Actor Artivist and Spoken Word Poet Jaquair Gillette

Jaquair thank you for joining me. What's up.
Thanks for having me. I truly appreciate this. Appreciate this opportunity. Yeah. That's from one artist to another, from one actor to another, huh?
Yes. Yes. Just think about this moment right now. And then like in a few years from now, we're manifesting, we, we sowed some seeds and all of a sudden we're going to be like playing something in a film or a TV show together or something. Right.
That would be awesome, honestly. Yeah. Right. We share some nice behind the scenes on us, right? Like, Hey you remember when we had a,
And that's how it happens. That's exactly how it happens. And people are like, how are people artists and how do they do what they do? Well, we just gave you a tidbit it's we live from the heart and we live from the unknown. And the unknown for a lot of people is scary, which sometimes it could be as you get older, but also the unknown for a child is that unknown is the excitement thing. And when I was a kid up until now, like the unknown, like, Ooh, it gives me that butterfly feeling and feeling and of excitement. It's like the unknown, that's where the possibilities are created. So what we just did, like, yeah, like the beginning of the pandemic, there was the actors connection, their bi-coastal and they have the free at three, if you're east coast and then 12 o'clock, if you're in LA, you know, adjust if you're in Atlanta or wherever else in the world.
Cause I know they're in Atlanta as well. I jumped on from the beginning. I'm like, oh my God, like I need this. I need actors connection to be my stake in the ground. And they did the free at three or 12 every single day. And now they're just doing it Tuesdays and Thursdays. But they brought on casting directors, producers, agents, like coaching branding people and like, you know, a hundred to 300 actors showed up like every single day. And that's how Jaquair. And I, we met because he just like, it was a day for us to like connect as actors because like the gas couldn't show up or something. And we like got on. I'm like, yo, I created this web series couples therapy. I'm producing this, I'm doing this. I connected with a lot of people from actress connection.
And Jaquair said like, I'm a poet. And I'm like, yo, I have a podcast. And I'm like, I'm a poet too. I have a book coming out. Like I'm doing a season all about like poetry and the arts and the heart. Like I want you on. And here we are. Boom. Here we
Are. Yep. Just like that. Wow. I mean, yeah. And, and now it was actually one of my favorite free at threes adapters connection because you know how Colleen matter of fact, salute to Colleen and I mean, she is just amazing. She's helped so many of us like just a pure blessing and just the fact that we all got a chance to connect and see one another and yet that's how we connected. And, and I was like, I was like, wow, is he okay? And you reached out to me. I was like, cool. Yeah. Why not? That'd be awesome. And here we are.
Yeah. A couple of things now, now, well like Colleen is going to be on the show. Should we were already scheduled and she's pregnant. So like we rescheduled. So she's going to be on, I created the web series, actors, couples therapy, like I just mentioned, and actress connection just had submissions where they're looking for content to feature for, you know, the people in the community who created content through the pandemic and they selected my web series and they're going to premiere it on their YouTube channel, which is really cool. And then circling full circle. We also created together because we have a new, the sophisticated psychos Ray or radio show, which is gonna, and we put one of your spoken word pieces on our new one, our radio show.
And it's, it's an amazing piece. And I would love to have that piece on my podcast if that's okay.
Absolutely. And thanks again for, you know, just, I mean, for even like for, for hearing it for listening and even just wanting to actually, you know, have it to be a part of your project. I mean, I, I truly appreciate it, you know, it's just, thank you. Thank you, Katie
Pleasure. Yeah. I mean, it's who I am and what I do and they call me K the connector. Those are my initials, KC, K the connector. And that's what, that's what I live for. I love putting other people collectively on a platform because when I was really little, I remember I wanted someone to do that for me. And I said, I'm going to do that for other people. And so that's how I, like one of the reasons why I became a producer and a peer, a person who was in spirit inspired holding hands together because in 10 years we're going to be holding each other's hands on set together of the B the big films. We're we're the next of our generation were the we're feeling. We're filling the shoes of the quote unquote Giant. And it's like, you know, we're, we're doing this hand in hand. So it's like five years, 10 years from now. It's like, yo, okay. Had my back. You know, she had my back and I was like, oh, like declare had mine.
And it was like, and that w that's that's a part of building a community and people are talking about it more and more now building communities. Now we're being vocal and you're being vocal in your life intention on purpose, on point of who you are as an artist and putting it into your poetry and speaking up about social justice, social justice issues, environmental issues. So give me some brush strokes about that. Of, of what stems for you there. I would like to know more.
Yes. Thank you, Katie. And yeah, absolutely. And actually I'll just real quick before the, the piggyback on what you were saying about, you know, you know, you're being a connector and you know, you wanting someone to do that for you when you were younger. I actually recently teamed up with my Alma mater Aramco college in New Jersey to do an alumni association event where I have my fellow peers, who I came up with through the theater program. And, you know, from the film TV programs who are in the field in different aspects, whether they are performers or the teachers, et cetera, to come back and to actually speak to, you know, our, you know, our successors because, you know, we didn't have that. And that idea came to me being on set one day, talking to other actors.
