The #1 Lesson I'm Taking from the 2023 Essence Hollywood House

Last year, I attended my first Essence Communications Inc. Hollywood House during an intentional trip to LA. The intention? Find an apartment so we could finally make the cross-country move from Atlanta to Los Angeles. As of today, I'm an LA resident and I love it. The curated spaces, the opportunities to connect with my peers, the things to do - LA is where I'm meant to be.

When the tickets were released for the 2023 Essence Hollywood House (EHH), I signed up immediately - knowing that it would be fantastic regardless of who would sit on the stage. 

The Essence Hollywood House (EHH) is a special place for us Black women in media.

From aspiring Black women filmmakers.

To Black women executives.

To actors.

To publicists.

To directors.

To overall creatives.

EHH is home.

The list of speakers was incredible and they did not hold back their wisdom. From Directors Salli Richardson Whitfield and Nneka Onuorah to BET's Connie Orlando and Bel Air's Morgan Cooper, EHH gifted us some really dynamic conversations. 

When I found out that Thai Randolph, CEO of Hartbeat, would be speaking - I. was. delighted. I've been following Thai’s career from her time at Lionsgate to her current role at the helm of Kevin Hart's innovative and one-of-a-kind media and production company.

As a business woman and as a Black woman, I am inspired by Thai’s elevation, her thought process (I listen to all the podcasts she's on), her multiple passions (The Suga Podcast and Women Write Now) and all the work she's done to lead and grow Hartbeat.

The thing I took from her, that I needed to hear most, was that she has spent her career making bold moves.

As a creator, a director and a storyteller with a very specific mission (bring more Black women's stories to more Black women around the world) and an even larger vision -- I know that bold moves are required.

I define bold moves as moves that take courage. Gusto. That demand a new level of faith. Moves that feel too big for us to do alone or moves that take significant thought and strategy

In my early 20s, I made bold moves without a doubt in my mind. If I wanted to do it, I did it.

In my 30s, I sit on these bold moves a little longer. And I think that’s because, at times, it feels like I have more to lose than I did in my 20s.

 I get nervous.

I start to doubt.

I question whether the ideas I have will work.

I wonder if anyone will actually care.

It feels like there is much more at risk now. (But is there really or is that fear?) 

I have a big vision for third & wonder and I want a big life for myself and my family. So at the end of the day, after I've cried, after I've questioned, after I've ruminated on whether the things I want to do will work - I am reminded - a big life requires big moves.

And making bold moves will reap a bold life. And I gotta do what I gotta do to get these stories to these Black women, right?

Here’s to more bold moves! Whatever that looks and feels like to us. 

Many thank yous to the team at Essence for the safe and innovative spaces they continue to create for Black women. It is a joy to experience.