A Delicious Review: Aunt Lou’s Soul Food Kitchen in Springfield, IL [VIDEO]

/

Aunt Lous’ Soul Food

If you’re in Springfield, IL, and craving authentic southern comfort food, look no further than Aunt Lou’s Soul Food Kitchen! This new gem opened in July 2024, and I couldn’t wait to give it a try.

During my visits, I sampled a variety of dishes, and here are my top favorites:

  • 🍤 Shrimp and Grits – Creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

  • 🍗 Fried Chicken – Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—classic comfort!

  • 🌿 Collard Greens – Seasoned to perfection with that homemade taste.

  • 🐟 Catfish – Golden-fried and absolutely delicious.

On my first visit, the mac and cheese was a little dry, but when I went back with my mom, I ran into the owner. After mentioning my experience, he whipped up a fresh, piping-hot batch free of charge. Talk about exceptional customer service!

Quencie and The owner of Aunt Lou’s Soul Food

With generous portions and reasonable prices, Aunt Lou’s is a must-visit for anyone seeking soulful, satisfying meals. I tried nearly the entire menu (including desserts) for just around $50.

If you’re in Springfield, make sure to stop by Aunt Lou’s Soul Food Kitchen. Your taste buds will thank you! 🥘🍗✨

Watch my video review below!

How I Revived My Aunt Earline’s Sweet Potato Pie Recipe and Found a Taste of Heaven [VIDEO]

/

Growing up, nothing compared to my Aunt Earline’s Sweet Potato Pie. It was the highlight of every family gathering—a slice of pure love and tradition. When she passed away, I didn’t realize that her pie would become a memory, one I thought I’d never taste again.

That all changed when I reached out to her daughter and granddaughter for the recipe. Learning to make it myself was the best gift I could have given. Every time I bake one, it’s like reconnecting with my Aunt Earline and savoring a little piece of heaven.

Now, I want to share this joy with you. Instead of simply telling you how incredible this pie is, I’ll show you. Watch my step-by-step video tutorial and learn how to create a sweet potato pie that’s as close to perfection as it gets. Trust me—it’s a recipe you’ll treasure forever! 🍠🥧

Reciepe:

3 Medium Sweet Potatos (Boil for 1 hour to 90 minutes until soften)

3 Eggs (whip the eggs) 1 Tbs of Vanilla 1/2 Tbs Cinnamon 1/2 Tbs Nutmeg

1 Cup of Sugar 1 Can of Sweetened Condensed Milk (I use Eagle Brand)

1 Stick of Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature)

2 pie crust ( regular or deep dish depending on how thick you want your pie)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

1️⃣ Start by creaming together the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
2️⃣ Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and condensed milk. Mix well to combine.
3️⃣ Peel the boiled sweet potatoes and add them to the mixture one at a time. Blend thoroughly to ensure the mixture is smooth and to catch or eliminate any strings from the sweet potatoes. Nobody wants strings in their pie!
4️⃣ Pour the mixture into your prepared pie crust.
5️⃣ Bake at 350°F for 90 minutes:

  • For the first 45 minutes, bake uncovered to allow the pie to set.

  • Cover with aluminum foil for the last 45 minutes to prevent the crust from burning.

Let the pie cool before serving, and enjoy a slice of sweet, creamy heaven! 🥧✨

I Finally Got The Exact Same Watch Whitney Houston Wore During Our MTV Interview [VIDEO]

/

In 1998, I had the incredible honor of interviewing Whitney Houston on MTV, and during that unforgettable moment, she wore a watch that for the last few years I dreamed of owning —a small but meaningful connection to that special day.

I searched everywhere, enlisted help, and even scoured the internet with no success. Then, out of nowhere in 2024, BOOM—there it was! Huge shoutout to my bestie, who went above and beyond to secure this treasure for me.

It’s even more special because it’s an Adidas watch—the only sports brand I wear. Now, every time I look down at it, I’m reminded of Whitney and that magical day.

Watch my reaction in the short clip below, taken from an Instagram livestream where I celebrated the 26th anniversary of my interview with Whitney. This watch is more than an accessory—it’s a cherished memory. 💖⌚

Whitney Houston's Former Bodyguard, David Roberts, to Release Memoir Protecting Whitney on January 28, 202

/

David Roberts, Whitney Houston's trusted bodyguard from 1988 to 1995, is set to release his memoir, Protecting Whitney, on January 28, 2025. The book offers an intimate glimpse into their professional and personal connection, revealing moments of vulnerability, loyalty, and heartbreak during their time together.