And I said, what's the one thing, you know, we was talking about what we wanted to do. And it was that, and they asked me, why are you doing that? And I thought about it. And I said, no. I said, you know what, I'm going to do it. So I reached out to them and we've been building this. We started it last year during the, you know, in the fall during the pandemic. And we're, you know, we continue with this, this spring. So that's why I was like we said, I was like, wow, he had it made me think of that. So perfect. And that's, I want to go to social justice
Thing in spirit inspire taking action. So I would love for you to listen to a couple episodes. It's it's the second to last episode in season two manna box is this woman who lives in Michigan. Now she was speaking in South Africa because of the pandemic. She had to do it virtual. And it was like a couple of hundred ladies. And she found out how bad it was there. These African-American women own business, south African women, not all African-American majority, but south African women owned businesses. And these women have our mamas there.
They have children and they're going through the pandemic and she found out it wasn't a couple of hundred, it was 1800. And she went and she meditated in Michigan and she thought, what can I do? What can I do? She's like, and she said, if it's not, she's like, it's you. And she's like, if it's not you then who, if it's not now, then when, and she took action. And in a few months during the pandemic, she raised over a million dollars and helped all 1800 women. I'm getting chills in South Africa. And I got chills. When you told me what you just told me that you're doing. So listen to this. And then she went full circle with the connection of like Africa and the connection of, you know, sugar man and the guy who I thought was African-American, but he's Hispanic, I believe, but searching for Sugarman, the documentary of the connection of Detroit and Africa, there's this huge connection of Detroit and Africa.
Have you seen the documentary?
No, actually this is, this is news to me. That's what I'm, but I'm definitely gonna put it on my list.
Oh, yo. At the top of your list, as a poet, you're going to love this story. He's Michael Jackson in Africa and he's still living. He's not even gone. He went there and he did a, he did a performance and it's just a different life. He would have lived. And he's still now in Detroit living. So, so I'm almond spirit and inspired by your words and what you're doing. And I'm, I'm doing the same thing. Like I told you, like I put as a hashtag for a niche actor, activism, and to be a voice. And I reading this pack, I was reading this article on Washington post about Katherine Heigl and her new TV show on Netflix and how in 2009, she spoke up saying, oh, I don't deserve this Emmy. I don't want this Emmy. And then it was before the me too thing.
And like, she went on this whole journey and had backlash online, blah, blah, blah. And it's like, that's another story for another time. But she was like, speaking up now, like if she would've said those same things now, would it have been such a big deal? Right. So circling back around to social justice issues and what you're about and what you're putting through your poetry and as a Artivist artist, who's an activist. And you're combining these two. How does that look for you for your actor, for you being as you know, a humanitarian in life?
Yes, it's well, you know, I think that I was, I always say that I was fortunate and blessed to actually early on growing up in my hometown in the city of Paterson to be surrounded by a level of consciousness in the community, you know, you know, especially during that time period, I believe that that time period was just, it was right where you had this, this consciousness, this, the social political consciousness and this African-American political thought consciousness. So I came out of that vein. And then when I went into college, I had, I began with an organization that I became not only a member, but then eventually the president of, and that was B mat, which stands for brothers making a difference.
So it was due then that, you know, just being in that organization, doing the work of, you know, foster and empower and every man, woman, and child, you know, especially the African diaspora, you know, but, but particularly men of the African diaspora, you know, black and Latino men, it's only not only be a capable members of the community, but also to support the community and major, minor crisis. Do I work in education, but it was do activism, do a patrician work and drives, and also, you know, fundraising for different causes that, you know, we believed in, you know, Harley, you know, of course, poverty and also fighting against systemic racism, you know, and also fighting, you know, for the environment, you know, and, and just having all of that, just being in me and then also just doing it. You know, I, I think that just as artists, not only it's one thing to just create, but, you know, which is very powerful in itself, you know, but it's also, you know, what kind of work are you putting into community?
So just continuing that spread. And then I went on to start doing more environmental work, you know, with, within my hometown and city of Paterson. And actually I'm part of the community gardens, which is a Greenacre community garden. I was one of the, you know, co people who helped put that together, you know, alone under our leadership deacon Davis, you know, and an entire green acre community garden team. And we just been actually feeding the community, you know, growing and harvesting food and also having educational dynamics brought to it as well. And, you know, just doing that type of work because, you know, you know, community health as a part of community wealth, so education, but also put an action.
And then also that has been a whirlwind of inspiration just in my creativity and doing poetry and also, and even in acting and producing like yourself, you know, I mean, you're a woman of many hats. Like, I mean, all the stuff that you do is just, I'm like, man, like how does Katie even sleep at night? You just do like so many different things. And, you know, and I like have taken on like many of tasks, especially creatively and try to infiltrate that in my RS also producing, like when my short film, you know, that we have, that's making the festival circuit rounds entitled the third and fourth Chapters, and it's dealing with equal justice economic inclusion, which are the last unfulfilled chapters of the civil rights movie.
Love that, oh my God, I'm going to totally geek out for a second. Like what did you shoot it on?
