November 2014 issue

magazine

bronze

Exclusive

Vanessa Bell Calloway on being a black actress in Hollywood, staying young, and the importance of giving back

Pre-Holiday Fruit & veggie cleanse

Actress Denise Boutte

dishes on her beginnings in Hollywood and her new cooking show

NOVEMBER 2014

Style Tip: How to Wear a Fur Vest this winter

"Funny Lady" Kim Coles on returning to Her Roots in Standup Comedy

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Editor's Letter What Are You Thankful for?

Hello Bronze beauties! So, the month of October is now over, and November is in full swing. Before we all know it, Thanksgiving will be upon us in a few weeks. For most, Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and giving thanks.

It’s also the official start of the Christmas holiday shopping season. With all the hustle and bustle the holiday season brings, we tend to sometimes forget to slow down and self-reflect. I must admit, I am guilty of this at times, and I have to remind myself to take time out to nurture my mind, body and spirit.

Speaking of being thankful, you don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving Day to give thanks. Having/showing gratitude, being thankful and counting your blessings are all things we can do on a daily basis. As a matter of fact, I have personally found that naming even one small thing that I am thankful for each day has made a huge difference in my attitude towards life.

One thing I can truly say I am thankful for is the opportunity to feature the inspirational stories of the phenomenal women who grace our pages all of the time. Their journeys never cease to amaze and inspire me, and I am so very grateful that these women decided to share their empowering stories with us and our readers. This issue is no different, except for the fact that we have the honor of featuring 3 amazing women in Hollywood- Vanessa Bell Calloway, who also happens to be our featured cover star, Kim Coles, and Denise Boutte. Each of these ladies has a unique story to tell; filled with strength, wisdom, and even a little humor. And don’t let the fact that they are successful Hollywood women fool you- these ladies are as real as they come! I hope you enjoy reading their stories (as well as the issue) as much as I have, and don’t forget to take time out to take care of YOU. Many blessings to you and a very happy Thanksgiving!

XoXo,

Shawn

Founder, Editor In Chief

4 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM NOVEMBER 2014

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Contents

Features Interview: Denise Boutte

"I have been very blessed that the people that I have come in contact with in the industry have been like minded."

Cover Feature

Vanessa Bell Calloway

16 Interview: Kim Coles

"Stand up is a full-time job in itself. full focus and respect. "

When I do it I want to give it my

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10 Also Inside:

14-Artist Spotlight 19-Beauty 8-Editorial 7-Fashion 15-Health/Fitness

Perissa York Long-Lasting Blowout Salvaged Soul Furniture The Faux Fur Vest Fruit & Veggie Cleanse

The Faux Fur Vest CASUAL

DRESSY

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Salvaged Soul:

Rustic, Chic Furniture & Decor Owner/Designer: Christa http://thesalvagedsoul.com/ https://www.facebook.com/salvagedsoul https://twitter.com/thesalvagedsoul http://instagram.com/salvagedsoul

Vanessa Bell Calloway

An Actress who is NOT an Act

by Ameliaismore 10 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM NOVEMBER 2014

F

or some, the life of a black actress is as real as the last character they played on the big or small screen. Many succumb to the pressures of sexiness and doing what others expect of them, instead of defining and being themselves. Many also wait for their opportunity instead of creating it.

None of this applies to the "Pam Grier of the new millennium," as coined by one of my friends who is a big fan of this amazing actress. Who is she? She’s Vanessa Bell Calloway, a woman who claimed her destiny early in life. She’s a thespian who works hard and trains even harder to lay the foundation of her success. Vanessa is a woman who, if you are a black actress, you should spend time to learn from her example. She’s a talented individual and a Bronze Bomber who lets her creative talents lead her professional life; yet at the same time allows her heart and passion balance her personal life.

For those that are not familiar with Vanessa’s body of work, first I have to ask, why is that? Then I'd have to tell you if you saw Coming to America (woof woof..lol) Biker Boyz , Love Don't Cost a Thing, What's Love Got To Do With It, and Bébé’s Kids; or, if you watched on the small screen, All my Children, Days of Our Lives, 227, Sinbad, Moesha, Dexter, Castle, The Closer, CSI, NCIS, Reckless, and the list goes on... you would have seen Ms. Calloway at work. YES! She is a working black actress.

Bronze Magazine got an opportunity to talk with Vanessa and find out her position on many topics such as the challenges of working as a black actress, staying young as you grow older, keeping the marriage flame burning, and the importance of giving back.

Our conversation began with my friend’s comment about Vanessa being the “Pam Grier” of today; not as the sex symbol, although she is definitely sexy. Instead, my friend was referring to the comparison of the amount of films Vanessa has been in that are defined as cult movies of the black experience or as black film classics. I asked her if she agreed with that statement, or if she ever even realized how many film favorites she has worked on over the years, and this is what she had to say: VBC: I never thought of it from that perspective. What I've done has been the result of always wanting to be working.

Telling myself, I should do more, I could do more. I have to do more. That being my focus, I've never really stopped to smell the roses. I have always been appreciative for any and all work that I get, however big or small the contribution. As long as people enjoy it, love it and respect what I do, it’s a good thing and worthwhile. To answer your question, no, I have never looked at it in that way. Tell your friend thank you!

BM: You have been mentored by some of the best in the business including Alvin Ailey, George Faison, and the list goes on. Did you realize the magnitude of the mentors you have had in the beginning of your professional career?

VBC: When it came to dance I knew exactly who they were because dance was my focus. I acted as well in Cleveland, Ohio. That is where I'm from and where I got my start. I acted and danced, but my main focus was that I wanted to be a concert dancer. We weren't very rich, but there were a couple of times I came to NYC and my mother was able to hustle up a ticket to Alvin Ailey and let me see the concert. Watching Ms. Jamison dance always blew me away, and that is what made me want to dance. I never danced with the company, but I did study with them extensively. During college I won a scholarship. Every time I would come to NYC I would never pay for classes because I had the scholarship for all four years of school.

