The gold carpet was rolled
out for the stars during Essence Festival weekend at the 12th annual
McDonald's 365Black Awards held on Friday (July 3). This empowering
event took place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. This
year's show was hosted by KeKe Palmer and Terrence
J, the two really did an amazing job keeping the
crowd's attention with fun chemistry. In between segments, Comedian Ron
G made sure to keep the crowd rolling with laughter. Honoree's
included:
Humanitarian Marc
Morial, former New Orleans mayor and current Urban
Development CEO
McDonald's
Owner/Operator: Caroline Hunter
Arts and
Entertainment Ava DuVernay,
Academy Award-nominated director of the film "Selma"
Living
Legend Dr. Marvin Sapp, Grammy-nominated
gospel artist and Pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Grand Rapids,
Michigan
Trailblazer Jeff
Johnson, journalist, motivational speaker and
political activist
Community Choice Youth Aaron Johnson, 14-year-old filmmaker, author and entrepreneur, and Tori
Turner, 16-year-old entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker
Unrivaled Magazine released it's first issue under the new brand
to cover all things hair, beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment. Rising
gospel star Alexis Spight was chosen for the cover due to her amazing talents
and unique look. She is currently working on her new albumDear Diary, and hit singleAll The Gloryis blazing the charts. It is currently
number 10 in the country! The single is available for purchase on itunes for
only 69 cents!
This past weekend Alexis Spight
made trip to Scott, LA to perform for the Fresh Wind Prophetic Summit gospel
concert. The concert was headlined by Grammy nominated and two time Stellar
winners The Walls Group, other performers included Humble Jow, Shani Paul, and
Pastor Adonti Wallace. The evening was filled with praise and empowerment.
Unrivaled Magazine's publisher
Robin Charles-Living decided to drop in an show support to Alexis Spight and
the other performers. Once Alexis was presented with her very own copy of the
magazine she was ecstatic. Check out the footage below of Alexis looking at
herself on the cover of Unrivaled Magazine for the very first time. She is
definitely a very humble and talented young lady that deserves all that God has
in store for her. The best is yet to come!
UM:Welcome Denise! It is such a great pleasure,
how are you?
DB:I’m doing great,
I just came back from my little daily walk.
UM: Fantastic, well
let’s jump right into the interview. For those who may not be familiar, please
share a little bit about how you got your big break in the entertainment
industry?
DB:Ok I will try to
make this story as short as possible lol. As many of you may know I am from
Maurice, Louisiana. I went to LSU, and got a degree in communications. I then
moved to Dallas, Tx where I worked in advertising, and basically it all began
when several of my clients asked me to fill in to do the work that we had hired
other talent to do. The first occasion was when I was standing in for someone
to pose with their dog for a dog food campaign. I was like omg please no, but
my boss was like whatever the client wants that’s what you do. The next
occasion it happened with the Pampers brand. It just kind of kept happening and
opportunities just kept presenting themselves. The last place I worked at was
with Fossil, I was on the interactive side. I ended up having to model a couple
of pieces throughout the store and was later called by a local talent agent. It
was like destiny lol, not like I was back home in Maurice saying I am going to
be on this show or that show one day!
UM: So as a child,
you never envisioned that you would be an actress, producer, director, or
anything of that nature?
DB? No, that was not even a part of my psyche coming from a
small town in Louisiana.I was only the
third person in my family that had to opportunity to go to college and get a
degree. I wanted to do something that was very practical at the time to get out
of Maurice and do bigger things. I actually thought I was going to be a doctor,
a couple years into it I was like this is so not going to happen lol. It is
funny when I think about it because I didn’t want to be a doctor for any
specific reason other than the fact that when parents start talking about their
kids and saying their kids were successful, what were they? Either a doctor or
a lawyer lol So, I was like ok pick one! I ended up going with communications
due to the different exposures once I got to LSU, and what it was they were
doing.
UM: Well it
definitely all worked out! Next we have a kind of fun question for you! Out of
all the characters that you have had the chance to portray, which one would you
say was your favorite?
DB: Whenever you’re doing a character, you often have to tap
into something within yourself to kind of bring some reality to that character.
There has to be some kind of connection, but personally I always say that I
kind of enjoy playing the bad girl because there are really no consequences.
You can just go and steal somebody’s husband or something, then go home to your
nice home and family without any repercussions lol! It’s just fun to be
something different from yourself. However, I would say that I had the best
time filming the role of “Sasha” she was pretty close to Denise. She was quirkier
and a little more neurotic! Working on the set for such a long time, myself and
the other cast members became like a real family.
UM: What would be
your dream role?
DB: Now my dream role, I have not yet portrayed. I always
say I want to play some chick that is going to kick butt! I want to tone up,
get muscled down, and get the six-pack to kick some serious butt lol! I want to
be a super hero or like an Angelina Jolie assassin with guns blazing and all
that stuff!
