At this stage of their careers, Yandy Smith-Harris and Karlie Redd are greater than actuality TV icons. They are ladies who’ve turned ache into objective. Between award exhibits, activism, companies and even new music, they’ve developed into true moguls. The pair just lately sat down with AllHipHop’s Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur at WonWorld Studios for an unfiltered dialog that moved from laughter to deep reflection.

The two spoke candidly about home violence consciousness, the significance of males talking out, their entrepreneurial empires, and elevating gifted youngsters within the public eye. Yandy mentioned her thriving skincare line and restaurant ventures, whereas Karlie opened up about her journey by means of trauma.

This dialog was needed and actual. These two could also be one factor within the Love & Hip-Hop Universe, however one thing utterly totally different in the true world. These are two ladies who proceed to form the tradition on their very own phrases.

Watch the complete video under and browse an edited Q&A of the interview.

AllHipHop: You talked about earlier that one out of seven males cope with abuse. That stunned me.

Yandy Smith: It’s true, and I truly suppose that quantity’s increased. Especially in our communities. Black and Latino households are sometimes raised on “what happens in this house stays in this house.” We’re taught silence.

AllHipHop: Exactly. Plenty of males don’t converse up due to disgrace. They suppose admitting it makes them weak.

Karlie Redd: And that’s unhappy. Men ought to have the ability to say, “I was abused,” particularly once they select not to hit again. That’s energy. We must cease shaming them for talking up.

Yandy Smith: And we additionally want to speak about psychological abuse. Physical scars fade, however psychological scars can final generations. How you make somebody really feel about themselves — that doesn’t go away.

AllHipHop: Karlie, you went by means of one thing very public. How did you flip that ache into objective?

Karlie Redd: My scenario went viral, and I didn’t need to speak about it. I used to be embarrassed. But folks — males, ladies, even youngsters — began messaging me saying, “I’m going through the same thing.” I began opening my inbox and responding. I used to be speaking to this one lady who lastly left her abuser and took her three youngsters to a lodge. I helped her get away. A couple of weeks later, her mother and father reached out and informed me her abuser killed her.

Yandy Smith: Wow.

Karlie Redd: That broke me. I informed Yandy, “I’m in a dark place, but maybe helping others is my healing.” That’s the place the Courageous Awards got here from — to offer survivors a voice and present there are assets and individuals who care.

AllHipHop: Do you suppose actuality TV has helped or harm the reason for displaying wholesome relationships?

Yandy Smith: It’s a present and a curse. Every relationship has ups and downs. Our “job” is to indicate them. But actuality TV amplifies the mess as a result of ache is worthwhile. They’ll present the struggle earlier than they present me marching for Breonna Taylor or Karlie doing one thing highly effective.

Karlie Redd: It is determined by the present. Sometimes folks see what we undergo and say, “I’m not going down that road.” It can truly assist folks be taught from our errors.

AllHipHop: Karlie, your music profession is shifting once more. Are you singing or rapping nowadays?

Karlie Redd: My sound is Caribbean — that’s my roots. My household’s from Trinidad, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. I do Caribbean and R&B with a little bit Hip-Hop. Once I tapped into my actual background, that’s after I began charting.

Yandy Smith: And she’s actually doing it!

Karlie Redd: Yeah, as a result of I like it. I pay for my very own movies, my very own music — not for clout, however as a result of I’m obsessed with it.

AllHipHop: Yandy, you’re all the time constructing one thing new. What’s subsequent for you?

Yandy Smith: My skincare line is doing wonderful. We’re in Bloomingdale’s — going into our second yr there. I even have eating places in Atlanta referred to as Cliché, and I’m opening one other in Miami this month. But actually, the toughest job I’ve obtained is mommying. My teenage youngsters are retaining me busy and humble.

Karlie Redd: Same right here! I’ve been within the restaurant enterprise too — Johnny’s Chicken and Waffles with Ne-Yo. We’ve obtained 4 areas now, one contained in the Atlanta airport. And I opened Red Room downtown with no companions. All me.

AllHipHop: That’s quite a bit to juggle. What’s your secret to success?

Karlie Redd: I inspire myself. I do three issues each day towards my greatest purpose. That’s my system. And proper now, I’m in regulation faculty!

Yandy Smith: Wait, what?

Karlie Redd: Yeah! [laughs] I went again as a result of I used to be bored with paying attorneys throughout my divorce. I mentioned, “Forget this, I’m learning it myself.” It’s on-line for now, however I’ll should go in-person later. I additionally went again and have become an authorized sex therapist!

Yandy Smith: What?!

Karlie Redd: Yep! I obtained an endorsement cope with Doc Johnson for a sex toy line. When I began, I didn’t know a factor. They despatched me to highschool to get licensed, and now I converse at conventions and bachelorette events. Learning is vital!

AllHipHop: You’ve each developed far past tv. What retains you grounded?

Yandy Smith: My youngsters. And reminding myself that each new enterprise ought to uplift another person.

Karlie Redd: For me, it’s remembering the place I got here from and utilizing my platform to assist ladies who really feel they’ll’t converse up.

AllHipHop: Let’s finish together with your Top Five Dead or Alive rappers.

Yandy Smith: I’m New York-heavy. I gotta go along with Nas, Biggie, Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, after which I’m grouping my final one — Foxy Brown, Lil’ Kim, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi B. They all modified the sport for ladies in Hip-Hop.

Karlie Redd: Okay, my flip. Number one, Biggie — that’s household in spirit. Then Lil Wayne, Vybz Kartel, Dr. Dre, and Eminem. That’s my mixture of Caribbean, bars and international impression.

Yandy Smith: Oh — and shout out to Mysonne! He’s a beast. He’s working with Locksmith now, and whenever you hear him rap, you’ll cease what you’re doing. He’s acutely aware, lyrical, and deep.

AllHiphop: I noticed him on the Harry Belafonte Gala…gifted for actual! He doesn’t get sufficient credit score.

Yandy Smith: Yeah, and shout out to AllHipHop for all the time displaying love. You can comply with me at @YandySmith — that’s the identify I get checks in!

Karlie Redd: And me at @IAmKarlieRedd with two D’s!

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