ANSLEY CHRISTIE ’ S CMO JULIE HARRIS SITS DOWN WITH HEATHER MCMAHAN
Q
In 2015 I had somebody send me a message on
Instagram to “ watch this ” and it was you doing Brenda Carlisle , Mississippi ’ s number one real estate agent doing her “ pump up open house song .” There are tons of stereotypes of agents , and Brenda is the epitome of it all . The hair , the gold jacket , the assistant , turf wars , the ex-husband Richard … just nailed it . Where did that come from ? HOW DID YOU KNOW ?!
A
If I wasn ’ t doing comedy , I would do real estate !
I am obsessed with the lifestyle . I ’ m a lady who lunches but also loves to wheel and deal . Brenda is loosely based off of an amalgamation of sorority sisters moms from deep south Miississippi . I love them because they say it like it is and don ’ t hold back !
Q . Tell us about your team and how you ’ ve built your business .
A . I believe in surrounding yourself with people you enjoy spending time with . I have a lot of powerful woman around me that get things done . Tina is one of my oldest friends and I trust her with my life . My agents and managers are all women . I didn ’ t build my business in a day , but I started producing things on my own . I didn ’ t wait for permission . As the success came , I added people that I know would be a strong support system around me . Work smarter , not harder !
Q . You have broken into the scene aggressively and impressively , sort of a 12-year- overnight-success . Your Netflix special ‘ Son I Never Had ‘ debuted last year . Did you always want to be in show business ? Where did this career start and what role has Instagram played in it ?
A . My mom says I came out of the womb with tap shoes on . I love everything about show business , even when its volatile . I find it keeps me on my toes . I love to bring people the joy I feel . It is one of the hardest businesses , but I knew if I stuck it out and got one chance I would be good to the people around me and work my butt off . Granted everything can end tomorrow , but so grateful to make people laugh . IG was a huge part of my success . It provided a platform to connect directly with my audience .
IS ANYTHING OFF LIMITS ?
Absolutely
NOT !
get yelled at by someone in my family . I share because its relatable . I feel if I have gone through something that has made me laugh and grow then why not share it with my audience because I guarantee someone else is going through the same thing .
Q . You know Joan Rivers loved fashion and was a red carpet staple for years , all but inventing the pre-show interview . I believe she is your role model ! When you recently represented E ! Entertainment at the Grammys AND Emmys , tell us how that felt for you and did you channel Joan ? Who did you totally fan-girl on ? Is there an Oscars debut coming up too ?
A . Joan is an icon and the reason I got into comedy . She is like a fairy godmother to me . When E ! Asked me to start hosting , I truly felt it was a wink from her . I met her years ago at a restaurant in Beverly Hills , she shook my hand and said “ Honey , you ’ ve got chutzpah and I feel you are going to make it ”. To come full circle years later by stepping into her shoes , is an honor and I am excited to see where the road leads .
Q . How did the Today show come about ? Your connections with Hoda and Jenna is evident .
A . The opportunity came about when Maria Shriver was on the show and started talking about my comedy to Hoda and Jenna and they wanted to meet me because of her kind words . I started as a guest and have also co-hosted . I have been able to announce my tours and sold out show at Radio City . They are like family to me . Anytime I have a milestone I go back to them first because they were the women that championed me in the beginning .
Q . You talk very openly and candidly about everything — your Mom , Robin , the death of your Dad , your journey with IVF , marriage with Jeff . Is there anything off limits for you — or them ?
A . My comedy always comes from an honest perspective . I can only speak on what happens to me . There are things that are off limits , but I ask for forgiveness later , then