Chapter 31 - The Jennifer Hudson Show

Sadé's POV:

- Thursday, October 6th, California

Jordyn and I had just stepped off the jet, landing in Los Angeles this morning. The warm air hit my skin, a change from the cool where I live. We got into the designated car along with security, making our way to the hotel once the driver pulled off.

As soon as Jordyn and I spilt into our respective hotel rooms, I took a shower and flopped down on the bed still in my robe. It wasn't a long super flight, but it was early in the morning still, only 8am in LA, and I was still tired. I had a few hours before I needed to start getting ready for my day so I shot Marshall a quick text to let him know I landed safely as he requested, and took a short nap.

- A Few Hours Later

I was practically done getting ready for the show in my hotel room. The makeup artist had already gotten done perfecting my face, and the hairstylist had already finished straightening my hair. All I had to do was put on my outfit and get going to the set in Burbank, which was an hour drive so I had to hurry if I wanted to make my appearance on time. I snapped a quick picture to send to Marshall before changing into my outfit.

I wore a black dress that had black fluffy trimming, black pumps, some hoop earrings, and the two stack bracelets. I quickly grabbed my lip gloss & lip liner throwing them in my purse as I sprayed some perfume on before rushing out the room to meet Jordyn in the lobby. Security followed closely behind me as we left the building, which I didn't favor, but Jo said that it was necessary when going to events from now on because of my growing platform and fame. I guess. I don't like it, but it's whatever.

- On The Jennifer Hudson Show

I was awaiting my name to be called from the side of the stage so that I can make my grand entrance on the show. It wasn't my first time being on live tv, but it still gave me butterflies. It's still so surreal to me that I really made it this far in life at only 21 when just five years ago I was struggling. Anyways, the show was live so I had to remember that I couldn't mess up and had to choose my words carefully because there was only one take. No redos. Jordyn was stood next to me as she'd be watching the show from backstage. Jennifer finally announced my name, allowing me to make my grand entrance.

"Our next guest has been in the spotlight since the age of 15. You know her from the social media platforms YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok. Yes, she's a social media influencer, content creator, model, and activist. Give it up for the very gorgeous Sadé Myers!" Jennifer introduced me to the audience.

I walked out as everyone cheered me on, clapping. I waved to the audience as I made my way over to the couch on set, taking a seat. I had a huge smile on my face from how excited I was!

"You're only 21, but you've been doing this for a while."

"A whileee." I recalled.

"You did your first photoshoot when you were 16 years old!"

"At 16, yea. I've been modeling - oh that's me!" I bashfully said as they displayed a picture of my very first photoshoot on the large screen.

"You look so beautiful by the way. And I hear you're modeling in Milan Fashion Week in a few days too?" She interviewed me.

"Thank you, I was so nervous that day. And yes I am! I can't wait. This is my third time modeling for fashion week."

"And what's that like?"

"I'm always the smallest one there backstage because all the other girls are are like over 6 feet and in heels as well, and I'm only like 5 feet tall." I made a fake frown, causing the audience watching to laugh as well as Jennifer.

"Okay and tell us how you even got started in the whole influencer world. Give us a little background on that." Jennifer insisted, moving on to the next topic.

"Well I was super young. I was always just recording myself in front of the mirror or filming little videos, like these cringy makeup tutorials in middle school. You know, the basic little videos all the kids would do back then. Then I started uploading real videos, being more authentic. Well eventually, one of them actually blew up one day and that's what made me take it seriously; As like an actual job and career. So I kept working my butt off and here I am. I had gotten into the fashion videos and cooking videos and vlogging of my everyday life, hence the lifestyle content. But I always made sure I never lost sight of my goal or myself. I always pay homage to where I came from and to those who look like me and where raised like me. Aka the black community, those who didn't have it good growing up, those who struggled to find happiness, and to women." I explained sincerely.

"Oh wow. Much respect to you. You are such an inspiring young woman. I absolutely love that!"

- Take 2:

We then went over a little memory lane game where she asked if I remember doing certain projects and what not. Honestly, there were quite a few I had forgotten about. Not because I didn't like it because I did, but because I have the memory of a gold fish.

"You remember that moment?" She asked as an old picture of me posed next to a cute little dog displayed across the screen.

