Keep it Positive, Sweetie - Why Not Me w/ Tika Sumpter

Episode Date: May 18, 2025

Tika Sumpter is a powerhouse talent–she's an NAACP nominated actress and producer, a children's book author (I Got It From My Momma) and podcast creator who's been steadily redefining what it means to move with ambition, grace and grit in Hollywood. We sit and talk about her journey, motherhood, marriage and building the life of her dreams.

Calling all my sweeties to the forefront, I'm your host, Chris Rene Hazel, and this is the Keep It Positive Sweetie Show. Welcome to the Keep It Positive Sweetie Show, the place where we heal, grow, and learn together. This week's guest is the beautiful, multi-hyphenate talent, Tika Sumter. She's an NAACP-nominated producer, director,

children's book author, and a podcast creator who's been steadily redefining what it means to move with ambition, grace, and grit in Hollywood. We're talking about none other than Tika Sumter, a powerhouse talent who starred in a billion dollar blockbuster like Sonic the Hedgehog 3, made her Sundance directorial debut with The Night Off, and is co-producing and starring in a new Amazon MGM rom-com in

collaboration with Tyler Perry. Oh, and did we mention that she's also releasing her first children's book, I Got It From My Mama and creating an animated podcast for kids. In today's episode, we're talking about storytelling, motherhood, ambition and the creative fire that drives one of Hollywood's most inspiring voices. Get ready for this conversation, guys, because you do not want to miss it. Tika, thank you so much for coming. I've been waiting for this!

I've been waiting for my phone call. Unfortunately, I was like, um... And I... What is she gonna call me? And I... You, like wish you'd all call me. And I. You like went by getting that call. Girl. You and Tyler both.

I think I was getting a side eye from both of y'all. For a while. Kind of. I was like, oh so who's on Keep It Punk? Oh. And I still haven't been, you're like, why am I not? I get it though. Sometimes you like, you know what your friends,

you're like, oh, you know, you're busy. I'm trying to get it together, I'm figuring it out. And I wanna have it right when I call certain people. Girl, it's right. Yes, and it's perfect. This is the perfect timing. Perfect. Yes, how are you?

I am, I'm like bursting with joy right now, first of all for you. Oh, thank you. I have known you for a long time. Yes, yes. You were, I mean, I for a long time. Yes. Yes. You were, I mean, I'll tell the story. You were an extra on Stomp the Yard 2, right? Yes.

And Will Packer produced it, and I was on it. And I just remember how, of course, you were with one of the leads. They were like, where's the pretty girl? OK, she's got her hair cut, and I'm like, your hair's all cut. And I was like, was she pretty? And you're just, you were just so present and so not trying

hard to be anything but who you were. Yeah. And I just always wanted to kind of, I was like, are you OK? You were so sweet to me. I like, I don't know why I was gravitating toward you, but I do now. I just always saw like, you're just, there's something, such a good spirit there.

You are beautiful. I love you. You too, y'all dropped it. Same thing. I was like, you are stunning. And I remember that and how kind you were to me in that moment. And then fast forward like two years later,

you booked Candice on having to have nots. And I walked up to you as I'm a PA at that time. This is like, I just started the, yeah. I was a PA at the studio. And I remember walking up to you as I'm a PA at that time. This is like, I just started the, yeah, I was a PA at the studio and I remember walking up to you saying, hey Tika, I don't know if you remember, and before I could even get you, you're like, Crystal, yes, oh my God, girl. I was like, cause you know, like you're an extra,

and like some people like, you were a well established actor at that time, so I was like, she's- I was still fresh and, you know, but I'm nice to anybody. Yeah. But I'm nice to anybody. But I'm nice to everybody. I don't care what you can do for me.

Your spirit is great. I'm like, I actually became really good friends with another extra on One Life Toys. She's my friend now. I just, but you're not just that. You don't just go there to be an extra. There's more in your world that's coming, obviously. So, but I don't care.

It's like you're a good human. But the fact that we saw each other on Havs, and you were, I can't believe you were PA. I always feel like I remember you as the head of the department. Yeah, no, I started at the bottom. Now we here. Oh my god.

Yeah, PA. OK. Yeah, I started there. And I remember, it was just a breath of fresh air. Because you just, you know, sometimes you was actors. And just this industry period, not even just actors, you don't know what you're going to get from one day to the next.

Like, y'all can be having a great conversation in one setting, and then you'd see them, and they'd act like, oh, you know. Yeah, they're like, who are you? I'm sorry. God. We talked about God. We did? I don't know him.

He'd be like, you know. Good luck. They're like crazy. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're like, we literally had a. We did? I don't know him. He be like, you don't. Good luck. They're like crazy. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like we literally had a deep, I was crying. Literally, you don't remember. Oh my God.

Yeah, so I've had instances like that, but to see you and then you like just embracing the way you did, just as a young black woman still trying to figure it out and navigate this industry and find my footing and to see where I fit in. Yeah. It meant a lot. Oh my god.

And then to have you as a, now as this years of friendship. Oh my god, years of friendship and like, I don't know, I'm just so, I'm just proud of you. And I'm just, I'm so happy to be here and I'm so happy to kiki with you and to like meet your whole crew and. Yeah. Girl, it ain't where you start.'t where you start it's not it's where

you finish yes you're gonna keep going yeah i'm proud of you too so i'm excited to have you on today because i want people to know more more about you just like your journey and where you are today and all the amazing things you've done your resume is outstanding thank you I'm so proud of you. Thank you. Yes, so take us back to Queens, New York. Oh my god. Young Tika. Little Tika? Little Tika. I want to know, like, from the beginning.

I just honestly, like, I asked my mom, like, who was I? She was like, you were just observant. And I love to go outside, stay outside till the light came on. Literally, Tika! And he's like, I just climbed trees. I stay outside till the light came on. Literally, Tika! And it's like, I just climbed trees. There was this crazy blackberry tree in my friend's yard, which is so weird to have in a concrete jungle.

But it was huge. We would climb in and just eat blackberries. And we would go to each other's houses. And it was amazing. That block was amazing. I block was like I lived there until I was like 10 years old I remember everybody's name you know it was like Top Cat like it was like all those names are those real names yeah no those are really like well those fun names you know what I mean like right but like

yeah I would hang out I got into my first fight on the block. Girl, I didn't wanna fight. It was a surprise jumping. And I was like, what's happening? What, no, a jump? Well, sort of. It was like, I like came, my friends like, take her, come. And I was like, oh, okay. I'm like this little, like, think of a little,

like eight year old, nine year old, like, okay. Yeah. And I'm like, they're like, you gonna fight her. And I remember the girl's name, I ain't gonna say it. Stop. Oh. But they're like, you gonna fight her. And I was like, fight?

Like fight? I was like, I didn't fight, fight? What? It's initiation. Girl, is that a gang land? Right. And so literally I had to fight this girl. And all I know is, I don't know if it was an angel or God. I don't know what it was. Inside a gang land? Right. And so literally I had to fight this girl.

And all I know is, I don't know if it was an angel or god. I don't know what it was. I blacked out. And I ended up like taking her and swirling her around. It felt like a cartoon. Bloop, bloop, bloop, bloop, bloop, bloop. And then I threw her into a thorn bush. No.