UM: We say go for it!
The fans will definitely love it and we will cheering you on lol! Now let’s
talk about your latest film release For
The Love of Ruth, which was more on the dramatic side and allowed you to
tap deep into your emotions. How was that overall experience?
DB:It was amazing,
just working with the caliber of talent on set between Gary Dourdan, LorettaDevine, and James Pickens Jr. These were all people who I watched when I didn’t
even have any conception of being an actress. To be able to just create right on
side of them was literally a dream come true. This is what I often find, a lot
of times when you are working with that level of talent, they are the most
humble and down to earth human beings ever. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment,
and it was the first time that I had worked with TV One. They did one heck of
job promoting, and the film came out about a month after the last scene was
completed. So, it all moved very fast.
UM:All great stuff! Now do you have any other
upcoming films or projects that we should be on the lookout for?
DB: Well there are two. One of them is called The Bounce Back. In that one I star
along with Shemar Moore. I actually play his ex wife in the movie and we have a
daughter together. It was really cool because Shemar is always the sexy guy,
the hot guy, but this was the first time he got the opportunity to play a
father. The other film is The Choir Director, and this one is by Carl Weber.
He is a New York Times Best Seller. For this one I guess I am going back to my
bad girl roots because I play a character named Simone, and she is not a person
you want in your congregation lol!
UM: Both of these
sound really interesting, and we will be looking forward to their release. Now
we have done a little bit of research and found out that you have a cooking
show called Denise’s Dish! How did this idea come about and where do you see
your show going within the next couple of years?
DB:Well in Louisiana
you know that cooking is apart of who we are, so when I first moved to Dallas I
was so homesick. The only way I able to have that connection to home was to get
on the phone with my momma and ask how to make certain dishes. One of the first
things I asked her was how to make a “Roux” so that conversation was like
twenty minutes about the different types of “Roux” and how light or dark I need
to get it. So she was like “Baby to make a light “Roux” you put you a jar of
Jif Peanut Butter on the side the pot, now to make a dark “Roux” you put your arm on
the side on side the pot” It was so funny, but it worked lol! I remember those conversations
and just fell in love with cooking. My mother, my maw maw, and everybody
cooked, so I didn’t have a need other than stirring pots so the food wouldn’t
burn. However, when I left home cooking filled that void. Denise’s Dish came
about because I was watching the food network and I could not find a southern
chick that was authentically from the south. On the Youtube channel you will
find a video on there with New Cupid, who started the whole CuRobics movement.
We knew each other from working at The Gap together a long time ago, so he
presented the idea of taking traditional southern recipes and making them
healthier. For example, instead of using a stick of butter, use a little olive
oil instead. I basically wanted to show everyone a southern girl that really
threw down in the kitchen. Over the holidays I actually shot on location in
Lafayette, LA. So now we’re actually putting together presentations to see
about getting Denise’s Dish on Television. I also have a cookbook with those
traditional family recipes that I am working on right now with some seasoning
blends. My bother who lives in Houston and I are actually working on this. You
will also find out about the famous Nanny Resa’s smothered okra in the
cookbook!
Wow! That is so
amazing definitely let us know when the book comes out! We would like to take
the time and thank you for chatting with Unrivaled Magazine. We wish you
continue success! Before you go please let everyone know where they can go to
keep up with all your current and future projects?
DB: I want to say thanks to the home team for continued
support, it really means a lot. I have my website and social media listed
below.
You Tube Beauty Guru Missy Lynn took it back to her roots by
teaming up with Color Me to bring this fantastic event to her hometown of Lafayette,
LA. The room was filled will her subscribers, friends, and family on the lovely
Saturday afternoon of May 2, 2015. The event was created as
a multi-part daylong experience, which began with Missy Lynn and Eric
Jimenez, co-founder and Global Makeup Artist of Color Me providing makeup
tutorials for achieving the perfect spring glow. Consumers who spent $50
on Color Me were allowed to get VIP red carpet access, an exclusive meet and
greet and photo with Missy Lynn, a makeup application and a free
gift. The second half of the day consisted of a Master Class where
the duo shared more advanced techniques, makeup artist tricks, and
tips on the latest products and trends. The Master Class included a
free gift, food and beverages
Considered the leader in sonic makeup application, Color Me
is forging a new beauty movement that industry experts say has
multiple benefits for makeup consumers. With an automatic sponge that
pulsates at a rate of nearly 15,000 times per minute to mimic rapid finger
tapping, Color Me helps make makeup application faster and smoother.
