Yesterday, Verizon Wireless held their “Confessions of a Smartaholic” event featuring one of Hollywood’s favorite actresses, Gabrielle Union, at the Verizon Store in D.C.
An intimate group of about 75 young African American business leaders gathered for drinks and hors d’oeuvres as they mingled with each other and asked the Hollywood starlet some of their most pressing career and personal questions.
Moderated by TV personality Alesha Renee, Union spoke to the young professionals about her success as an actress, how she relies on her Blackberry for everything, and how she values time management.
“I even time myself when doing chores,” Union revealed to the audience. “I always try to outdo my last time when mopping the floor, loading the dishwasher, and cleaning the kitchen.”
The Fab Empire sat down with Gabby to further discuss what inspires her to give back, how she stays optimistic in an industry with few opportunities for black actresses and what her go-to spots are in the D.C. area.
Gabrielle Union with TV personality Paul Wharton
The Fab Empire: How important is it for you to come out and support events such as Verizon Wireless’ “Confessions of a Smartaholic,” where you connect with young African American business leaders?
Gabrielle Union: … It’s important because you have to give back. I didn’t come from a place where it’s all about you. I was raised that you are your brother’s keeper, so I feel a sense of responsibility, but it’s a responsibility I felt long before I became an actress. It’s just kind of a natural progression from how my parents raised me that whatever you learn you teach.
How often do you find yourself coming to the D.C. area?
Often! Often!
What would you say are your favorite go-to spots in the city for food, shopping and partying?
Oh shopping: Intermix! Georgetown Intermix! It’s my favorite in the country. They used to have a girl named Dee there, but she had a baby and isn’t there anymore. But she’s the reason that I got in there and in the door and the reason I kept coming back. Even though she’s gone I still love it. We actually went there today and this is where I got this jacket (points to black blazer). Umm food…there are so many places. Who needs a shout out? (Laughs)
(Laughs) What about places to party?
Where don’t I like to party? (laughs) Park! [The Park at Fourteenth] is a good place! I do like happy hour at the Four Seasons. Oh and the rooftop at the W [Hotel]! I like the W.
Congratulations on your new films in 2012! You are definitely a busy lady.
Thank you!
A lot of people say it’s hard for black actresses to land roles in Hollywood, but you seem to remain optimistic. How do you keep this attitude when you reach of rough patch, and what is your key advice for someone who wants to have longevity in a career that seems to have little opportunities for minorities?
The first thing is bitter buddies don’t work. You know what I mean? Nobody wants to be around you. So that energy you take into an audition and that energy you take to sit on your couch waiting on the audition is kind of hard to turn off when you do get the job. You have to get in the mindset of being positive, thinking positive and creating your own opportunities. And you know there aren’t a lot of jobs for women of color. That’s just a fact and the recession made that even worse, but good news is cable television and networks are making more opportunities if you humble yourself and take those opportunities.
Acting is acting. It doesn’t matter if you are doing a web series like “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl,” or you are doing “Contagion” like my girl Sanaa [Lathan]. So there are so many great opportunities to express yourself. You just have to be humble and see where you fit in.
Later, the audience asked Union about some of her greatest accomplishments and her future goals. She cited graduating from UCLA as one of her greatest accomplishments and said that her three goals in the future will be to produce films, truly convince her parents to retire, and to have kids.
How many kids Alesha asked. “Umm…at the rate I’m going one,” Gabrielle jokingly responded.
This was such an awesome event. Gabrielle Union is truly one of my faves! Love her.
by Stephanie