The Marissa Mitchell Show: July 15, 2026

In this routine a few times this year and just the warning is the actual air temperature near 100 this afternoon. And you mix in the heat index with the humidity is going to feel like 105. So please take the heat seriously. Check on your elderly neighbors. Don't leave your pets and your favorite friends outside. Make sure everybody staying cool will be very warm today and tomorrow and then a little better as we get into the weekend. Yeah, make sure when you're walking the pets to as well. You're careful with their paws. Yeah, it's overheating. Exactly. All right, let's send it over to Marissa for what's coming up on the Marissa Mitchell show. Thanks so much, Jacqueline and Tucker. You know, it's also heating up because we have one of the hottest stars in R&B coming up on the show today. We got India Sean. So happy and you're going to perform live. Oh, we are in our bag. Thanks for tuning in to the Marissa Mitchell show. It is Wednesday. We've made it to the midweek and I'm so glad to welcome you all into the Marissa Mitchell show and we are packed this hour with entertainment from music to fashion and also some empowerment to help you live your best life at every stage. You just heard it for yourself there. She's one of R&B's most captivating voices with heartfelt lyrics. India Sean is here with an exclusive conversation and a special performance that you don't want to miss. I can assure you of that. Plus style is taking center stage as well. We have the team from Fredericksburg Fashion Week with us. They have a preview of some stunning fits that also include artificial intelligence. You got to see it plus music, but make it art. Oh, and also put it on the water where you can find all of that in one spot coming up. Want to introduce you to one of its curators who has a live art demonstration that we're going to check out throughout the hour. So we're going to check her out in and out of breaks to see how she's coming along. First though, get ready for some soulful sounds and inspiration from a woman who has certainly followed and she's living her dreams. Powerhouse singer, songwriter India Sean is here. I am so glad to welcome you to the Marissa Mitchell show. I was reading like all that you've done and I'm like, I couldn't get it all in. She's here to talk about all that she has achieved. And I did some reading up on you various magazines by magazine, one of them saying that basically you are the embodiment of real artistry. Oh my goodness. At a time where it's hard to really find that, you know, what do you make of that? I mean, that is a very high compliment and I feel like it's been my journey to master my expression and make my influences proud, you know, and the influences, I mean, you can hear the seventies sound soul, but it's also current. Yeah. How would you describe your, it is, it's, it's arm, it's alt R and B. Um, but yeah, I definitely leaned into some seventies soul, but it's, yeah, it's just, it's fun and it's hopeful. Yeah. It looks like you had a lot of fun in the video too. I'm not too upset about not getting an invitation. You could have put me in the background or something, but it's also fun to watch too. And I can see the intention in all forms of your art. So tell me about the, the visuals and how it matched the match, the sounds, you know, my initial idea was to tap into, um, like some soul train vibes, right? Yes. But then we, we got it, we made it a little moodier. So it's more like studio 54 meets soul train and we have our phenomenal dancers in the video. Very cute. Love interest in the video. You know, you should, you could have led with that India. You really could have. No, you both look beautiful. It is a vibe and you've had quite, I mean, you've been here for a minute. You're, you're not a new artist per se, but these last few months you've just been on fire performing at the roots picnic as well. What was that like? Shout out to Adam Blackstone, phenomenal musician. And he is involving me in this waiting to exhale tribute, which again, I'm singing alongside Shante Moore and Yolanda Adams. Oh my goodness. So just to be on the bill with them is insane. A dream come true. Roots picnic was amazing. And now I'm on tour right now. I just played a show last night here in DC and headed to Atlanta next. How did they see treat you so much love, so much love. Like my favorite part. I mean, of course I loved performing, but just getting to hear the stories about how people are connecting with the music after the show. And that always just, it's unreal for me. And you've collaborated with some, some greats and big names. You're, you're talking about big names in DC and the DMV. Chris Brown was just here with us for three nights. I had a chance to go out to that show. You've