And then she was like, I'm done. I don't want to fight you. I was like, period? If young teens could say period, it'd be period. Please don't fight me. I didn't want to do this anyway. And I went home. So, but like, that was my, like, it was like, I didn't fight every day, but that was my first fight. So, but the block was so amazing. And yeah, and my house felt like we had a house and then I looked at it recently online and it's so tiny.

Isn't that crazy? I just went back to my hometown in November and I was taking them, we were going to the house we lived in and I was like, it felt so much bigger when I was a kid. Girl. You couldn't tell me there wasn't a mansion. Girl.

I thought I lived in a mansion. Yes. And it wasn't a mansion. Girl! I thought I lived in a mansion! Yes. And it wasn't. It was not. Same. And I was like, that thing is so tiny. But it felt so mighty for me as a little girl. And for my mom and dad, you know,

to buy a house during that time, which was not, not a lot of people were buying houses at a young age. And so yeah, so that was my little time. And then I moved to Long Island when I was 10. And they say that's not New York. Well, people are like, girl, that's not New York. That's our world.

Oh god, be quiet. I'm going to look at the camera. Be quiet. Just be quiet. It's New York, OK? That is funny. Being in New York, I feel like it's a melting pot. And it's a place where you have access to so many things.

So whatever it is that you want to do, there's something in that city that you can tap into to help build that character. What drew you to the arts and was that something at a young age or was it later on in life where you're like, this is what I want to do? That's a good question. I remember in Queens on Saturday mornings watching like shows, like cartoons. I remember the Cosby show. I remember a different world, like all those things

as a kid and you just, I just remember, but one thought I do remember is I wanna be in that thing. In that, the inside that thing. Inside that thing. Yes, yes. I don't know how, like it was just a little planted seed. Like I remember as a kid that line, I wanna be in there. Wow.

And so that's all I had. There was no wish, like, oh, I'm gonna do it, girl. Let's go do the arts, mom, I wanna be in, what are they doing? I wanna be in, nothing. It was just that seed, I remember it was like a spirit of like, I wanna be in there. Cause it was just like, you saw Rudy,

you saw all those things. And then when I went to be in there. Because it was just like, you saw Rudy. You saw all those things. And then when I went to Long Island, I don't know. I kind of, it woke up more. And I don't know exactly why it woke up more. But it felt more feasible. Because by the time I was like 15, 16, working at a movie theater. I worked at a movie theater.

You did? Yes, in the summer. I worked at a movie theater. You did? Yes, in the summer. What'd you do? I was just a concession girl. Not just, we sold, girl. Girl, I upsold well. For $5 more, you can have this, or $2 more, you can have this.

It was like, okay, sure, throw it in. Yeah, so I worked at a movie theater, and it felt like I was next to my dream. Wow. You know, and I was able to make some money, go to New York on the Long Island Railroad, on the weekends, take classes. Didn't know, I literally went to Barnes and Noble

and got a book on like how to become an actor. Because I didn't know. Yeah, no for sure. There was no internet. I don't even think there was an internet at that time. No, yeah, no, not when we were kids, yeah. Back in 1990s. We're aging ourselves.

We're aging ourselves. No. So ridiculous. Like the ice age, you're like, girl, what? How long ago? It wasn't that long ago. It wasn't that long ago, I know. But it feels like.

The kids make us feel it. They do. They're like, if you were born in 1985 or 1990 It definitely makes me feel old when I see those I'm like Missed about a few years I know but yeah, no, so I would go to New York and kind of try to fit I I was just trying to figure it out. That's it, like literally trying to figure it out. Yeah.

So there was no real path. It was just the path happened when I graduated high school. And my mom moved to North Carolina, and she's like, are you coming? And I was like, no. Wow. I'm going to go to New York. And I'm going to go to school.

And I'm going to try this other thing. And I really thought I was gonna go to school, become a publicist and then figure out a way in. Take a, get out of here. That was my- Shut up! That's my dream. Is that you?

That was my dream, yes. No, I went to college. I was a mass comm major with an emphasis in PR. And you wanted to- I wanted to be a publicist for athletes. Yeah, I wanted to like- Wait a second. You too?

But you know, I like loved basketball at that time. Like Michael Jordan. Like I just, I loved basketball. I was like, I'm going to somehow get in that world too. I was all over the place. But yeah, I wanted to be in the arts. But the crazy thing is our paths. Yes, and how?

Similar. Very similar. But I didn't is our paths. Yes, and how? Similar. Very similar. Yeah, but I didn't finish school. Okay, so what happened? What was the? Money. What, come on, let's keep it real. Like I couldn't afford it.

I was at a private, I don't know what I was thinking. I was at a private college, couldn't afford it. They basically were like, you pay this bill, or your classes are dropped, and you have to leave. I was living in their apartments on Roosevelt Island. It was a doorman building. That's how private school, like it was nice. I was like, yeah, that's nice.

It wasn't a dorm, it was an apartment with other people. And I basically, they were like, if you can't pay your bill, you have to leave. And I was like, mom, hey, she's like, I don't have it. And she's like, apply for, you know, loans or whatever. They're like, you somehow I couldn't get it or whatever. And I basically left and I was like, what am I going to do? How can I get fast money? I was like dancing on a table kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding.

I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding.

I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding.

I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. But no, I had to waitress. So like every actor. So I just started waitressing and I was like, my actual real, my plan A,

which was going to school, whatever, but my real plan A actually was to act. So it was like, let's do it, let's go. And I literally got thrown in, like thrown out of school, thrown in, seen just the wild. So what was your first role that you booked? My first role that I booked? Okay, so I did two things.

I booked, like I still have video tapes. It's crazy, I have VHS tapes. Oh, wow. Okay, we. In 1900. So I started doing these like after school special shows. Oh, cute. Yeah, and actually,

there's this actress who's like working now, who we used to do them together. Yeah. And then, and then I did a Curve commercial.. Do you remember curve perfume? Yes, I do So I was in a curve commercial in New York City and it was so cool That was a big deal then. Girl! That girl. It was the girl. Yes.

I couldn't afford curves. Right. So yeah, I shot a commercial and then I started shooting more commercials and then I got into voiceovers. Okay. And so yeah, that's how it all started. That is amazing.

I love that. What was that like, how many from the quitting or getting kicked out of school basically, it's like, you gotta go. You gotta go gotta go to busing tables to that first commercial? Like what was that? Because a lot of people think like, oh she just overnight. Nothing about my journey is overnight. It was overnight for a long time. Long overnight. Longest overnight ever.

It was in and out, right? Because here's the thing about this entertainment industry. When you're first starting, especially, you still have to keep your job to pay your bills. Tika, I've been trying to tell these children today, you have to work until you get there. You can't just. No, and I booked a commercial.

Like, there was no, I can't quit, that's a one-off. Yeah. You know what I mean? And people think, oh, I got the thing. No, you have to keep your job. I kept my job until I got one life to live, another job until I got one life to live. Wow, how many years was that?

That was, oh my God, it feels like a blur. Honestly, New York feels like a big blur in my head. I was, it was like going between like struggling, but also making it in a way. Like, and I feel like making it is steps. It's not just one big thing. Like people are like, when was your big break? I'm like, big breaks are in pieces, right?