The device, built on the vision of Co-Founder and International
Makeup Artist Eric Jimenez, buffs foundation onto the skin for an
airbrushed effect in less than two minutes.YouTube
phenomenon and beauty guru Missy Lynn has been a fan and avid user of the
device since its launch in September 2014. Considered a trailblazer
in her industry, Missy Lynn started her wildly popular YouTube channel
in 2010 sharing her knowledge of the cosmetics industry and makeup
application to thousands of subscribers. Unrivaled Magazine was on the
scene for this special event. Be sure to check out more exclusive photos from
this event in the upcoming Spring 2015 issue!!
A pioneer in sonic makeup application, Color Me® has teamed up with YouTube Beauty Guru Missy Lynn to present a special event hosted at ULTA Beauty at Crossroads Annex in Lafayette, Louisiana on May 2nd from 11:00AM – 5:00PM. Drawing on Missy Lynn’s experience as an active duty military enlistee and Color Me’s commitment to our troops, the first 20 veteran and military women who attend will receive a free gift of a Color Me Automatic Foundation Applicator as a thank you for their service. (Government Issued military or veteran ID required.) Created as a multi-part daylong experience, the event will begin with Missy Lynn and Eric Jimenez, co-founder and Global Makeup Artist of Color Me, on hand to provide makeup tutorials for achieving the perfect spring glow. Consumers who spend $50 on Color Me will get VIP red carpet access, an exclusive meet and greet and photo with Missy Lynn, a makeup application and a free gift. The second half of the day will consist of a Master Class where the duo will share more advanced techniques, makeup artist tricks, and tips leveraging the latest products and trends. The Master Class includes a free gift, food and beverage and requires a $50 reservation, which is redeemable in ULTA Beauty product.
Considered the leader in sonic makeup application, Color Me is forging a new beauty movement that industry experts say has multiple benefits for makeup consumers. With an automatic sponge that pulsates at a rate of nearly 15,000 times per minute to mimic rapid finger tapping, Color Me helps make makeup application faster and smoother. The device, built on the vision of Co-Founder and International Makeup Artist Eric Jimenez, buffs foundation onto the skin for an airbrushed effect in less than two minutes. YouTube phenomenon and beauty guru Missy Lynn has been a fan and avid user of the device since its launch in September 2014. Considered a trailblazer in her industry, Missy Lynn started her wildly popular YouTube channel in 2010 sharing her knowledge of the cosmetics industry and makeup application to thousands of subscribers. Missy Lynn is a native of Lafayette and excited to return to her hometown for this special event. The event will take place at ULTA Beauty at Crossroads Annex on May 2nd. Open product tutorials will take place from 11:00am – 3:00pm and the Master Class will take place from 3:30 – 5:00pm. The address is 609 Settlers Trace Blvd, Lafayette LA 70508. Call (337) 981-6815 to reserve your space now.
Troy Byer decided to chat with us about her new film "I Really Hate My Ex." available on DVD and digital download! She also talks about how she has managed to have such longevity in Hollywood. Troy made her debut into the entertainment world at only four years old with her role on Sesame Street. She then went on to star on ABC's Dynasty, and many other films. In 1997 Troy made her screen writing debut with the hit movie B*A*P*S, and went on to directing Love Don't Cost A Thing. She is definitely a trailblazer for many in Hollywood, and we look forward to what else she has in store!
UMAG: Good afternoon Troy, we are so honored to do this feature
interview with you. You have such an amazing body of work and we’re really
excited about your new project.
TB: Thank you so much, I am
excited as well!
UMAG: Let’s jump right in. Tell us a little bit about your new
film “I Really Hate My Ex”?
TB:The story is about three women who kidnap their
exes to get the answers to the questions they think they need for their hearts to be free. The
plan doesn’t workout, so they go home to drown their sorrows over wine. While
surfing the Internet, they stumble upon a chat room called “I Really
Hate My Ex”, which is being hosted by my character and Chris Spencer’s Character.
The topic on the web is “what’s the craziest thing you have ever done to your
ex”. The ladies chime in and start sharing their journey about the kidnapping,
and it becomes a global conversation about how to heal from heartbreak.
UMAG: Wow this sounds very interesting!
How did the idea for the film’s storyline come about? Did you do something
similar to an ex of yours?
TB:Oh
no, I’ve never kidnapped anyone lol That’s funny! No kidnapping here, not at
all lol. The film was actually inspired by a book I wrote entitled, “Ex –Free:
9 Keys To Freedom After Heartbreak.”
UMAG: We just had to ask
lol, glad you didn’t kidnap anyone! Now let’s talk about the cast. You have
some really talented industry veterans in this film such as Leon, Shari Headly,
Chris Spencer, Darrin Dewitt Henson, and more. How was it working with such a
talented group and watching them bring your characters to life?
TB:It was so nice; I was so honored to have each
and every one of these people bring my characters to life. Their level of
commitment was amazing. They came with their A game and they really came to get
down. It was such a privilege to work with all of them.
For entire interview be sure to get your copy of Unrivaled Magazine's Spring 2015 edition.
