Entertainment
Crystal Renee Hayslett Promotes Healing and Growth with the ‘Keep It Positive, Sweetie’ Podcast
AUSTELL, GEORGIA – MARCH 30: Crystal Renee speaks on stage at Keep It Positive Sweetie, LIVE! at the Riverside EpiCenter on March 30, 2024 in Austell, Georgia. (Photo: Derek White/Getty Images)
Last 12 months, singer and actress Crystal Renee Hayslett added one other step under her belt podcast. Through introspective dialogue and thoughtful discussions with celebrities comparable to Will Packer, Pretty Vee, Kirk Franklin and several others, the weekly audio series has turn into popular amongst various demographics. This past weekend, Hayslett got to experience the success of her idea in real time during the show’s first live taping in Atlanta, Georgia.
“I still can’t find the words to describe how amazing it was,” says the star. “It was just the most amazing moment – really.” by specializing in fun topics and having necessary conversations, Haylett created a protected, informative space for everybody in attendance. The evening began with Crystal talking to her therapist, Delena Zimmerman, where they talked about self-love, growth, and finding your purpose. She was then joined by David and Tamela Mann, Eva Marcille and Devon Franklin. The group delved into relationships at different stages and phases, with Eva and Devon talking about the way to navigate life after divorce, while the Mann couple reflected on their thriving 36-year marriage.
Following the roundtable, Hayslett showcased her dynamic artistry in a charming performance with a live band. She began her performance with a piano solo of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You,” followed by performances of Muni Long, “SZA and Beyoncé. The medley ended with Cece Winans singing Crystal. To end this unique experience, Hollywood mogul and Sistas creator Tyler Perry took the stage to wish for Crystal and express his pride in her recent and future success.
With a guest list that included Skyh Black, KJ Smith, Todd Galberth, Dharius and Shameka Daniels, Kimberly Blackwell, Isaac Carree, Nzinga Imani and Chido Nwokocha, the live podcast taping created the perfect atmosphere for the sold-out audience. To have fun this momentous occasion, Hayslett spoke to ESSENCE about the impetus behind her popular show, its impact, vision for the future and more.
ESSENCE: Since you are so busy with your profession straight away, what influenced your decision to create podcast last 12 months?
Crystal: It was actually my manager, Dinorah Peña. She actually gave me the idea. And at first I didn’t need to do it. I asked, “What do I have to say that is different from all the other podcasts? There are tons of podcasts.” And she said, “I think it’s time for you to tell your story.” So I thought of it and in the Black community, in the case of being open about numerous things, sometimes there are particular topics which can be really hard to discuss. Because we’re taught, “Hey, you shouldn’t really talk about this or what’s going on, just leave it in the past.” Through therapy, I gained the courage to actually open up and be more transparent with the public, so we decided to just do that.
Tname actually comes from a lady who was negative on my Instagram page. And I often don’t even reply to people. But I had time that day. Sometimes you’re thinking that, “I have time today.” But that day I said, “Instead of being negative, you should see that I’m supporting another young woman’s business.” Then I added #keepitpositivesweetie and my fans just ran with it. When we were fascinated by the name, I believed, “We should do a little episode called Keep It Positive, Baby.” And they said, “No, that’s the name of the show!” So that is how we got here up with it. But it was my manager who said, “It’s time, Crystal.” I wish to be more reserved, but it surely definitely forced me to be more open and perform in front of individuals. Because even while you’re on TV, you are hiding behind a personality. You really do not have to disclose who you’re.
What do you’re thinking that it was about your story that intrigued Dinorah enough to push you to start out the podcast?