Reflecting on their bond, Roberts shared, “One night, she rested her head on my shoulder, and I was tempted to give up everything. But if you cross that line, you lose your objectivity—and that makes it dangerous for the person you’re protecting.” He also drew parallels between his real-life experiences and the on-screen relationship portrayed in The Bodyguard, noting, “Much of what was contained in the film, she and I actually lived through.”

Protecting Whitney delves into the highs and lows of life with the legendary singer. From navigating security challenges to witnessing moments of quiet joy, Roberts paints a vivid picture of traveling the globe with one of the most talented and generous stars of all time. However, the memoir also reveals heartbreaking truths, including Roberts’ feelings of helplessness as Houston faced personal struggles and the devastating toll they took.

For Whitney’s fans, Protecting Whitney promises to be a heartfelt, honest account of her life from someone who stood by her side during her most iconic years. You can pre-order Protecting Whitney by clicking here. 💜

How You Can Rock The Red Carpet: Top Tips for Interviewing Celebrities [EBOOK]

/

Mastering the Art of Red Carpet Interviewing

In the fast-paced world of celebrity events, the red carpet serves as a thrilling arena for journalists to engage with stars and capture unforgettable moments. This document explores the essential skills and strategies needed to excel at interviewing celebrities on the red carpet, emphasizing the importance of preparation, confidence, and professionalism. By following the insights shared in this guide, you will be equipped to create memorable interviews that resonate with both the celebrities and your audience.

The Red Carpet Experience

The red carpet is more than just a glamorous walkway; it is a dynamic environment filled with excitement and energy. Journalists have mere seconds to make an impression and ask meaningful questions. To stand out, it is crucial to embrace the atmosphere and adapt quickly to the fast-moving nature of the event.

Preparation is Key

Before stepping onto the red carpet, thorough research is essential. Familiarize yourself with the celebrities attending the event, their recent projects, and any relevant news. This knowledge will help you craft thoughtful and engaging questions that resonate with the interviewee.

Crafting Thoughtful Questions

When preparing your questions, aim for a mix of light-hearted and insightful inquiries. Consider what your audience would like to know and how you can provide a unique perspective. Avoid generic questions; instead, focus on topics that allow the celebrity to share personal stories or insights.

Confidence and Professionalism

Confidence is crucial when approaching celebrities. Maintain a respectful demeanor and be aware of their personal space. Remember that they are often inundated with questions, so your approach should be friendly yet professional. A warm smile and a genuine interest in their responses can go a long way in establishing rapport.

Engaging with Celebrities

Once you have the opportunity to interview a celebrity, make the most of it. Listen actively to their responses and be prepared to adapt your questions based on their answers. This not only shows that you value their input but also creates a more engaging conversation.

Embrace the Energy

The red carpet is an exhilarating experience, and embracing that energy can enhance your interviews. Stay enthusiastic and open-minded, and allow the excitement of the moment to fuel your interactions. This positive attitude will not only make you more approachable but also create a memorable experience for the celebrity.

Conclusion

By following these tips and strategies, you can navigate the red carpet with confidence and professionalism. To delve deeper into the art of red carpet interviewing, consider exploring my eBook, How You Can Rock The Red Carpet. It offers invaluable insights to help you prepare, engage, and excel in this thrilling environment. With the right approach, you will be well on your way to mastering the art of interviewing celebrities on the red carpet. Click here to get my eBook!

Celebrity Birthdays In March!

/

Check out some of the celebrities I met or interviewed on Studio Q who celebrated a birthday in the month of March. You can watch my Studio Q interviews with them below. Click the link and watch my Youtube playlist of interviews.

How a 67 Year Old Black Woman Succeeds in Working Out: My Mom's Weekly Fitness Routine [VIDEO]

/

My mom is a 67-year old retired work out queen! I was so inspired by her weekly fitness routine that I decided to shadow and film her so that I could share it with the world. I definitely want to be her when I grow up.

My mother has always enjoyed being active, but I think she took it to an all new level when she retired almost 13 years ago. This woman hula hoops for 20 minutes every morning to keep her core tight and goes on bike rides for 2-3 hours at a time. She literally spends an afternoon riding through parks, bike trails and even to neighboring towns. What?! Lol! Please know that we are not the same. I rode with her once and never joined her again. Bike riding is not my ministry. Lol!