Yeah. Oh, we shot it on. Actually we use two cameras, we shot it on a Sony and we also shot it on it on a, on a Canon. I, I forget which one,
I
Think it was the, yeah, I think it was the, I want, wanna say it was it might've been five D actually. Yeah.
It's probably the five D cool, cool. And then the Sony, a 6,500. Do you know what Sony?
Oh, I, you know what, when I saw it was Sony, I was like, okay, good. Like, I can't even remember exactly which one, which one it was, but it was who edited it. Oh, we had edit team. It was under, it was a group. It was with my buddy. One of my partners. We, we did it kind of stuff like by committee, you know, it was interesting. We had a, like, it was me and my partner, Sean English keep roles. And under most of my close friends, Zen, you win. You know, he actually is a editor at M at NBC and he, you know what I'm saying? Like, he actually like really like helped us out tremendously with that and input and everything. So,
Wow. So through the power of the community, you had, you know, different people doing their parts and to really make it flourish and come together. That's so supportive and amazing. And so you have the idea for this short film.
Yeah, actually it's funny. The idea it came to part, it was, I was in, I was in LA at the time and I was with my cousin and, and he was doing, he was doing, doing films out there at the time. And my partner, Keith Burroughs was, he had a story idea of, of he wanted to do something, dealing with what was happening, you know, especially with, you know, with the law enforcement. And I was talking with my cousin and we just having a quick conversation about what, you know, he asked me what role you were scared, you know, you're scared to do. And I told him, I said, oh my God, max, I would never play that role. And he was like, why not? I said, well, I mean, because I mean, so many different factors that, well, because one Denzel does such a phenomenal job.
It's like, I don't want to go behind that. Like, like anyone like you going behind him and you know, him
And behind that, you can't exactly.
Yeah. You know, so it was like, it was in Zelle and now it's a Nigel Batu had just did it in Selma. I was like, these guys were, I was like, I was terrified. And then, and he kind of, he said that, you know, you should try to say, we say, you know, why not just, you know, take your take on it. And I thought about it. And I say, you know what, the fact that I was so scared of it. And also because of such a, the amount of respect that I, you know, I had from him mixing in his life and when he had meant to, you know, it's our community, I just like, I didn't want to touch it, but I saw Denzel Washington and my, and spike Lee on the inside man, DVD extras. Right. Talk about how he did it, how he prepared for the Malcolm X park.
And when I heard that, I said, that's the blueprint. And I was like, I'm going to take my fears on and I'm going to do it. And when I was looking for material to do for my CMX, my, the material that I came across was matching exactly what my partner, Akiba, the story that he was talking about. And, and he had called me, he said he had the idea and I was like, yo, I'm actually doing something right now. That's connected to that. I said, wait a minute, w we may have something here. So I didn't, I, then I took, I took what he had. He had the story and then I took the Michael Mex piece. And then I combined it and I wrote the script
Out for it. He did it through the union.
This one. Yeah. This one was a, unfortunately it was at w non-union at
Scripted. Absolutely. The film set for a festival circuit.
Absolutely. We, we actually, we have been accepted into six film festivals, accepted, accepted, and we asked you to, yeah, thank you. Thank you. And we won an award and one actually already the, I believe it just changed the name
International film. That is
Correct. That is correct. Yeah. And I believe it just changed the name to that to, I think Toronto independent film festival of sift.
Cool. Very cool. I've been to Toronto. I went to the Toronto film festival, yo T submissions for that, one's like 55, 70 $5. It's like, yo, it's up there, but I've been to that film festival for a film, like back in like 2008. I think it was seven. Yeah. I looked Boston, my red carpet photos, by the way, if anyone wants to Google and look at them,
I have seen some of them. Yes. I was like, okay, well I'll Katie doing her thing. Look at that. Huh?
Akiba is a great friend and a great partner for someone to like care about you and call you out until like, for you to beat. You're only, you're only as strong as your weakest link. So to be able to like, Hey, what's your fear? Like, what would you never do? And then actually put you put the thought and reflected on it. And then you actually made art out of it. Like, that's the beautiful thing about being an artist and having these kinships and communities and, you know, having and befriending quality people who are, who become lifelong partners, you know, that's, that's beautiful. That's I love that. And thank you for sharing that story.
No problem, man. It was, you know, it's been, yeah. Like, you know, it's an interesting how things just connect. Like, you know, it started with just, you know, LA you know, with being in LA with my cousin and doing that. And then when he called me about that and it just, I just saw the connection. I said, yeah, I think we have something here. And then, you know, we made it and, you know, we just just been enjoying his ride on a, on the circuit today. So how long, you know, was about 28 minutes, long,
20 minutes. I can watch it. I would love to see it. Not
Yet. We have, we are. Cause we got a couple more film festivals that we are, you know, that we have applied to. So we're just waiting to hear back. But we do believe that we're going to have a release in a summer.
