Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Features #63 & 64: Gigi St. Juste and Tori-Ann Hampton, Co-Producers



                Gigi St. Juste                                               Tori-Ann Hampton     
 
                                                                                            
Names: Gigi St Juste & Tori-Ann Hampton

Current Job Position Title: Co-Producers of Catching Up With Gigi

Company Name: Catching Up With Gigi

Contact Information: catchingupwithgigi@gmail.com YouTube: Catching up with Gigi; Instagram: cuwg; Twitter: @cuwg

Special skills:
Gigi St Juste: Actress, writer, producer, dance & makeup artist
Tori-Ann Hampton: Actress, Writer, Advocate

Describe your job story:
Gigi: Being a black actress in South Florida the jobs are few and far in between, instead of waiting for my opportunity I decided to create one by starting my own online show. 
Tori-Ann: I have to piggy back on what Gigi said, it has been challenging to not only get work, but comedic work. Most of the auditions I've been on have been dramatic roles, which I love. But there's something about comedy that is so interesting and it's something I definitely wanted to explore.

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?
Gigi: What I like the most is being creative, having no one to answer to. What I like the least is the hustle, but If I'm going to hustle I might as well apply to something I love.
Tori-Ann: I absolutely love what I do. I'm living the dream. I love connecting with others through the stories. Actors are story tellers and when the audience feels what I feel, then I feel like I did what I needed to do. What I like the least is as Gigi said, the hustle. I just want to create and have someone take care of that part. It's growing on me though.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Gigi: Making Oscar worthy movies. 
Tori-Ann: In Hollywood, being a part of something special. I want to make films that leave a lasting impression on you. Something that's remembered, not just for that season, but for years to come. 

Are you happy with where you are in life?
Gigi: I try to be. Because I know where I am today is better than where I was at yesterday.
Tori-Ann: Yes. I understand that this is a process and I've seen the growth God has allowed me to make on this journey. I know that it gets better as time continues, so I'll be content with where I am, but keep striving because of who God is.
 
What more do you want to do with your life?
Gigi: Build a empire for my great grandkids. Leave money, business and creativity when I'm gone. 
Tori-Ann: I want my words to be few. I want my legacy to be seen. In other words, I don't want to talk about anything in particular, because I know that my mind can't possibly wrap itself around what God has for me. I just know that He's preparing me for it. 

What drives/motivates you?
Gigi: God, he pushes me to be the best that I can be & not take the easy way out.
Tori-Ann: God. 

What else do you do?
Gigi: I'm a makeup artist, Sunday School teacher and dancer. 
Tori-Ann: I am an educator. I work with mainly elementary school aged children. I also help motivate and encourage women through an organization I started with my partners called P.U.R.P.L.E. Producing Unique Responsible Proactive Ladies Through Education.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
Gigi: We are in a world where if there's not a way you can just make one. Don't take no for an answer. Keep God 1st, Stay focus & make sure you surround yourself with people who are doing what your doing. 
Tori-Ann: Never give up. Keep God first. This quote always helps me keep moving. “All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake up in the day to find it was vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.” T.E. Lawrence You have to work while everyone else is busy being mediocre. You have to be outrageous with your dreams. Why not?! 

Feature #62: Anthony Wilson, Associate City Solicitor



Name:  Anthony Ivan Wilson
 
Contact Information: tony.ivan@gmail.com

Describe your job story:
I defend the city of Springfield in civil suits in both state and federal court.  In state court I defend the city from claims for personal injuries or property damages.  In federal court I defend the city from lawsuits by individuals claiming that a city official violated their civil rights.

This includes defending the city in discrimination and contract suits. I also provide legal advice to the city councilors.  In that capacity I draft proposed legislation and tell the councilors what is legal under state and federal law.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?
As a child I wanted to design toys.  As a teenager, I wanted to be an engineer.

Are doing your dream job?
This is not the job I dreamed of but I'm am having a lot of fun and learning a lot.

 What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?  
I like the variety and the people alot.  I dislike some of the politics. Not office politics, real politics.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 
I don't know.  Hopefully, paid my loans off and still doing interesting work.

 Are you happy with where you are in life? 
What more do you want to do with your life? Yes.

 What drives/motivates you?
The responsibility and need to do a good job.

What else do you do? 
I am on a couple boards and I go to church.
 What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
I would say don't underestimate an opportunity because I job you don't like today may lead to a great job tomorrow