Hi lovelies,

Last week I got to brunch it up with a few awesome and influential ladies. Get the full scoop below!

The Mane Choice X Sevyn Streeter

Recording Artist Sevyn Streeter and CEO & Founder of The Mane Choice Haircare Courtney Adeleye hosted a “Boss Up Brunch” at SUR Restaurant on Friday. Courtney & Sevyn teamed up to host an afternoon of female boss empowerment, where leaders across many different industries gathered to network, enjoy the festivities and celebrate Courtney and Sevyn’s latest projects – The Mane Choice’s rollout of the Ancient Egyptian collection in Sally Beauty, and the first look of Sevyn’s highly anticipated album, Girl Disrupted, out July 7. Both women were excited to share their latest work with a group of strong, influential females who are dedicated to making waves in their industries.

Celebrities and female “boss ladies” such as Estelle, Eva Pigford, Laura Govan, Miss Diddy and Malaysia were in attendance. They all enjoyed delicious food and cocktails and participated in the many activities including belly dancing, flower crown making, henna tattoos, selfie mirrors and more.

Atlantic Records artist Sevyn Streeter is set to release her debut album GIRL DISRUPTED on July 7, a gift to her fans for HER birthday. The album will include recently released tracks- “My Love for You” and "Fallen” feat. Ty Dolla $ign & Cam Wallace. This release will also include chart topping features such as August Alsina, Dave East, Dej Loaf and more.

The premise of GIRL DISRUPTED is centered on a message every young woman can relate to, the journey from a young naïve girl to a grown woman. “This important time in each woman’s life forces them to take ownership of their past in order to become the most true version of themselves,” says Sevyn.

FOX's The Gifted. Watch the full trailer now.

May 15, 2017Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

The official trailer for the new FOX show, The Gifted is finally here! Watch it below and see how it all began.

What tore them apart will bring them together.

#TheGifted #AreYouGifted #ad

Summer entertaining with Maureen Petrosky, professional chef and lifestyle expert

July 6, 2015Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

With the 4th of July just behind us, summer entertaining is officially in full swing.

Check out my interview with Maureen Petrosky, professional chef and lifestyle expert, on how to be the perfect hostess during this warm summer months.

Maureen discusses:

It’s all about the flavor - Give those summertime staples a makeover with delicious sauces and dressings sure to please every palate.
Summertime in a glass - When the temperature rises, don’t forget to serve your guests a cool and refreshing beverage. Finding the right wine to pair with your summer menu can elevate your party to the next level
Think outside the box – Put a new spin on American classics to keep your guests talking.

MORE ABOUT MAUREEN PETROSKY:
Maureen Petrosky is an author, television personality, professional chef, freelance writer/ editor, and food stylist. She makes regular appearances as a food, wine and lifestyle expert on NBC’s TODAY show. Maureen has also appeared on CNN, CNN Headline News, FOX News Channel, the Food Network, and broadcast network affiliates across the country. After working with several celebrity chefs as a contributor and editor for their culinary and wine books, Maureen authored her first solo lifestyle book, The Wine Club, A Month-by-Month Guide to Learning About Wine with Friends. Most recently she helped found foodrepublic.com, a food and lifestyle site for guys. In addition, she has written for foodnetwork.com, CNN.com, Bon Appétit, Ladies Home Journal, Better Homes and Gardens and several other publications and most recently as a cocktail columnist for thekitchn.com. Maureen began her television career behind the scenes in the roles of Executive Chef, Culinary Producer, and Food Stylist on Food Network shows including Good Eats, Cooking Thin, Cooking Live, Emeril Live, East Meets West, Taste, Chef du Jour, Hot Off the Grill, Boy Meets Grill, Cooking with Wolfgang Puck, and Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee. Maureen has worked as a Food Stylist, both in film and print, for national and international clients. Maureen continues work as a Culinary Arts and Wine Instructor and has been a guest lecturer at the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone, in California’s Napa Valley, and the Epicurean Classic in Traverse City, Michigan and has appeared as keynote speaker at many food and wine festivals. Maureen holds a certification from the Master Court of Sommeliers and also completed the Sterling School of Spirits. She is a graduate of Villanova University and The Culinary Institute of America, where she also completed a Fellowship at their award winning American Bounty restaurant.

Atlanta: Hollywood's New Frontier, Part 1: Casting Directors

May 1, 2014Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

Now that I'm splitting my time between New York and Atlanta, it's time to start building relationships with the people that have the power to bring me into the room so I can book the job. You guessed it, the almighty casting director.

At first I was worried about breaking into the market down here and making connections. The thought of “starting over” down here while maintaining my friendships, relationships, and connections back in New York was a bit overwhelming. After taking a deep breath and reciting my mantras Deepak-style, I quickly remembered the core basics of building relationships and instead of feeling overwhelmed, I felt inspired and excited for my big new adventure in “The New Hollywood.”

Of course, I wanted to share with you all my core basics of building relationships with casting directors and my list of the top casting directors to connect with in ATL.

Connecting with casting directors:

Be authentic: Show the casting directors who you truly are rather than try to fit into some manufactured mold or type. Once they know the real you, they can see which roles and projects that you would be right for and bring you in to audition.
Have a quality product: By product, I mean YOU! Make sure that you are taking acting classes and honing your craft so when you get called into audition for them you are prepared. Remember: it's not about booking that job, it's about creating a relationship with the casting director so they can bring you in for multiple roles.
Present yourself in a professional way: Even though you want to connect on a human-to-human level remember it's still a business. Have professionally done head shots, an accurate, up-to-date resume, and a reel or links to your work to share with casting.
Reach out consistently but don't stalk: Be sure to mail-in them your head shot, resume, and reel and keep them updated on your recent bookings and news through postcards. Email when applicable and appropriate but be professional and courteous.

BONUS: SAG-AFTRA CAP sessions have just kicked-off in Atlanta. If you are in the union you can sign-up for free sessions with casting directors that includes a Q&A and you get to do a scene and perform for the casting directors. I'm lucky enough to have gotten in with Alpha Tyler, (casting director for BET) and Shay Bentley Griffin (who has cast over 100 films and TV shows).