Whenever you have a link available for the listeners, what up listeners, we're here for? You let me know. Hey, let me know. Cause we can always go back and edit and put them in the show notes. So I can always put a link, you know, by the time someone hears this, cause it's an evergreen episode. By the time someone hears it, maybe the, the link will be below and we're going to have show notes for you to be able to get in contact with Jaquair and co connect with him on different levels. So people want to contribute and be a part of the community if they live by you or if they want to just give you some money to support what you're doing or you know, how can people get in touch with you?
Yeah. You can, you know, you can reach out to me, I'm on a Facebook and I'm on Twitter at Jaquair J a Q U a I R. And I'm also on Instagram at, I am Jaquair yeah,
Yeah, yeah. And I'll have that in the show notes. So you out, no one has to write those down or anything, but so, so that's like environmental issues, social justice issues, any other topics you want to bring up in regards to that?
Well, you know, we could, you know, we have tooth, I mean, so many, it's so much to go around, like, you know, like to, to go back what you were saying about being humanitarian. You know, I think that, you know, to really be a humanitarian, you know, I think that you have to also care about other facets that affect, you know, being human. You know, I think that you can't really like can't be in humanitarian and not also thinking support, you know, you know, the, the preservation of our natural environment, you know, you can't be humanitarian and not think about economic issues, you know? Like you can't think about like, I just, cause it's all interconnected, you know, you can't be a monetarian and not think about, you know, like how, you know, how, you know, our fellow men and, you know, women could potentially, you know, treat animals, you know?
Like I think you have to be conscious of that. And you have to, you know, because you have skin in the game, so to speak, you know, like I think that for so long, we, we have developed a, a frame of mind that we look at life as like a mechanism. Whereas it's a really, it's an organism, you know, so many different moving parts, all affecting one another, you know,
Have you seen, I think it's called one big rock with will Smith. He's the narrator it's on Netflix. It's a, it's like an eight.
Yeah, I did not. I did. I have not seen that. I feel embarrassed. I did not know that.
Oh my God, no, no. Don't feel embarrassed. That's why we're here. Yo like, listen, like everything you're saying, like the way the air moves, the wind and the Amazon affects everything else in the world and the planet. Like I'm like, you are everything you're just saying is exactly what's in, it's called one big rock and it's will Smith. It's so moving. Like I had to watch like two or three in a row, but there's like six or eight episodes. But w put that at the top of your list, please. That's for the earth, the planet, everything you're involved in. And then also the sugar man with the movie and the connection between Africa and Detroit, Michigan put that as number two. I mean, just, it depends if you want to watch a, they're both like docu series type.
So, oh my gosh. You're going to love, love these, like put them at the top and then you're going to, you're going to be so inspired. You're going to be writing some more poetry pieces and coming back on she's all over the place and sharing those with us.
Yeah. I'm with it. I love it. Yeah. So yeah, if I have that on my list right now, I got one big rock and I got the sugar man. So Hey, I'm not somebody. I was dumb. You're right. I'm, I'm glad that you have informed me, you know, on these things because I feel like not like, like I'm slipping. Like I,
No, no, no. We're human beings, you know, like you were saying, like there's so much, there's so much stimulation. There's so much going on. So that's why we're supporting one in each, each other. And that's why we're here. And that's why, you know, the listeners are here as well, you know, to be inspired and, you know, apply this to the principal in which, you know, is their path, whatever it may be, there's no right or wrong, you know, it's just to inspire and get the wheels turning and moving with one another. Yeah. So what I was thinking is, so do you want to like bust out a piece and let's let's have you like do a piece right now?
That'd be really,
Yeah. Yeah. Matter of fact, it was, you know, especially on the, you know, in this social justice vein, you know? Yeah. I wrote this piece back in 2018, you know, during the time of the social political climate of idea that was happening. I mean, you know, we had Charlottesville, we had, you know, you know, with the rise of these, you know, these, of course of these hate groups and everything. And I just started thinking of all of this. And I was like, you know what? I started writing jotting down of everything. And I can't a realization. I was just like, you know what? I was like, America, we're going to have to pick a side. And that's why I had titled the piece, pick a side. And I'm going to share that with you right now, declare war on a multiracial democracy.
Using the blueprint of the constitution. Hypocrisy is using the tools of whiteness and all its properties, Korean divisions with precision, with foster economies, rationalizing Eliza, they convictions women khakis and times how they positions claiming nationalism is the description, but it was really white supremacy, different prescription behold, the truth is unfold. So what's your decision. Pick a side. Those are the lines of clearly defined. I understand the disconnection. See our country has subsidized ignorance since its inception don't fall for Donald or David Duke's language deception. There is no formal Alliance, but there's a connection. So let me ask you this question. What's the lesson pick aside claiming is just economic anxiety. As you lie to me when it's more so racial, resentment dress and papaya, you believe in the gospel of meritocracy spoon fed you as the truth by the plutocracy, telling you that the others, with the problems of this democracy, when really it's their system of monopoly, same playbook.