When you booked your first commercial, you're like, dude. And then I booked a cover girl voiceover. I did Rihanna's You've Got the Cover Girl commercial. What? Yes, when she was the cover girl. Yes. I did a ton of voiceovers, like a ton of voiceovers. And so it was like steps of like, OK, yeah,

the industry is saying yes. Yes. But not fully. Yeah, yeah, yeah industry's saying yes, but not fully. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I can't leave my job yet. Right. And so it was like, it was a validation that I'm- On the right path.

I'm on the right path. Yeah. Yeah, it was a validation. Sometimes you need that. You need it, and I think what people need to know most is like, again, making it is steps. It's not just, some people do make it like that. I don't know.

I always thought, and I thought I would be that one. You know, you're shooting in New York and you're like, I'm gonna walk by this set. And they're like, wait, director stop. Stop, who is she? Yeah, stop. Stop, the camera, who is that? Every time I, and I walk slowly.

And I'd look outside, I'd look at the production like. And I'd look outside, I'd look at the production like... I could pass law and order at you. You're like, is anybody out here gonna know one? Because you're doing these stories. I used to hear Natalie Portman was like picked out of a theater or whatever. And like all these people were picked out. I was like... At a football stadium, somebody saw her on the jumbo trying to find that girl.

I'm like, girl. That is not my story. That's not my story. That's not my story. But I thought it was going to be. And that was okay. So yeah, I kept my job. So actually, I opened Soho House, the first Soho House in New York.

Shout out, Soho. Okay. Yeah. It was when no one understood what Soho house in New York. Shout out Soho, okay. Yeah, it was when no one understood what Soho house was. Or private members club. Now everybody knows. It's a thing, yeah. And they were like, you have to be a member to get in.

And it was like, people, I'm talking, amazing people would walk in and the lady would be like, sorry, are you a member? And I'm like, that's, do you know who that is? That's, that's, no, you have to let them in. And she's like, sorry, but you can apply to be a member. You know, and you're like, oh my God. So I worked there for a while and I opened the first one

and then I walked out and quit. And because I couldn't take, it was, there was a lot of entitlement going on there that I couldn't take anymore. I mean, people are great, people are great, but also people aren't great. Yeah, I know what you mean. Yeah, and then I booked, and then after that,

I'm sorry, you can ask me any question you want, you can interrupt me. No, yeah, you go. I'm just excited to be here. No, I love it. It's good. So yeah, and then I like literally interrupt me. I'm just excited to be here. No, I love it. So yeah, and then I literally walked out and I'm having a New York moment,

crying down the street, because I'm like, I don't know what I'm going to do. God, I've auditioned. I've done the commercials. I've done a few things here and there. I want to be part of this industry. And I felt like it's been a minute. And the struggle feels long when you're in New York. I can. Yeah. I struggled here in Atlanta.

So I can imagine a New York struggle, the cost of living, cost of living. It's like the just the life. Yeah. Yes. Just just it's rough. I mean, partying is fine. Like I did go out a lot. But but what was not fun was like, when is this gonna happen? Like when is this dream actually gonna work? That was placed in my mind when I was such a little kid. Right.

You know? And I'm walking down the street crying, a lady's like, are you okay? I'm like, ugh. I did have a boyfriend at the time. He was great. And he was a little older than me and he was like, look, I got you.

That was the first time that I had somebody to fall on in my life. To say like, I'll take care of you. Wow. But then like literally a week later, I booked One Life to Live. Literally. Literally, one summer they're like, you got the part, you know, for One Life to Live. And I was like, what? So I was like, so you don't need to take care of me.

I can take care of myself. I was like, what? What? So I was like, so you don't need to take care of me. I can take care of myself. I'm so independent. You know what I mean? Right, girl. Right. But like, yeah, so that journey to even my first job was such, I would not change it for the world. Same, yeah, no.

You can't. I think those, the moments that happen in between landing what we would say your first big job are so vital. Vital. Oh my gosh. Vital. Because they literally can like make or break you.

And if it happens too fast, it can break you. But those little moments really build character. They build tenacity. Great. Yes, and the grit. Yes. I really do believe I can pivot. You ain't going to catch me on my back foot.

Yeah. And I can get out of this mud. Put me in any mud, I'll get out of it. Because I've seen people go through worse. And I've also, I've had my own journey of just like, okay, knocking on doors, knocking on doors. I mean, I knocked on a casting director's door. After I went to the casting, this is me in New York.

This is why I love being like, naive sometimes too. Like when you're younger, you're like, why not me? Like literally my brain was like, why not? So I went to an audition. I didn't get it, right? I didn't. But why didn't I get it?

But why didn't I get it? So I went to the audition and I was like, you know, I had braids in my hair and they were looking for like curly hair girls and whatever, whatever, whatever. And so they were looking for you. Anyway, so I was like, I went in with my braids or whatever, and so I walked out, whatever. Do you know that day I went and took out my braids,

and you know when your hair is crinkly. Yes. So I had crinkly hair. Yeah. I went the took out my braids. And you know when your hair is crinkly. Yes. So I had crinkly hair. Yeah. I went the next day and knocked on the casting director's door. Hi. They were like, hi. I was like, I was here yesterday.

I'm back. I was here. I'm back. You said you wanted curly hair. I did. No, you didn't. Yes, I did. You're like, this is what you wanted curly hair. I take that. No, you're doing it. Yes, I did. You're like, this is what you wanted, right?

This is what you wanted. Because you wanted me, I'm sure. Right. You just want a different hair. Hair. So here it is. Here it is. Can you talk about Out of Your Mind?

She was like, oh, you're sweet. Oh. No. Unfortunately,, you're sweet. Oh, no. Unfortunately, thank you, though. We already, we found our person. Thank you. She was just like, oh my god. And I was like, OK. I just wanted to come back one night and let you know I'm here.

That I had raised her again on any other projects. Ha ha ha. But you know, I had raised her again on any other projects He's so green green means very new yeah, but like What right what does that take Tika Sumter. Thank you. Yes. Who does that? I love that about you though.

And I feel like that is a part of your character of no, like having that why not me, you know, that makes you have the confidence to go after the things that you want. It's so true. It's the why not me. It's the thing that won't let you sleep at night. Like I gotta do this.

Yes. Like I have gotta do this. Yes. Like, I have to do this. There is no other option for me. I just don't see myself in any... Obviously, you grow and you do certain different things, and you, you know, you're an actress, but you also have this, and there are different things, but you know that ultimate dream of, like, wanting to act is something that you cannot let go of.

And I knew that in my spirit, deep in my soul, no matter how many people got picked over me. And also I was the girl, I remember Asia Naomi King. Yes. Okay, that's who it was. So she used to say, I used to see you in auditions and castings. And she's like, you were so folk. You wouldn't talk to anybody.

You because you know, cast. This is when you used to go into cast. Yeah. And like, there's a room and everybody walks in and everybody's like, hey, girl. Hey, how you know, you know, like, and you're like, and she's like, you used to be so. Like this and not, it didn't matter who walked in the room. That was me too.

Like I was like, I don't care. I'm just gonna be me and I'm gonna get it. And she was like, I just admired you. You just, and you know, I was like, you did? I said, I was, you know. She is so, she's beautiful. She's an incredible actor. Incredible.

Yes, I love her. I love that. So was there ever a role that you auditioned for that you were like, I wanted that so bad. And then you see who got, we don't have to say who got it, but you see who got it and you're like, ah, I couldn't.

