Quencie Interviews Viral Tik Tok Star, Shantaquillette - HeyShantaQ [VIDEO]

In 2021, I became obsessed with Tik Tok. I spent so much time on the app that I felt the need to share the videos that I loved to my Facebook page. I had to find a way to justify all the hours I was laughing, crying or dancing from a video I saw on there. People immediately loved what I was sharing so much so that a lot of the videos I posted started to go viral.

Shantaquillette starred in a few of those viral videos that I posted. She already had a huge following on Tik Tok and videos that had gone viral on Tik tok and Instagram. She could now add my Studio Q Facebook page to that viral list.

I was so excited about all of the viral videos on my page that I created a Studio Q interview series to talk with the content creators about the success of their videos.

Check out my conversation with ShantaQuillette below and follow her on all social media platforms @HeyShantaQ! Watch below.

The 29th Annual Divas Simply Singing Event

Photo Courtesy of Diva Foundation

On Sunday, December 1, 2019, I covered the 29th Annual Divas Simply Singing event at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood presented by The Diva Foundation. The DIVA Foundation (acronym for Divinely Inspired, Victoriously Aware) is a nonprofit 501c (3) charitable organization founded by Sheryl Lee Ralph in 1990 as a memorial to the many friends she lost to HIV/AIDS while in the original Broadway company of Dreamgirls. The organization focuses on generating resources and coordinating activities to create awareness and combat against HIV/AIDS. The DIVA Foundation utilizes music and entertainment as a vehicle to inform, educate and erase the stigma still attached to this disease. In 2005, Sheryl Lee Ralph and the DIVA Foundation received the first Red Ribbon Leadership Award at the United Nations on World AIDS Day for the unique use of the arts in fighting HIV/AIDS.

Quencie Thomas - Host of Studio Q

Grammy, Golden Globe, Emmy winning, and 10-time Oscar nominee, legendary songwriter Diane Warren was honored with the DIVAS Legacy Award. The show featured spectacular performances of Diane’s many hits by amazing singing divas like Deborah Cox and Shanice and divos such as Terrell Carter and Brandon Victor Dixon. Project Angel Food is a proud beneficiary of the longest-running musical benefit of its kind in the country! If you missed the show you can watch the live stream video here on KTLA’s Facebook page. Also if you would like to donate to this worthy cause click here!

Check out my Studio Q red carpet coverage below:

Check out a few red carpet photos below:

2nd Annual Breaking the Silence Awards Ceremony & Luncheon [VIDEO]

On Sunday September 24, 2017, Studio Q covered the 2nd Annual Breaking the Silence Awards Ceremony & Luncheon held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalow in Santa Monica, CA. Breaking the Silence Awards (BTSA) a fundraiser event, which ecognizes corporations and community leaders who use their platform of influence to advocate for Sexual & Domestic Abuse Awareness. BTSA raises funds to provide supportive services to GLBT survivors of sexual & domestic abuse. BTSA, a fundraising program of the I Love Me Foundation (ILMFDN), was established in 2015 by Hollywood publicist, Robert Harrell, to utilize the industry’s resources to engage the public in supporting new research efforts and to increase awareness about sexual trauma in the GLBT community.

Honorees included: William Institute Founding Executive Director, Brad Sears, Former West Hollywood Mayor, Abbe Land, OUT Magazine Managing Editor, R. Kurt Osenlund, Celebrity DJ & Music Producer, Zeke Thomas, Pulse Orlando Nightclub Shooting Survivor, Angel Colon.

Other guests included: Benjamin Patterson (OWN 'Greenleaf'), Jay Alexander (ANTM), Laith Ashley (NBC 'Strut'), Leeza Gibbons (Entertainment Tonight), James Wright Chanel (Youtube Personality, Pattie Pie Guy), Perez Hilton (Entertainment Blogger), Tammy Townsend (Disney 'K.C. Undercover'), Laura Govan (Basketball Wives LA) and many more.

Watch the Studio Q red carpet interviews below:

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"When Love Kills" TV One Los Angeles Movie Premiere [VIDEO]

Studio Q attended the Los Angeles premiere of the TV One movie, When Love Kills at the Harmony Gold Theater. Premiering on Monday, August 28th at 9pm ET, When Love Kills tells the tragic story of Falicia Blakely, a teen mom who only knows life in the fast-lane. When she becomes an exotic dancer, she attracts the attention of pimp and predator, Dino. His empty promises of a life together turn Falicia into a pawn in his dangerous games; she's forced to prove her love for him at the expense of innocent lives. 

When Love Kills stars: Niatia "Lil Mama" Kirkland (CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story), Lance Gross (House of Payne, Temptation), Tami Roman (Basketball Wives, Belle's) and Tasha Smith (For Better Or Worse, Empire) making her feature-length directorial debut.

Check out some of the photos from the red carpet below.

Studio Q correspondent, Tammi Rashonda, who filled in for Quencie, talked to some of the celebrities at the Los Angeles red carpet premiere. Watch our Studio Q interviews below:

Photo cred: Photography By Gip III

Quencie Interviews Biz Builder and Social Media Genie, Ashley Ann

I had such an amazing time interviewing Ashley Jones of Ashley Ann’s Events on Skype for Studio Q. She is a talented award winning wedding and event designer who is a rockstar in her field. You can find this late night biz builder @KingAshleyAnn sharing free social media tips to thousands of people every Monday - Thursday at 11:05 pm (CST) on the live-streaming Twitter app called Periscope. She is a social media genie who has been in business for 11 years and is quipped with a with a B.A. in Finance and M.B.A. Ashley has made a name for herself by offering beautiful, unique, professional designs and productions. She inspires creative detail, and modern, elegant atmospheres. She is also an outstanding business woman excelling in social media lead generations, lead magnets, funnels, and return paths.

