Comedian & Actress Cocoa Brown: Walking In Her Gift Day by Day

by Cyrus Webb

Anyone who has been following the career of comedian and actress Cocoa Brown would agree that she has been on one wild ride.

She's gone from being a part of the powerful film QUIET to laughing it up with actress Nia Long and others in the Tyler Perry produced movie Single Mom's Club to being one of our favorite characters on Perry's hit show on OWN's FOR BETTER OR WORSE. With every role she is walking in her gift and sharing a piece of herself along the way.

"It's been one of those situations that has proven to me when it's your time it's your time," she told me in what was our second conversation together. "The biggest thing you can do in this business or anything in life is be ready when it happens," and that is exactly what she has been: ready.

One of the keys to Cocoa's success has been not to limit herself along the way. She works hard to stay sharp so that when opportunities arise she is at her best. As the character Jennifer on FOR BETTER OR WORSE she has given us some great laughs, but she also has been part of the show's most powerful themes, namely how it dealt with the subject of HIV and AIDS.

"It is a conversation that so many of us have with ourselves," she says "I was really grateful that he (Tyler Perry) had the kind of faith in me to bring that storyline out." Cocoa went on to tell me that at the time she taped those scenes she was 8 months pregnant. "It was so powerful, because so many people were touched by that episode. Everywhere I went people are still talking about when Jennifer met Harold."

Outside of the fame, Cocoa says what you see is what you get. "People tell me all the time how humble I am, and it's not something that I do consciously. It's just who I am. It's a humbling experience that I get to live my dream everyday." She says that too often we put the brass ring on the bigger projects and the ones that bring lots of money recognition. "I'm just fortunate that I get to walk in my gift in some capacity. I love making people laugh and forget about their problems," but she says acting allows her to "step outside" of herself and tell someone else's story through another voice."

You couldn't tell it by watching her career, but Cocoa says she didn't plan on this path. She says 17 years ago a friend asked her to go to a comedy club and as she puts it: "My destiny fell in my lap." What a great reminder for all of us. When our calling is put before us it's up to us whether we answer and walk in it. "I was yearning for something different in my life," she told me. "Sometimes you have to sit back, let go and let God."

Cocoa credits her fans for sticking by her and rooting for her along the way. "I wouldn't have the power I have in this present moment if it wasn't for my fans," she says. "I owe them so much." She hopes that individuals will look at what she has done and realize that they can get through whatever situation they are going through, as long as they don't give up.

For updates about Cocoa visit her webiste www.cocoabrown4life.com or follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cocoabrown22.

*Photos by C. Nathaniel Brown and Hennadiy Kvasov

Actor Eltony Williams: Staying in the Zone, Watching His Dreams Come True

by Cyrus Webb

For many people their purpose is something they run from, but for actor Eltony Williams he has learned that in order to experience the highs you must be willing to take the entire ride.

For over a decade he has been seen bringing characters to life. co-starring on some amazing shows, but in 2014 he made a name for himself playing Randal on the hit show Tyler Perry's IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG on the Oprah Winfrey Network, opening (and closing) the season with a bang. Talking about the experience, Eltony told me that "Every time you step on set it's like the first day of school," but with his IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG family he says "it becomes a family. The process was very natural and fun."

What is it about acting that spoke to Eltony? "There's something about being able to tell a story and live the life of a character," he told me. "It's an incredible experience." He says when you are in the zone it's easy enough to bring the best of yourself to every role.

Eltony remembers what it was like to watch the first episode with the cast, after filming an episode a day for Season One. "To see it come to life on the screen for the first time was a really surreal experience," he says. He went on to share that landing the part of Randal on the show came at just the right time in his life and career. "There are so many times when you want to stop," he explains. A show like this proves this for the actor: "You put in the work for years and then He (God) says it's time to pay off. "

Outside of seeing the joy from his fans is the knowledge that he is encouraging others along the way. His advice to them? "The dreams you have you can follow them, and they can come true."

Stay connected with Eltony on Twitter at www.twitter.com/eltonywilliams.

Actor/Producer Sean Hampton: Living Life On Purpose

(Note: Listen to Hampton's recent interview on #ConversationsLIVE here.)
by Cyrus Webb


It has been amazing watching the way that actor Sean Hampton has not only continued to diversify his resume but brought on new fans through each step of his career.