worked with him. Tell me about it. Oh my goodness. He, I, I learned so much about work ethic with him because he is an energizer by me in the studio. Like, I mean, melody after melody lyrics, like he, he doesn't stop, which is nuts, but yeah. So I just tried to soak up some of that work ethic when I, when I was with him in the studio. I carry Hilson. There's so many lucky days, the launch. What has been your favorite or most meaningful collaboration on any level so far? Wow. I mean, I think maybe just with my producer D mile, who is, everybody calls him the modern Quincy Jones plays everything he's has produced for all of these people. Lucky Victoria Monet, silk Sonic. And you know, I could not do what I do without his help and without his expertise. So shout out to D mile, the goat. Yes. And you grew up in LA. I did. So you were really in the center of entertainment. Tell me about baby little girl, you know, India and what you had dreamt for yourself even back then. And just follow that path forward. I mean, I actually grew up in church singing in the choir, singing on the praise and worship team behind my mom, who was the praise and worship leader. And so, yeah, I just, I knew I had a gift. I didn't know how I was going to make it possible. And it wasn't until I moved to Atlanta in high school where I was singing and got discovered. And again, Atlanta was a Mecca of music and innovation, music innovation. So they definitely, I mean, I did a lot of growing up musically in Atlanta as well. But yeah, it's just having a vision for myself to become like my favorite artists, like Lauren Hill, like Brandy, like Beyonce, you know, so just following in those steps and you are watching it unfold show after show. You're right that you're there. You're really there. Um, so it's so good to hear Atlanta is my hometown. So I'm very familiar with Atlanta's role in arts and entertainment. But when you talked about growing up singing in the church, I can always recognize a singer and one who started singing in the church. Okay. You know, not just in sound, but the emotion that they bring through the music. That's what makes soul soul music is from the soul. Yes. So how have you managed to pour your life, your soulfulness into the things that you give us? I mean, just from lived experience, you know, like really putting my stories into this music. And I think that that's what is magnetic. And that's what resonates is people feel your truth and you got to know your truth and be okay with being vulnerable and transparent and you go there. Yes. But also have fun, like on songs like marmalade or cotton candy boulevard, which is right now I'm late today. I am. Yes. Yes. I was like she's performing. I hope she performs that because we love to dance and turn up. I mean, it's summertime. Yeah, it's time for it. It's past time for that as well. So you got the tour. Yes. What else is on the docket? You know, I just released my EP subject to change. So I am just promoting that. And yeah, I'm singing and writing and another project on the way. But I don't want to. I don't want to give that away too soon. But well, yeah, you got busy already. So we'll just wait for what's to come subject to change. I love that title. So moving forward and I mean, you're going to continue to rise. I see that for you in the industry. Thank you. What advice would you give to people who are trying to be like you, you know, get on your level and more. How do you get started and how do you enjoy it while you're waiting to be discovered? Wow. Well, you know, I feel like nowadays there are so many more resources and platforms that I didn't have coming up. And so just take advantage of all of those things. You can put yourself out to the world. You know, you're not we're not limited at this point. So if you sing, sing, if you make beats, produce and share, don't be afraid to share your art. And for me, collaboration, as we just discussed, collaboration really has been key. So, you know, find those people. And it's not all about like networking and going out, but like, you know, find your people organically and don't always, you know, have to reach to the rung higher. Just, you know, find the people on your level. It's a lot of talent out there. So collaborate and share. Yeah. Issa Rae, you probably have heard this. She talks about the power of horizontal networks. She's like, so often people want to reach people who are at the top of their field for an opportunity, but they don't reach out to the people, their peers, right beside them. And you look five, ten years down the road. I love that. You were right there, but didn't take advantage of it. Exactly. So I'm glad that we're taking advantage of having you here. I'm going to have you perform in a few minutes. That's where you all can