Every experience in life, no matter how unexpected, has a purpose. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with my longtime friend, Sharie Mills—known to many as Bad and Bougie—on her Bad and Bougie Podcast. It was such a full-circle moment, sharing stories about my time on The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise, my teaching journey, and how I continue to grow personally and professionally.
This episode reminded me how destiny has a way of bringing people and moments back together exactly when they’re meant to.
Reflecting on My Reality TV Journey
It still feels surreal to think about how my time on The Bachelor even began. My journey to reality TV wasn’t something I planned—my mom actually wrote to the producers herself. It was one of her last wishes before she passed, and that letter changed everything. When I was selected to join the show, it felt like a gift from her, a reminder that love and opportunity can come from the most unexpected places.
Filming The Bachelor and later Bachelor in Paradise was life-changing. It wasn’t just about love; it was about travel, connection, and self-discovery. Putting yourself out there in front of millions of viewers can be intimidating, but it also teaches you resilience and the importance of staying true to yourself.
I’ve always believed that love comes when you’re living life to the fullest—when you’re open, curious, and brave enough to take chances.
Teaching, Purpose, and Mental Health
Outside of television, teaching has always been one of my greatest passions. I’ve been an educator for over a decade, and my students continue to inspire me every day. Children see the world without filters—they notice everything, say what they feel, and remind you to stay authentic.
I’ve learned that real change begins with our youth. So many of the mental health challenges adults face could be prevented if we nurtured emotional awareness in children early on. That’s why I’ve always felt called to make a difference inside and outside the classroom.
My Next Chapter: Producing and Acting
Another exciting chapter in my journey is my latest film project, The Follower. It’s a slasher film directed by Elliot Lyles, and for the first time, I’m not only acting but also producing. Taking on both roles has been an incredible challenge, but it’s also empowering. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, lead creatively, and bring a vision to life from both sides of the camera.
We’ll be filming in Atlanta soon, and I can’t wait to share more about the project once it’s ready for release. Stepping into production has reminded me how important it is to keep evolving and embracing new opportunities—even when they push you outside your comfort zone.
Building Back After Setbacks
When my social media was hacked a few years ago, I had to start over from scratch. Losing years of content and connections was discouraging, but it also forced me to rebuild stronger and more intentionally.
That experience taught me that your platform isn’t just about numbers—it’s about authenticity, community, and impact. Whether I’m teaching, acting, or producing, I want everything I share to reflect who I am and what I believe in.
Staying Grounded, Grateful, and Growing
Being on The Bad and Bougie Podcast reminded me how important it is to stay grounded and grateful. Sharie and I go way back—we’ve both faced challenges, but we’ve never stopped chasing our dreams. Seeing how far we’ve come since our early days in New York is a powerful reminder that consistency and faith always pay off.
Sharie even surprised me with a gift from her Bad and Bougie Beauty line—beautiful lashes and glosses that perfectly capture her confident, feminine energy. What I love most is that she only promotes what she truly believes in, and that’s a value we both share: integrity in everything we do.
Lessons in Faith and Resilience
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that setbacks are never the end of your story. They’re simply redirections toward something greater. From losing my mom to rebuilding my career, I’ve seen firsthand how faith, hard work, and divine timing always align in the end.
I’m grateful for every challenge, every opportunity, and every person who has believed in me along the way. Whether I’m in a classroom, on a film set, or on a podcast, my mission remains the same—to inspire others to live with purpose and passion.
What’s Next
I’m continuing to grow as an actress, producer, and educator while developing new creative projects that combine entertainment and empowerment. I believe our stories are meant to be shared, not hidden. You never know who needs to hear your truth to find their courage.
To everyone who has supported me, followed my journey, and believed in my message—thank you. The best is still yet to come.