I think that is the life of an actor. Yeah, you're like. Oh my God. There are so many roles. life of an actor. Yeah, you're like, hmm. Oh my god. There are so many roles. Think of every role. Probably every role I didn't get, I probably wanted. You wanted bad. Bad.

And I'm talking about like, OK, let me make this look like, you know, let me make this look like a slave cabin. Like, I'm going to get lighting. Like, let me make this look like, no, no, seriously. I'ma give y'all, I'ma give you, taking these braids out, I'ma give you slaves. I'ma give it to you, and I'ma do this. You know what I'm saying?

We gon', we gon' do this. So you're that actor that's going, I'm like, I'ma get this. I mean, every audition I ever have done, I put my all into it. Not really, sometimes I'm like, I don't even every every every audition I ever have done I put my all in not really sometimes I'm like, I don't even want to do this sometimes but yeah, but you do get those your agent says yourself in your life. You're like You see what I've done. Yeah, see if I can you know, if you want me or not. Come on. Yeah Just want me to beg

Yeah, no, um, but yeah, I think that there are so many auditions that I haven't gotten that I've wanted. But I literally believe what is for me really is for me. Yeah, no, for sure. Every time I've missed out on something and whatever happened with that thing, I'm like, that's why. That's why. Baby, yes.

You know what I mean? Yes. Every time I think I missed out on something, I'm like, ooh. Thank god. Because there are some shows that I had auditioned for, and I'm like, dang, I really wanted that. And then the show ain't here. And then here.

Like, cancer at the first season. Guys, like, I'm protecting you. I'm trying to let you know what I have for you is for you. And it's going to have some longevity to it. So just hold on. Just hold on. Just relax. Yeah.

And that reminds me of, like, when, you know, Tyler, Tyler, I don't know, Tyler Perry. Tyler Perry, yes. You know, he always is like, you didn't want to do the hey. I heard that. I heard that. And I'm like, that's not true. I heard that Oprah had to call you.

She did call me. And she's like, I don't do this. I was like, OK was like okay. But ultimately I did. But I have the audition tape still. Really? For Candice. Wow. Yeah I still have the audition tape and I'm like I put the audition in what do you mean I didn't want to do it. I don't remember. I guess when it was offered then I was like oh I don't know blah blah blah. But I did it and I'm so glad I did. Yeah. Because it connected the dots in so many different ways.

Not only because the fans are incredible. But because, you know, obviously we all are, we do business with Tyler. You know, he's a friend, he's a, he's all these things. Big brother, you know, and so it's just nice to like, wow, if I didn't take it or if I didn't do the thing, there's so many reactive things that might have not happened. Yes.

So I really do believe what is for you really is for you. Yes. Let's talk about a full soccer moment with you and Tyler. You co-wrote and co-produced Sisters in Italy. Is that the name that you guys are sticking with or is it still untitled? Tyler said, sisters in Italy. I'm like, okay.

You said, well, that's what it is. said, sisters in Italy. I'm like, OK. You said, well, that's what it is. I got sisters in Italy. I don't know. At first, it was called Sis, like, hey, Sis, like, S-I-S. Oh, that's cute. Yeah. Isn't that cute? Yes.

But then it was like, they're like, no, he's like, we got to change something else. So right now, it's sisters in Italy, unless it turns into something else. But yeah. That's crazy. Full circle moment. How did it come about?

Even just from the, did you decide, I want to write a story about sisters. How did that come about? Even just from the, did you decide like, I want to write a story about sisters. How did that come about? So the initial idea was, came from me in terms of, I wanted to write something. I am a middle child and sometimes I feel like the world's on my shoulders in my family. And I was like, I wanted to write something where it's also fun and wonderless while dealing with like depth, like travel, but also, you know, two sisters who can't agree on anything after their mom dies and leaves them in Italy. And one is kind of just all over the place.

Can't... Which is Bresha. Which is Bresha Webb. Shout out Bresha. Love her. And the other one is me. And it's this idea that you can be raised in the same household, but have two very different outcomes. So good, yeah. And so it's like, we either figure it out in Italy, or we don't. And so I, you know, and then I brought on a writer, my friend Kim Yando Katuno, to help me co-write

and kind of re-establish some things and rework it. And we did it together and then I had it and you know, I had it and then it didn't work out. I had it for some years and I was like, okay, cause you know you don't wanna call your friends. Exactly. You know, you just wanna call your friends and be like, hey, come do my podcast.

Yeah, you don't wanna call your friends. I get, you know, call your friends like, hey, come to my podcast. Yeah. You don't want to call your friends. I get not really. But no, it's totally different. Totally, totally. Ask somebody to do a movie. That's different. Yeah. And so I called him and I was like, look, can I send this to you? He was like, yeah. He called me like within the week. He's like, I love it. I love it. Shout out to you.

That is him. I love it. Let me make some phone calls. And that's like, make the phone calls. I was doing something here in Atlanta. I walked out of a coffee shop. I get a phone call from T. He's like, we're doing it.

And I want to do it. Just like that. Just like that. Just like that. I fall on my knees and I just like screaming. People are like, Tika, are you okay? Now it's like you're in the middle of the street. It's totally different from New York, it's just crying.

There we go. Yeah, that's why I'm like, are you serious? You know, and so I had that moment and I was just like, wow, something that I created and is being put on the big screen. And it's different for him because he's never directed anything that he didn't write. He didn't write. He didn't do everything,

because Tyler is the writer, creator, producer, director, the things, all the things. Bing bop, boom bop, boom bop, bam. And like, I'm like, I I was and he was like, okay, so we are gonna do this and he told me the month He was like worse. I was like, you're like this is happening. Whoa. I was like, why can't everything happen like that? No, that's the power of Tyler Perry man that man dude. He can push the needle fast So that was a full circle moment for me. Beautiful. I actually got to come on set this oh my gosh and we do Italy every summer so to see Italy. Darling we do Italy every

summer so I got to come on set. So I got to come on set and and he's like go outside it looks like just like Portofino and I was like darling yeah what is this Atlanta Portofino and I was like, darling, what is this? Atlanta, Portofino. Like, he literally, I was like, I felt like I was in Italy. Like, it was so cool. But then you actually got to go to Chika-Tara. Where else? Did you guys shoot it in Chika-Tara? Yes. See, we hike there every summer. OK.

So that is one of my, that is one of the most picturesque little towns I've ever seen in my life. I said, y'all about to be overrun. Ma'am. Because when this movie come out, everybody want to go there. No. It's so beautiful.

The fact that they built a replica of where we went. Yeah. Literally, I went and cried. Like, he was like, I want you to come see it and see what you think. I was like, I just started crying. Yeah. I was like, this can't, this is not real.

Yes. He was like, it's real, it's your dream. Oof. Ma'am, it's your dream. You're gonna make me cry, yeah. And I was like- Because that's him. That's him.

Yeah. And then when we went there, I was like- This is that, yeah. This is it. Yeah. This is it. And he was like, happy. He's like, this is that. Yeah. This is it. Yeah. This is it. And he was like, happy.

He's like, all right. He's like, this is your thing. This is your thing, Tika. And from the producing standpoint, there's music in it that Bresha sings. I had to be in the studio with her, picking every, he's like, your thing. Like you, this is your movie, Tika.

