QueenKay is a mother of two young boys, Chika and Lota, a multi-faceted entrepreneur, writer, enthusiast, and optimist. She moved to the United States from Nigeria when she was 18-years-old. After living in the Washington, DC area for a few years, she relocated to Los Angeles, California. Her desire to realize her creative passions led her to Hollywood. Nevertheless, she soon found herself taking a detour, to follow her heart's pathway. After falling in love and getting married, QueenKay's true-life, fairytale romance ended tragically. Ironically, the ending of her romance was the beginning of her Reconstruction and Transformation and the very catalyst of this book, The Reconstruction and Transformation of QueenKay.
Excerpts:
Let’s talk about you. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your upbringing and things like that?
Well a bit about me. I am what you call a very down to earth girl. I don't have any hang ups and I am very easy going. I grew up in a middle class family while enduring a lot of family drama.
What were your early influences?
My early influences were seeing my mum as a strong force to be reckoned with. Although pushed down many times, got up many more times to claim what was rightfully hers and raise her children the best way she knew how. I also from an early age fell in love with movies, music and the human experience. We get to tell our stories through so many mediums.
You have written a book. In what environment did you start putting “The Reconstruction & Transformation of Queenkay,” together?
I started writing my book shortly after I lost my husband. I couldn't stay focused on writing because the pain was too raw. It took me three and a half years to finish the book.
And how did you arrive to conclusion it should be put into a book?
I knew when Charles died that our story had to be told. I knew that it would be first as a book and evolve into a feature length film. I was certain of that.
What were your doubts at the time of penning and putting your emotions, Charles’ death and coping with the tragedy, together?
I had a lot to deal with, his death, surviving, raising my boys and struggling to save my business and my home where amongst the setbacks that made writing the book difficult. I didn't really doubt that I would finish the book, I just knew I had to.
You said “The Reconstruction & Transformation of Queenkay” would make one “laugh, cry, think, love, lose it and believe again.” Could you explain what that means?
I mean it would take you through my life and in many instances you would relate to the words and events as though it were happening to you. Ultimately, you would feel HOPE and the courage to carry on no matter what life throws at you.
What would you have done differently assuming you did not complete the book?
I don't think it would have been easy for me to complete any meaningful and fulfilling projects had I not completed the book. It felt like a heavy burden that needed to be let down. I would still be busy building my business and myself up but I am glad I completed the book. I feel freer, lighter and ready to take on the world.
I read somewhere that Hollywood had been on your “radar” from your inception of the American Dream until you met your sweetheart. What inspired the Hollywood dream?
I was very artistically inclined while growing up. It wasn't the dream of simply being famous for the sake of it, it was the desire to fulfill my creative passions that made me want to be part of a dream building opportunity.
If given the opportunity now, would you consider giving Hollywood a shot this time around?
It would have to be on the terms of a creative person behind the scenes. I am now a mother and my priorities have changed, but I would still love to tell moving stories and give people like myself a voice.
In your opinion, what is the Nollywood film industry not doing right to meet up with the challenges in terms of quality production and by way of scholarship compared to Hollywood?
I am not sure what they are doing specifically. I know that the quality of films in recent years has improved dramatically. The American film industry has been around for years and has been improving every since. There are organizations set in place to maintain the integrity of the projects that come around. There are museums and archives of pioneers who have paved the way. I really do not have any way of knowing just where we are in terms of getting to this level. I do know we have some very talented writers, actors and producers. We have come a long way and I pray that the best is soon to come.
You are a one of a kind mother of two boys, a magnificent entrepreneur, author and as the list goes on, where does the energy come from in all these combined?
I do not know where the energy comes from. I get inspired daily to push myself to new heights of creativity. I do not want to settle for less than excellent. I think God just gave that doze of "extra" and I will keep riding high until I get called to glory.
How is ‘Man Must Wak' doing? I love African dishes especially ofe olugbo. What are the delicacies and what should I expect assuming I stop by to make a purchase?
My store is doing great. It has survived the economic downturn and is getting ready to ride the upswing. Do you mean ofe onugbu (bitter leaf soup)? It is a specialty where I come from and we sell the ingredients in my store. If you were to stop by my store, you will find ingredients for making all kinds of soups ranging from okro soup to egusi soup and the list is endless.
Let’s talk about your boy, Chika. I watched him at the book release party video. He was awesome and I could not imagine such a kid with that powerful, moving rendition:
You can't do it alone
we can't do it alone
we have to work together
to keep going
It’s all in one community
that we have to;
work together
Wow! I was personally moved. How was all that rehearsed in preparation to the event? Coupled with the reaction of the audience, what was the discussion when you all got home?
Thank you so very much on the complement regarding my son Chika's speech. You know, that boy is just a God sent. We never rehearsed any speeches. I knew I had to say thank you. I never knew he would want to say something. For a child who was 9 at the time to have the courage to speak in front of a room full of people and say such a courageous thing, moved me also. He's my son and I simply can not get enough of how he seems to be so captivating when he speaks. He reminds me a lot about his father. The audience was moved too and it was just a wonderful day in totality. We didn't speak much about it when we got home, it was just a perfect day and we were grateful it turned out well.
How was your days at the University of San Francisco?
My days at USF were memorable and I am glad I had the opportunity to attend such a prestigious school
What’s your next project now besides a hand-full of family and entrepreneurship?
I just finished co-authoring a book with 23 female authors from all over the world. The book is entitled, "The Unstoppable Woman's Guide to Emotional Well-Being" The book project is such a blessing and their are many more to come from it. The forward to book was written by Oprah's Marketing Manager with Harpo Studios, Maya Watson. I am very excited about this year. The website for that book is http://www.theunstoppablelibrary.com Besides this new book, I have a slew of interviews slated for the next few months and I am simply amazed at what the future holds for me.
What’s your leisure time like?
If I have any leisure time in between my crazy schedule, I sleep. I tell people it's one my hobbies and they laugh, but the truth is, I do everything on full speed, so to me when I lay down, that's a luxury. I do like to read, watch movies, and travel. Thank you so much for the opportunity to connect with you and the readers. I do hope that my book blesses those who read it and is a life changing experience for as many as would allow it.
