Exclusively Interviewed by : London Summers
HH: Okema, your career spans producing, directing, acting, and writing. How has your journey shaped the way you present yourself in the entertainment industry?
I started as a child actor on Sesame Street at the age of six. With that, I’ve been in some form of the business for 40 years. While I didn’t always hold self-worth, big confidence, or belief in myself 100%, I always ensured that if I wasn’t the popular one, the pretty one, the first pick, or the one everyone was rooting for—I’d always be the fly one.
From my tomboy days as a rapper, singer, and dancer signed to Vincent Herbert in the mid-90s, to today as an actor, director, and producer, how I present myself has always allowed me to stand out. I learned early that my presentation could speak for me when my confidence or position in the room couldn’t. Today, being much more established, I still use my hair and personal style to help me be seen as different—one of one most days.
HH: How do you balance the many hats you wear in both your creative and business life?
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I’ve learned to be both strategic and to compartmentalize my time in order to be productive and show up fully in each space. If I’m writing, I block out specific time to be the writer. When I’m acting, I prepare my lines and give my all to that moment. When I’m directing, I prep and plan so I’m ready to lead my team creatively.
You cannot be everywhere at once—but you can do many things, one at a time.
HH: What’s the most powerful thing you’ve learned about self-image as a Black woman in the entertainment industry?
In an industry that seems to favor certain textures, sizes, and complexions—none of which I possess—the most powerful lesson I’ve learned is to find love and affection for myself as I am. I stand firmly in my own beauty, body image, style, texture, coloring, and most of all, my heart. Who and what I am is enough. That’s why my company is called MOOREthanEnuff Media, Inc.
HH: Hype Hair celebrates the versatility of Black hair. How has your hair journey evolved over the years, and what’s your go-to style right now?
I have locs, but I switch it up a lot! From braids, to twists, to crochet, to weaves, to styling my locs themselves. My hair is always coiffed and cool. I love experimenting with color, texture, and styling.
HH: What advice would you give to young creatives who feel pressured to conform to certain beauty standards?
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As a creative, doing you is the expectation today. Conformity dilutes your uniqueness—and it’s counterintuitive to your creativity. You have the space to show up in your own way, as your best self.
With the Crown Act and the flexibility of what’s considered “professional,” you now have freedom to do it your way. Just make sure it’s rooted in who you truly are—and hair-wise, keep it healthy and clean!
I recently directed a commercial for Ally Bank starring Jack Howard. Shooting someone who embodied everything I was once told I couldn’t be when I worked on Wall Street was cathartic. For the 20-something version of me who made herself small to fit in, it was deeply healing.
HH: What’s one beauty ritual or self-care habit you never skip, no matter how busy life gets?
I will always oil my scalp and do my facial routine. In my late 20s to mid-30s, I struggled with awful cystic, hormonal acne, and nothing worked. Now that my skin is finally clear, I do all I can to keep it that way.
As for my hair, I once battled dry scalp and dandruff. Going natural taught me how to properly care for my scalp and hair, using fewer products but more technique.
HH: If your hair could tell a story about your life right now, what chapter would we be in?
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She would be in her thriving era—growing, healthy, and cared for. Just like me.
HH: What’s next for you that you’re most excited about—and will we get to see a new hair era along with it?
I’m already in a new hair era, but it will wrap up this fall. I’ve been wearing a curly textured weave over my locs all summer, and it makes me look so young! I originally got it for my next short film, Crossroads, where I’m the female lead, but I loved how low-maintenance it was—so I kept refreshing it.
You’ll also see a refined version of the style in the feature film I just shot, Higher Love, starring Dennis Haysbert, Joe Pantoliano, and Telma Hopkins.
