Pretty Vee can do it all. A social media superstar with millions of followers, the Miami native is a comedian, a budding actress, and a successful entrepreneur. She came to prominence for her hilarious style as a content creator which eventually led to her being cast on Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N Out. She also launched Pretty Vee Electronics and Pretty Vee Beauty, her own electronic and beauty collection in partnership with Citi Trends.
For her latest project, Pretty Vee has authored her first book The Pretty Victory: 100-Day Guide to Recenter Yourself and Find Your Purpose. The book is described as “a guided journal to help you define your goals, find the strength to reach them, and unapologetically go out and get what you’ve been dreaming of.”
HOT97 caught up with Pretty Vee and spoke about writing her first book, what fuels her creativity, and how she makes Black History every day.
How did going to an HBCU impact your perspective?
Pretty Vee: I went to an HBCU, St. Augustine’s University in North Carolina. I’m so grateful for my alma mater and what they taught me. I mean, everything that I was taught, I’m actually using the tools out in the world. But being from Miami and going to school in North Carolina was a big difference for sure.
What did you know you wanted to be an entertainer?
Pretty Vee: Oh, my God, I’ve always wanted to be in the entertainment industry. I wanted to do radio to be like Angie Martinez, Ludacris, and Wendy Williams. But God said otherwise and put me in front of the camera. There was no other industry that I wanted to be in. I always wanted to entertain people because I love making people laugh and making people feel good.
After making a name for yourself on social media, how did you land on Wild ‘n Out?
Pretty Vee: I lied to get on Wild ‘n Out [Laughs]. I said, “Hey, I’m DC Young Fly’s cousin, I’m Chico Bean’s auntie.” I really wanted to be on the show. I sent a DM and they emailed me. They were already fans of my work. Unfortunately, the audition didn’t go well and I didn’t make it in the first round. I felt like I was lying to get on the show. When you trust God, sometimes God will sit you down so you can work on your craft, your creativity, and on your confidence, and on yourself. A year later, I got on the show and I’ve been on the show for 10 years.
Along with all of your success, you’re outspoken about your faith. When did you become serious about your faith?
Pretty Vee: Before I got into the entertainment industry, I was depressed and had anxiety. In middle school, my mom told me I was gonna be the artist. I thought maybe a painter or drama, it could be this, it could be that. I just wanted to be in entertainment. But God had a bigger blessing coming and a breakthrough happening, God was like, “You got to know me first before I give you what you want so you’ll give me all the glory. But I need to get you into a quiet place so you can know who I am.” So I was in that still place in 2016. That’s when I was able to go to Charlotte and start my career there. That’s when my faith was activated.
What inspired you to write “The Pretty Victory?”
Pretty Vee: My mom was the inspiration. She’s a pastor and she inspired me to write it. She was around me to help me get through my depression. At the time, I just was frustrated because I was in everything. I was posting stuff on campus, and I was involved in every curricular activity. But when I didn’t get the same energy coming out of college, I became depressed. My mom had to remind me of the promise that God told me that I was going to be an artist. So the inspiration for the book is my mom.
How did you go up writing the book and what did you learn about yourself during the process?
Pretty Vee: It was a long process and it was a big moment for me. My publishers took a chance on me and I took a chance on myself too. I was excited to do it. Writing was a hard process because you still go through things. And you have to make sure your pre-orders are okay. But I’m grateful for it.
What do you want readers to take away from the book?
Pretty Vee: I want them to leave with just knowing that they can be victorious. The 100-day devotional is reset yourself, define your purpose, be inspired, and be encouraged by my words. I understand what depression looks like, having thoughts of suicide, anxiety, and nervousness. But I didn’t give up. And there’s a lot of people like me out in this world that’s not going to give up. They just need somebody to push them. So this book is going to be a tool for people to be pushed a little bit more. I have a lot of great people in my book that I call my “Victorious Friends.” I got Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, Issa Rae, B. Simone, and Kierra Sheard.
Lastly, how does it feel to release the book during Black History Month?
Pretty Vee: As far as Black History goes, I believe we make it every day, not just in February. That’s a part of my vision. Whether in business, writing, or comedy, I want to give God glory and keep making Black history.
The Pretty Victory is available wherever books are sold.
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