follow India Shawn and get some of this great, great music. So thank you for coming. Thank you so much. It's been a pleasure. And for a treat. Coming up, we have a voice here. We got a legendary voice, too. And also, well, legendary reaction. My music icon, is facing criticism after last night's performance of the national anthem. Well, if you love fashion, sit back, get cozy with us, because in just a few minutes, Fredericksburg Fashion Week, they're going to transform our studio into a runway. And remember, I told you there was a celebration coming up, you know, music, art, the water. Well, one of the curators, she's hard at work right now. Simone, she's painting. We're going to check out her canvas throughout the show. We'll be right back. We are back with our hot sheet panel. I have reality star, Brandon McLaughlin here. I have lifestyle expert, Christina Daves. And we're kind of, sort of, twinning. Always. You know, I love my king. The picture will last longer. All right. Well, when most people talk about Patti LaBelle, you all know she's one of my favorites. They're singing her praises, but some are now criticizing the legend after her rendition of the national anthem. She performed at the MLB All-Star Game last night in Philly. That's her hometown. Here's what we're going to do. We're going to listen to part of it and let the people know if we think it was hot or not. Take a listen. I gave it a hot. Because it's Patti. It's Patti LaBelle. It's always going to be hot. You can never, ever ex-Patti. Yeah. Ever. No, it's not. Just for being Patti LaBelle. I mean, what did they think when you hired Patti LaBelle to do anything? You're going to get Patti LaBelle. Whatever she's feeling at that minute, you're going to get her. You're going to get the notes, the phrasing. I mean, who else can hit those notes, first of all? Was that a note? It was something. You know, she could also smooth things over with her patty pies. Have you all had the sweet potato one? Oh, no. Or the banana pudding. Patti LaBelle, it was called Patti LaBelle. Oh, yeah, Patti LaBelle. I'm going to stir it up, Patti LaBelle. The critics online, Patti LaBelle. Patti LaBelle. We're here for Patti. And she's going to do it every time. That's why she's a legend that she is. So I want to hear her sing it again. I got worried about brave. I was like, does she have enough air to get that last word out? But she she nailed it. She landed. As always. All right. Now, the actress Megan Good, she's looking back on her divorce from pastor and producer Devon Franklin. They were one of my favorite celebrity couples. But now she's looking back on that time period with gratitude instead of regrets. In a recent interview, Megan called the split the biggest blessing for both of them. She says the breakup initially left her feeling betrayed and questioning her faith. But after therapy, she came to accept that the marriage had simply run its course. Megan says she's a better wife now to husband actor Jonathan Majors because of that experience. So Megan's realization, hot or not? Hot. It's a hot. I think it's absolutely hot. A lot of people don't work out. And being able to accept that and say, you know what? We're better off as friends. Right. As opposed to husband and wife. You see a lot of them actually still because they hang out throughout the rest of their life. Right. And they still go to events together. And they have a better relationship. And honestly, they're better parents when children are involved. And at the end of the day, we don't live in their houses. We don't know what happened in there. So I'm never going to be one to judge. I agree. And before we know anything, a lot of times stuff has been simmering for months, if not years, before it gets on. Friends that have had issues for years behind closed doors before they ever say anything, before they did finally come to you and say, things aren't well at home. Yeah, I always say too, so that's good. In every part of life, whether it's divorce, leaving a job, moving away, you have to find the good and good vibes. There's always a lesson there. Yeah. And she learns a lesson that, hey, it ran its course. Right. And we both can move on for the better. And yeah, absolutely. I wish them the best. Yeah. Well, she always moves on Jonathan Majors. Megan, I see you. I mean, I think she'll be okay. She's going to be good. She'll be good. When it comes to dating, we talked about marriage. Let's talk about dating. Now, the best advice is to slow down. I saw this article by Refinery29, a woman shared inside of it that she recently went on a date with this guy. And before she could even sit down at the table, he shared that, hey, we're compatible because I looked at all your social media. We like the same things. We have the same hobbies. We