She does pilates twice a week, and takes an aqua aerobics class twice a week. Whenever she is in the water like clockwork, she swims away from her class down to the diving board, and proceeds to do 400 pull ups! Yes, you read that right! But she would want me to tell you that she doesn’t do 400 all at one time. She does them in groups of 10 or 20. But still!!!! Who at 67 is doing 400 pull ups on anything. I am shocked and inspired all at the same time.

On the days that my mom does pilates she does 30 minutes on the elliptical machine followed by a 3 mile walk on the track. This is all before she even starts her 45 minute Pilates class. I told her she needs a hobby that doesn’t require her body to do it. Lol! I am happy that on the days she’s in the water she follows up with time in the sauna. It’s the only time she’s sitting and doing nothing. I was exhausted just filming everything she does.

My mom’s weekly schedule is consistent. She even walks in the park 3-4 days a week depending on how the weather is. The only time she has ever taken an extended break from her routine was during the pandemic when we were all at home and sheltered in place. But please know that she found other things to do at home to fill that void.

I have been wanting to share my mom’s fitness routine for quite awhile because I am super proud of her and I secretly think she is a unicorn. I also wanted her to see just how other people view her.

Check out the extended vlog below and then scroll down further to watch the Tik Tok video I made for her.

Watch, enjoy and be inspired. Ladies and gentleman, this is what 67 can look like!

Quencie Interviews Lyricist/Poet PoppiDizzy [VIDEO]

/

On Sunday, May 22nd I went live on my Studio Q Facebook page to interview Lyricist and Poet PoppiDizzy (@poppidizzyofficial on IG) to talk about his new music. 

It’s the 5th episode of my “Promote YOU on Studio Q,” which is a live show I created to help my Facebook Subscribers to promote their small business, new music or whatever it is they would like to promote.

Watch or listen to my interview below.

If you would rather listen to the interview instead of watching just press play on my podcast interview below: 



Quencie Interviews Independent Artist, Yassie [VIDEO]

/

On Sunday June 19th @ 2:15 pm (CST) I went live on my Studio Q Facebook page and Youtube channel to interview independent artist, Yassie for the 6th episode of my ‘Promote YOU on Studio Q’ show. We discussed all things music including her latest single, upcoming projects and what her music journey has been thus far. ⁣

“Promote You on Studio Q.” is a live show I created to help others promote their small business, new music, an upcoming film or event, a new book, a play, or whatever it is you want the world 🌎 to know more about.⁣

⁣This is a Subscriber Only benefit meaning you have to Subscribe to my Studio Q Facebook page in order to appear on the monthly show.

⁣Watch or listen to my Studio Q interview with Yassie below.

If you would rather listen to the interview instead of watching just press play on my podcast interview below: 

⁣

Quencie Interviews Actor Dorien Wilson [VIDEO]

/

Dorien Wilson on Studio Q

I loved having the opportunity to interview actor, Dorien Wilson on Studio Q. He was so much fun! I was so happy he didn’t crucify me when I greeted him by calling him “Professor Oglevee” from The Parkers. It is one of his most famous characters that he played opposite of Comedian and Academy Award winning actress Monique

Check out my Studio Q interview with Dorien below as well as some funny bloopers!

Quencie and Dorien Wilson

Quencie Interviews Tik Tok Content Creator Morgan Johnson [VIDEO]

/

On May 21, 2022 I went live to interview Tik Tok Content Creator Morgan Johnson (( @knowthyself_1j44 on Tik Tok) I recently posted her Tik Tok video to my ⁣⁣Studio Q Facebook page and it garnered 1 million views in 24 hours. I’ve only had 2 other videos (@willsmith and @inayah ) do that in the history of my page just so you understand how rare that is for me to see on my timeline.

The #tiktok video of Morgan braiding her husband’s hair is such an inspiration. It’s abundantly clear that she didn’t allow her birth injury to keep her from greatness. Morgan reminds us all just how capable and amazing we can be despite any disability. What an Inspiration she is!⁣⁣

⁣⁣Check out our Studio Q interview below.

⁣

Quencie Interviews Academy Award nominated actress Margaret Avery [VIDEO]

/

I loved having the opportunity to interview Academy Award nominated actress Margaret Avery (@margaretshugavery on IG) about her new movie #BlockParty, which is a family movie that celebrates #Juneteenth and is now streaming on @betplus

We went live Monday, June 13th at 4 PM (CST) on my Studio Q Facebook page, Soul TV Facebook page and my YouTube channel. Check out our full conversation below.