Lots of things – my journey, just attending to where I’m today from a really small town. I talk over with these young girls who may come from cities that will not have as much to supply as your larger cities. My upbringing; There were things I experienced as a toddler that I didn’t really discuss. Even to the point that he desired to commit suicide as an adolescent. Things that we have really swept under the rug and you only keep going and parsing it forward, which I believe is something that, from generation to generation, leads all the way back to slavery. We just had to maintain pushing, pushing. Nobody has time to take a seat and cry. Life goes on, keep it moving. And as I began opening as much as things, I believed, “These are the things I want to talk about.”
And at that time I shot an episode called “Get to Know Me” where I took off all my makeup and stripped down so people could actually see me. I opened up and didn’t go into details. But this episode opened me as much as numerous things. And then I noticed how many individuals really suffer and how much we’d like healing. But greater than that, I noticed that individuals have to see someone like me who has all of it together to appreciate that I’m identical to them.
The The podcast will not be even a 12 months old, but it surely is already so popular. So how do you are feeling about his incredible success in such a short while?
It was absolutely amazing to see how the audience truly moved and resonated with each episode. I usher in so many individuals who feel protected enough to share their stories with me and the audience. And I say we heal, we laugh, we grow together and we love one another. You see people week after week. They will write and say, “You modified my life. You saved my life.” When I get letters like that, I say, “Oh my God, we’re really making an impact with this.” It’s greater than just standing in front of a microphone and a camera and just talking about hot topics. What we’re really specializing in is the things that they’re real to people and we share what we actually undergo every day and what we have now undergone to get to where we’re in our lives. Just seeing how quickly it has grown and how popular it has turn into is just amazing.
How was the reception for the live podcast on March 30, and how does the energy differ from the normal recordings you do?
From the moment I woke up that day, I felt completely different than some other day. I get there and the energy is great, but then I start hearing people chatting saying, “The line is around the constructing. Crystal, you will not consider this. Some of my team would exit into the lobby and record videos, and you can just get energized. But when the DJ announced me and I heard the screams, screams and tears from the crowd, it was incredibly electrifying. I’ve been to live shows and done it for other people, but hearing it and feeling it for me was just… It was an out-of-body experience. I’ve never felt anything like this. And I tell people all the time that I’m still getting used to this thing called fame, coming out and people recognizing you.
To sell out a spot like this for the first live show and hear everyone screaming like that was just crazy. When I shoot at home, it’s just me, my cameraman, my manager and the guests I bring over. So it’s super chill. My house is amazingly calm and quiet. Sometimes I’m very drained. But there was a lot energy that day that I believe it was only yesterday that I felt drained. I used to be literally on a natural high for 2 days.
Now we have now accomplished the successful recording of your live podcast – and you’ll be able to actually talk not only about future live performances, but about the way forward for your show basically – what’s your vision Is the podcast moving forward?
You know what? Ultimately, my vision is to have my very own daytime TV show. I’m going to maintain posting it there. I would like to have my very own daytime TV show. I see myself creating, continuing to create space not only for girls, but in addition for men. When I have a look at the audience, the core of my fan base is women. But I also saw men there. I would like to open it up and really bring us all together so we are able to truly heal together.
Entertainment
An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit
Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.
Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”
She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.
Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.
On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”
One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.
Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.
Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, cropped a photograph of him in a jumpsuit and then set Instagram on fire with her look.https://t.co/n7YNGctQFE pic.twitter.com/DNKP2i9o9C
— Sean Joseph (@sjoseph_sports) December 2, 2024
When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.
Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”
Lauren Sanchez 2003 vs. Lauren Sanchez 2024
Nothing to see here, people, move on#LaurenSanchez pic.twitter.com/mgr4vj6mFq
— Occam was right (@OccamWasRight) November 21, 2024
Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”
Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.
Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.
Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.
Entertainment
Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape
India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.
“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”
Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.
Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.
Name:
India Shawn
Hometown:
Los Angeles
Artistic soundscape
Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric
The oldest musical memory
Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.
Influences
For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.
Creative process
Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”
Challenges and development
As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”
Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.
Current project
“There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”
Entertainment
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.
Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.
From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.
In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
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