Ep. 54 | Issa Rae, The Entrepreneur.
issa"I’VE BEEN BLESSED ON THIS JOURNEY TO FIND PEOPLE ALONG THE WAY THAT HELP ME EXPAND INTO THE LANES THAT I WANT TO GO IN"
Issa Rae is a visionary creator, actress, writer, and entrepreneur known for her award-winning series Insecure and her impactful roles in film. You’ll hear us talk about her creative journey, navigating the entertainment industry, investing in community, and balancing entrepreneurship with artistry.
description:
In this episode of It Takes a Village, Delina welcomes Issa Rae for a candid discussion covering various facets of her life and career. Issa Rae is a dynamic force in entertainment, known for creating and starring in the Peabody-winning series, Insecure, and for her roles in Barbie, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and American Fiction. As the founder of HOORAE Media, Issa champions diverse storytelling across film, TV, and music. Issa’s commitment to her community in South LA shines through her investments in local businesses, including Hilltop Cafe + Kitchen, Somerville, and Sienna Naturals, a Black-owned vegan hair care line.
Issa discusses her creative journey, from the early success of Awkward Black Girl to becoming a creative producer, and shares insights into the challenges of the industry, including casting, auditions, and balancing creative control on set. Rae talks about her entrepreneurial ventures and how she navigates business, and the importance of choosing investments that align with her values. Rae also shares stories about her family background, creative process, waking up early, and balancing multiple projects, painting a comprehensive picture of her approach to both her professional and personal life.
Show Topics:
Issa Rae’s creative evolution: from Awkward Black Girl to Insecure
Navigating casting, auditions, and creative control on set
Founding and growing HOORAE Media: film, TV, music, and more
Community investment in South LA: Hilltop Cafe + Kitchen, Somerville, and Sienna Naturals
Balancing entrepreneurship with artistry
Family life, creative rituals, and time managementh
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
01:59 Issa Rae's Career Highlights
06:28 Early Life and Family Background
08:14 Life in Senegal and Cultural Reflections
14:10 Business Ventures and Investments
21:47 Awkward Black Girl and Acting Journey
26:55 The Role of a Creative Producer
27:59 First Studio Film Experience
29:33 Casting SZA: A Perfect Fit
32:34 Creative Process and Routine
38:40 Investment Criteria and Business Ventures
40:41 Hair Care Journey and Sienna Naturals
46:42 Somerville: A New Venture
48:55 President Barbie and Final Thoughts
ABOUT issa rae
Issa Rae is an Emmy-nominated writer, producer, actress, and entrepreneur best known for creating the groundbreaking series "Insecure" and the viral web series "Awkward Black Girl." As the founder of HOORAE Media, Hilltop Coffee, and Sienna Naturals, Issa leads with creativity, representation, and community. Her commitment to uplifting others and breaking barriers continues to inspire a whole new generation of creators and entrepreneurs
Connect with Issa Rae on Instagram at @issarae
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