"I do, I do because I used to love dogs so I was so excited that day!" I raved, "But I remember everything when I was younger. It's the things now that I do where I'm like "Oh, I don't even remember I did that.""

"I know that's right, girl. I blame it on the wine every once and a while." She joked, causing the both of us to giggle.

- Take 3:

"Do you ever get star struck? I know you're considered and influencer and not a celebrity, but with over 20 million followers combined from all platforms, I think that counts you as a celebrity!"

"No I definitely don't consider myself a celebrity or famous." I shifted a little uncomfortable.

I wasn't one to be motivated by numbers or fame or money. I just go off of good vibes and energy. The "fame" was a perk, but not something I considered myself to have a lot of. It's not like I act, or do music, or have have some sort of talent, or do anything spectacular. I'm just a girl from Chicago that grew in popularity from posting videos and photos. Definitely not famous though.

"To answer the question though, I do. I get starstruck, but not all the time. Only occasionally. When I met Rihanna, however, I got starstruck..." I recalled embarrassingly.

"Of course. That'll do it to ya." She agreed.

"And Nicki Minaj too. I love both of them so I was like "Oh my god!" I was so excited, so excited." I covered my face in my hands.

Those were two of my absolute favorite people ever when it came to celebrities. I had met Riri while ago at a party in New York once, and Nicki at an awards show in California a few years back. I just love the vibes they give off and how they carry themselves. Of course, I also love their music. They are definitely it girls for sure!

- Take 4:

"And you just turned 21, do you think it's hard for your fans to see you as an adult now, those that watched you from the very beginning anyways?"

"I think... sometimes yea, but they're getting used to it. Ya know? They're realizing I'm 21. I'm grown, they're grown too. It's like we all kinda just grew up together. They used to watch me on their computer screens so. Some people can't come terms with it, but uhmmm yea." I awkwardly stated.

"I'm one of those people who cannot believe you're only 21." She admitted.

I didn't really like to talk about my age much because why does it matter? If I'm 21 or 31 or 57, who cares? I'm still the person that I am right now and am still as successful as I am despite my age.

- Take 5:

"Do you ever look back at the videos you film and watch them?" She asked curiously.

"I don't." I replied seriously.

Her and the audience roared with amusement. I don't think they expected me to say that.

"I don't." She teased me, a confused look on her face as she waited for me to continue.

"No because I don't like watching myself back. It's hearing my voice that I don't like. It's weird to me so no, I don't." I shamefully admitted.

- Take 6:

We had been talking for another 15 minutes as the live show was almost over so we had to wrap it up. It was fun, and I had a good time talking with Jennifer. She was very kind and held a conversation well unlike other interviewers or talk show hosts. No shade.

"Tell me about how you handle not so positive situations. I'm sure there's also some people out there who want you're advice on how to inspire, empower, and clap back. Yes!" She said snapping her fingers in a way to hype me up, "What's the key to a good clap back?"

"The key to a good clap back is - Well, first of all, I don't like to clap back all the time. I do it when it's necessary just to set the tone, then I just leave it at that. BUT, I'll say remain calm, get your point across, make it short & sweet, give it to 'em, and then you're done." I told everyone smugly looking at the camera, causing people to hum & nod their heads in agreement.

"She said it with grace. Yes I love that."

"Always gotta keep it classy! Mhmm."

"Let the folks know something! Tell us about the fragrance line you're partnered with."

"I'm working with Cacharel. I'm the face of their fragrance called "Yes, I am. Bloom up.""

"Beautiful, congratulations."

"Thank you. It's been a lot of fun to work with them."

We spoke more about that project that I had going on as well as others and my future quickly. I also hinted at my fashion brand that I was working on, and how excited I was for that. She closed the segment of the show, thanked me for being there, and I departed from the stage. The episode ended a few minutes shortly after where I took some photos with Jennifer and a few supporters of mine and the show. All in all it was super cool and I really appreciate her for inviting me to make an appearance.

Once that was all said and done with, I went back to my hotel where I just chilled for the rest of the evening before going to bed to get some rest. I had an early start to my day tomorrow so I needed to be well rested.

