Ask Now Show

Ask Now 

It is finally time for ASK NOW to have it’s moment!  I recently started filming a project that is very close to my heart and has been for quite some time! The series was created with the intent to give college students and young adults of various backgrounds a place to connect and voice their opinion.  Our relaxed yet structured conversations will touch on relationships, education, issues in the media and entertainment.  

Ask Now will also feature weekly talent, these individuals are motivated, gifted, and ambitious people.  They may be writers, radio hosts, fitness gurus or socialites.  However, what makes this show marketable is that these are normal people.  Ask Now will take away the feeling of "watching a YouTube show" and make you feel like you’re just sitting down having a great conversation with friends.  

The final element of this show is our connection with social media.  We will use it to create and get feedback to our topics.. Prizes will be given to viewers at the end of the show, winners will be announced via social media.  

If you have a few moments please go follow us on Instagram @AskNowShow and stay tuned for all that is to come!  I really think you guys are gonna enjoy it! 

<33 AKC

One on One with McKinley Freeman

For those of you who live under a rock, Hit the Floor is a VH-1 scripted series that combines outstanding acting, explosive dancing, and strong writing that airs on Mondays at 9:00 PM EST.  A magazine I freelance for called,  I Am JMARiiE had the opportunity to speak with McKinley Freeman, who plays heartthrob Derrick Roman.  In this amazing conversation we discovered so much about him and his character.

To begin, he explained that his journey has not been easy.  Many people do not know that Freeman started in the corporate world at IMG.  His creative gene has always been prevalent but he used it differently.  Freeman would display his marketing abilities by creating portfolios and packages for various corporations.  He has a bachelor’s degree in business and finance along with a master’s degree in marketing and information systems “I started doing some modeling just because I felt like I was missing something, there was a part of me I wasn’t allowing to grow.”  From there he was soon cast in the popular soap opera “All My Children“ and his career took off.  To make sure he was up to the task he began to immerse himself into learning the craft of acting. 

When he read the script for Derrick’s character his first response was, “Cool, let’s do it!” Freeman states “When I got the script, it was the first time in my career where producers were like, here’s the work go create something.  It was a really great opportunity to do that, and challenge what everyone thinks is your stereotypical professional athlete.”  McKinley explained that Derrick’s best and worst character trait is being passionate and relentless.

The live dancing combined with the big personalities keep the making of the show fun and exciting but they still maintain a big level of professionalism.  “It’s like being at summer camp!” he laughed in reference to working with his co-stars.

I was getting a lot of insight about Derrick but, I wanted to know more about McKinley!  As fans of the show know he has an amazing physique.  McKinley explained how he exercises frequently to give his workout the time and respect it needs.  For workout advice, he says to pick out two things that work for you and do them consistently over a month.  Cardio was his recommended choice. McKinley isn’t lacking in personality which made it is easy for him to later speak about his crush on Zoe Saldana, and his life being single.  “A sense of humor and confidence is important.  At the end of the day you can find that in celebrities or plenty people who aren’t celebrities, it’s all about connection.” 

What stood out the most about McKinley Freeman, is his positive outlook and go-getter mentality.  “You have to get to a place where your peace of mind and your future isn’t conditional on anyone’s choices.  When you do that I believe things will conspire to make those things happen.”  At the close of our conversation, he let me know there is a lot more to come in these next episodes and that there will be a season three! Make sure you support McKinley and the entire Hit the Floor cast every Monday at 9PM EST on VH-1.

Mayte talks Passion, Prince and Puppies

Many people dream of what it’s like to be connected to a superstar. Recently, IAMJMARiiE spoke with Mayte, star of the popular VH1 show, Hollywood Exes.

 Mayte was formally married to music superstar, Prince.  When asked about how she would describe the season and herself she used the word passionate simultaneously.  She explained how passion can be both negative and positive but that  the show and herself both, posses a lot of it! “All of the women in the show are outspoken and strong willed. It’s because for so long we had to just be quiet and be the wife, we couldn’t speak up.” Mayte explained that though she wouldn’t call the women’s connection a sisterhood, there is definitely a love and respect for each other because they’ve all been thru a similar journey.

Mayte's passion is invested in many things. She is the founder of Mayte’s Rescue which places healthy dogs in loving homes.  She's always had a genuine love for all animals and their care, she referred to an incident in the first episode, where simply seeing somewhere wear a fur bag really angered her.

She has a very passionate and genuine spirit. I could hear the kindness in her voice when she spoke of her relationship with Prince. “When you have a baby with someone there is a lifelong connection, our child didn’t make it, but I still carried our child. I have a special love for him, there is no malice towards him; he’s the father of my son."  Mayte and Prince sadly lost their child in complications during delivery, but their love for him lives on.

Mayte revealed that she is now in a new relationship. They’ve known each other for years but  finally decided to make it romantic. Though, it is a long distance relationship she cares for him greatly and is happy they started as friends first.

