Namita Nayyar:
You are currently working on two reality TV shows “Single, Married, Divorced,” and “The Chance.” Would you like to share with us your experience on the shows so far?
Nicole Grays:
Geez (grits teeth). It’s either everything I expected from reality TV or nothing like I expected. But I signed up for it and I’m going along for the ride. Certainly appreciative for both opportunities. I’m learning a lot, but it can get rough on set and emotionally draining. I’ve been put in situations where I’ve been directed to play a certain role without the other cast members being aware and I’ve been verbally attacked, insulted and humiliated because of it. My skin is thick, so I can take it, but those unexpected gut-punches pack a wallop. Then there are the real bonds that are formed. Genuine friendships that I didn’t expect, but still I remain a tad guarded. This is reality TV after all. I can get set up at the drop of a hat. I’m having a good time though. I’d love to have a show that I’ve created get picked up and stay behind the camera. It’s safer there.
Namita Nayyar:
You are also the host of two thought-provoking podcasts, “Catch the Convo” and “PILLOW TALK: Live in the Living Room with Niko Grey. Introduce us to both of these podcasts.
Nicole Grays:
Gladly. Catch the Convo is actually the love child of Pillow Talk: Live in the Living Room. Pillow Talk started as a fluke. After attending an event with a male model friend, Christian Ellis, we were talking in my living room into the wee hours and I decided to podcast it live. He was so comfortable talking to me that everything just flowed and we got such a positive response, a weekly live podcast was born, Saturdays at midnight ET. No subject is off limits, guests (singers, comedians, radio DJ’s, etc. are put in the proverbial hot seat and I ask all the questions I want. Every podcast isn’t necessarily about sex per se, but my content is not for teenie boppers; it’s grown folks conversation. In the spirit of keeping the conversations rolling and allowing me to podcast live from wherever I am, I changed the name to Catch the Convo and the format changed.
Most times it’s just me and the CTC viewers and other times there is a guest and you get a peek into our conversation. It’s interactive and there is a call in number for those bold enough to announce themselves and pose their question live during the podcast. It’s fun, but I’d really enjoy a more formal format and my own late night show on a network. My followers are an awesome bunch. I can do no wrong in their eyes and they’re so supportive and loyal. You can put me up against anyone in the industry and they continue to chose me. You can’t pay for that kind of love and support. They say I inspire them, I say it’s the other way around.
Namita Nayyar:
You are a celebrity wardrobe stylist/image consultant, writer, clothing designer, host, media correspondent and Reality TV personality. How do you manage such a fantastic multi-dimensional lifestyle?
Nicole Grays:
Creative scheduling and little sleep. I bet you didn’t think I could answer in one sentence. All jokes aside my time is my own so I schedule accordingly. As a stylist, I chose my clients. If it feels like work I won’t take that individual. You’re paying me for my expertise, so you have to trust me, if you want to call the shots then you don’t need me. Working with Faith is easy she speaks Nicole and gets my ideas and concepts so I don’t have to explain myself much and she loves what she does so that’s a great relationship. Although there are 2 reality shows I provide both Executive Producers with my schedule and whoever books a film crew first, that’s the show I work on, then it’s usually time to jump to the other side. The concepts are completely different, as are my cast mates, so switching gears is easy. Writing is the hardest thing for me to do. Either I feel creative or I don’t but when it hits I will write on anything or call myself and leave a long voicemail about a topic, character name, situation or concept then write about it when I have the time, but there’s nothing like feeling a certain emotion and writing about it right then and there.
Some moments can be recaptured at any time on paper, but not the emotion…that’s what you want to grab onto while it’s happening. That’s when you pour your guts out, let your tears drop onto the page, tell the absolute truth about the matter, scribble your rage, exhale your essence, recall that dream and make it real…it’s like painting with words. Beautiful. Raw. If it were food you could taste it. I’ve not dropped a ball yet, but I’m fortunate to have time on my side. I have the same 24 hours in my day as Beyonce. What I do with them is completely up to me. How dope is that?
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
