The first episode of the Ask Now Show features media personality Dominique da Diva. Dominique is one of my favorite media personalites, and she's based in the Virginia Beach area. She's been in radio for almost ten years and is in her twenties. Ask anyone in the media industry and they'll tell you, that alone shows she is talented. In addition to being in radio she's made quite a name for herself with a following of over 47,000 online and creating and hosting exclusive events.

In this episode we discuss the topic of entrepreneurship, establishing a brand, and the power of social media. We also have a lot of girl talk and discuss her dating life, celebrity crushes and mobile app that will be available everywhere Thursday, June 16, 2016.

Check it out here and let me know your thoughts. You can follow Dominique on social media at @Dominiquedadiva. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #AskNowShow.


Thanks for watching!
<33 @askKirbyCarroll

The Ask Now Show is BACK

The Ask Now Show is finally back, and I am so excited about this season. The Ask Now show is a talk series that discusses topics submitted by college students and young professionals. Every episode features a special guest that is conversational and well versed on the topic.

Last season the series featured talent in the DC Metropolitan area. This time we are featuring my hometown Hampton Roads, VA. 

 In May of 2015 I received my Master's degree in producing for television and film. I was determined to find a network producing job in the fast pace city.  Sadly, I could not find a job in the DC area. It was very humbling to return home and start the job search all over again. But, God works in mysterious ways because soon after I came home I realized that's where I needed to be for awhile. 

I gained a media position that's helped fund AKC LLC projects. I've also been able to spend time and care for my family and loved ones. Lastly, I fell back in love with VA energy. We have so much talent and interesting people here. There is such a wide range of talent but for some reason its very unknown. 

Well this season I spoke to some of the biggest talent in the area. These people range from media personalities, student leaders and politicians. I spoke candidly about the topics readers submitted and tried to ask all the questions they'd want to know. 

Ask Now Season 1 was so important to me. It was me taking a big leap of faith, and I'm unapologetically happy it. However, I was a lot safer in my questioning and personality. I really feel like this season was more REAL. I argued back with some of the guests, selected controversial talent and obtained sponsors for  captivating locations. 

The afternoon of June 14th the first episode will be released. I invite you guys to check it out and give me your opinion. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #AskNowShow or reaching out via social media @askKirbyCarroll. 

-- <33 @askKirbyCarroll 

Scandal Live

Thursday, April 28, 2016 I attended Scandal-ous: an evening with the cast and executive producers, presented by the Smithsonian. Anyone who follows or knows me at all knows, I'm obsessed with Scandal and Shonda Rhimes. It is literally one of my all-time favorite shows. Scandal is created by not only a woman, but an African american woman. The main character is also a black woman and it is based off of public relations powerhouse, Judy Smith. But, aside from all of that-the story, directing and acting is amazing. It never stops keeping you engaged and interested. Okay, I'll stop myself from going into the "Scandal/Shonda is great rant." Because, it can go on for awhile.

I traveled about three hours to get to the event and made it there right at 7PM. It started with us watching the newest episode of Scandal. It was so fun to watch with other fans (gladiators) of the show because we got to see everyone else's reactions. There were many laughs, sighs, applauses and gasps throughout the forty minutes. It made me feel weirdly happy to know other people get just as emotionally stressed out while watching the show.

Shonda Rhimes and Cast 

At the conclusion of the episode Shonda Rhimes and the cast appeared on-stage. The cast included Kerry Washington (Olivia Pope), Tony Goldwyn (Fitzgerald Grant), Bellamy Young (Mellie Grant),  Katie Lowes (Quinn Perkins), Guillermo Diaz (Huck) and Jeff Perry (Cyrus Bean). There was a Q&A that discussed elements like table reads, the connection to the characters, actors input to the script, the importance of casting, story-telling, wardrobe and more. One of the highlights was Shonda Rhimes telling everyone that the script is not intentionally trying to mirror the election. In fact, she was very surprised to see that their is such a similar "character" in the election now. (Obviously Donald Trump is very similar to Hollis Doyle. I'll say it for you Shonda, I got you girl. ) Bellamy Young followed up saying, "hopefully we have our real first female president soon." Tony Goldwyn also discussed the balance of directing and acting and how different of an experience it is. He made jokes about having to "try that scene" again in reference to the love scenes with Kerry Washington.

It was very nice to see how the cast interacted with each other. They seemed very comfortable and there was a lot of laughter and genuine energy. At one point, Kerry Washington passionately explained to the audience how grateful she is to be able to be apart of such important and impactful stories. In fact she said that the next episode will be one of the most powerful episodes ever. They also mentioned that the season finale will be another one for the books!

That experience was amazing. Shonda Rhimes is literally living my dream. To see her in person was kind of surreal to me. To say it was inspiring seems way too minimal. Instead I'll say I'm thankful for the experience and I'l never forget it.

Are you guys excited for the finale? What are your thoughts on Scandal this season? What are your thoughts on the similarities to the election?

Comment or tweet me your thoughts

--- @askKirbyCarroll 

Atlanta, Youtube & YOU

There's so much I miss about Atlanta. The energy and excitement is so unique. You're able to live in a house on the hill surrounded by trees and friendly neighbors, while still being only moments away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Not to mention there's Clark Atlanta, the amazing nightlife, and the never ending Southern cuisine. However, in my opinion, what is the most special about Atlanta is it's growing and evolving media landscape and the individuals who are using it to pave their own way.

When I lived there I was lucky enough to meet one of those people, Russell Rainey. At the time he was simply a film student with big dreams and an intense passion for filmmaking. He now is a producer and director who makes his sole income from the creation and distribution of filmmaking .

His latest project is called Detective A.J.  The film takes place in an alternative future, a time where humans and androids (robots that resemble humans), live among each other. The story follows A.J -a normal guy who is wrongly accused for a murder. Check out the trailer below.

Social media and the internet has changed the game for creatives and freelancers. If you want to create something--just put it out. I admire people who have the courage to go after their dreams and turn them into fruition. What are your goals? I used Atlanta, because it has a special place in my heart. But, the truth is you can be anywhere. 

Anyways, I'm just Sunday venting. Check out the trailer and don't forget to subscribe to Russel's channel. We have to support each other! Let me know what you think. I love my sci-fi! :) 

Join Me At Sistertalk in DC!

On March 19, 2016 at Spice Suite in Washington DC I'll be moderating #SisterTalk, the next event in the Black Girls Do series created by Leah J of Fresh Daily Inc.. The inspiration of this event came from a moment many black women can relate to. Remember the holidays we'd sit in the kitchen with the women in our family and listen to them talk? Maybe they were speaking about social issues, music, new recipes, or the latest family drama. Whatever the conversation, it was beautiful. This event was created to mimic that feeling with a twist. 

Click to Purchase Tickets 

During #Sistertalk we will prepare and dine in a three course meal courtesy of Get Plated catering. We will then engage in open dialogue on various issues and topics that relate to black women. 

This is a great event for women who enjoy networking, exclusive events, engaging dialogue and good food. 

Click the picture above to RSVP and please share with your networks. Tickets are on sale today! 

Advanced tickets are $25 but they will go up to $50 soon so get them fast!

I'm really excited that Leah J, FreshDaily, and Black Girls DO felt that I was conducive to their brand and are allowing me to be involved so heavily! 
I hope to see you there! 

IG: BlackGirlsDO #blackgirlsdo 
Tweet me and let me know if you're going! Use the hashtag #Sistertalk 
<33 @askKirbyCarroll