If you would rather listen to the interview instead of watching just press play on my podcast interview with Margaret Avery below: 

Quencie Interviews Director /Producer/ Writer / Playwright Don B Welch [ VIDEO ]

/

On Thursday, June 23rd at 6:30 PM (CST) 7:30 pm (EST) and 4:30 pm on the west coast) I went live on my Facebook page and YouTube channel to interview Director /Producer/ Writer / Playwright and all around great human being Don B Welch.

This man is always directing, writing, creating and providing jobs for so many others at the same damn time. Check out our Studio Q interview below to find out all the amazing things he’s been working on, including his award winning short film #BabyGirl

If you would rather listen to the interview instead of watching just press play on my podcast interview with Jacci Mcghee below.

Quencie Interviews Singer/Songwriter and Owner of Anise Records - BETH

/

On March 1, 2022 I interviewed singer, songwriter and owner of Anise record label Beth Griffith Manley. She has sang background for the legendary and iconic Anita Baker and singer KEM. You may have seen her on season 16 of The Voice on Team John Legend and Kelly Clarkston or know her as the daughter of Motown royalty. Her dad was original funk brother pianist, Johnny Griffith and played on so many iconic Motown hits.

What had me most excited about this interview was that I got to ask Beth about being Whitney Houston’s body double in the movie Sparkle! We both share a deep love for Whitney so it was amazing to get a chance speaking about her in the interview.


BETH has a new single "Let Me Be" dropping March 22nd, and on April 15th a cover of Sade's Kiss of Life will be released. It is a collaboration with musician Blair Bryant, who is a prodigy and a musical director for NAJE'.  BETH's second album Get To Know Me will be dropping in June. 

BETH is just your typical black woman blazing trails. She’s the perfect person for me kick off Women’s history month and celebrate world compliment day cuz her journey has been more amazing.

Press play and watch our conversation below or you can listen to it by clicking here.

Promote YOU on Studio Q - Episode 2 [VIDEO]

/

I go live once a month on my Studio Q page to offer FREE EXPOSURE for small business owners, content creator, artists, or anyone who would like to promote something to my 366,000 plus Facebook followers, my 36,000 Youtube subscribers and my QUENCIE podcast.

The goal of the show is to amplify your voice to the world on my growing platform. My live interview with you will then live on my Studio Q page, YouTube channel and my Anchor podcast.  You can always purchase promotion on my website, but if you are someone who has NO BUDGET, I created this opportunity just for you.

To claim your spot on my monthly “Promote You on Studio Q” live show just email me at, studioq@quencie.com. Join my email list to stay connected to all things Studio Q and Quencie!

Check out Episode one below!

Promote YOU on Studio Q - Episode 1 [VIDEO]

/

I go live once a month on my Studio Q page to offer FREE EXPOSURE for small business owners, content creator, artists, or anyone who would like to promote something to my 366,000 plus Facebook followers, my 36,000 Youtube subscribers and my QUENCIE podcast.

The goal of the show is to amplify your voice to the world on my growing platform. My live interview with you will then live on my Studio Q page, YouTube channel and my Anchor podcast.  You can always purchase promotion on my website, but if you are someone who has NO BUDGET, I created this opportunity just for you.

To claim your spot on my monthly “Promote You on Studio Q” live show just email me at, studioq@quencie.com. Join my email list to stay connected to all things Studio Q and Quencie!

Check out Episode one below!



Quencie interviews International Recording Artist Alli' Starr about her Whitney Houston Tribute [VIDEO]

/

On February 17th, 2022 I had the opportunity to interview International Recording Artist Alli' Starr about her tribute show to honor the music of Whitney Houston. I absolutely love interviewing people who love Whitney like I do. She even sang for a Whitney song!

Press play and listen to our recent conversation below.

Quencie Interviews CEO and Founder of Fanbase, Issac Hayes III [VIDEO]

/

Courtesy of Isaac Hayes III

On February 1st, 2022 I interviewed CEO and Founder of Fanbase Isaac Hayes III on my Studio Q Facebook page and YouTube channel. I loved starting off Black History month having the opportunity to interview the first social media platform founded and owned by a black man.

Isaac Hayes shared so many gems in our interview including how there is still time for to invest in his social media platform at startengine.com/fanbase. Check out our conversation below.