He's like, I'm in charge of the directing stuff. Like he's like, but I want you, you can, I was like, he's like, this is, what do you want? I tell everybody to go to you. And I was like, Isn't that beautiful to have a black man, the giant that Tyler is say, it's in your hands. I'm giving you, this is you.

I'm not, because most people try to come, a lot of even studios, they'll come in and you'll have this amazing idea. And then by the end of the, you're like, this was not what I, what? This is not what we started with. Yes, yeah, wow. You know, and I don't mind being flexible and,

you know, you gotta be flexible, but he is a person who, when he says he's gonna do it, he does it. And he does it in a good manner of time it's not like let's let's do this for five years yeah no and years he gets it done it's a done yeah and so I'm really excited for everybody to see it and you know you know I'm just I'm just really excited that it happened like I did it I better get an invite to the premiere as I'm saying of course darling

darling I have to see it yeah you will invite to the premiere as I'm saying. Of course. Darling. I have to see it. I cannot. You will be at the premiere. Yes, and maybe a few screenings. You know how you send it before it comes out? Oh, you know you. I need that exclusive.

You got that exclusive. Sneak peek. I like it. You know you will be. And that's amazing. Yeah. So Tyler has been a part of your life for a long time. And for a lot of amazing monuments a part of your life. For a long time. For a long time and for a lot of amazing monuments

and milestones in your life. Yes. Speaking of, you met your husband. I was there, I remember that it was the rap party. I'm sure it already kind of been happening, but I remember I said. You were like, oh! I said, there's something going on here.

I know, and she's sitting next to him a little too long. Yeah. They look too friendly. I was like, it's not, like, let's just ask, you know. It was not, it was not. We weren't giving private. It was like, we're not together. It was like, we go together real bad.

Real bad. I know. In like two weeks, ladies. So I think you may call me the next day like, girl. So yeah, what you saw is what you saw. What happened, happened. So we know Tyler has this big thing where he doesn't really like for actors to date.

Because sometimes it can cause issues. How did that happen? What was it like? Was it the moment you saw him? You were like, oh, officer. What was his name? Officer Justin? Officer Justin, yeah.

Justin. How does that mean, my husband? So crazy. So crazy to me. Yeah, no, another insert of Tyler Perry. Yeah, it's like, you know, my butt, always looking at somebody, like, maybe. Right.

That's me now maybe Is there a future there at this age I'm like, is that my husband or no? Yeah Yeah, no I I'm I saw Nick, he was in the makeup room with Gavin Houston and there was a few other people there and I had my dog with me. Yes. And I passed the makeup, Lola, who I had before everybody. Yes. And I passed the makeup room and I went, oh. Yeah. And I went in and I went, mm-mm.

Oh. And I went in and I was like, hey everybody. And then Nick, Nick's standing there. And he's like, oh, what's your dog's name? I'm like, Lola. But I'm Tika. Yeah, I know, no, then he goes, is it a girl or a boy? And I go, Lola. Lola. Lola. And he was like, I was so nervous talking to you.

He's like, so is it a girl? I'm like, I want to hear it. Oh, the dog's name is Lola. It's definitely a girl. He missed all that. He missed it. And so, and then I walked out the room and I go, no, I'm not dating any actors.

I'm done. I'm not doing any actors. No, no, no, I'm not gonna do. And then our first scene, which is on tape, somebody sent it to me the other day. That was our very first scene. It was the end of the day, he made me laugh so hard. And he was so cute.

And I was like, maybe. Wow. And then of course, Tika, I talk about myself this way. Tika goes and she's like, oh, if you guys ever go out or anything, here's my number, just call me, I'll come with you guys. What the hell? Right, Tika don't do that.

What the helly? And he didn't call me. Really? He thought I was married. I go, what? Why would I give you my number? Right. He's like, I don't know.

I just got like, no way. There's no way you would be single. You know what I mean? I thought you were like, whatever. OK. So then we went to Tyler Leftley's birthday at an all-black club. Nick at an all-black club.

Nick was at an all-black club with another guy who worked on the show who was white too. And Nick was just like, cool. And I was like, are you okay? Do you need anything? Are you fucking good? Is everything okay? Do you need anything? Are you sure you're good?

And he's like, why wouldn't I be good? Okay, good. You're married. Why are you asking all these questions? What's the problem? Right. I'm like, no, I just want to make sure you feel comfortable. Like you're... He's like, no, I'm good. Girl, go sit down. Like, what are you doing? And I think that was my nervousness. Like, I was like... And then his friend had to tell him, I think she likes you. He's probably like, what? He's like, he literally said, what? No, no way. And he's like, she likes you. He's probably like, what? He's like, he literally said, what? No, no way.

And he's like, she likes you. Oh man. And then that night. He was like, okay, let me. And then that night, it was history. We sealed the deal. I love it. I love it.

Now you have a beautiful daughter. Beautiful daughter. You had it, oh my gosh, your wedding was absolutely stunning. Thank you so much. Oh my gosh. Thank you so much. That was a good time. That was so fun.

We danced, my feet hurt like for two days afterwards. We danced for so long. We had so much fun. I'm so glad everybody came early so that we could hang out. We got to Kiki in the pool and just talk and just see your face. And Tyler showed up for me in so many ways

that people have no idea about. That's him. That he's just, I'm like, just always standing. You know, my dad died when I was younger and he's like, I'm standing in the gap for him. And I was like, I'm like, Paul. Like, just so many things that he does that nobody knows about.

And he's just, I don't care what y'all say, I don't care what anybody say, like this man stands in the gap for so many people, you have no idea. And so yeah, it was an amazing wedding and I still got my man. He's the pain in my back. That's all I wanna ask you,

because you know a lot of black women, we try to like stick to our brothers. We leave hope for them. Yes. And what moment were you like, I'm gonna try this. Was that your first? No. Okay.

No, but I've tried, you know, I've not tried. I sound like a hoe. Like I'm trying it all. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. I got what is that song? I got white boy. I'm a rasta. You beat me by the last. You know, he's like, Jesus.

No, I mean, I've I've had like I've lived, you know, I mean, I'm 44 years old. And so I love black men. I mean, I've lived, you know? I mean, I'm 44 years old. And so I love black men. Yeah, for sure. And I've dated black men, and I've wanted to be with black men. And my daddy was black, you know, my mama's black. Your brother that you love.

My brother, my uncle, my, black, black, black. Yes. Like, and I've dated, you know, people that I just get a lot, like. Yeah, you don't see colors. I don't see, I see you, but I'm like, I also, I'm like, you're just fine.

Yeah. And you're smart and you're funny. And to me, it's not this, it's just, how do you treat me? Right, yeah. Right? Like, how do you love me, whether it's for a long time or not? It's like, how do you treat me? Right. Right? Like, how do you love me, whether it's for a long time or not? It's like, how do we get along? Do I like talking to you?

Right. And I've loved, I've, one day when I'm 89, I will write a book. Yeah. No, don't. I will write a book. OK? OK.

Please tell us. I'll tell all before I croak. Good luck in life. Right. Literally. Literally. This is how I live. But no, I just, there's not like a thing where I'm like, I want to date a white man.

I think people feel like, oh, you know. Yeah. And I feel like a lot of women sometimes they get to that point where like, let me just try something different. Just trying it. Just try, yeah. I mean, look, look at the numbers. I mean, I don't know.

