Celebrity Spotlight

QAND A’S, BY COURTNEY ARLETT

THE FAST-RISING STAR FROM THE TELEVISION SERIES, “PRETTY FOR A BIG GURL!”

1. WHERE YOU WERE BORN, NAMES OF YOUR MOTHER, FATHER, SISTERS, BROTHERS?

I was born in Greenwood, MS, in 1984 to Mr. and Mrs. John Lockett. I am the middle, second to the last child and have a hand full of crazy siblings - my brother Kendric and sisters, Kembrya and Sieaundria. I’m a “fake middle child.” I know it sounds crazy, but there is an 11year gap between myself and my older siblings.

2. WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND?

I am proud to say I am finally back in school working on my undergraduate degree. It took a minute for me to realize I even wanted to finish school. I got distracted with life and didn’t think it was necessary. I now see that in order for my life to be complete–it is imperative that I have no unfinished chapters, this includes school.

3. WHAT IS YOUR MARITAL STATUS-CHILDREN?

I am a single woman with no children. I can’t say that getting married and having children isn’t in my future, but for now, I’m happy chasing dreams and making my goals a reality.

4. HOW DO YOU SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY?

I serve my community by volunteering with my church for outreach ministries, including feeding the homeless, community block parties and clothing drives.

5. WHAT WAS A MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR CAREER

God has blessed me to be a part of over 20 productions since my introduction to the entertainment field in 2009. My initial introduction into the entertainment industry was as an understudy to a principal character in a local gospel stage play. The turning point in my career was when I was cast in a lead

role as an actress, as SUNDAY ROBINSON, for the Independent project SUNDAY MORNINGS (Acero Twins Productions). Working with the ridiculously talented duo, Marie and Michelle Acero, showed me what was possible as an indie filmmaker.

6. HOW HAVE YOUR MOTHER CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF YOUR CAREER, OR NOT?

My mother is my example of what success looks like. She is my Clair Huxtable and my inspiration. She is my example of what womanhood and motherhood should look like. She pushes me outside of my comfort zone. She has always SHOWN me that nothing is outside of my reach. When I thought the stars were too far to aim for, she held me up until I could touch one on my own.

7. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR PLEASURES OR PASSIONS?

I’m a storyteller, it’s in my blood baby! My passion is writing and producing beautiful stories that transcend time, race, and social norms. I also enjoy traveling the world and experiencing new cultures.

8. WHAT DOES YOUR WORLD LOOK LIKE, AND WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE?

My world includes working with some of the most inventive and creative playwrights, directors, producers, and musicians Atlanta offers. I’m working on several independent projects, as writer, director, and actress, including full-length features, shorts, web-series, stage plays, musicals, and TV-pilots.

I am also the creator of a series titled, “Pretty For A Big Gurl.” There was an opportunity to do something outside of the norm, so I took it. I wanted to see more roles for women who looked like me. Someone who is funny, sassy, and SEXY! SOOOOO, I wrote it! I’m known for pushing boundaries and creating my space to thrive in, so why not?!? I’m abnormal and I accept it. NO! I EMBRACE it! I EMBRACE who I am fully. Chile, I’m like Cold Stone ice cream; LIKE IT! LOVE IT! GOTTA HAVE IT! Okay!? LOL! It honestly doesn’t matter if I’m in front of the camera or behind it. It’s ALL my sweet spot! Toot! Toot! LOL! I’m proud that I represent ALL women from ALL walks of life. The common thread is not our size or color, it’s our femininity. It’s who we are at the core. Courtney with her mother MaryAlice Lockett

9. WHAT DRIVES YOU AND KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED TO FULFILL YOUR VISIONS?

My journey to this point has definitely been an adventure. I guess you can say it’s been both good and bad. Plus size women, they often overlook us in the entertainment industry and placed into one or two categories, funny or unattractively desperate. Regardless of how talented an agent, casting director, writer, or the overall production, may feel a plus-size woman, doesn’t physically fit the “standard.” One of the biggest issues (pun intended) I’ve had to deal with in this industry, is my weight. Or, rather, other people’s reactions and feelings towards my weight. This drives me to fulfill my dreams. Representation matters and I am determined to be the one to make it happen.

10. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG LADY THAT WANTS TO GO INTO SHOW BUSINESS?

My advice is — Dear Dreamer, there will always be someone who doesn’t like you. Nothing you do will ever be good enough for the naysayers. No matter how talented, pretty, smart, caring, or supportive you are, THEY will NEVER approve of YOU. Stop trying to change their minds! Save your energy for living, creating, and making the world a better place because you are in it! On this journey, I have been blessed to meet some extraordinary people who saw my talent and NOT my size. However, even with

QAND A’S, BY COURTNEY ARLETT

CONTINUED

Courtney with her sister Sieaundria Lockett and her mother MaryAlice Lockett

their support, it wasn’t until I realized how beautiful my uniqueness was, that I could really spread my wings and soar. It’s those eureka moments, both good and bad, that have shaped me into the woman I am today. Be Bold, Live Free, and introduce YOURSELF to the world with NO apologies.

11. WHAT’S ONE OF THE CRAZIEST OR FUNNIEST MOMENTS WITH YOUR MOTHER?

My mom and I never had crazy moments, but I guess our funny moments are the FaceTime calls. My goal is to always make her smile. To me, her smile is the most beautiful thing in the world.

12. THE GREATEST THING ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR MOTHER?

The greatest thing about my relationship with my mother is her love for me. A woman raising a child in the heart of the south and then again on the South side of Chicago is resilient and extremely strong. Stronger than most people give her credit for. There are a few things in the world that are strong enough to motivate and inspire–love is one of them, and my mother gives me everything she has because she loves me.

13. WHAR IS ONE OF THE GREATEST LESSONS YOUR MOTHER HAS PASSED ON TO YOU?

The greatest lesson my mother has passed on to me is to LIVE in the now. To never allow my past to definite my future. 14. WHAT BEHAVIORAL TRAITS HAVE YOU IDENTIFIED IN YOUR GRANDMOTHER, YOUR MOTHER AND IN YOU?

I never knew my maternal grandmother, she died before I was born. However, I would like to think my determination and stubbornness comes from them both of them. I know for sure it comes from my mom. Her determination to succeed pushed her to continue her higher education while caring for her family. It took her longer than she wanted it to finish college, but she didn’t give up. She pushed forward until she reached her goal.

15. WHAT SUPPORT THAT YOUR MOTHER GAVE TO YOU TO HELP YOU ACCOMPLISH YOUR DREAMS?

Both my parents work hard to support my dreams, from donating food for productions, to sitting on the front row of my production. However, I can proudly say my mom is my biggest supporter, and she loves me as I am. She checks on me when I down and encourages me when I am tired. She reminds me to always keep moving forward.

16. WHAT STRUGGLES OR CONFLICTS DID YOU AND YOUR MOTHER OVERCAME

Communication is definitely something that we have had to work on for over the years. The stubbornness that I inherited from her is wonderful when I am working to succeed. However, it can also cause issues when I am too stubborn to listen to her sound advice.

17. LOOKING BACK OVER YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU MOTHER, WOULD YOU HAVE CHANGED ANYTHING?

Looking back, I think I would have spent more time getting to know my mother when I was younger. As an adult, I have learned to grow and appreciate our differences. But I wonder where our relationship would be now, if I had this knowledge then.

18. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO HELP IMPROVE THE RELATIONSHIP FOR ANOTHER MOTHER AND DAUGHTER?

My advice to another mother and daughter is to listen to understand and not listen to respond. Sometimes we (as humans) are so focused on being understood that we miss what someone else is trying to express to us.