Mahogany Keys: The Complex Image of the African American Woman part 6

Interview with Envy Red – Author Philanthropist and Entrepreneur

Danielle Hutchinson also known as “Envy Red” is a Washington, DC area native by way of Birmingham, AL. A two time graduate of the University of Maryland, she resides in Atlanta, GA. with her two boys. She is a cancer survivor whose battle with a rare form of the disease has strengthened her dedication to philanthropy. She is a board member of Homebound Citizens Non-Profit as well as the co-founder of Sk8book Jr., a youth initiative committed to developing our nation’s youth to their fullest potential. She is also the owner of a children’s bookstore, boutique, and party venue called Drama Baby. It includes two unique private party rooms for baby showers, kid parties, literary workshops, and various other themed events.

Her literary accomplishments include:

Most Talked About Author 2011 - DJ Gatsby Book Club

Debut Author of the Year 2011 - Prodigy Publishing's Urban Literary Awards

Best Dressed Female Author 2011- Prodigy Publishing's Urban Literary Awards

Author of the Year Female 2011 - Word on Da Street Urban Literary Awards 

Nomination Female Author of the Year - AAMBC

Envy Red authored the following books: Touch, Jaded, High Rollers and Ratchet Diaries (eSeries)

Oana: Envy, what is the importance of the family in your life?

Envy Red: Family is very important to me. Family is the glue that holds us together as individuals sometimes. There is a lot going on in the world but no matter what, we’ll always have family. Plus I believe it is important for members to pave the way for others who need the boost of confidence that says hey he/she made it and I can too.

Oana: Would you say that the fact that you are an African American woman influenced the way you were treated throughout your life (school, workplace)?

Envy Red: I would be remiss to believe that it did not have any bearing on my life. Despite the ideal world being color blind, we must face the fact that it is not. The plight of the African American woman is two-fold. One you are born a woman and two you are born a black woman. There are many stigmas and stereotypes that go along with that.

Oana: Have you had extremely negative experiences involving racism and how did they affect you?

Envy Red: I have been fortunate to not have any distinct experiences that stand out to me. All that I have experienced made me a stronger person and that much more determined to stand up for what is right.

Oana: Have you ever felt that your ideals and goals have been put on hold because society has assigned you a different task or even (undeserved) punishment?

Envy Red: I don’t allow anything or anyone to place my goals on hold. I am naturally a go getter so no. Obstacles are detours not road blocks.

Oana: Do you believe in God? What do you think about the fact that black people and white people rarely meet in churches when we are told we are all “children of God”?

Envy Red: Yes I believe in God. I think segregation goes back far and that this early separation impacted many areas of our lives including the way we worship. However, there are many churches that illustrate the fact that yes we are all children of God bound by the same word. Look at Bishop T.D Jakes Church. His congregation is inclusive. 

Oana: Do you believe that African American women’s rights should be part of a general greater movement that would include women of all races and ethnicities or they should be addressed separately?

Envy Red: I think women’s right should be addressed as a whole because we all have issues that we can relate to. However, it would be naive to think women of various ethnicities and races did not have their unique issues that need to be pulled from the whole.

Oana: Many African American women follow fashion trends which sometimes triggers a very negative response in the black community. Do you think that a hairstyle can change who one is?

Envy Red: I believe people should have the right to expression and a hairstyle is just that, a form of expression. Right now many including myself have accepted our roots and allowed our natural hair texture to come out. Do I think that changes us? It very well could change our views on certain things because it is deeper than a hairstyle for many of us.

Oana: What are the most sensitive issues the African American woman encounters frequently and that are invisible to the white people’s eyes? What should we be more aware of?

Envy Red: The plight of black love and marriage is huge! We are facing an epidemic in the break up of the black family. That is a huge one in my eyes and probably more pressing than most others. 

Oana: Tell us a little bit about your work.

Envy Red: I am an author who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer while completing my first title, Touch. I have since defeated cancer and went on to complete two other full length novels and an e-series. I was laid off from an eleven year job in corporate America seven months ago. I took that as an opportunity and not a failure in my life. It opened the door for me to live my own dream and open my children’s bookstore, boutique, and party venue called Drama Baby. We also do free field trips for children. Our focal program is “Bullying Prevention 365 Days a Year.” We feature titles at a discount that illustrate this topic on a level that children can relate to.

Oana: What is your advice for the young generation of African American women?

Live your dreams no matter how big they may seem. Find your passion and plant your feet in it. Many of our children are raised to take the perceived “safe” route. However, studies show that when one is passionate about their craft they will find success. Why not do it now rather than later. I would also say you are beautiful, special, and worthy of love. Do not settle! Wait on God.

Oana: Thank you, Envy.

To find more about Envy Red please visit the following websites: http://envyred.com/ and http://www.dramababy.co/

To find more about Author Oana visit www.thehealings.net

© 2013 by Oana