For him, this career was pretty much decided at an early age. "The inspiration for me to become an actor came at the age of 10," Sean told me. "I was watching Total Recall starring  Arnold Schwarzenegger. Seeing that movie told me that's for me. I want to do that."

It is a decision that didn't exactly align with what others may have expected for him. Coming from a family of professionals, they were probably expecting him to follow the same route, so he tried. "I said I would be a lawyer," Sean says, however, he got to college and realized that wasn't what he wanted to do it. "I told my father that I wanted to play a lawyer, but I don't really want to be one."

Since then he has appeared in television shows such as General Hospital, Young and the Restless, 90210 and movies like Transformers and The Arcadian. In spite of his success and acting credits, I asked Sean if there has ever been a time that he questioned whether this was the right path for him. "I've seen a lot of people go through those doubts," he says. "I can't imagine doing anything else. This is home. There have been times that I have felt like I had painted myself into a corner, but there is no second-guessing. I have to be here and do this. You can't get caught up in thinking short term."

What has it been like for Sean to be recognized for what he does? "It is one of the greatest feelings in the world to have that affirmation. This is the work I am supposed to do. When you know you're supposed to be somewhere then that is where you want to be."

His new project is called RACE WAR and made it worldwide debut on Monday, May 18th.



Q: Do you think your faith has been a big part of the way you have thought of your career?
A: If it wasn't for God I wouldn't be here. Just acting on my own accord I would have screwed this up a long time ago. It's because of my faith that I have been able to stay in the right direction. Just having my faith has taught me to work with everyone and not to judge. It's been my biggest asset.

Q: Sean, you are doing something that is not always seen in any profession, that is sharing what you have learned about the business with others. Why did you decide this is something you wanted to do?
A: It's mainly because there wasn't much of that for me when I was coming up. People close off in this business. I want to be the information center that I didn't have. I know how much that is needed and appreciated.

Sean's newest project is one that he is not only acting in but directing as well with his good friend and producer Matt Getic. It's called The S & M Experience and debuted online April 26th of this year.

Q: Talk to us about how The S & M Experience came about?
A:  To me the Internet is the future for entertainment. I love the entire creative process, not just being an actor. The S & M Experience was something that Matt and I decided to do because of our mutual comedic backgrounds. We started writing out some of the ideas we had, and it just developed from there. I think that laughter is really important. You have to laugh about things and not take life so seriously if you want to really be able to enjoy it.  This is also a way to get out some of the ideas that we have. It gives us the opportunity to go directly to the consumer.

You can watch The S & M Experience online at either www.youtube.com/sandmnetwork or www.vimeo.com/sandmnetwork.


Q: Thanks again for taking out the time to talk with us, Sean, and congratulations again on the S & M Experience. My last question for you is this: what does it mean to live your life on purpose?
A:  It's one of those times that you just know you're doing the right thing. To me fear is normally an indicator that you're going in the right direction. If you know you have a passion about something and are stepping out on your own, I think the fear should be embraced and it will motivate you. You have to step out in faith. Go forward and do it.

Watch RACE WAR at www.racewarfilm.com. Stay abreast of everything going on with Sean Hampton online by following his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/seanhamptonforever or his Twitter page at  www.twitter.com/elseanhampton.

Comedian and Actor Dawan Owens: Discovering Himself Everyday Through His Craft

by Cyrus Webb

You've seen him in diverse roles on shows like Hell Date, Southland, The Hustle and NCIS: Los Angeles, but it is as the character Quan on the hit show IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG that actor and comedian Dawan Owens has really gotten his opportunity to shine.

The funny thing about his journey though is that it may not have happened if he wasn't willing to ask the tough questions of himself and do the work. "It's amazing to do what you love," Dawan told me during our conversation together. "I spent most of my life trying to figure out what I wanted to do." After some events and conversations took place it was undeniable what he should be doing. "This is the path that God has put me on."

You wouldn't know it by looking at him today, but Dawan hasn't always exuded the confidence that comes out on camera. "Growing up I wasn't the coolest of kids," he explained. But it was during that time that he realized one of his gifts. "Comedy is what got me out of trouble." Even when things were rough at home, Dawan says the best thing to do was make jokes. "What we did with our time was laugh." Now he is literally laughing his way toward his destiny.

Coming to Hollywood he was once again faced with the question that he had asked himself: "Who are you?" They saw him and realized that he wasn't a one-note. He could play "urban", be funny and even do drama. All of those abilities had to be honed.