I mean, I don't know. Yeah. Whether it's white, whether it's Asian, whether it's Indian, whatever it looks like, you just gotta try. Yeah. As long as they treat you good, and as long as they, finding love is hard.

It is hard. No matter what color you are. Ma'am, talk about it. Keeping love is even harder. Yes, I wanna ask you about that because you're dealing with two different upbringings, two different temperaments. How was that adjusting and like even,

I know Nick and I've talked, you know, like in the very beginning, he was like, I said, like, how do I, you know what I'm saying? I'm like, bro, you gotta, this is a sister here. You know what I'm saying? Everybody, you know what I'm saying? The family comes with everything. Woo. Yeah.

And that was what I did do as I got into therapy, because I thought he was the problem. But then Amira was held up and it was like, oh, girl, you're not that cute right now. You know what I mean? Like, there's a lot of things I had to was like, oh girl, you're not that cute right now. You know what I mean? Like there's a lot of things I had to deal with, including boundaries for everybody. Including what I will accept from family or not, and including making this new family.

You know what I mean? Like, then when you have a child, that's a whole other thing. But yeah, we grew up very differently. Where his parents, there was no, like, they don't rely on him for anything, you know? He was, that's just not how he grew up. And so understanding, not that my mom relied on me, but I was like, I made it.

I got you. I got you. And your mama will be right there with you. Ciao. She complained the other day, I don't go nowhere no more with you. You know, and I was like, that's because you're all, you're like, I gotta take care of you for real.

Like you're like, I want pasta and lobster. No, you fit right. I got a black girl with a rassa. She must eat my tikka and she be eat pasta. I'm like, girl, come on, like sit down. Yes. But yeah. It's a difference, especially when you have your own family. It's a big difference.

It's a big difference when you have your own family and then, yeah. And so you just have to learn to set boundaries and marriage is not easy, you know? It's, and I know people are gonna be like, it's easy if it's good, you know? And I'm like, that's, it's good. We love each other.

It's just, you go through constant changes, and constant fixes, and constant like, you know, and then change with your child. And there's just so many dynamics in a household. And so to hold it all together is like, it's a lot. You know, and then having time for yourself. But he's an amazing dad and he treats me well and more than well.

And we are building our lives and continuing to build our lives and happily. It's a beautiful life. Thank you. Yeah, it really is. Thank you. I love that. And you have a beautiful daughter, Ella.

Thank you. You've created the Adventures of Curiosity Cove and then you have a new book. I get that. And you have a beautiful daughter, Ella. Thank you. You created the adventures of CuriosityCove and then you have a new book. I get it from my mama. And Ella inspired this. Yeah. And I heard you say earlier that one of your first gigs was doing like after school like videos. So I feel like the CuriosityCove kind of ties back into what you were doing in the very beginning. It's so crazy. It's so crazy how, and I was doing cartoons too, voiceovers.

Yes. So it just, it's crazy how it all melds together. We did, we started Adventures of CuriosityCove, A-O-C-C, if you can't remember Adventures of CuriosityCove, because Ella, when she was younger, like three, four, she would ask us to tell her stories. Off the top, like off the dome. Like we were wrapped.

Yeah, don't really have to tell me a story. Tell me a story. Like I was like. Give me a hot 16, mom. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So there was this girl. Right. And she lived down, you know, it's like,

I had to tell these stories and then she's like, another one. I was like, another one. I was like, girl, I don't have it. Real storytelling. I'm exhausted. Yes. And so we were like, girl, I don't have it. Real storytelling. I'm exhausted. And so we were like, when she got older,

she started getting into kids podcasts. She'd be like, mom, can you turn on my podcast? You know, when we were in the car or she was in the bath. And I was like, oh, you love podcasts. Storying, we tell stories. Why don't we create something that would be amazing that we think we can do really well into a podcast. And so we created Adventures of Curiosity Cove,

which is about emotional intelligence and this little one of the stories in there or series is Ella the Curious, this little third grader, kind of her coming of age story in third grade, and then a bunch of other one-offs. But, and then out of that, I created, I got it from my mama with Ella on the cover.

So yeah, it all worked together. Yes, it's beautiful. I actually read it this morning and it's such a cute book. And I love how she, like children do, they often imitate everything they see. Yes. And there was a morning you were making them, you're making the pancakes and she spilled the batter

trying to get the cinnamon. And you like, just leave, please leave. And then she did the same thing to the kid at school. And I loved how the emotional awareness where you're teaching her how to apologize and then she in turn does the same thing with the kid at school. That was so good.

I was like, wow. Yeah, it's like we think, you know, we love to talk about how kids are, all the best things that kids have about us, you know? And I think sometimes we don't talk about the challenging things and the things that they mirror. Yes. Right?

And so I wanted to give parents a pass to say, we all mess, like I wanted to show them, we mess up. Yes. We all mess up. And the mom had to actually apologize to the kids. I didn't realize how much apologizing I've had to do as a mom. Wow. Mm-hmm. To a to do as a mom. Wow.

To a child. To a child, yeah. And I always, people, you know, some people are like, hmm. Some people think they'll lose their power. And I'm like, I am giving her the best power ever because she has a voice. Yes, come on. We talk about, we want our kids to have voices when they get older. They don't have it when they're younger.

It's going to be hard to find when they're older. So true. Yeah. So I just tried to create that world and I want parents and kids to have fun reading. I love when it's fun for me to watch something with my child. When it's not, it's like, oh my God, I'm going to fall asleep, or read something. And I'm like, not that book. Please not that book. Please not that book again.

I don't want to read it. Please, mama, please read it. I'm again. I don't want to read it. Please, mama, please read it." And I'm like, I don't want to read it. You read it. Right. Read to me. You read to me. So yeah, Ella loves it and I hope other families do too. Yes. You are also part of the Sonic Hedgehog franchise and you're one of the few black women that are part of a billion dollar franchise. What does that feel like? Say that again, Che.

One of the few, let me give it to you better. One of the few African-American women that are part of a billion dollar franchise. Okay, wrong. A blessing. A blessing. A blessing. Yeah.

And what I love about Paramount, what they did was, even when I came in to read for it, it wasn't a normal audition. Really? No. It was, I walked in a room in a hotel with almost everybody from Paramount, like everybody. Wow.

At this long table. And James Marsden was sitting there and there were recording tapes here. I didn't know who any of these people were. I didn't know who the cast I didn't know who anyone was. I just walked in and I was kind of like, sit here, here's your script. And I was like okay and we had a whole read through in front of everybody who was part of this thing. Wow. And then they were like okay great thank you. And I was like okay bye. I don't know what's happening. Right. And then they

called and they were like, they'd love for you to be part of it. That was it. That was it. That was it. It went from knocking on the door. This is curly hair. You want me to? Yeah, we want this is what we want. Yes, we want you. And so in writers direct the director, our director, our director, our cast, our crew, our producers, they have treated me like gold. That's good. They have made me feel amazing.

Like an actress should feel. Yes. Like when she's part of something that is making the company a lot. You know, and I'm just proud to be part of a franchise. Not everybody gets to do that. So people talk. That's so true. I'm proud of you.

Thank you, Ru. That's amazing. Now, did Ella get to watch that? Oh my God. And hear your voice? Did you say, hey, I'm in this movie, or did you just let her be like, wait, is that you? No, so she saw the first one when she was like three,

or four. That's the first movie she sat through and was like, and I had to like fall out of a building and she's like, I don't like that part, mama. She's like, I love Sonic. And now she's like, cause she'll be like, sometimes she's like, mom, I don't want you to leave.