both like dogs. Listen, we both have friends. We both excel in school. But further down in that article, they had all these experts weigh in and they said, you know, real attraction grows over time under pressure. It can only be solidified through actual interactions. They also conducted this survey that found the apps do work. So don't give up on a dating apps. But the overall dating experience has become about as romantic as filing your tax returns. I think we can all agree to that. So this idea, though, of slowing down and getting to know people beyond their screens that you've seen hot or not. Marissa, I am so glad that I have been with my husband for 35 years. You don't have to deal with this mess. There was no social. And we were talking about this week and we had his 61st birthday party. And we're all like, oh, God, I would never date. Like to be on a dating app. That's how I feel. And I'm single. That's how I feel, girl. Sorry, Brandon. But at least I guess they have algorithms. Like my son met his fiance on Hinge. We have so many friends. That's a dating app. They do work. But I'm just glad I didn't have to do it. Yeah. Oh, you and a lot. You and everybody else. I think love bombing is our issue. It's like people, they want something. They want a relationship so bad that they just like dive headfirst into it. I went on a date for the first time in 18 years, two weeks ago. And it was going well. First date in 18 years. And you are wasting that on humanity. Before I feel like I dive into my into work. So how do you describe dates? Because maybe our definition of a date is a meeting up with somebody to have dinner and try to say, yes, that's what I call a date, not a date. Well, how was the date going? It was hot. And then I feel like he just did the love bombing thing where he was all over it and kind of started pushing. You know, I wanted to push him away. And then we went to another bar afterwards to kind of see again where things went. And I got to the point where I was like, all right, this is just too much. Yeah. So I think it's like the go slow kind of thing. Could that be because you haven't dated in 18 years that you didn't know what to expect? Yeah, it could be that too. It's just way too much in, you know, in my space. Yeah. But then also keep dating because sometimes that helps getting better at it. Maybe it wasn't the person that is the person. If you're a person, you want them in your space. But then I'm like, I like my space. No, that's why I've been single for a long time. And that's my issue, too, is I'm working with my therapist. I've been single for so long and my relationship has been work. Right. So I dive into that and I get something out of it. You know, so I feel like dating sometimes it's a waste of time. Yeah. Energy on something and nothing comes out of it. I can go sell a house and make $20,000 with that same time. You need to date. Let's get Tucker out here for the forecast. What do you think, Tucker? You know, it's hot. The weather center. Yeah, literally. No, not because I'm in it. No, it's not because it's like going to be 100 this afternoon. Can you cool it down? I'm trying. My AC is broken twice now in two weeks. He just got his fix. It's not good. He's like 85 in my house. We'll keep you cool. It's going to be hot. Yeah, it's going to be hot this afternoon. Heat advisory in effect till eight o'clock tonight. 100 later today. Heat advisory will probably be extended to tomorrow, too. And then we'll cool it down this weekend. But do take the heat seriously, for sure. Yes, you must. Thank you, Tucker. Good thing we have AC on full blast. Stay cool. Seriously, I'm like an iguana in my condo right now. Basking on a rock. Way to get that fit, seriously. Thanks for coming. Christina's going to hang around for another second. Brandon, Dave, tell us about it when they come in here. Don't report back. It's 1121. Aging gracefully is about feeling your best at every age. Coming up, our panel of local women, which will include Christina. They're going to share their stories and advice on health, wellness, and embracing the journey. Can't wait for that. Also, we're going to get the stage set for an unforgettable performance. She is ready. R&B star, India Sean, she's going to perform live on the other side of the break. Back with you now with the moment we've been waiting for. She's one of music's most captivating voices, and now she's ready to share her latest with us. Marmalade from India Sean. Thank you. If you wanna know me, put your guard away You don't wanna waste my time clock tick, tick, ticking If you wanna show me, put your words away Make me feel it, knock on my door Bring that marmalade What you wanna do, my love? I'm the girl you were dreaming of What you wanna do, my love? Show me what I've