They were interested in me but I never joined because I was drawn to other interests. I probably would not be the person I am today if I had joined the Ailey dance company.

I am somewhat of a loyal person, and if I had joined I would be dancing today. I might not have the career I have today. As for George Faison, I met him while waitressing.

He would come into the club in NYC. I knew who he was, so I established a relationship with him. One day he asked if I could dance and I said, "Yes I do." He gave me this

we-will-see kind of attitude. He invited me to his dance studio, and the next thing I knew, I was dancing with this small company and doing performances with them. We still know each other. What's really cool about George is years later, my now 24 year old daughter who was 16 at the time, danced with him and got a better part than I did.

George came to her school and worked those kids out, and my daughter could take it. George and I talked about it. It was like watching time. Here it was almost 30 years later and I'm watching my daughter dance in the same company as I did. Yes, I did know the opportunity I had to study with these legends because that was my major.

BM: There is a side of you that cares about the next generation of creatives. You will give someone who is not as established a chance to work with you or vice versa. What is the standard or criteria you use to separate the ones you will work with from the ones that don’t have a chance?

VBC: I am so glad you saw that in me. It’s very relevant. I have done young people’s projects and the joke has been that I owe them when it’s over. It’s not about me getting gas money or lunch money or $1,000 and they made a whole feature film. I think it’s so important to give back.

I especially love the Black Actress project. One of my babies, Tatiana Ali is involved with the webisode, so when she asked if she could come and interview me I was like, “YES!”.

It’s different today than when I was their age. When I was their age I didn’t have a lot of other black people that could open the doors. In the late 70’s and early 80’s it was like, defend for yourself, especially in television.There were not a lot of jobs, so when someone got a job they weren’t really trying to get you a job along with them; mainly because there was only room for one or two. It wasn’t like they didn’t care, but at that time you had to look out for yourself.

Make sure you had a job. There weren’t a lot of opportunities for folks to slide you in and help you out.

I have great mentors like Debbie Allen, who have helped me out. I’ve worked with her and am about to work with her again. I’m not going to mention the project, and it’s primarily due to her efforts that I am doing it. I got the help, so how dare I not turn around and try to help and bring other people with me. Continued on next page˃˃

As for criteria there really isn't a specific rule. It's a simple process. They get in touch with you. It's a conversation.

You see how serious they are first. I don't like people to come to me with a project they are not ready to do. I'm not going to help you get it green lit and I'm not going to give you the money to do it. However, if I see you are serious, if I read the project and I see that you really got something going on, then I'll agree to do the job. The worst case scenario is that it will be good publicity for me because you are going to put it in all the film festivals.

I always tell people, if I always did everything for money, I wouldn't have a resume. Today it's getting worse. In the past you could really get some money. Now today, the budgets are so tight that the producers group your scenes together. For example, say if you had three scenes. Back in the day that would mean three or four days’ work. Now if they can, they will shoot all three scenes in one day and pay you for one day of work. This is across the board.

It's not just new talent; they’re doing it to everybody. So it puts you in a position that you are either going to take the work because the job is good, or they will move on to the next person and the next person will take it. It's work. So you can't do everything for money because you won't ever work. I believe that work begets work. So sometimes you have to take a hit on this job so you can make more money down the road. You have to think it through. You’re not an actor or an actress if you you’re not working. If people don't see your work they won't know you exist. So you have to decide what is more important, getting out there and doing your thing, or trying to see how much money you can make per project.

BM: In your Black Actress monologue you spoke about the Pendulum theory and the "value of the valley." Can you explain that a little more?

VBC: The "value of the valley," that's the time that you do rediscovery. You rebuild, renew and ask yourself, why?

Why did I slow down? What happened? What do I need to fix and tweak to get things rolling again? It slowed down for a reason. Nobody is constantly riding the wave, on top all the damn time. You might have some people that you think are doing that because you see them up there for so many years in a row being Miss thing or Mr. Thing. Trust, there was a time their stuff was slow and it will be slow again. It could be health reasons, family, whatever. I learned a lot of stuff when things slowed up for me. One of the things I learned is you can't wait for other people. That is why I created some of these things for myself. I had my own radio show, plays and I recently did another play back east.

When things slow down and you’re thinking that people are forgetting who you are and forgetting your name, you can't sit down and cry. Why would they remember you? You are not the only person doing this. You have to make them remember you. You can't wait. Instead, you got to do things that make them say, “Oh.” There's a whole new group of people coming into the industry that are old enough to be my damn children. They don't know your value. You have to constantly reinvent yourself. You have to stay with the times and above the fold.

BM: A lot of the material you create is not catered to just one demographic. Being a Baby Boomer, you managed to attract the attention of Millennials and Gen Y. What is your secret to staying current and trendy? Is it being a mom, a wife, an actress, what?

VBC: I think I'm still young. The funny thing about growing old is, you forget that you are growing old. When you feel

good it's hard to remind yourself you are getting old. I feel great. I'm a size 6. I dress fly. Sometimes I catch myself and say, oh shoot you really are 57 (laughter). I forget. I'm not trying to get old before my time. I have two beautiful young daughters and they keep me current. I stay up with them. I stay up on all the current technology because that's what the kids do. My new joke is I don't want no new old ass friends. None of my new friends are over 40. All my new friends are under 40. I got enough 50 something year old friends. I'm hanging with the kids. I'm trying to learn new stuff. They on the fast track with technology and can do so much I'm in awe. I need all my friends young so they can help me. I forget my age. But I also don't know what a 57 year old person is supposed to act like, so I do me. I don't think about age. I just think about me and my space moving through it and doing my thang. Funny thing is, sometimes you are penalized for looking so good. I've been told you can't be someone's mother. Then I have to say no I can be her mother. I had this one girl at a festival tell me,“OMG I love your work and I have this script, but you couldn't play my mother because you just look too good.” I let her have it. I told her, “Honey, I don't know how your mother looks, but don't tell me what I cannot do.

