Comedian Jessie Woo Has A McDonald's Ice Cream Machine To Thank For Her Rise To Success
How many times have we been to McDonald's and no matter what time, location, or manager on duty, chances are, the ice cream machine still isn't working? Pitiful. Well, for Jessie Woo, a broken McDonald's ice cream machine ignited the spark for a new direction in her career. What are the chances?
An artist at heart, the Miami native had always had plans to become an all-around entertainer from hosting to singing and acting. But unfortunately, after graduating college and taking her talents to NYC, the universe had other plans. "I fell on really hard times. I lost my job a couple days after moving into my first Brooklyn apartment and I got so depressed. I didn't even have enough money to take a flight back home so I was just like 'Lord what am I going to do," Jessie expressed.
Her disappointment, fear, and anger all led her to release her frustrations on social media, not knowing she would be opening the door to a brand new career. On an ordinary stop at McDonald's, Jessie bantered with the drive thru cashier while discussing her frustration with the ice cream machine being broken...yet again. Thousands of her fans shared her exact same sentiments and moments after posting, the video went viral, opening a new social platform she never expected.
"I would be walking around Brooklyn, and people would be like 'you're the McDonalds girl' and that's when I realized ohh, maybe there is something here. So I just kept pushing, kept uploading some things hit, some things didn't," Jessie shared.
With her signature Haitian accent and personable persona, Jessie has now garnered over 400 thousand followers in just one year since being discovered online. Her supporters, who she's labeled her "seesters," tune in daily for the rants and outspoken conversations we all secretly wish we had the guts to speak out loud about.
Jessie is a testament that our plan may fall through, but God's plan is the most important plan of all. The rising comedienne recently chatted with xoNecole to talk about her career journey, being a female in the comedy game, and her desire to not fit in anyone's box.
How has your life changed since being discovered online?
Jessie Woo: Well, I don't think I've been "discovered" yet (laughs), but my life has definitely changed. This time last year, I was on EBT cards and unemployment. A year later, I work for BET as a TV Host for BET Breaks, Black to Life, [and] I hosted the red carpet for the first ever BET Her Awards. I'm a stand up comedian now, and I get to travel all over the country doing it. I'm working on various TV projects - life has changed drastically for me. I have a lot on my plate and I'm very thankful because I remember being so hungry this time last year; hungry for food and more opportunities. Here I am now, I'm really doing more than I imagined I'd be doing in a year.
"This time last year, I was on EBT cards and unemployment. A year later, I work for BET."
What has your experience been like as a black woman entering the world of stand-up comedy?
It's hard, especially coming from the Haitian realm of comedy. I get backlash all the time for being my real true self, for actually BEING a woman. I'm a "bitch" cause I say what I wanna say. I'm a "bitch" 'cause I demand things like better payment, travel costs being covered - the basics. For some reason, the men think, as a woman, I should look at it as a privilege to be around them. No sir. It's the other way around.
As a woman, you have to work ten times harder to gain the same respect the men get for complacent work. I've performed at comedy shows where the men had no real routine! No routine, just a bunch of nonsense and dancing on stage. Then, here I am wracking my brain for a bombass standup routine because if I do what they do, I'll get booed.
"Men think I should look at it as a privilege to be around them. No sir. It's the other way around."
You're a singer, an actress, comedian, host and more, how do you continue to pursue your passions without letting society box you into one category?
I just continue to do me. I can't fit into anyone's box because I refuse. Jamie Foxx is my entertainment idol. He does it all, sing, tell jokes, play instruments, act, host… he's everything in one being. That's what I hope to emulate. God has blessed me with so many talents. For the longest time, I thought I'd just sing. I recently realized I could do stand up comedy, I'm only 10 months in. I'm an entertainer. As an entertainer, it's my duty to perfect all of my talents because God can use any of them at any moment to catapult my career places I've never dreamed of. I'm just gonna continue to do me.
For all of the women who aspire to do what you do, what would your advice be for them?