 In addition to being an animal activist she has a belly dancing DVD, clothing line, may be opening a dance school, and is currently buying a house! Still, performing has a special place in her heart. Mayte’s biggest dream is to be on Broadway in NY.

When asked if there is anything she’d like viewers and fans to know about her she said, “I think viewers understand I am a passionate person, I think we all are a little crazy. I hope they enjoy the ride; there is always evolution or at least an attempt to make things better. We all want to grow and learn to be a better person, and I hope they do the same."

Keep up with her at Mayte.com and watch Hollywood Exes on VH1 Wednesdays at 9/8c .

Twitter: https://twitter.com/maytegarcia
Instagram: http://instagram.com/maytejannell
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMayteGarcia
- Kirby Carroll
(@askKirbyCarroll)

An Inside Look at BET Weekend 2014

A few weeks ago I traveled to Los Angeles, California for  BET Experience.  The weekend was jam packed with events, activities, networking,and parties.  It was very interesting to see the mixture of people and personalities.  It was very obvious that some people were treating the weekend like a vacation and indulging in the atmosphere.  While others were very strategic about their reasons for being there whether it was career related or personal. (side-eye)

Mid-day Saturday I attended the 106 and park live taping on behalf of IAMJMARIIE.  As you would expect there were many teens and young adults outside.  It was interesting to see how strong Bowwow's fan-base still is.  As soon as he stepped out young girls ran to take photos and greet him.  There were a few nice performances.  I was the most excited about seeing Sevyn Streeter.  Sevyn always gives a good show and she seemed to have a really strong connection with her fan base.

Sunday night we attended the actual award show.  The first thing that attracted me was the fashion! I expected to see a lot of "club dresses."  However, most of the guests were dressed very eloquently which aided to the regal atmosphere.  The color of the night was white, almost everyone was draped in some shade of it.  I'm guessing this had lots to do with the fact that it was SO hot outside and not really a fashion statement.

As you all know, I am a big fan of music and its culture.  But, its always interesting to see how "celebrities" act at award shows.  I wanted to get up dance and sing along.  However , I notice a lot of people rather sit quietly, than truly enjoy themselves.  Which brings me to Chris Brown, that was not the case for him at all.  The audience all stood to their feet when he performed, it seemed that almost everyone was happy to see him back on the scene.  Another one, is the captivating Phylicia Rashad, she appeared to give tribute to Ruby Dee/ Maya Angelou and the audience stood in an almost reverence manner.  (I guess Mrs. Cosby will always get respect like that).  Yolanda Adams also brought many to their feet for a mini praise break, its always funny to seee rappers get in the spirit temporarily.

The weekend included many other events and launch parties.  Moments like Music Matters and Tony Rock's all white were two of the major highlights of the weekend.

My hope for attending award shows and events like this.  Is that people like myself and others are inspired to create something worthy of recognition.  My personal favorite moment of the evening was  August Alsina receiving best new artist.  I really like his CD, and as a fan I know his story.  When we see these people make it, it should inspire us to do the same. Sing, write, act, create, be a beacon in the community, lets do something that entertains AND inspires!

For more exclusive event coverage or interviews, please follow me at the links below.

Twitter: @askKirbyCarrooll
Instagram: @askKirbyCarroll
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirby.wright.14

 Also if you have an event that you'd like covered or a client you'd like interviewed, check us out at IAMJMARIIE.com and email me at Kirby@iamjmariie.

Relationships, Heartbreak & Selfworth

It seems that in this day and time so many people are seeking ways to shield themselves from heartbreak and become knowledgeable on relationships.  Author and poet Trenell Harris explained that his best teacher was his own personal relationships, friendships and experiences.

Harris is the author of a new book of poetry focused on relationships titled, “The Silent Voice: Life Lessons through Poetry.”

Check out the full article from our conversation here.   


- @askKirbyCarroll

A One on One with Editor in Chief of Facon Magazine

The goal of “Facon Magazine” is to promote emerging designers and beauty brands.  Editor-in-Chief, Janice Wallace credits the continuing success of the magazine to her life journey and loyal team.  If you're a supporter of indie fashion and creation,  you will enjoy this article.

Read the full story here.  

Special Giveaway! Thanks for Reading!

Happy Sunday Everyone!

Thank you so much for reading and supporting AskKirbyCarroll.net.  I recently wrote an article on Morena Bella Skincare, a skincare line created specifically for women of color.  Well, Morena Bella Skincare connected with me and would like one of our readers to try  the products for FREE!  I'm reviewing them as well, so I figured we could try it together.

There is one simple rule, you have to be subscribed to my blog.  If you are getting this in your email, you're good, if not make sure you go here http://feeds.feedburner.com/Askkirbycarroll and subscribe.  Second, shoot me a note or mention via social media that you're interested.  All names will be entered into a system that will randomly pick a winner Sunday! '

Good luck!
Oh and don't forget #AKC question tonight!  Have a great day! :)

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