I can play your mother because I'm old enough to be your mother. Now if your mother is tore up or tore down, I'm sorry, but that’s not me. Don't tell me what I can't do. Now if you don't want me to play your mother that's another issue, but don't tell me I can't, because I have two grown daughters and I can.”

“Things always have a way of working themselves out. I don’t worry about things like that anymore. I’ve learned to let go, and let GOD.”

BM: In an industry that can sometime drive you insane how do you remain sane? How do you remain so balanced and stable in an industry that’s so unstable?

VBC: First of all, I try to stay spiritually centered and focused. I’m not an overly religious person, but I do believe in GOD and I do pray and meditate. I also have a husband that is so cool. Not only cool in personality, but his temperature never goes up. His calmness keeps me calm.

I’ve also learned over the years getting flustered, worried and running around doesn’t change anything. Sometimes you have to be still so you can listen to yourself and then listen to the universe around you. Then the answers come to you. It’s already written. What’s going to happen is going to happen. You just need to figure out how you’re going to deal with it and make it happen the best way. Things always have a way of working themselves out. I don’t worry about things like that anymore. I’ve learned to let go, and let GOD. That is a hard thing to do and you have to practice it. I have a hectic schedule coming up. I was just praying. I know that it’s hectic because God has put all these wonderful things in my life. He’s the one that put it there. I know GOD is not going take me this far just to drop me and have me fail so I know it’s all going to work out.

You can’t make anything happen when you lose control.

Nothing is accomplished when you’re huffing and puffing.

Instead, you need to stay calm and think things through.

Have the confidence and faith that it will all work out.

Continued on next page˃˃

BM: Many times the challenges of being a "today's woman" who aggressively wants to accomplish her personal goals, yet understands that as a woman who is a mother and a wife you have responsibilities to other individuals that sometimes have to supersede your own. You have been married for 26 years. How do you keep the flames burning?

VBC:The thing about growing old with someone that you have been with since you've been in your twenties is, well I was 29 and he was 26 when we met. By the time we got married I was 31 and he was 29; we were parents when I was 33 and he was 31. The beauty of growing old with someone is, love changes. There is a lot of different types of love. As the two of you grow older and you stay in tune and in touch with each other, something we have always been is connected; even when our lives were hectic with the kids. I'm acting and traveling, he's head of the surgery center of Los Angeles and an anesthesiologist, as well as a businessman too. Despite

BM: If you were to look back at your career and your body of work, what would you hope people would say about you and your legacy?

VBC:That I tried. That I was passionate about my work and that I gave it my all, with the roles I chose or even with the roles that chose me. Because as a black actress, we just want to work. It’s not like we can sit back and say we want that one, that one and that one. No. We don't get those options. We most times are happy that we get the call for a job. I want people to know that I am passionate about what I do. I love acting. I don't think the opportunity has been given to me yet to really do what I can do. Sometimes the frustrating part for me is I know my talent, and when people see me in "Letters from Zora," they understand the range of my talent in this one woman play. I even get people that tell me I know you are good but I didn't know you were that good.

What that means is that they don't know, but most of the world doesn’t know either. Until you can get on that bigger platform that all can see, most

our busy schedules, we have always stayed connected. We have never been up under each other. I think that is another thing. We have never been that type of couple. We give each other space to grow and do our thing.

We do stuff with the family and we do things separately, yet always staying connected. Now that we are older and the kids are gone, we don't have to change who we are now. Instead, we get who we are. We still have our routine and it works for us. Love changes and when you change with the love that means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Whatever that means to us- we talk, have dinner conversation, we go out, we spend time together, we do our thing. It's like the football game. I don't care about the game. Go on and enjoy it, I got other stuff to do myself. I'll see you tonight. I don’t' know about the keys to a happy married life, but there are a few things I know. I know this for certain.

Everybody got to wake up and have somewhere to go. If someone wakes up and they don't have nothing to do,

and they're waiting on the next person to fulfill their day, then eventually you are going to have a problem. Everyone should wake up with a purpose, a destination and have something they do. That's number 1. You’ve got to communicate. That's number 2.

You've got to understand that love changes and you've got to be able to change with it. You might be hot and can't keep your hands off each other one week, and then can't be bothered the next. It's not that you don't love him anymore; it just might be that you're busy.

will not know. White folks especially, they don't know what I can do. They don't know what most of us can do. As grateful as I am for one good scene here or one great project there, it's still not the depth. Now we are finally getting black female lead roles like what Viola or Kerry are doing. That's the type of roles I can do and want to do. Now they’re only going to give it to whoever is an Academy Award nominee. They're scared to open up the gates to all the other black actresses.

In their minds, it's only 5 who can act and they rotate a little bit. I work all the time, but it’s hard to get folks to really take a look at you. That's why I continue to do my thing and am grateful for all the work I get.

Own Words, in October at the prestigous Corssroads Theatre in New Brunswick, NJ. I would like to get on a Broadway stage with that piece. I'm also getting ready to shoot an episode of Real Husbands of Hollywood. I'm working on another project, but the ink is not dry so I'm going to wait to tell you about that one. Some other ways you can support me is to follow me on Twitter (@nessabcalloway), or Instagram (vanessabellcalloway). My website is www.vanessbellcalloway. com. The last thing is, I would love all you Bronze Bombers to help me build my audience at www.inthecompanyoffriends.tv. I have met so many great people on Twitter. Bronze is a beautiful magazine. We have to support each other. Thank you!

BM: Thank you for your time. In closing, Bronze Magazine is about empowerment and sisterhood. How can our readers help support you in your endeavors, and what new projects can you speak about that you would like us to support?

VBC: I recently completed my one woman play, Letters from Zora: In Her

BM: You have played so many roles in the span of your career. If you had the chance to pick that one role, what or who would that be?