I always tell them that there's room for them. The grocery store's milk section is filled with options like soy milk, almond milk, non fat milk, etc. I say that to say that you are someone's preference. Someone is waiting to hear YOU sing the way only you can sing. Someone is waiting for YOU to start that hair company with the hair and packaging they prefer. Someone is waiting for YOU to write that book the way God gifted you to write it. You are someone's preference. Your talents will bless this world. Don't compare yourself to anyone. Own your gifts! Don't look left or right, look above! Let God guide you into your destiny.
"You are someone's preference. Don't compare yourself to anyone."
To keep up with Jessie on her journey, follow her @Jessiewoo_ or catch her as a host on BET Breaks. Also be sure to keep a look out for our "Sister-In-Chief" as she continues her Seester Talk Live events in a city near you.
Ashley McDonough is a writer and producer in New York City. When she's not busy writing or producing culturally conscious content, she is patiently waiting for Oprah and Stedman to adopt her. Keep up with her journey via social @Ashley_Milani or check out her work on www.AshleyMcDonough.org.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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How A Stay At Switzerland's Luxurious 7132 Hotel Reminded Me To Live The Life I Deserve
Sometimes, as women—especially as single Black women—we simply need to be reminded that we are deserving of living a life we dream of. Even if that means creating it for ourselves. I recently set out on a weeklong trip to Switzerland, a trip I’ve been wanting to take for years, and near the end of my visit, I had an epiphany.
“DeAnna, this is the life you deserve,” I thought to myself as I took in the gorgeous bathroom in my suite at the famous 7132 Hotel and Thermal Spa. It was one of the most luxurious hotels (and bathrooms) I had ever stayed in—and that’s saying a lot for someone who often travels for work.
To help you better understand why this was such a mental awakening for me, I first need to give a bit of my backstory. I’m in my late thirties. I’m an attorneyand a journalist. I own a home and have traveled the world extensively. Essentially, I’ve done everything in life I set out to do. However, when it comes to dating, I struggle. Not because there is anything wrong with me per se, but because my career and “lifestyle” often create problems in my romantic relationships.
View from my hotel room
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I’ve been told everything from, ‘I can’t continue to date you because you seem to choose your career over wanting to settle down and have kids’ by a man after only the second date to ‘Maybe if you just sat down somewhere for a while, I’d actually wife you’ by someone who has honestly never proven themselves to be the settle down type. And these are only a handful of the things I’ve been told over the years.
It’s been frustrating, to say the least, and there have even been seasons where I purposely dimmed my light in hopes that my career wouldn’t push away potential suitors. I know what you’re thinking, “Girl, why would you even consider that? If they’re for you, it won’t matter what you do.” Hey, don’t judge me, but also, I one hundred percent agree.
My hotel bathroom
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That’s why this recent moment in Switzerland was right on time. When I first walked into the hotel to check in, I was blown away by the surrounding beauty. It was a five-star property with one of the world’s most famous thermal bathhouses. Yet, it was something about seeing that 90% of the hotel’s guests were couples, that forced me to sit back for a bit of introspection—while soaking in the thermal spa, of course.
As I went through the mental conversation, there was a battle of sorts. On one hand, I knew that being able to partake in experiences like the one I was having at that moment was important to me. I knew that, at times I actually love being able to dabble in the finer things—after all, I’ve worked hard to be able to afford them. On the other hand, and sadly, I knew that sometimes being a single Black woman that publicly showcases her “luxurious” habits can intimidate men and even scare them off from pursuing you under the guise of them feeling like they “can’t do anything for you, because you have everything.”
My hotel room
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So, what is a girl to do?
Do I minimize/hide the life and experiences that I have? Do I play down the hard work I’ve put in to get where I am professionally? Or, do I risk being single in exchange for being able to have said life, without backlash?
Luckily, the joy that I felt while being at this property won. There was something about taking a full day to simply pamper myself at the bathhouse and in my in-room steam shower and soaker tub, indulging in cuisine from a 2-star Michelin restaurant and doing all of this while surrounded by an amazing group of Black women that reminded me—this is certainly the life I was meant to live and that I deserve. Even if it means that right now, I’ll just have to provide it for myself until the right partner comes along. And honestly, I’m okay with that.
Restaurant at 7132 hotel
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