Like, you know, she's like, we said something the other day, I go, you don't want me to be an actress anymore? She goes, no, you have to be in the Sonic movies. Like, I don't care what else you do, but the Sonic movies, you gotta keep that up. But yeah, no, she's obsessed. She's obsessed, and she loves video games,

and she loves that whole world. So I took her to the headquarters of Sega in Burbank, and she was, it was fun. So I'm just, I'm super proud that's the one thing that she can watch that I'm in. You know, and it's that You know, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Right.

The hands and the hands. And that's maybe she is not watching. She's like, mom, she's like, mom, I don't like when you act like that Candice character, no, she'll be like, um, sometimes did you? We got to see some similar. Yeah. She's like mirror. Yeah. That is funny.

What is next for Tika Sumpter? What is next? Ooh, that's a good question. I think I have so many things in the pipeline. I'm kind of like you. I'm into building. I never want to be only relying on a system that easily throws people out.

Yeah. Right? And so I am building my company, Fort Sumter, media to content to, content to product and through the world of women at the center, moms at the center. And yeah, there's a lot of things coming up. Right now it's the book.

There's some great podcast stuff coming up once the contracts are signed. Yes. Yes. And, oh, Watson, I play. Yes. Yes, Morris Chestnut. I love his new show.

I love it. You love it, Chris. Okay, ew. Ew. Shout out, Morris. Yeah, on Watson. So I'm excited about that. That's coming up. There, yeah. On Watson, so I'm excited about that. That's coming up.

There's a two-part finale that I'm in, in May. And then, yeah, Survival of the Thickest is out. I play the love interest of Doomsday. I just started watching that yesterday while I was getting my hair braided. It's so funny. Is it good? It's funny.

It's so good. It's really funny. Michelle Bouteau is the creator. She's amazing and funny. Tasha Smith, Tanya Bell, like I said. So that and then, yeah, there's a few other things that are in the works. So, I mean, there's always gonna be.

People are like, you got 50 million and 11 jobs. And do. And do. Yes, we have to. And that's another thing. People think once you reach success, that it's easy. No, you have to keep building from that place. It doesn't stop.

You keep, and you just, I feel like your dream grows in a different way. It does right like you don't have a one-stop shop like it's done It's like oh, I want to stretch myself here. Yeah, that's for me where I'm at. I'm like, I want to do this Yeah, you know, so I love that for you. I remember you called me one day I think was right after I got the soccer team. You were like, girl. I said, girl, a soccer team. OK, keep it positive, sweetie. I was like, you're part of a soccer team. And I love that, though.

But I love that we can call each other and like, hey, girl, how and what and how can I get it? You know, these are conversations that we have in like podcasting. Like, how did you do this? Like, knowing that you have a girlfriend that you can call in the same, I can call you and like, you know, these are conversations that we have and like podcasting, like, how did you do this? Like knowing that you have a girlfriend that you can call in the same, I can call you and like, Tika, I'm trying to do this, give me some guidelines.

But yeah. Anytime, like, and that's what we need to do, share information. Because information is power, right? Yeah. And so I was so proud when I read that, that you did that, you bought, you know, you're part of this soccer franchise.

And I was just like, girl, girl, girl, you got a journal. You got, you got merch. You got, you got merch. Yeah. Merch. So yeah, I'm just really proud of you. But again, the dream just grows in a different way while you continue to do the thing

that you've always wanted to do. So that's me. Exactly. I love that. I remember you said, um, you just said something about being part of an industry that can just throw you away. And that was like, after we came out of that strike, and I told you that too, I said, girl, after that strike,

I said, I gotta, I can't depend on this. Because it gets, it's easy to like, have all this money coming in, because acting pays the bills. You know, especially when you're on a show that goes for as long as our shows are gone. Yours is gone nine years. Nine seasons. Isn't that crazy? Just, baby. Nine seasons.

Nine seasons. That's a long time. Yeah, most shows normally stop around five or six. Five or six, if you're lucky. If, big if. That's not normal. No. That's law and order. Yep, exactly.

Like, law and order is like 20. Crazy. That's probably the only one. Like Grey's Anatomy too, they still. Grey's probably the only one. Like Grey's Anatomy too. Grey's Anatomy. Like it's very rare. Very rare. So, girl, keep your job.

Baby, and keep working, but you have to, to people you have to keep building because they think like, oh, this is just the one thing I'm going after. You have to build from that. You build from it. And what I love about today is literally you can start right now.

It doesn't have to look pretty. It could be what it is until you grow. Like if you wanna do something, literally you can. And there's so much access now and information. And I'm like, oh, I'm gonna do everything. You know what I mean? And do it well, but like you're just, I don't know. I think you are a complete inspiration to so many and to all your friends.

Thank you. And you know, it made me be like, let me get up. Let me get up. Let me stop watching the show and go, let me write my book. Write my own show. Yeah, like just do exactly right. Writing. So I'm doing that too. Just writing and creating and ownership. Yes, so important. That is so important. And we were talking before we started filming about, Tyler was the one that really kind of showed us what real ownership was. Real ownership looks like.

And for us, what it looked like. Because we don't see a lot of people in those positions or to know that, hey, no, you should be doing this too. And this is how you need to set up your deals. And when you do your contracts, you should be asking for this and there were so many things like afterwards they're like why is this not already taken care of? I'm like oh I didn't know I, no ask for that. Ask for it.

Yeah. And that's the thing when you can call somebody who's in a position of power. Can I just tell you something? I go in every room now and I say I can tell who doesn't have power and who does. Yes. And I say, I have seen real power move. Like real power.

Yes. Not middle man energy, real power. Who does she sound like? Ashanna? Ashanna be like, yeah this thing. This ain't it. Where the real, where the real? Where the real?

The real number queen. Ah! Ah! She sound just like you. This ain't it. This ain't it. Where's the real, where's the real, where's the real? The real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real,

the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the real, the Now, like you still, people think again, when you're in these positions that you don't get roadblocked and you don't get people saying, well, no, you gotta go. This is the route how it normally happens.

Right. And I'm like, yeah, but how else can we get around normally? How else can we get around like that? And- Cause I'm not a normal girl. And why does it have to be normal? Like let's knock that over.

Groundbreaking things, yeah. Yeah, and then also give me the people who can make real power, like who has a yes or no. Yes. You know? Yeah. And I've seen it so many times, and very few have it in the industry.

Yeah. Very few have it. Right. And Tyler's one of them. Yeah, for sure. One of them. Yeah, he for sure. One of them. How lucky are we? To be blessed by God.

Sorry, I break out in songs sometimes. You don't have to do that. Tika, you are absolutely amazing. Before we close out, we do what is called our Positive Outcomes Listener Letter. This is where our listeners write in, ask us a question, and we give them advice. You down?

I'm down for whatever you need. All right, let's do it. This one comes from Jennifer O'Neil, and she says, How do you give a man who you're dating, potential husband, oh, we just talked about that, to get his finances, profession, and life in order

so we can experience a life together? Oh, that's tough. Wait, how do you... let me understand this question. Yeah. Basically, how do you get your man in order before you get married? Yeah, or how do you give him the time to get his life in order?

