Q:

What inspired you to start Your Favorite Auntie?

A:

I had been batting the idea around for awhile but never did anything about it--a full-fledged show felt so intimidating. But then when COVID hit and the racial reckoning of 2020 ignited, I found myself feeling so isolated and terrified. Folks were hitting me up, asking for advice how to deal with this moment, and I thought, “Hey, why don’t I just go live and answer all their questions at once?” So I did just that and the response was immediate. I just kept building it out every week and creating a visual language and a little world, inviting guests, developing a newsletter, and recently dropping Auntie Pro Tips, and it just grew and grew. I didn’t think screaming into the void would result in this, but I’m excited about where it’s headed...

 

Q:

Why do you think the time is right for a new style of advice column?

A:

It’s kind of interesting but self-help is really dominated by men who are twice our age. I didn’t realize this until I did some research but it didn’t surprise me necessarily to learn--or that most people who seek out self-help are women. And listen, I love Deepak Chopra but I think my experience as a 38 year old Black American woman is quite different and unique from his. And on the other hand, our most notable advice columnists are YT women, who developed the pinkprint for this niche, but perhaps weren’t necessarily intersectional. That disparity has got be fixed and I hope to really reach a new gen of folks who are coming up in the game and need advice from someone who looks like them or they can relate to more.

Q:

What's the best advice you've ever received?

A:

To quote the Right Honorable Rihanna, who when asked what she does when she doesn’t feel so powerful or confident said, “Pretend! I mean why not? It’s either that or cry yourself to sleep and who wants to do that? You wake up the next day with puffy eyes. That’s a waste of tears!” Solid gold.

Q:

So much of your work focuses on community building and you've certainly built one for yourself here in New York. How have you gone about building a community for yourself?

A:

I saw this great quote the other day that said, “You don’t need a brand. You need community. Learn the difference.” And I was like, “Yes, this is the key.” I didn’t go out seeking to build a community in any marketing-directive kind of way, but I just sought out people who were likeminded and passionate and could teach me something, as much as I could pass something along to them. I also really listen and I try to share, because by sharing you realize you’re not alone in all this. I was looking for intimate, authentic connection in a city that is very much transactional, so I priortize that over everything.

Q:

How do you like to set the scene for a gathering of friends? Any party must-haves?

A:

I clean like crazy lol but I also really believe in lighting and smells to help set the mood, so I burn candles of my favorite scents and play with mood before guests arrive. I also like to have good music playing in the background and great drinks chilling, and I always ask folks beforehand if there is anything they’re necessarily craving. I want to make sure I have it on deck.

Q:

What's the soundtrack?

A:

I personally love 80’s disco--Patrice Rushen, Cheryl Lynn, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder. It’s such a vibe.

Q:

Any tips for mixing groups of friends?

A:

There is literally nothing better than your friends becoming friends with each other--it’s like magic to see personalities come together. But to help facilitate that, I always like to make sure I introduce folks so they don’t feel awkward at a party. It’s very Bridget Jones of me, but I also make sure I mention a connection they may have. Also, good music always unites folks, so I make sure the tunes are right!

Q:

Describe your ideal holiday party.

A:

Hmmm, it would definitely include an oyster bar, martinis and a very glamorous dress code. It’s not a formal stuffy affair, but you could come dressed to the nines! Then we’d all have a beautiful dinner prepared at a big, long table, with live music or a performance at some part in the evening, a cute gift exchange, before folks are kicking their shoes off for deep conversation and a proper dance party.