
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.
Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
I Tried It: 3 Low-Maintenance Wigs That Will Elevate Your Look This Season
There's nothing like the feeling you get when your hair is done. It can instantly boost your confidence and put you in a great mood. I've never been a stranger to hair trends and I often experiment with the latest braided styles and colors.
But there are moments when I just don't feel like doing my hair. I'm natural and a lot of times I will braid or twist my hair up and cover it with a scarf or turban. However, when I crave a different look without the hassle of styling, I reach for a wig.
I've always had a love-hate relationship with wigs. Sometimes, I struggle to get them to lay flat and don't get me started with the bonding glue process. So when it comes to wearing wigs, I like to keep it nice and breezy around this b--- (word to Katt Williams), especially in the summertime.
That's why I jumped at the chance to try these three versatile wigs from Luvme Hair. Each one offers a unique look and is surprisingly low maintenance, which aligns perfectly with my philosophy that wearing wigs should make life easier. Let’s dive into the three styles below.
Headband Wig
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This was the first wig I tried on, and I instantly fell in love with it. So much so that it took me weeks to even consider trying the other two. I’m partial to colored hair, especially blonds, browns, and reds, so I was skeptical about the jet black hair. However, I think the color, combined with the curl pattern, worked surprisingly well for me.
One of the things I really liked about this wig was that I didn’t have to braid my hair down first. I could simply throw it over a low ponytail, which is the epitome of a low-maintenance style. The headband has combs inside and velcro on the ends, ensuring a secure fit.
Half Wig
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I had never worn a half wig before, so I faced some challenges. I cornrowed the bottom half of my hair where the wig would sit, but I believe this made it more difficult to use the combs. It might just be me though. I straightened the top part of my hair to blend it with the wig, which looked cute for about five minutes.
Firstly, I have a brown/blonde color mix on the ends of my hair, and the half wig is black. So, I had to hide some of the color (I didn’t have time to dye the wig). Secondly, straightening my hair myself is always a hassle because it never lasts long. Add to that the summer humidity, and you get a hot mess. Despite all this, I managed to get some cute pictures before things got out of control, and that’s all that matters, right?
Would I consider this a low-maintenance hair style? Yes and no. I think it’s unrealistic for me during the summer, especially since I enjoy summer activities. However, when the weather cools down, I’ll definitely rock it, dyed, of course.
Bob
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Now, this is the wig I was nervous about. I never had a bob and I didn't think I would like it. But once I put bobiana on, my mind instantly changed. I finally understood why the gworls rave about the bob so much. It was giving boss. It was giving grown woman. It was giving the bob means business. Iykyk. It was the ultimate statement.
I will say when I first put it on, one side of my wig just would not lay flat. It took some trial and error, but I finally managed to get it to look good. With the bob, I highly recommend braiding your hair down first as small as you can so it can lay as flat as possible. I really liked the ash blonde color, which is perfect for summer. The length also makes it a great low-maintenance style for the season, so you don't have to worry about the hair making your neck sweaty.
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