Like, you have someone that you feel could be your husband, but he needs to get his finances, profession, and life in order so that you guys can experience the life. Basically, I know what you're saying, girl. Jennifer, you're saying you want him to be able to experience the life that you want. Yeah life. Basically, I know what you're saying, girl. Jennifer, you're saying you want him to be able to experience the life that you want. Yeah. Because sometimes, you know, you feel like you're

in a position, and the person that you're dating may not be able to- Yeah, to meet you there. First of all, she has to understand he may never be at her position. And is that OK? That's, yes. You have to be OK with that.

And be rea- no, ask yourself, are you really okay with it? Yeah, that's real. That's a real question. Yes. And it's valid. And it is, and if that's not your thing, if it's a no, that's okay. It's okay.

Yeah. But if you wanna help him try to grow, then maybe you can help connect dots. Maybe he's not that great at organization or whatever that is to get his flow going. Whatever that is, finances or career. Maybe you can help connect the dots, help him connect the dots. Because you also don't want to feel like you're putting more rocks in your backpack. You know what I mean?

I do know what you mean. And so there's a happy medium of feeling like, here are the things that I can help you with to get you on your way, but you have to get on your way. You have to do, yes, yes, yes. And I think that's the point of having a partner. That's it. You know, having someone like,

we all have different strengths and weaknesses. There we go. And then if you pair together, like, okay, wait, you really are a go-getter, you just need the right tools. There we go. Well, I got this, let's connect and build this thing together. Here's some tools from my toolbox. Yeah.

But I don't want to have to give you everything. I need to see what you can do in your own as well. Yeah. Jennifer, that's so good to hear. That's good. Oh, thank you. Yeah, that was great. So we're going to play a quick game of this or that.

Okay. Well, I think I know this one. Maybe you like both of them. So coffee date or wine night? Oh. Ooh. Right. Can I ask you a question?

Yeah. I know this is a quick game, but why are people so against going on a coffee date? Well I don't drink coffee. Well tea. Tea, yeah I do tea. Somebody asked me about coffee. Will you go on a date?

Absolutely. Oh a date? Yeah, absolutely. Well you look down, so I feel like you won't. Oh, yeah. OK. I love wine. OK. No, but I'm saying, like, some people are like, that's cheap.

No, not. I've heard girls say that. No, I don't think that. Yeah. I'm like, that's a great way to leave early if you don't aren't into it. Exactly. Right. Yeah, OK.

I was, like, confused. No, I love it. It's great for, like, really just no pressure. I feel like coffee dates have no pressure. And dinner is long if you're not into it. Then you got the pressure. People are like, so what you doing? Nothing. I'm going home. I feel like populates are no pressure. And dinner is long if you're not into it. Then you got the pressure. You're like, so what you doing? I'm going home.

I'm leaving. Bye. Yeah, OK. So I would do, I like wine. Me too. Let's do a wine thing. All right, wine date. I get a little like, with wine though.

Who's face? Right? It's different. It's different attitudes or experiences you're going to get. I feel like wine. Cause coffee's like, what's going on? Yeah, yeah. Wine's like, yeah, so.

What's going on? Yeah, what's going on? That's a third, fourth date. Right, yes. We'll stick to the coffee for the VHS. Netflix binge or spontaneous road trip? Ooh, spontaneous road trip. Yes, beach vacation or mountain escape?

Ooh, I love a beach vacation. Me too. I'm a water baby. I love water. Well, it depends if the ocean is calm. Yeah, so Cabo water, no, but you got to save somebody. Listen, give me that Mediterranean water. Give me that Bahamas water. They're clear water. I can see for miles and miles away. Yeah, give me that water. Dressing up in heels or chilling in hoodies? Hoodies. Oh, gosh. Girl, I can't.

Look at me. I know you going somewhere. And I'm about to be riding some sneakers. I was like, this is cute. Yes. Oh, it's cute, girl. No matter what you put on it. Thank you.

Staying in face mask or dancing all night? Face mask? Like facials. Dancing all night. Yeah, that's a good time. Spicy tacos or sweet cupcakes? Spicy tacos. Texting all day or deep late night calls?

Deep late night calls. If I'm calling you, that's a problem. We need to be together. I know that's right. Oh, this is good. Rom-com movie or true crime documentary? Rom-com movie! Sharing secrets or keeping it mysterious? Mystery is not fun after the first time around. Right.

I've had mystery. No thank you. No thank you. No mystery. What is it? Sharing secrets or keeping it mysterious? Sharing secrets. Yeah, I love that.

And then matching tattoos or matching outfits? Tattoos. Do you have any tattoos? Yes, girl. Oh, I don't know. You can't see them now. So if you know, you know. If you know, you know.

I knew this was going to be a great episode. I love you. I love you more. Thank you for coming by. I'm proud of everything you have going on. Seriously, guys, make sure you go get her book. Check out Adventures of Curiosity Cove and all the amazing things.

We'll let you guys know when her movie's coming out. We're definitely gonna support you and everything you have going on. Make sure you guys follow Tika at TikaSumter. Is it, that's your Instagram? Yeah, at TikaSumter's my Instagram. At TikaSumter, follow her. Cause you've been doing better on posting.

Girl, I am. I'm proud of you. Yes. I'm very proud of you. Girl, I need help on TikTok though, cause... Oh, I got you. You know how many followers I have on TikTok? First of all, I don't even think they think it's me.

They're like, this ain't Tika. This ain't Tika, because she has 356 followers. Oh yeah, that's definitely not you. Okay, we'll talk offline about that. Can you guys help me? I, and not only that, other people have more than me, of me. They're acting like me. Oh my gosh.

And they're doing the, they did the, that challenge. The Boyz II Men one, remember? On Tyeler's film. Yeah, the white school. And my niece is like, your challenge is going viral. I'm like, what challenge? Oh my gosh, so you have to do it. No, it's old.

It's old now. And I'm like a 1900s lady. Late. Late, you're late, ma'am. I's old now. And I'm like a 1900s lady. Late. Late. You're late, ma'am. I mean, like, is it the dance? What is it? Which one?

I was just telling them the other day, I was like, I want to do that, um, that all the kids are doing. And then they're like, that's it. What is it? It is. Wait. Do they do this in the club? No, it's on Instagram.

It's something that the kids are doing. Are they throwing water? Michael Rainey, like, all his videos on TikTok, that's all he's doing. He's danced, like, on tables. It's like a, he does this, and then he does this little dance. Savannah and her daughter just did,

Zuri just did it. And then they, like, slide down walls, and like. Oh! It's, like, so cute. So we're all gonna do it together. He's like, no, we're not. Thank you, bro. No, thank you. I love you. He's like, no, we're not. Thank you. No, thank you.

I love you too. So good. Guys, that was a great conversation. I hope you guys all received the message of your time is your time and whatever God has for you, he has for you. Tika's story and everything that she talked about was absolutely amazing. I love her journey.

It was inspiring for me. And I love to know that I have a sister that we both can encourage and inspire each other. Thank you guys so much for tuning in to another episode of the Keep It Positive, Sweetie Show. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a little positivity.

You guys can follow me on Instagram and all platforms at LoveCrystalRenee. In the meantime, in between times, stay blessed, stay encouraged, and remember to keep it positive, sweetie. I'll see you guys next time.