Mark your calendars on February 2, 2016 for a digital reality series unlike any you’ve seen before.
My Life Offline is about women who are transcending their digital profiles towards a bigger platform with the universal appeal of taking their online persona and brand to the next level. We recently caught up with one of the stars of the series, Chime Edwards (@haircrush“>. She, along with Nina Ellis-Hervey, (@beautifulbrwnbabydol“>, and Vaughn Monroe (AKA MsVaughnTV“> will all co-star in next month’s series.
1. Why did you choose to be a part of this series?
I really loved the concept of the show. The Executive Producer, Maureen Aladin, explained that the show would focus on Black hair vloggers who are building their brands and it would give the subscribers we love so much a glimpse into our lives outside of Youtube. I felt like it was a great opportunity to show Black women in a different light on reality television. It is the type of show that I would tune in to, so it was amazing to have an opportunity to be a part of the cast.
2. Were you hoping to change any specific perceptions of vloggers?
I honestly didn’t think about that much. My hope was that it would change the perception of Black women in general. Many people from other countries watch reality shows like Love and Hip Hop and The Real Housewives of Atlanta but have never actually met a Black woman. So, their perception of Black women is skewed because of the limited programming they have access to. I want everyone to see that we are beyond the stereotypes out there and more relatable than some might think.
I think the next step has already begun for many vloggers–breaking out beyond the digital world.
3. What did you learn from the process of creating this series?
It is important to be authentically who you are in every situation (even if a camera is all up in your grill”>. On the business side, I got to learn about the process of filming and pitching a reality show. It definitely takes a lot of hard work and diligence.
4. What do you see as the next step for natural hair vloggers who have found popularity online?
I think the next step has already begun for many vloggers, which is starring in TV shows and commercials–breaking out beyond the digital world. There are some Youtube vloggers that have been in major commercials and campaigns so I believe the possibilities are endless.
I want everyone to see that Black women are beyond the stereotypes out there–and more relatable than some might think.
5. Do you plan to continue a career in natural hair vlogging or are you looking to expand into other areas?
I consider myself as an artist and a creator. I love to express myself in a variety of ways and I don’t like to be put into a box. I’m interested in anything that allows me to express my creativity whether it’s acting, modeling, art or music. I am ready for whatever the universe bring my way.
Watch the trailer for My Life Offline: