After the 2007 stock market crash, opportunities in the entertainment industry dried up. Mo decided to create her own opportunities by writing a short film, which won her an award for best director. She then founded Sugar Productions with just $44 in pennies, driven by her belief in self-reliance and creating opportunities for others.
Mentorship has been crucial for Mo. Her mentor, Chris Mercado, showed up consistently, shared knowledge, and provided opportunities, which helped her grow in voiceover work and radio. Mo also draws inspiration from figures like Queen Latifah and Candy Burris, who embody resilience and business acumen.
Mo focuses on eating well to maintain energy and avoid brain fog. Her diet includes fruits, greens like kale, and beets for iron and vitamin levels. She emphasizes the importance of discipline, especially as she heals from fibroids, and uses creative cooking to make nutritious foods more palatable.
Filming during the pandemic was challenging, especially when the show's theme of gentrification became all too real. Mo had to reschedule a shoot when the bodega they planned to film in was shut down due to neighborhood redevelopment. This experience reinforced the importance of addressing social issues like gentrification in her work.
Mo's interest in voiceover work began as a child, listening to radio personalities. She pursued it professionally after a mentor challenged her to try it. Her first gig, announcing Foxy Brown's album release, earned her $300 for 30 seconds of work, sparking her career in voiceovers.
Mo's favorite Caribbean dish is aki and saltfish, prepared with peppers, scotch bonnet pepper, and dumplings. She also loves plantain but had to cut back on meat due to health reasons.
Mo's favorite project was touring with Melvin Van Peebles in 'Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death.' She played a prostitute and learned a lot about the streets and the music of the 1970s, which she found both educational and thrilling.
Mo is currently touring with 'Mo Brown's Bodega' for film festivals and is in the writer's room for season three of the series. She recently won awards at the Queen City Film Festival and the American Black Film Festival.
Welcome to another enlightening episode of Mick Unplugged. Today, we have a very special guest, the dynamic and multifaceted Mo Brown Suga. Join us as we delve into her dietary habits, which include a variety of fruits and greens that keep her focused and energized, and hear about her inspiring journey in healing fibroids through disciplined eating. Mick Hunt and Mo also share tips on making nutritious but challenging foods like beets more palatable.
Listen in as we explore Mo's groundbreaking work on "Mo Brown's Bodega," discuss the social issues the show addresses, and hear about the challenges of filming during a pandemic. Mo’s rich Jamaican heritage and her journey from limited opportunities to discovering her potential at Alvin Ailey are truly motivating. From overcoming the 2007 stock market crash to founding Sugar Productions with just $44 in pennies, her story is a testament to resilience and self-belief.
This episode is filled with personal anecdotes, from her love for Caribbean dishes to her experiences growing up in Brooklyn. Learn how Mo Brown Suga turned her passion for voiceover work into a thriving career and reflect on the power of mentorship and self-belief. With shout-outs to her inspirations like Queen Latifah and tales of her adventures in theatre, this conversation promises to inspire and energize. So, stay tuned as Mick and Mo bring you an episode rich in wisdom, laughter, and motivation.
****Takeaways:
· Her family's support in the arts instilled a belief that she could achieve anything.
· Writing down goals and organizing tasks is crucial for clarity and progress.
· Mentorship is vital; sharing knowledge and opportunities can uplift others.
· Health and nutrition play a significant role in maintaining creativity and energy.
Sound Bites:
· “Importance of eating well to avoid brain fog.”
· “Challenges of filming during the pandemic.”
· “Encouragement of self-belief and dedication.”
Connect and Discover
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mobrownsuga
Instagram: Instagram.com/MoBrownSuga
Facebook: facebook.com/MoBrownSuga
Website: sugaproductions.com
Tik Tok: @mobrownsuga
Youtube: MoBrownSuga
See omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.