Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Dominique Oliveto
We got to chat with Olivia Charmaine Morris about her Instagram Live series “The Tea,” amplifying marginalized voices, and creating her company Black Monarch Entertainment.
Growing up were you the person who had a lot of different interests and wasn’t sure how to tie them all together or did you have a very clear idea of what career you wanted to pursue?
My childhood was steeped in academics and a deep love for the arts. I was always drawn to the entertainment industry, even at a very young age. In fact, my fifth birthday was Hollywood-themed, and I apparently asked my mom to teach me cursive in preschool because I had a dream where I stepped out of a limo and didn’t know how to sign my autograph. If that doesn’t sound like a calling, I don’t know what is! I was an actor and musical theater performer from childhood up until I went to college, when I decided to pursue an understanding of the business side of the entertainment industry.
You started an IG Live series called “The Tea” and have been able to connect with creatives like Janelle Monae, Zolee Griggs, and Jidenna. What inspired you to start the series?
I’m a huge advocate for wellness and self-care, and a key part of my routine has always started with a cup of tea. While we were all stuck inside our homes during the height of the pandemic, fatigued by the onslaught of the negative news cycle, and desperately looking to social media for a sense of community, I was inspired to find a bright spot in my week for myself and others to look forward to. I’ve always been inspired by media at the intersection of entertainment and education. I love sitting with guests who are open to sharing their stories and tips for success with our growing audience.
Social media can be very fake but “The Tea” is authentic and creates room for real conversations. Do you think that is why people have gravitated towards the series?
I prepare for the show by intentionally setting the space – lighting sage and candles, pouring my tea in front of the audience and playing “The Tea” by Riah Dawn, which is an uplifting song about self-confidence. I want the space to feel warm, inviting, and intimate for both the guest and the audience, and I’m glad that the community is enjoying the positive, genuine energy!
Tell our readers about your company Black Monarch Entertainment and its focus.
I’m a film and television producer that recently started my own production company, Black Monarch Entertainment. From development to full-service production, Black Monarch tells empowering stories that drive cultural conversations. As someone who is a queer, Black woman, I’m a champion for artists that sit at intersections of “otherness.” I’m honored to be able to build a safe space for content creation that drives social impact.
You have held jobs at TBS, TNT, and Simpson Street. Did you implement a lot of what you learned at these companies when you decided to start Black Monarch Entertainment?
I cut my teeth as a development executive in my former positions. I learned a lot about identifying talent, giving substantive feedback on creative, growing a brand, and seeing a project through from script to screen.
In your eyes is the entertainment industry finally moving in a direction that allows for Black people and other marginalized groups to have their stories told on a more regular basis?
Right now, diversity and inclusion are trending in the industry. That being said, there are more Black creatives creating viable content and more Black executives and representatives in positions of power that can support our artists.
As an activist and someone whose work is centered around amplifying marginalized voices, that work can probably become overwhelming or taxing at times. What do you do to center yourself and unwind?
I’m very self-aware and know that balance is the key to life. As much as I value my hard-earned role in the entertainment industry, I appreciate self-care just as much or more. Consciously carving out moments to take care of your emotional, physical, and psychological well-being is critical, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money on fancy spa packages to achieve results. These days, I think naps, long walks, and drinking tea are my favorite forms of self-care.
What advice do you have for people who would like to work in the entertainment industry but aren’t sure where to start?
A clever way to start is by downloading course syllabi from top film programs, including NYU, UCLA, and USC. There are hundreds of books about the entertainment industry and industry trades (Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and others) available for self-study.