Actress Serayah On How Her Vision Board Helped Her Land 'Empire'
In case you didn't know, Serayah McNeill is one cool chick. Although the actress is most known for her role as Tiana Brown, an emerging pop starwith Rihanna-inspired Caribbean tracks and a mean dutty whine on FOX's hit series Empire, off-screen Serayah is just a 21-year-old coming into her own and adjusting to fame.
xoNecole recently caught up with the LA native, and she dished out some cool fun facts that sealed the deal --she's our new best friend in our heads. Here's what we learned:
She embraces her curls...
"My hair has always been curly, I started to straighten it because I didn't like how big it was. On the show, Lee wanted my hair big and curly every episode, it helped me accept myself and who I am in my natural state. It was really cool to be able to have my character on the show have natural hair."
As far as auditioning...
"I don't want to fall into the pressures of looking a certain way or being a certain size. For example, I've always wanted to be taller. But to be in this industry, I've had to accept every aspect of myself including the fact that I'm short! It is what it is and I'll get the roles that are meant for me."
She and her mom are BFF Goals...
"My mom is my best friend, we talk about everything. She's my reality check. She definitely talks to me from a different perspective--from the outside looking in. She tells me how things really are and at the end of the day, she's usually right!"
Her circle of friends is changing...
"To finally be in the position that I'm in and to see people that have changed around me is an unveiling process. I have started to realize that certain people I've known [before Empire], as well as family, have began to act weird or have said weird things. It's all a part of figuring out who I am at this stage because I have had to question people's motives. Why do they want to be around me? Are they sincere? Why do they want to be my friend? Unfortunately, that does cross my mind. But I try to keep an open mind and give everyone a clean slate until something goes wrong, but it can be tough."
She's a Daddy's girl...
"My dad isn't very outspoken so, when we talk about anything like relationships, it gets a little weird. He's definitely led by example. He taught me to be respected. In talking to him about certain boyfriends I had in high school, he would say, 'You don't need that...you're this type of woman.' I needed that clarity growing up so I would understand my worth. I think that type of advice is best if possible to come from your father."
She's nothing like her character Tiana...
"Tiana, oh God, she's definitely nothing like me when it comes to relationships. She values money and her career a lot more than her dignity. I don't think Empire has given much background on Tiana and why she makes certain decisions as of yet. She's definitely taught me to stay focused and just do me."
Life before the fame...
"I was going to community college majoring in theatre, working at H&M, and modeling on the side as well as singing and dancing. I was booking some commercials, but I really wanted to be on a TV show. I wrote that down on my vision board, and I really started to hone in and focus in on what I really wanted to do. I'm very spiritual, and I think my belief and God as well as always putting good energy into the world has made a difference. Not giving up is a main factor for anything you want. You can't be so hard on yourself. I also have a great support system of people that love me and keep me reassured and motivated. Even when I didn't see anything happening it could be so frustrating. You have to remember the blessing is in the works. And this is all a process. That's also applicable to right now and what I want for my future, everything is still a process, there are a lot of things I'm working towards that I won't give up on."
Vision boards help shape her life...
"I'm still auditioning for a couple movie roles that are now on my vision board. I pray that if it's God's will that I book a certain role, then it's already mine. I try to put everything I have into the roles I'm auditioning for. I do get attached to the character I'm studying prior to the audition, so it still hurts not to book a role, but it could be for a variety of reasons, including a scheduling conflict with Empire. Whatever's next for me, it's going to be amazing and that's what I keep at the forefront of my mind."
She's learned the most on set from...
"Terrence Howard. He has a very giving spirit. When I first met him, during our lunch break, I happened to sit next to him. He, my mom, and I had a great conversation. He's very intellectual. We were speaking recently and he's the complete opposite of his character, Lucious Lyon. In actuality, he's not only very encouraging, but sincere."
She's most proud of...
"In addition to Empire, meeting people that I admire that are fans of mine has been amazing. Patti Labelle and Jennifer Hudson have given me compliments, and that has meant so much to me.
"No matter how many insecurities I have or how hard I am on myself, there are people that see and appreciate my work; I'll always remember those moments.
"As well as having Terrence Howard and Malik Yoba help me with my lines and encourage me to stand out and do my best, I'm also blessed for the opportunities I've had to perform in front of 50,000 people [onstage with Taylor Swift]. I never would have imagined doing something like that. The energy from that is an out-of-body experience. I can understand how artists can be on the road for months at a time doing the same exact show but feeling like it's something new every time. Those moments are all so inspiring and have been the highlights of my year."
Featured image by Michael Bezjian/Getty Images for TAO
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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6 Spring Events To Boost Your Professional And Social Networks
When spring arrives, we all want to be outside, looking fabulous, and back to socializing. And now is the perfect time to add a few great events to your calendar to get you through the quarter in order to make new friends, build new partnerships, and talk new opportunities to level up.
Spring is a high season for networking and social events for Black women, with many organizations and event entrepreneurs booking prime locations and offering dynamic experiences that you can maximize in whatever way possible. Write down your goals, and get out there. Start with a few of these events between now and the start of summer:
New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival, April 23 - May 3
The New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival is a 10-day event held over two weekends, bringing together thousands of musicians, craftspeople, and food lovers to share in common threads of culture in the heart of New Orleans. You'll get to enjoy works by artisans local to Louisiana as well as from across the U.S. and around the world.
Black Food Truck Festival, April 26-28
Hosted in Charleston, S.C., the Black Food Truck Festival includes an opening party, access to more than two dozen food truck vendors, and a time to workout with other attendees. Charleston has long been known as a Southern foodie destination, with global recognition due to James Beard-awarded chefs heading popular restaurants there and a renewed focus on Gullah and Geechee culture and food in the region. And what better conversation ice-breaker than to talk about food with a new acquaintance?
Black Women's Mental Health Conference, May 4
Hosted by New York University, this is a one-day event to tackle issues of mental wellness and health that uniquely affect Black women and girls. The keynote speaker for this year is Kim Young, MSW, LCSW, founder of Dope Black Social Worker® and host of the podcast Revolutionary Hoodrat, and leading licensed professionals in the field will offer their insights and share their experiences. And, of course, no college-led event is without time blocked specifically for networking.
Strength of a Woman Festival, May 11-12
Anything with Mary J. Blige headlining or leading is a win, especially if we're talking about women's empowerment and enjoyment. This event will be held in New York City, and beyond the performances from some of our favorites like Muni Long, Jill Scott, and The Clark Sisters, there will be a Gospel Brunch. And even if you're not able to attend or concerts aren't your thing, just being in the city during that time will mean you're bound to run into plenty of other women to network with at local bars and restaurants nearby.
Carefree Black Girl Cookout, May 4
Held in the Queen City, Charlotte, N.C., this is a day festival amplifying the voices and brands of Black women entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives. There will be vendors, glam and beauty bars, and complimentary meals for the first hour (according to the platform's website). They're hosting another cookout in Philadelphia on May 25.
Black Women Leading Live, May 13-16
Touted as an “intimate retreat + conference,” this Virginia Beach, VA event will be held on a resort and is offering a professional development experience led by Laura Knights, founder of the Black Woman Leading® program and podcast. It’s an ideal fit if you’re a mid-level or senior professional, as the topics and approach are set to cater to those levels of career experience, with coaches and speakers pouring into attendees with a holistic approach.
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Featured image by PIKSEL/Getty Images