What helped Dawan not to get lost in the bubble? "What has been important is not to try to be somebody else," he explained. "We spend a lot of time looking at others and trying to emulate their success. What we should be emulating is the drive and the discipline they have. I can only be Dawan, and the great thing about that is there is no other Dawan in the world." His advice to others trying to break into the industry or pursue their goals in another field? "Don't waste time trying to be anybody else. You are uniquely you and that is the best thing in the world. There is no one else like you."

He was able to bring that attitude into the making of the character Quan in Tyler Perry's IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG. "The thing about this cast is it's a labor of love," Dawan says. He also revealed that several of the cast members---including himself---experienced some heartbreaking losses during filming. "We all rallied around each other." With a rigorous schedule of shooting an episode a day, Dawan says: "It bonded us as a family. Some of that has to come through on camera."

Another thing that he refers back to was how Tyler Perry gathered everyone who worked on the project together and told them "I have built this place for you to come and live your dreams." That resonated with Dawan. "It feels good to know that he wanted to give people he (Tyler) thinks are great an opportunity to succeed."

Now Dawan is able to take that motivation and use it in every aspect of his life. What a great example for all of us.

Stay connected with Dawan on social media at www.twitter.com/dawanowens and www.facebook.com/dawanowens.

*Photo credit: Paul Smith

Actor Octavio Pizano: Taking the Risks Needed to Follow His Dreams

by Cyrus Webb

When you know you are doing the work that was intended for you, there is no better feeling in the world than to have that validated by success. Actor Octavio Pizano came upon my radar in 2014 on Tyler Perry's IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG, and he shows from the first time we were introduced to him that he had skills. I reached out to him on Twitter about an interview, and he graciously accepted my invitation to share some of the highlights of the first season of the Oprah Winfrey Network's top-rated show.

OCTAVIO ON THE RESPONSE TO IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG:
"It's been impressive to see the response. We spent over 2 months shooting in Atlanta, and we were so immersed in it we weren't thinking about how people would respond to it. It's been quite an adventure."

OCTAVIO ON THE SOCIAL MEDIA RESPONSE:
"I wasn't on twitter before the show, but we were encouraged to get involved in the live tweeting experience during each new episode. It's crazy to see so many people tweeting your name, but it's also fun watching it with the fans. When you're on set you're only involved in your story. Now I can watch all the other stories unfold. To share that with the fans is awesome."

OCTAVIO ON ACTING:
"I fell into it and got addicted. I couldn't let go of the feeling it gave me. I was very blessed by my father to do whatever I love. When I first brought up about acting he did raise the usual things about the competitive industry and not a lot of people make it. Once he saw the passion I had for it he told me to give it my all."

OCTAVIO ON BRINGING JULIUS TO LIFE:
"You really do bring your all to make this character live and breathe. Playing Julius is so different for me, so I did a lot of research. It's a very interesting experience.once you get into the skin of the character and completely give in to the role and give in to the story. Glad that people are liking him."

OCTAVIO ON THE INVESTMENT INTO YOURSELF:
"Even when you get a break it's what you do with it that matters. Success requires a risk-taking ability. A lot of people are going to try to pass on their fears and doubts to you, but as long as you have a vision and you're focused people will see it. It really is an investment. If you're not passionate about about what you're doing, it's going to consume you.

OCTAVIO ON THE REWARD:
"You get to motivate other people to go for their dreams. Nothing more rewarding than inspiring others to follow their path. Giving your best is something that sets you apart."

Stay connected with Octavio on social media at www.twitter.com/OctavioPizano and www.facebook.com/octaviopizanoofficial.

Photo Credit: Mark Racek

Branden Nicholson of B. Nick Fitness Presents "31 Days of Inspiration"

Conversations Magazine is excited to share daily words of encouragement from celebrity model/fitness trainer Branden Nicholson of B. Nick Fitness in California. The purpose? To encourage the reader to be the best of themselves each and every day.

Take out time to visit our website each day to find a daily dose of motivation and visit Branden online at www.facebook.com/bnickfitness or www.twitter.com/officialbnick.