In the business world, Ashley is known for getting results, and simplifying social media and CVO so that her clients achieve desired outcomes. She pays exquisite attention to every last detail in the boardroom and in the ballroom. Ashley's bright personality and calm demeanor help her clients relax as she creates one-of-a-kind atmospheres. 

In my conversation with Ashley, we discuss business, social media, her overcoming amazing personal obstacles, her thoughts on the Shea Moisture controversy and so much more!  This is a conversation you don't want to miss! Press play below.

Quencie Interviews Nicki Micheaux

I interviewed actress Nicki Micheaux on the red carpet of Robi Reed's annual charity event.  Micheaux began her career appearing in supporting film roles and playing guest starring parts on television shows include ER, Any Day Now, and City of Angels. She also co-starred opposite Halle Berry in the 2005 television film Their Eyes Were Watching God.  i remember her most as played Jennifer 'Jenn' Sutton in the ABC Family drama series Lincoln Heights, which she received two NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series nominations for her role on series.  Watch our conversation below. 

I interviewed actress Nicki Micheaux on the red carpet of Robi Reed's annual charity event.  Micheaux began her career appearing in supporting film roles and playing guest starring parts on television shows include ER, Any Day Now, and City of Angels. She also co-starred opposite Halle Berry in the 2005 television film Their Eyes Were Watching God.  i remember her most as played Jennifer 'Jenn' Sutton in the ABC Family drama series Lincoln Heights, which she received two NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series nominations for her role on series.  Watch our conversation below. 

Quencie Interviews Ella Joyce

I interviewed Ella Joyce at The NAACP theater awards and I was super thrilled to talk to her. I loved her role in Set it Off, which is one of my favorite films.

I also enjoyed watching her opposite Charles S. Dutton on the 90's show 'Rock.'  Check out my red carpet conversation with her below.

Quencie Interviews Co-Host of 'The Talk,' Sheryl Underwood

I interviewed Sheryl Underwood at a launch party for Roland Martin's new show on TV ONE. It is is never a dull moment with this funny lady. She is not afraid to make you laugh and tackle issues just like she does everyday on 'The Talk.'  Check out my fun interview with Sheryl below. 

Quencie Interviews Kirk Whalum

I sat down with Jazz great, Kirk Whalum, after the screening of his DVD, "The Gospel According to Jazz Chapter IV" at the West Angeles Performing Arts Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.  This DVD musically explores the convergence of jazz and gospel infused with rhythm and blues, through a "docu-music concert" DVD and live-recorded double CD with musical messages of tribute, tragedy and triumph - musically illustrating God's radical hospitality. 

Kirk also talks about silly moments with Whitney Houston while on tour, messing up on stage, and what made him go back to music when he almost gave it up.  Check out this in-depth and funny interview that Kirk later tweeted "Best Interview Ever!"  Press Play and see why!

Eddie Murphy Wows in His First-Ever Dramatic Role in Mr. Church

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CINELOU

We all know Eddie Murphy for being a comedic genius. From starring in films like Beverly Hills Cop, Life, Nutty Professor, Shrek and his Oscar-nominated performance as James "Thunder" Early in Dreamgirls - we expect to have gut-wrenching laughter when Eddie appears on screen. But Mr. Church is different. Mr. Church leaves you in tears, and opens up a bottle of emotions that you didn't think you'd have when watching Eddie Murphy on the movie screen. This is Eddie's first cinematic project in four years, as well as his first dramatic role. Well, he better start getting fittings for his tuxedo because he'll need it to wear to the Oscars for Best Actor.

Eddie Murphy plays Henry Church, a cook who was hired to work for a dying, single mother Marie (Natascha McElhone). Marie is dying of breast cancer and has 6 months to live. So her ex-lover hires Mr. Church to cook for Marie and her young daughter Charlie (first Natalie Coughlin, then Britt Robertson). Initially, Charlie is not very happy with this arrangement, and is quite mean to Mr. Church. But over time, and good food, she opens up and grows to love and adore him. The 6 months Mr. Church was hired to be the cook, turned into 6 years. And before your very eyes, you see the love and joy that Mr. Church has brought to Charlie and her mom - they become family. 

Based on a true story written by Susan McMartin and directed by Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy), Mr. Church draws us in with Murphy's subtle and quiet warmth. A lot of people may say, this is yet another cliche' story of black characters who are the hired help and somehow become the saving grace to a white family. But, those stories typically are about black people who are treated as the "hired help" and are disrespected on so many levels. One thing you can say about Mr. Church is that he is very respected, and is more than just hired help. He becomes the glue that holds everything together in the family.

Marie eventually passes away from breast cancer, and one would think that Mr. Church's job is now done. But when you're family, there is no going away - it only makes Mr. Church and Charlie's bond even stronger. We see Charlotte’s coming-of-age adventures which include her best friend Poppy (Lucy Fry) and the local drunk Larson (Christian Madsen). More importantly, we get to see a very unique relationship with Mr. Church - even as Charlie leaves for college and later enters motherhood. 

Mr. Church premieres in theaters this Friday September 16, 2016.  If you want to see Eddie Murphy like you've never seen him before, make sure you check this film out!  And please, don't forget your kleenex.

Last week, I attended the red carpet movie premiere in Hollywood, CA. Check out our interviews from Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Bruce Beresford, Susan McMartin and other members of the cast below.

Fun Studio Q moments on the red carpet... 

Studio Q Host, Quencie, after interviewing Eddie

Eddie Murphy being interviewed

Arsenio Hall and Arnold Schwarzenegger

Director, Bruce Beresford

Studio Q Producer, Tam, with Arsenio Hall

Eddie Murphy smiling for the cameras

Writer, Susan McMartin

Natalie Coughlin