VBC: (Little silence) Hmm... have not thought about that in a while. I think if I had to pick one it would be Blanche from "A Street Car Named Desire" or revamp to a modern day Mrs. Robinson from "The Graduate." I love playing any strong bitch role. You get to be the mean girl, which I'm not.

Winners never quit and quitters never win. If you want to know why Vanessa Bell Calloway is still relevant and working, it's because she refuses to lose and understands balance is the key to a good life.Continued Success!

Visit Vanessa's website at http://vanessabellcalloway.com/

Artist Spotlight:

Perissa York

14 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM NOVEMBER 2014

Fruit & Veggie Cleanse

by Ashley Cottrell Halloween maybe officially over, but for most of us, the eating habits are not. After loads of candy and treats, we’re now entering into the holiday season−potlucks at the office, Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas parties, and so on. As the weather outside gets colder, we’re tempted to stay in our warm home and snuggle on the couch with a bag of chips or cookies. Next thing we know, we’re packing on an extra 10-15 pounds that we try to lose as a New Year’s Resolution (come on ladies, I know it’s not just me!)

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine introduced me to a wonderful 10-day body cleanse. I had been trying to lose the five pounds I gained last month from terrible eating habits and couldn’t find the time to hit the gym like I used to. What surprised me was that the body cleanse wasn’t about how much you ate, but what you ate. It didn’t allow us to eat meat, grains, and diary. I know, sounded crazy to me too. That’s all I eat! However, I decided to give it a shot. On the tenth day, I stepped on the scale and realized I lost eight pounds! Now ladies, before I go into detail about this cleanse, I want to state that it’s not about losing weight, it’s about being healthy. Every now and then, we need to rid our bodies of all the junk we put into it (after all, we only have one body right? Take care of it!) Fruits and veggies are water-based and easy to digest. You can eat as much of them as you want and the body’s digestive system will still function properly (the same thing can’t be said about cake and fried foods). With that being said, I challenge you all to give your bodies a break for three to five days and allow it to regulate. Here’s how: DO’S: Fruits (fresh, frozen, or smoothies), vegetables (including beans & salads), nuts (almonds and cashews) and plenty of water. Try at least 20-30 minutes of cardio exercise per day.

DON’TS: Avoid sugar, salts, grains (breads, pastas, & rice), meat, alcohol, coffee, dairy, and fried foods. These foods may taste good, but they carry excess fat and slow down the metabolism.

Ladies, it may seem hard at first, but after you start seeing results (feeling energetic, alert, seeing slimmer waistlines, etc) you’ll know it’s all worth it. Be creative and change your meal plan each day. Try a large fruit smoothie for breakfast, non-buttered popcorn for a snack (yes, popcorn counts! It’s from corn and it’s not fried!), a large salad for lunch, oranges as a late snack, and a big bowl of vegetable soup for dinner. Power walk for 25 minutes early that morning.

The best thing about the body cleanse is that you learn from it. I was definitely able to modify what I ate afterwards, limiting my fried foods and dessert consumption. I also realized that plenty of fruit actually satisfied my hunger longer and gave me an energy boost. You never know what you’re able to do until you try it. Ladies, it’s time we start taking better care of our temples, inside and out!

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Denise's Dish"on Food, Fame and being Fabulous

L

ouisiana native Denise Boutte was catapulted to stardom when she landed the coveted role of "Sasha" on Tyler Perry's hit TV series, "Meet the Browns," starring in 120+ episodes. Memorable performances in the hit films, "Why Did I Get Married," and "For Love or Money," among others made Denise one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood.

Always one to play by her own rules, Denise revealed her pregnancy on "The Mo'nique Show" (BET's former late nite show) and shocked the industry by taking time off to embrace motherhood. Proving her critics wrong, Denise recently returned to the spotlight with a welcomed response!

On the heels of her starring turn in the successful May premiere of UP TV's telefilm, “Where’s the Love?" that reached some 1.8 million viewers, Denise has joined the casts of "The Choir Director" and "The Bounce Back."

The second film in the "Drama in the Church" trilogy and

16 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM NOVEMBER 2014

by ameliaismore

adaptation of New York Times’ best-selling author Carl Weber's Church Series, "The Choir Director" also stars Kellita Smith, Darren Henson, Christian Keyes, and Drew Sidora. In "The Bounce Back," directed by Youssef Delara, Denise co-stars as "Lisa," the ex-wife of "Matthew Taylor," (played by Shemar Moore) alongside Bill Bellamy, Nadine Velasquez, Kali Hawk and Michael Beach.

It seems for this talented thespian, making moves is just as important as making movies. Her latest project, "Denise's Dish," Denise taps into her Louisianan roots and invites viewers to join her each week via YouTube for some good 'ol Southern cooking-- each featured dish being her interpretation of a recipe enjoyed by her family for generations. Her cookbook is set to be released in 2015; Bronze Magazine got an opportunity to chat with this amazing woman to find out "Denise’s Dish" on food, fame and being fabulous.

BM: The way you are, is it nature or nurture?

DB: I would have to say it’s a combination of both; but more so, how I was raised by my parents. I come from a very small town. A very simple way of life. I sometimes laugh because I say it's a lifestyle that is kind of becoming extinct.

My grandparents actually had a farm. We lived right up the little dirt road. Every day I had chores and things to do on the farm. The things we ate were what we raised on the farm. We would go to the grocery store, but for the most part we were self-sufficient. Again, at the time, as most young kids you don't realize what a blessing that is to be raised with such simplicity. All you're thinking is OMG I can't wait to leave this place. I got big dreams and big things on my mind. I want to do different things than from where I come from. In hind sight, there are pieces of it that I miss that makes me who I am; that simple life. I was just talking with my Mom who still lives there, and she was saying that we have all this technology but half of it she can't use. (She just learned how to text back) She says we have the www's (her term for the internet), and all this stuff is supposed to make your life easier, but it actually makes it more complicated. She feels that it’s too much access.When do you have time for yourself?