Day One:  New day, new attitude...Take control, stay positive and be great!
Day Two:   The reason why people give up so fast is because they tend to look at how far they still have to go, instead of how far they have come.
Day Three:  If you're not growing, then you're not living. You should never be the same person two days in a row. Make it your goal to get better!
Day Four: When you are going through something hard and wonder where GOD is, remember that the teacher is always quiet during the test.
Day Five: Don't give up on what God has called you to do. The end result is worth the pain. Keep the faith.
Day Six: Today is all about choices. Choose to count your blessings rather than your problems!
Day Seven: You may be the only one that can see your vision, but if you can see it that's all that matters.
Day Eight: Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
Day Nine: The same people that are hoping you fail will be the same ones that will have to watch you succeed. Never stop. Always keep going!
Day Ten: The WRONG people in your life will keep the RIGHT people out. You've only got a few spaces so choose well!
Day Eleven: You are where God wants you to be at this very moment. Every experience is part of His divine plan.‪
Day Twelve: All liabilities must be let go! If they aren't building you up then they're tearing you down.
Day Thirteen: An original is always worth more than a copy. Be original!
Day Fourteen: When you focus on problems, you'll have more problems. When you focus on possibilities, you'll have more opportunities.
Day Fifteen: People who judge you by your past don't belong in your present.‪
Day Sixteen: Look around...Is this where you wanna be? If not, now is the time to decide to change it! The power lies in you.
Day Seventeen: Don't let your thoughts talk you out of the changes you want for yourself. Your body can do anything. It’s just your brain you have to convince! ‪
Day Eighteen: Get up & Go forward! Let go of the past so you'll have a free hand to open the door to your future!
Day Nineteen: They can copy you but they can't be you. Just keep being a better you and get a kick out of them trying to keep up.
Day Twenty: There are quick fixes for everything in life, but greatness is not achieved in one day. It is a process that each of us must experience.
Day Twenty-One: Don't let a bad day make you feel like you have a bad life.
Day Twenty-Two: You can't expect to live a positive life around negative people.
Day Twenty-Three: I Will NEVER lower MY standards, to RAISE someone else's!
Day Twenty-Four: Direct your thoughts today because your thoughts will direct your day.
Day Twenty-Five: ‪Temptation doesn't surrender. You have to come ready to fight everyday!
Day Twenty-Six: If you don't invest in yourself then your dreams will go bankrupt.
Day Twenty-Seven: Not everyone's opinion should be relevant in your life. Stop making irrelevant people relevant.
Day Twenty-Eight: Never let your,"mind"bully your body!
Day Twenty-Ninth: One day, you'll be just a memory for some people. Do your best to be a good one.
Day Thirty: Want to see your biggest opponent? Look in the mirror.
Day Thirty-One: Don't stress. Do your best. Forget the rest

Actor Edvin Ortega: Benefiting From the School of Life Daily

by Cyrus Webb

After appearing on programs like The Jersey Devil, Blue Bloods and Orange Is the New Black, actor Edvin Ortega knows what it's like to do the kind of work you love and see your dreams come true in the process.

"It's been an incredible journey," he told me as we reflected on his journey in the industry. "I have done things I never thought I would be able to do." Starting his career in music that opened up the door for him to do what he sees as his passion. "Some of the things I am doing now are things I wished for."

As his star continues to rise year by year he is showing other people what is possible for them. "I definitely want to be someone who people can look to and say that if he did it then I can, too. Anything is possible. You can be successful. All you have to do is work hard and know what you want and go for it." In many ways Edvin still sees himself as a kid that came out of nowhere and made something out of himself. The key for him has been to always strive to go for what he wants and is passionate about."

Associating with those who share his drive and determination has also played a major role in his career. "Association is super important," Edvin says. "Watching those who came before you makes you want to step up your game up and be better. It's like going to school. I see it as a learning experience and a privilege."

It seems the one thing that is still an adjustment for the rising star is the idea of having fans. "It's great," he says. "I have had people come up to me and say 'I just saw you' in this or that. It's kind of surreal. He then added: "I think I tend to be a little shy, but its a good thing."

Edvins's advice for anyone with a goal or dream is this: "Be a doer. Surround yourself with positive people. If you hang around negative people too much you'll become negative. You also have to know what you want. It has to be motivating enough for you not to stop regardless of the obstacles that come your way.

"You've got to have a passion that touches you no matter what you're doing to keep going and keep trying.  When you set a goal that is important enough to you, you'll get there. If you want something bad enough you will get it. It's just a question of how."

Stay connected with Edvin on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iamEdvinOrtega and on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/iamedvinortega.