Since the colonial period, you fell for the same con again and again, same group, different men period. So your indifference to suffering as you suffering period, you less if for affluence, and now you're under the influence period. You blame the victims of the system. And now you're the system's victims period, blinded and wedded to the fiction of whiteness period. Even if democracy ends in fascism, that's serious. Pick a OSI, look, we've all inherited this mess, but now it's our time. The line joining the sand will be paid for on our dime. And maybe I should have said this on the first line, but I'm on the side to make America great for everyone for the first time, pick a side.
Oh, thank you. Wow. What a performance. Thank you. Thank you. The words are beautiful. I have so many chills, like endless, endless chills, so wow. Realism, real real. It's so real. It's so beautifully well said. Thank you.
Matter of fact, I can tell you a quick backstory to that. The first time I ever performed it, it was at Nuyorican. It was at new Rican post cafe. Right. And I, it was the last show for the verses. It was in December, the very last show for versus what was just showed us produced by kale, Charles media at New York under Eurekan. And it was also that time that Halina de Lewis, you know, mazing Poet. And she, it was the last time hosting the show as well. So, you know, I'm, you know, I was like, yeah, I'm gonna call do support. You know, I was actually going to perform, I just had come through the support, you know, for the last show. And you know, I'm talking to the producer by the steps. And then, you know, these women started walking down the steps and you know, and me I'm, I, my, you know, my, my mother and my grandmother and Dee, they raised me like, you know, you posted, you know, if not get out the way, help them down the stairs.
So, yeah. So I was, you know, in helping downstairs and I was like, how are you doing? I was like, Hey, go on leaves. And I was like, Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey. And it was Alexandria, Ocasio, Cortez.
Oh my God kills. Because it's conversation. I was wondering if like, you've contacted her. Have you talked to her?
I had, well, okay, well I have contacted her. Yes, I have. I've actually, I messaged her the, the, the poem. I haven't heard nothing yet, but we'll see,
You need to follow up because her brother reached out to Nikki Scorpio, my music partner, and they were going back and forth and he was wanting to do music. And the, her brother reached out to Nikki, my producer and my music partner, who I created the sophisticated psychos with who've you checked it with, yeah. You need to follow up with her.
Wow.
You can't be like, you can wait a minute. You can't be like, oh, I haven't heard anything back from her yet. I mean, she's let me hear her hearing her name more and more. You need to follow up with her and it's not through an email. You need to send her the MP3 audio to that.
Yeah, no, you're absolutely right. Katie. I have been, you know, I I've been slipping in that department, but
Actionable steps when this podcast one big rock will Smith shift, man, searching for Superman and
AOC and ALC is the
First one you should do. Cause that'll be the quickest, quick email.
Yeah, let me with that story I had. So, and I was telling the producer at the time, he didn't know what you want us to. She literally just got into Congress and he was like, he didn't know. I looked at him. I was like, you gotta be kidding me. So I was like, all right. But, so I went to the bathroom and then when I went downstairs, you know, I didn't think I thought she had left. Right. So, all right. And then I'm watching all these great Poets go through, you know, everyone's doing a phenomenal job. And then Halina, the host comes up to me. She was like, all right, John, do you want to close the show? And I was like, Mindy. I said, yeah. And she was like, yeah. She's like, do we think you're not going to perform my last show? And I was like, all right, cool. And I was like, you know what I do have, I have this one. I want to try it. Cause I never performed it before. And I get up there, I perform it. And then the first person who pops up out of their seat is Alexandra Ocasio, Cortez.
And she's talking about how she loved it. And she kept them. She was like, oh my God, like, I didn't know you was even perform. And like, yeah, like she gave me hung. And then, you know, we just, we chopped it up and we took a picture and matter of fact, it's, it's on my Instagram is a picture of me and her.
Oh my God. Well, when we do the promo for your episode, we'll totally use that in the, in the promo for you and Tagore. But when you eat, so when you email, just put the near near Eurekan poetry cafe slash, and then the name of the piece have a listen MP3 and then attach it and be like, yo, like you really made an impact on me. Congratulations on everything you're doing right now. I stand with you. Here's the MP3 let's collaborate and do something.
Katie. That's a great idea. You should be my manager.
Ah, yeah. I mean, we can like more of a consultant coach, more of a consulting coach, but you know, you know, this chick of the managers, you know, And I'm the artist. So I mean, I couldn't, I'm all about, I'm a Scorpio. So I'm all about faith and loyalty and trust. And I know what it's like being an entertainer. Like If you
Scorpio,
Oh, Scorpio, when's
Your birthday? November 19th.
Mine's the 11th, 11, 11. But I have a friend who's on the 18th and now I have a new friend who's on the 19th. That's so cool. But yeah, I'm, I'm all about that loyalty, integrity and being faithful. So I know what it's like when you're a talent and if you don't book a job within 90 days, you can all invoice that contract. And I'm like, yo, I'm not having, I'm not billing. I'm not, I'm not building up a talent for sometimes as a manager, it takes a whole year or two to groom that talent. I'm not grooming the talent. And then they get into a, a book, one job, and then they go off to a bigger, better deal and leave me in the dust. I'm like, I'm like the biggest, the best investment you can make is in yourself.