BM: Coming from the simple life, then going into the corporate life, when did you make the conscious decision that you were going to give it all up and act?

DB: OMG that wasn't a conscious decision at all. That was life and being in a position that I had to make a maneuver. I was in Dallas TX and when I got out of school my degree was in communications. So it was either journalism or advertising....

(Denise goes on and tells the story of how she covered an assignment that took her breath away and affected her in a way that she felt she had to reconsider a life as a journalist. She had an internship at an advertising firm and they offered her a position out of school. Dallas was the big city but only 6 hours away from home, so she took the position. She moved up the corporate ladder quickly but then hit the glass ceiling. The job wasn't her dream because it wasn't her passion. While on the set for one of the jobs, a talent agent spotted her. She signed on and her acting career began)...

"It [acting] was never a job I thought about because no one in my family was an actor, or involved in the industry, but while at the advertising agency I was asked to do jobs because the client picked me. I remember a Pamper commercial and the client said to me, "Denise you are really more of what we are looking for than the person we cast so we want you to do it." I was like, "No," but then my boss was like, "Whatever the client wants the client gets." The signs were there for me to pursue this career, but again, it wasn't in my mind. It wasn't until I took the meeting with the talent agent that told me she thought I was a star and she knew I never did this before, but if I signed with her agency she would give me the opportunity to work. I came out to LA and never looked back."

BM: There’s a lot to be said about leaving yourself open for destiny.

DB: That's the funny thing. That is so opposite of me. If anyone knows anything about me, I am a control freak. I write everything down. I color code my scripts. So for a person like me to be brave enough to step out on faith the way that I did was kind of contradictory to my character as a whole. I think a part of me has always been somewhat adventurous. I always believed if it don't fit don't force it, but obviously it was the right decision.

BM: For all the other girls out there that have the same opportunity as you, what would you say to them to help them have the courage to take that step/leap of faith like you?

DB: This is the thing, if it ignites your fire you know. I think a lot of people do things for the wrong reasons. Number one, they do it for money. They see dollar signs and then do whatever. I think that if you just do it for money then I don't call it your passion. Instead, it’s more of your livelihood or your job, a majority of the times the things that you are passionate about will not yield those rewards. It does take a lot of sacrifice. The first years I was here I got food and footage. I would show up on set, I would get a credit, a meal at lunchtime and footage for my reel. That reel would hopefully help me get something bigger and better. I didn't come out here with dollar signs in my mind. I came out here to get on stage, then get a play, etc. I got a lot of catching up to do because I didn't come out for fame; it was just something that ignited my flame. I was very fortunate but at the same time I was very practical about coming out here. I gave myself a time limit. That worked for me. I gave it my all to make it happen.

BM: Do you feel that your honesty and control of your desire and flame made you push harder?

DB: Yes, I think so. I had given myself a time table and I was going to give it my all. Whether I had an audition or not, I had a schedule- from morning to night working to get my opportunity. If you don't have that fire or that thing that motivates you, it will be hard for you to achieve your passion. It's important to take those small steps to get you to the big breaks. Think of what you can do no matter where you are to put the wheels in motion to fuel your passion, your fire.

Still do whatever you need to do to stay afloat, but that vision of what you want to do and your focus on it will eventually get you to be able to do your passion. There is always an hour or two to do whatever you can to control and contribute to your passion that will turn your passion into your profession. One of my favorite quotes is from, The Secret. It says that if you can see the next step to your goal, you can and will get to achieve it. You don't have to see the whole journey, but if you see the next step it will lead you to the next one, and after time you have arrived at your destiny. It's about taking the next step, which is one step closer to your passion being full time instead of sometime.

Coontinued on next page ˃˃

BM: You actually are an example of that thought process. You practice what you preach.

Outside of your acting career you have also taken the initiative on your own to create a blog talk radio show and a new cooking webisode "Denise's Dish." What inspired you to expand and produce these other projects?

DB: I'm going to tell you exactly what it was; control. I felt like I was no longer in control of myself. I came out here and I was blessed. Two and a half years after coming out here I got "Why did I Get Married?" Immediately after, I signed on "The Browns." The dream had arrived and had taken full shape. All the blood, sweat and tears I had put into my career had finally come true. I had arrived at my destiny. Well, after the final season of "The Browns," I had my baby and we were all waiting for the call to come back to work and we were wondering why we didn't hear anything. That was the time Tyler was going to Oprah and all that, so it left me with, ok, well I'm going to focus on being a mom. Before I had my child I had never changed a diaper or anything. So it was an adjustment for me being a mother. I wanted my baby to have a solid foundation. I had to figure out what that meant to me. That was life changing. Well, one year quickly turned into two years and before I knew it, going out and auditioning and waiting for someone else to give me the opportunity was not really cutting it for me. I love the work and I love, love, love to be on set. That is probably one of the most thrilling and exciting experiences I have had to date, but they were too far and too few in between for me. So I had to ask myself what else are you passionate about? The answer was, I love to cook. So this is a way to pay homage to my family, and a cookbook was the way. Instead of going to a publisher I decided to do it on my own. With the age of technology I can show you. I can invite you into my home and show you some of the things that can bring a piece of me to you; why not now? My girls had camera equipment and we just made it happen. Denise's Dish is here!

BM: With all the demands Hollywood puts on you as a celebrity, how do you remain the humble and down to earth person you are?

DB: I have been very blessed that the people that I have come in contact with in the industry have been like minded.

If it doesn’t fit, don't force it, right? I gravitate towards the energy I put out. I also think my family foundation is very strong; because they are not actors I am not surrounded with it [demands of Hollywood] within my inner circle. I like everyone and I'll say hello, but most of my friends are not in the business. It's not by intention or on purpose. It's just that way. I mean, I have people who are in the business that are my friends. Many of my friends are opposite of me but I just love them. I don't know, I guess it's just me being me.