been dreaming of Tell me, tell me that you're all mine Unlike someone in my past life Tell me again that you're mine Mine, baby, tell me again Blow my mind, mine, mine Brown sugar babe, in front of your face You're dying for a slice of heaven inside My candy world, come get you a taste of marmalade What you wanna do, my love? I'm the girl you were dreaming of What you wanna do, my love? Show me what I've been dreaming of One, two, three, four Tell me, tell me that you're all mine Unlike someone in my past life Oh, somebody to blow my mind Tell me again that you're mine Mine, baby, tell me again Blow my mind, mine, mine All the goods, I can do the moves. Next video, next dimensional show after this, marmalade. Welcome back for a very important conversation about aging gratefully and living well. I have a panel of local women, a powerhouse panel of women to share their experiences, insights, and tips. We have lifestyle expert podcast host, Christina Daves, Kristin Cofield, a good friend of mine as well, founder of Culinary Cure, an active brand, parenting, and soon to be good friend of mine, director of the Center for Aging Health and Humanities at GW, Melissa Batchelor. Ladies, thank you so much for joining us today. I wanna begin by congratulating you, Miss one millionth episode of viewership of your podcast. Thank you. Neither two of my guests. That's huge. Yes. Yes, how does it feel? It's amazing. It's amazing, it really is. Like just to know that how many women we're helping and you guys know this, I always say this on the podcast, if we can help just one person with one piece of advice that they give and I know we're doing that. You are, I remember when this was an idea and then when you launched it and then look at you now. When I did the intro to this, I said aging gratefully. I did not misspeak because we often hear gracefully. I wanna begin with your take on me saying it that way, putting it that way and what do you even think of the term or the notion that you have to age gracefully? I'll start with you, Christina. Well, I'll take the grateful and I think you know we had a big cancer scare with my husband last year and we just had a 61st birthday and I am so grateful that we've had this year of cancer-free and it really makes you appreciate and have gratitude for every day, every day. We need more of that. Would you agree, Christina? I would agree but I'm gonna take the gracefully because I think I like the word grace and when we give ourselves grace as we age through the changes, through the challenges, I think that's a really important skill. Yeah, I would say that what you think about aging matters. If you have negative beliefs about aging, you can actually shorten your lifespan on average about seven and a half years. So how we think and how we talk to ourselves, we need to be talking gratefully and positively to ourselves because it does impact our health if we have negative beliefs like aging equals decay and decline. Exactly and it's a privilege to age. It's a privilege to age. And so when it comes to healthy aging and we're holding these paddles, we're gonna play a game in a minute. What does that look like? And so we started with you, Christina. I'm gonna start with Melissa, just in general, healthy aging. What does it look and feel like? It should look like vitality and energy. That's what normal aging is. To decay, decline, to have illness, it's called disease for a reason. And so it's being active, it's being involved in your community, it's being socially engaged, it's doing new things, pushing yourself to learn new things all the time. That's what healthy aging really is. And Kristen, I mean, yeah, I've seen your video. We see that daily as well. I think to agree with you, we've got a lot of choices here about how we wanna age. And I really promote the idea of a proactive mindset around aging. And we don't stop walking because we get old, we get old because we stop walking. So we wanna keep, we wanna make that decision to kind of create our own blue zone, to do what we can to be active agers, and of course, active grandparents. Yeah, well, I'll make you all laugh. So my husband turned 61, we had all of our college friends over, big weekend. We had 14 people over for a sleepover. We had a 60 year old sleepover, like every bedroom, the kids are gone and now we're having sleepovers. People were asleep on the couch in the basement. So that's what I think about aging. Yeah, it's just living life and having fun at every age and stage of life. Whatever it looks like for you. Yeah. Enjoy. Okay, so I got this. Okay. All right. Is walking really enough exercise after 50? Enough exercise? I'm gonna say no. Okay, let's... I'm gonna say it can be yes. No, but there's a reason. There's, yeah, it's a trick question. Is it