And so I can consult. So I coach people now, I like, I'm not pitching you. I'm just generally speaking. So I
That's news to me. I didn't even know that I was just saying that I was saying as a joke.
Yeah. So separately I coach people and I actually have a course coming out that people can download, but that's being edited right now. But I even have a course because I find a lot of the times the things that I'm coaching and saying, it's like, I can literally have an outline for everything I'm saying. So I've put the fundamentals in a course because that's my time and the energy and that's people time and energy. And it's like, yo, let me just save you the time and energy. Let me save myself the time and energy and packages. So that's what I've done. But separately. Yeah. Yeah. So, cause it's like the same thing that's being said over and over. It's like, so we, yeah. So that's what I did. I'm like I started coaching people and consulting because it's like, I'm D I'm fulfilling you and gifting you and having you gain this valuable insight and knowledge that you want and then you have it and then you can go do whatever with it.
No strings attached, no strings attached. I'm not depending on you to put money in my bank account. Like in the near future. I'm not depending on you, you know, it's like, I I'm, I'm an advocate I'm helping, I'm helping you sow seeds in your garden and showing you how to nurture those, those seeds that you planted and giving you branches of your own and in your community of other people who like are bigger and better quote unquote than me. So you can have an expanded community in those areas. I'm here to enrich you and empower you. Cause yo, you're going to have this amazing flourishing garden, but guess who's in that garden, me I'm in that garden. You're gonna be like, yo, let's go check out the roses over, over to the left. That's my home girl. What's up and saying,
Yeah,
Like you said, it's like, it's not just one thing. It's just, it's like a macro thing. We're all like on an intergalactic level of how we're interconnected here. And that's kind of like the brand Nikki Scorpio coined of she's all over the place. Because like we're not in a two dimensional world. We're in the fifth dimension here and it's like to be an entrepreneur. It's like, yeah, you don't have to be on all the social media platforms. But it's like, oh, they're like how you're saying pick a side. And they're like, oh, pick one thing. Like pick one. It's not just one thing you can't just like pick one thing. It's it's like you said for the first time, it's like, you're going to do it. Like, even though you're saying pick a side, you're creating like a new vision you're going on top or to the sidelines or to the left or to the right to show like, yo like there's a new side to this overall side, you know, and right.
Like there's a new way. And for me as an artist, like I'm just looking at life as a blank canvas and it's like, you can put whatever you want on the canvas and approach each individual every time with the new canvas. I'm not sure what,
I'm not sure now. Yeah. And it's not naturally, this is not, this is not the final frontier of us, you know? I, I, and I guess it's just, you know, the, the creative I man, I, and you know that, I know that's in you. It's like, you know, we can always like the opportunity to create new systems, to create new institutions, to new decree, you know, to create new, you know, new things that will truly benefit humanity. You know, it's possible, you know, like I like, you know, like I don't believe in utopia, but I believe a better world is possible. And I believe that our current systems are not the end all and be all, we can create new systems. We can create new entities to be able to push humanity forward, you know, if, and, and, and that's just, and that's even, that's the job of us as artists, you know, our job is to, you know, to not only to show the beauty and the truth of humanity, but also its possibility.
Yeah, definitely. Definitely, definitely. So let's talk about some shows. You've been a part of, oh, and before we do that, what, what you just said and what you're, the actionable steps you're taking is you created your own short film. You're creating your own content. You're not sitting there as an actor, a puppy, please feed me, please hire me in a job, please, please, please pat me on the head and tell me when to come to set and how to be like a good actor. You're creating your own opportunities. You, you take, you took action for not only yourself, but other people and you give you employed them and given them opportunities. And you're in the independent world of putting your content in the feature film.
So then producers and directors would be like, yo, and then they'll finance you and take it to the next level. You're not, that's how it is. I mean, with the social media and all the, the phones and the YouTube, you can put out your own content. You know, there's a lot of actors who listen to the show, what up, thanks for being here and all that content, you know what I'm saying? So it's like, yeah, like, like, okay, yeah, get an agent and all that. And in the times of now of getting an agency, unless it's like a referral or something, it's really hard, you know, like you can go to actress connection, you can go to some other places and, you know, pay a small fee to be seen by these agencies and yeah, that's cool and stuff. And also it's like, there's, you know, everyone needs to put food on the table.
It's a business everyone's getting cuts. You know, they're seeing the talent of what's out there. What are the percentages of actually taking talent on, you know? And, and a lot of, you know, not taking talent on because everyone's working from home and, you know, a lot of agents are losing their jobs and they don't know if they're going to have a job or not. You know, so, you know, it's interesting time. So to be able to produce and create content and, you know, be friends with John Jaquair and someone like me who produce already, you want to be friends, the producers so they can put you a part of their projects, you know?