- Friday, October 7th

It was already midday, and I had gotten my day going a while ago. I had another work obligation to attend to today so I was sat in a chair getting ready by hair and makeup team. I was just sat here texting Marshall and Bama until they were done. It was a soft launch and photo shoot for the perfume line I mentioned yesterday with Cacharel. A soft launch basically is instead of actually launching the product to be able to buy, the brand/company is only doing the announcement that I'd be the face of the line and it was for promotional purposes to get everyone hyped for when it did actually drop. Like a teaser. I was pretty excited because the process was really hands on. They involved me a lot even though it's not my brand. They allowed me to pick scents, smell samples, and even help design the packaging.

Today is also Friday, so that means that my weekly video was uploaded. It was my skincare routine that a lot of people had requested in the comments of some of my videos and asked me to do so I filmed that before I left a few days ago.

I also told myself that I wasn't going to look at any of the comments today because I didn't want to ruin my mood again. Whatever people have to say is what they have to say. If it's about me or not, that's not my business. They aren't going to ruin my happiness, chile. Once again, I sent a quick selfie to Marshall once I finished getting ready, and he actually sent one back this time.

Granted, his entire face wasn't in the photo, but it's the thought that counts. And from what I did see of him was pretty darn cute. With his fluffy hair after he had gotten off of work, and his goat picture in the background because he's the goat.

- At The Venue For Cacharel

We had just finished up taking some pictures to post to instagram and for the company and other influencers to post as well. I had wore a cream white dress that had these cute little cutouts, silver strapped heels, and paired it with my now signature bracelets & a cute little silver purse.

I was talking with the daughter of the CEO of the company along with some other influencers and important people. Since her father passed, she now owns 80% stake in the company, making it hers. We were in the middle of a conversation on the topic of how she wants the future of the brand to grow and be more diverse (her family is white, and so is she), when she said something that kind of caught me off guard. Up until this point the conversation was completely normal. There was absolutely no reason why anyone couldn't talk about diversity and black representation.

"If my father was still alive, he would've never done this. I'm so glad I was able to, however." She brought up.

"What do you mean?" I asked, wanting more clarification to make sure I wasn't trippin'.

"Sadé, I mean you. He would've never allowed me to have you represent or promote the perfume line. He would've probably told me to fuck off." She scoffed as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Mhmm." I nodded, wanting wanting to conversation to be over.

"He was pretty picky. I actually tried to get you to work with us sooner, but he wouldn't allow it. He wasn't taking any of it." She clarified.

"Picky?" I asked in more of a sarcastic tone.

"Yea. I mean- "

"Picky or racist?" I interrupted her with a fake smile.

I didn't want to seem too bothered because at the end of the day this is a business deal for me. I did have to act professionally or it would cost me. At the end of the day my reputation would always be on the line did I ever get too snippy or lose my temper. Because that, I do have: a temper that I have learned to keep under control over the years. So I had to quickly bite my tongue as the other influencers had become quiet.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend anyone. Especially the dead." I quickly tried to retort.

"Oh no, it's totally fine. I have no problem admitting that he was indeed a racist. I'm not though, and I don't want the brand to embody that. That's why I'm glad you're here to represent for the black community."

"Honored." I gave a tight lipped smile.

It's safe to say that conversation has come to an end so I walked away, going to chat with a different group of influencers. Of course, I didn't actually care if I offended anyone. Not even the dead. Call me petty, but it is what it is. I call it how I see it. I didn't want to apologize because I'm so tired of black people, and simply minorities in general, having to do petty apologies to not put opportunities at risk because they made a white person feel uncomfortable. Nonetheless, I had to do it otherwise she could've completely decided to pull my campaign right then & there and that would look extremely bad on my end because we all know who the public would've favored.

Aside from that little weird thing that happened, the night was great! Everyone got to smell the perfume, got a pr box, and it was just really happy and positive vibes. I already had the perfume collection since it was my collaboration after all so I decided that I'd give the pr box I was given to Hailie the next time I see her. I also got a chance to network and meet some new people, which was always great. Once the event was over and I entered my hotel room, I fell asleep without a second thought. I was so worn out from these past few days and it was only going to get busier. Oh jeez. At least it's officially the weekend, which meant I had a break. And since I was in California, I'd be able to see my bestie!