BM: Right now women’s issues and the definition of women’s standards is the topic of daily discussion by all. The recent issue of domestic violence and what is tolerable, women's equal pay, etc. has made society take a closer look at today's woman. You seem like a woman who knows who she is and has set a standard for herself. What do you say to other women who might not have a definition for themselves or even a standard?

DB: I think the term woman's intuition is a very strong phrase. When things are not right, as a woman you just know.

So much of our direction in life is based somewhat on a spiritual level. A lot of things are not as cut and dry as people make them out to be. As a woman, no matter what situation you are in, if you take that quiet time to be honest with yourself and define who you are as your own person, you will know what is right. We are all here for only a certain amount of time. So for the time that you are here ask yourself if that is what you want for yourself or to do to yourself? So again, in that quiet time, being honest with yourself and asking what is your passion? will guide you in the right direction both professionally and personally. So my prayer for women in those situations is that they are strong enough to fight for themselves and know they are worth so much more. Here's the thing, I have not walked a mile in that woman's shoes so I can't speak about it. I am never going to be the person that victimizes the victim. I hope and pray that women follow their intuition to follow what they know is right for them.

BM: With your venturing, constant learning, evolution and transformation of yourself and your definition of you, what do you want your child to learn from you?

DB: My daughter is only three. So sometimes when she sees me on Tv she gets a little confused. She will look at me and say, "Mommy you are here, how are you there?" So she sees what I do. My show is shot at home and she is like my little helper at home. For me, I just want her to be her. Whatever her passion is I want her to pursue it. Funny story, she saw the first episode of "Denise's Dish" and said, "Mommy I want to cook too." She has a little Fisher Price kitchen set and one day when I was cooking I brought it in the kitchen so she could be my helper. So while I'm cooking I will give her some of the same ingredients for her to stay busy. So she went on a trip with her dad and she was cooking in the kitchen and telling her dad, "I have a cooking show like my mommy," and went thru the steps I did.

They [children] are so absorbing. It touched my heart. I just want her to be happy, fulfilled and a well-rounded little girl.

Thank you Bronze Magazine. I hope everyone got a chance to see the real me. It's important to me. I would love for people to watch my show, but don't just watch it. I also want you to subscribe. Comment on my social sites and let me know who you are and what you think. Share some of your recipes with me. Let's connect and support each other's passion. I love it!

As our Bronze Bombers know from our coverage of Denise during the Essence Festival we love her! Continued Success Denise, and continue to be an example of what can be if you have knowledge of self and a standard of life to live passionately!

Denise's website www.denisejboutte.com Denise's cooking channel http://goo.gl/Ag1y2W

18 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM NOVEMBER 2014

Long-lasting Blowout

As women, one of our biggest concerns is preserving and protecting our hair. We all know how to protect our natural curls in the rain, humidity, and from a workout. However, protecting a blow out on natural hair is a little different. The moment any water, sweat, rain, or humidity hits the strands, it's frizz city and the hair begins to revert.

For starters, choosing the right products and then applying them in the correct sequence is very important to making a blow out last. The next step to having a long lasting blow out is perfecting your technique. Depending on your hair length and texture, blow drying wet hair may suit some, but for others, air drying then blow drying may be a better method.

I’ve perfected my blow outs by starting off with freshly clarified and deep conditioned hair. Then, while soaking my wet hair, I section it into four parts. I take the first section and coat it with a leave in conditioner such as Carols Daughter Monoi Repairing Leave- In Conditioner. Then, I twist that section and do the other three. Next, I go back to my first section and apply a moisturizing cream, milk, or lotion. I usually opt for Carols Daughter Mimosa Honey, this is a multitasker that moisturizes, controls frizz, and acts as a heat protectant. I then proceed to apply that to the other sections.

In my final step before blow drying, I apply Carols Daughter Hair Balm to seal everything in. This is a concoction of oils that moisturize, add shine, and protect your strands.

I’ve found that applying my products in that order allows each section to absorb the product before applying the next.

This also prevents me from using too much product. Because I apply each product one section at a time, my hair isn’t dripping wet, and each section takes no more than five minutes to dry. I’ve had amazing results with body, volume and shine. Everyone’s hair is different, and finding the right cocktail of products takes trial and error.

by Rosalyn Robinson

BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM NOVEMBER 2014

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19

Wait! Kim Coles is here with Moore...

by Ameliaismore

F

or the past year, Kim Coles has been on a national tour of her acclaimed one-woman show OH BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! Which chronicles the ebb and flow of Kim Coles' showbiz rise, with Hollywood-insider stories, multi-media features and even an interpretive dance number! After Fox’s groundbreaking hit comedy Living Single was cancelled, Kim realized that nothing compares to the free food, personalized parking space, and sweet perks of showbiz success. As pilot seasons came and went and residual checks all got spent, she had to breakdown in order to break through and find true meaning beyond the glitz and glam of the red carpet. With her signature sass and smile and irrepressible, goofy charm, Kim presents a side-splitting show that will make you laugh, and inspire you too. Bronze Magazine caught up with Kim before her recent live show at Gotham Comedy Club in NYC. After watching her on TV and then seeing her live performance that night, I learned that nothing compares nor defines Kim more than when you get a chance to actually talk to this beautifully grounded star.

Shall I proceed??? Yes indeed!

BM: You are someone our Bronze Bombers have been following, supporting and enjoying since day one. Now you are back. Do you feel it's a comeback or are you like Puffy who says, "Don't call it a comeback because I never left." Which one is it for you?

