Completely Interviewed by : London Summers
HH: Okema, your profession spans producing, directing, performing, and writing. How has your journey formed the best way you current your self within the leisure business?
I began as a toddler actor on Sesame Road on the age of six. With that, I’ve been in some type of the enterprise for 40 years. Whereas I didn’t all the time maintain self-worth, massive confidence, or perception in myself 100%, I all the time ensured that if I wasn’t the favored one, the gorgeous one, the primary choose, or the one everybody was rooting for—I’d all the time be the fly one.
From my tomboy days as a rapper, singer, and dancer signed to Vincent Herbert within the mid-90s, to as we speak as an actor, director, and producer, how I current myself has all the time allowed me to face out. I realized early that my presentation might communicate for me when my confidence or place within the room couldn’t. At this time, being rather more established, I nonetheless use my hair and private fashion to assist me be seen as totally different—one in all one most days.
HH: How do you steadiness the various hats you put on in each your inventive and enterprise life?
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I’ve realized to be each strategic and to compartmentalize my time with a view to be productive and present up totally in every area. If I’m writing, I block out particular time to be the author. Once I’m performing, I put together my traces and provides my all to that second. Once I’m directing, I prep and plan so I’m prepared to steer my crew creatively.
You can’t be all over the place without delay—however you are able to do many issues, separately.
HH: What’s essentially the most highly effective factor you’ve realized about self-image as a Black girl within the leisure business?
In an business that appears to favor sure textures, sizes, and complexions—none of which I possess—essentially the most highly effective lesson I’ve realized is to search out love and affection for myself as I’m. I stand firmly in my very own magnificence, physique picture, fashion, texture, coloring, and most of all, my coronary heart. Who and what I’m is sufficient. That’s why my firm is known as MOOREthanEnuff Media, Inc.
HH: Hype Hair celebrates the flexibility of Black hair. How has your hair journey advanced over time, and what’s your go-to fashion proper now?
I’ve locs, however I change it up lots! From braids, to twists, to crochet, to weaves, to styling my locs themselves. My hair is all the time coiffed and funky. I really like experimenting with colour, texture, and styling.
HH: What recommendation would you give to younger creatives who really feel pressured to adapt to sure magnificence requirements?
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As a inventive, doing you is the expectation as we speak. Conformity dilutes your uniqueness—and it’s counterintuitive to your creativity. You will have the area to point out up in your personal means, as your finest self.
With the Crown Act and the pliability of what’s thought of “skilled,” you now have freedom to do it your means. Simply ensure that it’s rooted in who you actually are—and hair-wise, preserve it wholesome and clear!
I not too long ago directed a business for Ally Financial institution starring Jack Howard. Capturing somebody who embodied the whole lot I used to be as soon as advised I couldn’t be after I labored on Wall Road was cathartic. For the 20-something model of me who made herself small to slot in, it was deeply therapeutic.
HH: What’s one magnificence ritual or self-care behavior you by no means skip, irrespective of how busy life will get?
I’ll all the time oil my scalp and do my facial routine. In my late 20s to mid-30s, I struggled with terrible cystic, hormonal zits, and nothing labored. Now that my pores and skin is lastly clear, I do all I can to maintain it that means.
As for my hair, I as soon as battled dry scalp and dandruff. Going pure taught me how one can correctly look after my scalp and hair, utilizing fewer merchandise however extra method.
HH: In case your hair might inform a narrative about your life proper now, what chapter would we be in?
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She could be in her thriving period—rising, wholesome, and cared for. Similar to me.
HH: What’s subsequent for you that you simply’re most enthusiastic about—and can we get to see a brand new hair period together with it?
I’m already in a brand new hair period, however it is going to wrap up this fall. I’ve been sporting a curly textured weave over my locs all summer time, and it makes me look so younger! I initially received it for my subsequent quick movie, Crossroads, the place I’m the feminine lead, however I beloved how low-maintenance it was—so I stored refreshing it.
You’ll additionally see a refined model of the fashion within the function movie I simply shot, Increased Love, starring Dennis Haysbert, Joe Pantoliano, and Telma Hopkins.
