Photographers: Marie Lafranque Photography | Rachel Davis Photography
Creative Director: Mayhem Entertainment Public Relations
Agency: Claudia Greene @Mayhem Entertainment PR
Model: Dai Time
MUA: Cristina Olivito
Hi Dai Time! Congrats on all of your recent success. How did you land your talk show on Snapchat?Can you tell us about that journey?
My journey in landing my talk show on Snapchat started when they launched a program called 523 to help creators launch their own show. I was excited to hear I was selected out of 400 applications. I had to advocate why I needed my show and what set me apart. I also submitted some clips I recorded in the past to give them an idea of how my series would look like.
We heard you are independently running the show yourself? Can you tell us what that process has been like filling in for many hats?
The process has been difficult, because I write, record, and edit most of my episodes myself each week. I am also juggling my daily duties of attending college, doing homework, and creating content for my social media accounts. I’m working on finding a balance and different tools I can use to make running everything a little easier.
Have there been any specific challenges you’ve faced throughout your journey in the entertainment industry? If so, what?
One of my challenges has been trying to touch the hearts of my generation while trying to relate my content to other generations. I hope everyone gains awareness of my message within my weekly episodes, so I can continue to uplift and entertain people of all ages. Another challenge of mine has been doing everything independently. I do not have a full production team, so I have been producing and editing my show myself with the love and support of Snapchat. Through this, I wear many hats and learned a lot when it comes to production.
Do you feel there has been a racial disparity among the media industry, specifically media hosts and correspondents? If so, what changes would you like to see happen?
I have noticed a racial disparity among media hosts and correspondents. With everything going on in the world, it’s so important that people of color’s voices are properly represented and heard in the media, so the media can steer away from stereotypes and negative narratives that are being shared. I look up to different women who have paved the way for me to get to where I am at. Unfortunately, there are not enough people who look like me that are given these opportunities. I would like to see that change and I am proud to play any part in shedding light on our talents of color.
Have there been any specific challenges you’ve faced throughout your journey in the entertainment industry? If so, what?
Yes, it’s very challenging attempting to break barriers, especially at a young age! Some people might minimize my accomplishments, because it looks different from how they got to where they are in their career. Sometimes when you are the first to do something, people may not understand how right away. So it’s essential to work hard and don’t forget your goal. Everyone’s journey is different, and that doesn’t make it wrong.
Graduating high school at age 15, we can tell education is something you really value. Did you always dream of graduating early to pursue your dreams? Do you have plans on continuing your education? What advice would you give to teens who want to graduate early?
I never anticipated graduating at 15-years-old was possible for me. Instead, I took so many AP classes with my dual enrollment program in highschool, which propelled me faster towards graduating early. My advice to anyone in highschool is to take advantage of AP courses that your school offers. It will save you time and money when you get to college. Those courses helped me knock out some of my first-year college credits and I could do that for free. My plans include to continue taking college classes and eventually enrolling in a university.
You have interviewed countless A-list stars on the red carpet; who has been your favorite person you have spoken with and why?
It’s always inspiring to hear celebrities we love answer pondering questions. My favorite part is seeing and hearing how they are just like us and how they feel about specific topics is very motivational. I always have a great time on the red carpet and I leave feeling motivated. A favorite of mine has to be Marsai Martin. I watched her grow up on Blackish, and I love the work that she does. It’s always inspiring to learn from young black women in Hollywood.
As an actress, are there any upcoming projects you can talk about and tell us about?
I currently don’t have any upcoming acting projects; my most recent was ATTAWAY general on the BRAT network, but I am always working on my show and growing my other social media channels.
As a motivational speaker, what advice would you give to young teens trying to pursue a career in journalism and media correspondence?
My advice for teens inspired to pursue journalism is to keep striving and researching others who paved the way previously. Study, educate, and research paths that are successful. Also, remember to take advantage of opportunities while you’re young because it will give you more time to pursue your dreams in the future. Don’t be afraid to create your own experiences. We have all the tools at our fingertips to make our dreams come true. All you need is encouragement and support and I can be that inspiration if need be.
You have been a big advocate for social change, particularly when it comes to the homeless population in Los Angeles, what prompted you to begin speaking out on social issues? How important will it be for you to continue advocacy as an adult? Are there other issues/resources you want to highlight today?
I’m a big advocate for speaking on social issues because it’s essential to support those in need. Advocating for a great cause or meaning makes my heart melt because everyone can advocate for themselves.