KC: I have never completely turned my back on standup. Standup was the very first thing I did. It actually was how I got into the business. I just kinda turned to the side. I was doing other things. When I'm on a show full-time, I don't do much standup. Stand up is a full-time job in itself. When I do it I want to give it my full focus and respect. Right now I'm at a point in my life where I'm saying to myself, "Wait a minute. Let me go back to my roots, where it all started and pick up the mic again." It does feel like a

comeback, but maybe comeback is not the right word. I guess it's like LL Cool J when he said, "Don't call it a comeback I've been here for years." Now thinking about it, maybe comeback is not the right word. For me, I just stepped back in to the light. Or what I find myself saying is, "I decided to put my crown back on." It's not to say that anyone else took it away from me. Instead, it's more like I just laid my crown down and did other things and now it's time for me to pick my crown up again and put it and me where I belong."

I'm certainly not the first black female to do stand-up ever, but I really was the first of my kind; If you really look back and track the record. I'm saying that with all humility and sweetness. It's not about taking anyone else's crown. I'm just putting mine back on.

BM: With profanity being com-

20 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM NOVEMBER 2014

monplace in today’s communication, I noticed that even still today you don't really curse much in your comedy. Why is that? Is it intentional? How important is it to you to be "Family Friendly?"

KC: I was thinking about that and I think it’s because I was trained by and looked up to by comics that used creativity instead of profanity. By the way, profanity has its way too. I think that there's a way to think about it. If you can tell a story with a little pepper, you can throw in a few words to spice it up. Listen, we are all adults and its funny and kind of naughty which is always fun. There are people who rely only on it and they get their laughs through shock value. I just followed in the footsteps of people who for the most part were not using profanity.

Well, I really can't say they weren't using

profanity because George Carlin cursed and Richard Pryor cursed all the time but they were geniuses. I think for me, it was just that I went a different route; and I went a different route because I was told to be clean. Being clean means you get on television. Clean in the line of Bill Cosby and Sinbad, and I wanted to add to that list Kim Cole.These were the folks that I watched. Again, I was trained that if you want to be on TV you have to be clean. So I decided to start work clean so that when I went into TV I didn't have to clean up my act. There are a lot of comedians who in order to do TV they had to clean up their act. It's very hard to do that switch. For me, it was easy to switch from a night

club act to TV because there are only a few words that I have to take out. Now listen, I’m not squeaky clean, I'm just a little salty. I'm 52 and a half and sometimes you just gotta curse. I think the challenge now is to be funny without having to use the profanity. I’ve learned now that it’s my focus that it is completely possible. For my "Bounce" special, it was a real challenge because a lot of things I'm talking about are about adult issues. Bounce's requirement was to be as family friendly as possible so I had to go through a list of words I couldn't say or gestures I couldn't do on stage.

It was really interesting.Yet I was up to it because that's the lane I drive in anyway.

BM: Oh But Wait, There's More was a one year tour.

How did that come about and do you feel now in both your life and career that statement is also your anthem?

KC: Yes."Oh But Wait" was a show that was in my head for years. That wasn't the original title but I always knew that I wanted to do another solo show. I did a solo show before.

I called it a one woman show, but there was really four other guys in the show. So, technically it was a play not really a one woman show.

This time I wanted to do a full solo show and I didn't know what it was going to be about, so for years I had flashes of what it was going to be, then I had to live life to create ˃˃

the material. So yes, it is my anthem and maybe not my only anthem. I have learned there is always more to life. There's always more to everything. It’s a theme that has been reoccurring in my life. I use this example: I was born January 11th. The thing about anyone who was born in December or January is you spend your entire life hearing people say; "Well this gift is both your Christmas and birthday gift." If you are born in January people have already ran out of money so they ain't buying you another gift. They ain't got no money (Laughter). So as a kid I spent my whole life saying, "Wow, everyone else in the world gets at least one more gift than I do." That thinking of lack, that everyone has more than me does something. As you grow up you live life and go through your challenges believing that someone is smarter than you, or prettier than you, or better than you; we go through it. Even the cheerleaders who in school you think are the A-listers have doubt. So that becomes your anthem. Now cut to my show business career that was moving lateral instead of ascending. It's almost like you hit a flat line. During that time you start asking yourself questions like, "Is there ever going to be another time? Was this my only chance? Am I gonna remain doing this? Having to go through those challenges made me go through the fire and come out on the other side. I loved to tell the story. That's what the show is all about, the ebb and flow of Hollywood life. I can't tell you how many times after the show people come to me and tell me how I told their story too. The show is through the lens of Hollywood; however, my story is the same as everyone's story. It's the hero's journey and we all have it!

BM: What got you through the break down to land in the buildup stage of your life? Was it spiritual?

Was it confidence? Was it the people that support you? Or was it the combination of everything?

KC: I would have to say all of the above. I was going to therapy and I happened to have a therapist who was very spiritual.

She told me that she wanted me to keep a gratitude journal. When you are depressed and you're not working and things are not going the way you want them to, you don't feel like you have anything to be grateful for. So when she said gratitude journal I was like, gratitude, I'm not making the money I use to, I don't have a set to go to, I'm not getting free food like I use too. You know, in Hollywood free food is one of the best perks of the business (Laughter). She had me keep a gratitude journal for 30 days. It was hard at first, but then halfway thru the month I began to look forward to everyday writing 5 things that I was grateful for that were already present in my life. I found that having the attitude of gratitude was always trusting that good things will happen. It requires an attitude shift. It requires you to look away from the dark and face the light. The light is always there, it’s just that many times we choose not to see it. Doing that journal really opened me up and through that process I found myself. I found the reminder that my gift is love and laughter. I learned that I don't have to be on a TV show to spread love and laughter. It would be nice to have another TV show. I believe that I will have another TV show, but once again, it's not necessary in order to spread my gift of love and laughter. Knowing that made me ask myself what can I do to spread my gift? I learned that I can use that gift of love and laughter to remind others to share their own. So to answer your question, I looked within and the goal became how I can use my gift to share this message with other people. I can’t tell you the riches I have received, both material and immaterial, because I decided to serve and share my gift. That's the core of this show and the core of my life now.