Absolutely. Yeah. Like I, I, you know, I, for example, international film, like, yeah, like I made sure, like I paid the actors. I was like, I was not going to, I was like, especially as an actor and knowing how to, what the, you know, like we, you know, we know what that life is. Like I said, no, man is going to get paid. It may not be much, but they will definitely get paid. They will get compensated. We will feed them. And when they will get their credits and everything, they have that IMDV credits all that. And if they wanted footage that would have access to it, I made sure I was like, no, that's definitely gonna happen. Cause we're going to do business. We're going to do it. You know, don't do it the most or the most righteous ways we can do it. And, and, and, and, and piggyback off what we talked about entrepreneurship, you know, that's something else that I've been like, you know, just big on just studying, like, I've been just taking these, I've been taking.
Cause you know, we had started this entity to produce this film, but now I'm like, you know what? We want to create something different, you know, a different way of doing business. Like whether it be from a traditional, regular, you know, just top down pyramid, like, you know, we want to create something that not only matters, but something would that has, you know, that, that, as long as that, that goes along with the lines of economic democracy, you know, like something that is different, especially in our industry, which I feel needs it, you know, a lot, because like you say, it's so much, it's, it's hard to be an artist out here. Does the destructions and everyday designed for you not to your, or it's designed for you to pretty much, you gotta be already wealthy, you know, to like, like how everything's designed.
Like it's almost like it's like a rich kids playground, so to speak and you know, that doesn't have to be, you know, and I think that us as artists who, you know, who don't come from those backgrounds, it's like, Hey, listen, we have things to contribute, but we can also do business differently. We don't have to do it the regular traditional ways. And she had shots all the artists out there, you know,
But also it comes from, you know, having diverse backgrounds and, you know, being in the see. But the thing is, I think the missing element for what you're saying is the eloquence and the language and the vocabulary and the class with ethics and the morals and the values, because what you stand for on a conscious level in the environment and the way that you think, I think you could have a course or coach people who don't have the privileges and the quote unquote, money's in their pocket when you show up and you're classy and you're respectable and you speak in a way to honor other people who do have something that you want to obtain, not take what they have, but to enjoy the, what they flourish.
I think it's, it's, I think it's some times the, the approach of how, how one comes off as a bracing or ignorant or unappreciative. So when you have more gratitude and you say things in, in a way where you cannot communicate with other humans, I think that goes a long way more so than like some of noxious kid who may have a lot of money or some obnoxious, wealthy quote unquote person who in the illusion of someone has it all, because I've been around all that too. And I've had all that and I've been around that and like they're short of their ethics and their morals and their values. And they're short of certain things because they don't have certain rudimentary levels.
That may be those people you're speaking about have, so there's, there's a balance to it all. And it just it's, the grass is greener on the other side, even though one seems more easier and privilege in such a way, it doesn't mean they have a bad better, maybe on, on this planet, maybe in your mind, maybe in this moment, you feel that they have it better, but what, like you said earlier, we're all interconnected. So we all have the same of everything really like on a micro macro level, it's just about our attitude and how we approach it. And we get out of our own way in our own ego to feel like we're like, we're expecting something or that we're owed something.
And that goes back to the movie that just came out recently called soul. And how, if you G if you look at that Film, have you seen that animation
On Disney plus, right? Yeah. Yeah, yeah. It's, it's, it's on my list of, of weekends of a weekend things to watch on the weekend. I haven't had a chance to get to it
Tonight. Tonight. First you need to be inspired, watch it tonight or tomorrow. But when you watch that, it shows you how we chose to come. And we chose to be here in, in, during, under the circumstances that we're here. So the people who are fighting for a chance, it's a part of the mechanism that they chose when they came to this life, when we called to be here.
Yeah. Actually, it's interesting. You had mentioned that, cause it reminds me of what the late Poet, Amy CSR said, when he said, he said that I'm probably paraphrasing his poem, but it was just, it was just magnificent. He was saying that how he, pretty much, he was saying that how there is still a great deal left to be done in the world and that the race of man is not finished and there's room for all of us at the rendezvous of
That's exactly what I believe. It's so true. There's enough for all of us. There
Is
Plentiful. And so circling back, thank you for those beautiful words and circling back around to the near Eurekan poetry cafe and how the owner passed away. And
Some in to professor Miguel, I green and he was amazing.
Yeah. So I don't know if you were there when I performed it's so wild, because you could have been in the audience when I performed, or maybe you were offering me. Maybe you remembered me. I don't know.
I mean, so many artists have, you know, have come through there. I've been there so many nights. I mean, I probably have, I may have actually seen you or maybe we might've just missed it. Doesn't somebody who was there that night. And I came the next night.
You never know. You never know. So when I was stomping grounds in New York city in and out in and out, like, you know, I'm, bi-coastal LA in New York and like, yeah. Yeah. And like the LA scene is so different. New York, New York is just so like with standup, it's like raw, real open legs. It's cool. Cause you can bop everywhere so easily, you know, like cabs, trains, whatever. Well then you could, but, but LA is just so spread out and I, I never got to, I know there, there was like this thing at Fairfax and like, yeah, it was like right by Fairfax and yeah, yeah. This girl like Sam, Samantha, she owns our reality TV show production.