BM: You have a new book that is self-published entitled "The Gratitude Journal." How does that book differ from your first book "I'm Free But It Will Cost You?" KC: My first book was a humorous book looking at dating, marriage, sex and relationships. It was back in the 90's before "Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man." As a matter of fact, I just found out that the rights of that book have just reverted back to me so I have the rights to publish that book again. I can do an updated version of it and I will one day. I have to add that to my list of many things to do (Laughter). You know we all have that list (Laughter). The thing about the "Gratitude Journal" is that it is about an inner quest. Its reminding people to go on this quest and journey of your inner self and seek self-exploration and self-development. Asking better questions to and for yourself. Not asking why is this happening to me, but rather what does this mean to me? What can I learn from this? So the two books are very different. For the first book I had a huge publisher and I had an event, and the "Gratitude Journal" is something I did myself. My business manager and I published it together and it’s available online. In this book there is a conversation that goes along with it that makes me very happy. I'm going to continue the journey and I always believe that gratitude is the first thing. Gratitude unlocks everything else.

BM: Understanding all of this now as an entertainer and an author, as a woman, what is the voice you would like others to hear?

KC: This answer is going to sound old fashioned but go along with me. Right now there is a return to real femininity. We had to have the women's movement. We had to have that whole feminine power thing to get us where we are today. That whole conversation was because we needed to prove that we were equal to men and that we could earn as much as a man and that we could hold down a job and provide for our family like a man, etc. We had to prove that back then, but now it's not necessary. Even men know how strong women are; we just need to be reminded of it. Now you're not strong like a man, you are strong like a woman. It's not unequal to a man, it's different. It's powerful! In some ways it's even more powerful than a man. I'm not saying that with the attitude of male verses female. With women there is a power that we have in the knowing. My voice and interest right now is in true feminine power; the power of understanding creation and patience and motherhood. I was never a mother but I have that care and concern. We could rule the world. I don't mean rule with an iron fist. Instead, rule with love and kindness showing the world what the feminine qualities of life are for all of us to learn. It's the kinder, gentler yet still powerful mindset that is different than men. I'm so intrigued with this I have been taking classes on it and reading up on that subject and mental mindset. Stepping into that place to understand that I'm not an alpha male and I don't have to be one. As a matter of fact, I can never be an alpha male because I am a woman. I'm not in competition of him and I don't have to compete with him. Instead, I'm a compliment to him and he is to me. I want to surround myself with men who understand that and are not intimidated by a woman's power. I don't try to play with the big boys because they are try ˃

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23

ing to figure it out themselves. So now I'm like, you guys go ahead and have your competition with yourselves and when you are ready to get it together I'll be right here so we can get it done. It's a completely different perspective. Our power as a woman makes the world.

We create and complete it.

BM: I agree. I say we don't need to fight. I always say if you want to change the nature of things start with the nurturer. That's what we are as women.

KC: Yes we are nurturers and we will always come back to us. In the end it's about that which we provide. I think we are supposed to provide that place of nurturing, safety, learning, growth and rejuvenation. That is what I'm interested in doing. I'm not trying to do it like a man and I don't want to. There are theories about us trying to do it like a man and that's the reason why we are tired all the time. We have to realize we can't do it the way they do it. Instead, we have to do the same thing but the way we were meant to do it. When we do we will be just as successful and even more so because we are doing it our way.

BM: Kim you have done so many things and held so many titles and talents. What do you take away from each one that helps you arrive at the next thing? What helps you switch those gears to get to the next thing?

KC: I don't know that I'm switching. I just think that it’s in me to want to do it all. I've been fortunate to have been on a really wonderful journey and I just like to put one foot in front of the other. Then I look back and go, "Oh look at what I created," and then keep going. I don't know if I have an answer for that. I just keep going.

BM: You have been involved with the "My Black is Beautiful" campaign. Why is that so important to you?

KC: The bottom line is that we live in a society that has a very specific view of beauty that is more Euro-centric. That view of beauty for so long has been in the forefront in the definition of beauty. So anytime all people of color get a chance to say, “Wait a minute, we’re beautiful too, we are pretty too, look at my this, and look at my that, its great! There are features that different cultures of people have that are absolutely beautiful. It's not to say one is more beautiful than the next; we are all beautiful. It's nice to see that and be a part of expressing and celebrating our natural beauty.

BM: You recently taped a live show on Axis TV and are getting ready to have the world watch your live show on "Bounce." Is the Axis a preview of what we will see on "Bounce?" How are the two shows connected?

KC: Being in my hometown of NY has always been so special for me. I love the Gotham Comedy Club and its actually part of my promotion for my stand up special that airs November 12th on "Bounce." So this is just one of the stops I've made to remind people that I have put my crown back on and picked the microphone back up so come out tonight and have a good time.

BM: Regarding the "Bounce" special, what do you hope people come away with knowing about Kim Coles?

KC: I want people to be reminded that I did and still do standup comedy. There are folks that don't know that fact. Actually, there is a whole generation that really doesn't know that at all. Then there are people that know it, saw it and remember bits that I did at the Apollo back in 1985. I want them to know me again. It's about me picking up the mic again putting on my crown again and going back to my roots. That was my path that made everything else happen in my life. Something told me, what if I just go back to where I started and go down the path again, but this time with everything I already know. So it's sort of a new path for me. I went back to the fork in the road and am looking forward to seeing where this new road will take me from there.

We ended the interview with Kim thanking all us Bronze Bombers for taking the time to allow her to share her voice with her followers and fans. She wants everyone to know that she is grateful for everyone and anything big or small they can do to help her overcome her challenges and live her new goals and dreams. She’s making it happen, and she wants every woman to know you can to. Look inside, find your gist, and then put it out there to share with the world and watch what happens.

Yes, Kim Coles, there is so much more to you and we can't wait to see it, hear it and enjoy it with you. Continued Success!

Visit Kim's website at http://www.kimcoles.tv/

24 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM NOVEMBERR 2014

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