And like, her husband is the, is the guy who's like, you know, runs it and his, he owns it it's his thing, but, and like, I was invited to it, but it just anyways, so I never like, like, I really got hard and deep in New York and I love the near you, the near Eurekan. And it's like a tongues was there near, near Eurekan poetry cafe. And so one small story I have is one time, this standup comedian got on the stage when I was done. And he's like, yo, she's like, she's like the Nicki Minaj, Taylor swift of spoken word poetry.
I just thought that was like the coolest, best compliment ever, Because he's like, he's like most people get up and they're like, baby mama, or they're talking about this or that. And I'm like up there talking about lovers poetry. And like I'm doing it in a very Taylor swift kind of way, but I'm kind of like spin it, like, like Nicki Minaj.
Yeah.
So it was, it was, it was just a moment that just, I actually have never shared on my podcast. I shared it with like a couple people, but this is like, kind of like the first time I'm like sharing it. You know what I mean? Like this. So
I'm glad you shared it with us. That's cool.
Yeah. But I saw like you, you know, you gave a shout out to the owner and that he passed away and that was like, oh my God. I'm like, we need to like give him props and homage, you know,
Give him his flowers,
The space that he created for us and everything. And I had some, I had some good times there. I actually actually performed, I think a song, fresh Lou Baton. I think I performed it. And the spotlights Rami. And it was like, I felt like Brittany Spears and like Shakira, it was just Like, it was like, oh, all lights on me. It was just, it was so good. It was such a, we felt so empowered and full. Like, like I was like this huge superstar performing in front of 50,000 people. It's just like, it was awesome. So I didn't really good times there. I had some really good times.
That's what's up. Yeah. As a vine, you know, shot, absolutely. Shout out to any Rican poet, cat, Pell post cafe, you know, I mean, I've been a feature Poet do three times posted before, but COVID knocked that out last year, but now I'm shouting at every artist who's ever walked through there who has performed in blessed us stage, you know, including yourself, you know, Katie, you know, and, and me to this guy, that's talking at him, but yeah. But your shout out to all of them, there's so much great talent has gone through there and has come through there has done and keeps that Institute pushing, going, you know, it's still going, they still do a virtual, you know, poetry, you know, they still have like Monday night poetry. They still do that virtually on Facebook live and everything.
So, so look to them on that.
Yeah. I'm going to have to show up because my poetry book is available a lover's FAIRYTALE dot com and I
Got to do it. I
Need to go in there and read some pieces. So yeah. I selected 11 pieces that were written from 2004 through 2012 11 pieces. Yeah. Yeah. So definitely get the book lovers, FAIRYTALE dot com and then it's cool because when you go to the website, then I have a book funnel setup where you put in your name and email and I email you a playlist of the poetry pieces that I brought to life to spoken word music, videos. So you and I produced some directed them, got the DPP editor, the music produce hair, lighting design, like stylists, like the full nine, like LA New York.
So it's cool to take all that energy. And I, you know, self-produced those, I self invested in those two to be able to, to, to be able to repackage it in 2021 with like digital art on top of our, on top of art. And to really make them go hand in hand is kind of like everything we've been talking about, you know what I'm saying?
Same. Yeah. And I'm I'm, and I'm walking, you know, I'm walking in step with you on that. You know, just even, you know, when my project, you know, I was going to be coming out, you know, this, this summer defiance and desperation, no it's going to be absolutely.
My girlfriend, she self published six books. I'm like, yo. And she gave me the links and I'm like, cool. And boom, it's like, there you go. Publish. And I already look, I'm not even kidding. I already started putting together a book too and giving it a title.
That's what I'm talking about. It's
Fun. It's just the first one. And then it's, and then it's like a domino effect.
Keep going and keep moving. Yeah.
So speaking of, are there last words of wisdom you want to give to our fellow listeners, artists to inspire people? And I think you want to share with them before we are over and out and then hopefully willing, gracefully, willing to bring you back on the show in the near future. Definitely.
Well, I say, you know, but of course this has been a pleasure. Thank you so much, Katie. And you know, the only word I could say is, you know, I'm tall to everyone out there in general, you know, and two creatives in particular, do everything you can to, you know, to not only to create and connect, but Live forever and die free
Live forever and die free. Love that. Beautiful. Beautiful. I love that. Cool.
It's on my SoundCloud. Yep. Let me SoundCloud SoundCloud. And, and I also put it on YouTube. I just, I just put the audio on YouTube as well. Great.
I'll just, I'll put them in the show notes. Cool. You have had a one-on-one experience was Jaquair Gillette, the one and only on she's all over the place. And thank you so much for tuning in. Listen to the episodes, follow Jaquair on his social media platforms, connect with him directly and get involved and take actionable steps into his life and his community. Show him some love. Leave a review, hit the five stars. Write him a message in the inbox, connect and create. Definitely. Thank you so much to Claire.
Thank you so much, Katie. Surely appreciate this draw.
Where's the bond.com 1, 2, 3. Woo. Yeah. Cool, cool. I'm excited to see you. The next thing we create together, I have some ideas.
Hey, I'm with it. That sounds awesome. Look forward to hearing those ideas.
Thank you so much for joining us. We'll see you next time. Kyriaki, over and out.