both? Well, it is both. And there's the walking is, Kristen's a huge proponent of that. And then Melissa will talk about weight training, why that's so important. Yeah, so you have to always be moving, you know, and the blue zones, one of the principles is moving naturally, which that's the number one principle, which relieved me that meant I didn't have to be running marathons. But you do need strength and flexibility training as well as movement. And so all of that combined is really the best way to physically maintain your body as you age. And the strength training helps the balance. And balance is a big problem when you age. All right, what's the next one? Okay, is breakfast the most important meal of the day? We always hear that. So now I'm gonna say no, because I feel like this is another trick question. I don't know, no. I heard it was actually a marketing campaign for a cereal company. Really? Yeah, that's how that started. Yeah, I think it's true. Yeah, okay. Why? Well, the first meal of the day is when you end your fast. And when you're asleep, all of your major organs undergo a metabolic detox. And so you've been in a fasting state so your organs can do that. When you wake up and you end that fast, it's really important to put some fuel in your tank, especially for women. Because what we wanna do is balance our blood sugar, which is gonna help us balance our hormones. And we really don't wanna be running on empty. That's when people have that second cup of coffee, they get a little hangry. We don't need to do that. We can start by having fiber, fat, and protein whatever time our first meal of the day is. So what's the answer? Okay. That was a great one. I think the answer is yes. Okay, well, yes. We're gonna go with yes. Ladies, thank you so much for coming. I know we had so many other questions. You'll just have to come back again. That's where you all can stay abreast, stay connected with Christina, learn more about her podcast. That's Kristen's contact as well. You can follow her, culinary cure. She gives great advice and also recipes. Let's not forget. And then Melissa Batchelor as well. You can get all the latest from her and expertise that she's studied in the field. Ladies, thank you so much for coming. This was great. Fuse is a fan too. It's what I have today. All right, it's 11.37. Do you naturally smile with your eyes, have a fierce walk? Well, your big break could be right around the corner. I have all the details on a model casting call for a local fashion week. Can't talk fashion without a fashion show. So that's coming up. We'll also need to cool off after Runaway's hottest trend. So let's hit the dock with a sneak peek of DC's R&B on the Water. It's curated by Simone. She is here already painting in a gorgeous, gorgeous painting there already. We'll talk to her to preview that experience. So do you strut down the sidewalk like nobody's business? Have the perfect pouch? Maybe you just love fashion. If so, your big break could be in Fredericksburg Fashion Week International. Why? Because the tryouts are set for July 25th and we're here to get you all the way together if it sounds like you. Yeah. Here to tell us how to prepare and what to expect. We have founder and president Latoya White. Latoya, welcome, welcome, welcome. Thank you so much for having me. I appreciate this. And I see a fashionista, the pop of color with the red hat and the red lip. Thank you. This is coming up in October, the actual week. Yes, ma'am. Gosh, so what is the theme this year? So the theme is AI versus reality. So a lot of people are using AI technology now. So why not throw that in? And you know, fashion today is emerging. So I just really believe that eventually AI is going to take over in that department, but we want to keep it as realistic as possible. So the theme this year is the ninth element, AI versus reality. Oh, I'm already here for this. No, you have to explain to me, Latoya, how is AI being used in fashion? Is it being used in making the actual garments or what is that? Well, a lot of people not making the actual garments, but actually just making the patterns to them. I really wouldn't say patterns, but just kind of mixing and matching them up. I just really see it just kind of taking over. It's more easier for the designer itself today. And then also virtual runway shows. So, you know, that's becoming to be a little bit easier. So you don't have to really depend on a lot of people, but also just pull it up on a screen, right? You know what? I figured I'm going to share a secret that I've never shared on air before. I use ChatGPT sometimes if I find a fit that I like and I say, put me in this. Look, so I do the best. Yes, and you can also come close to the screen and get all the good stuff for free. This free game. You can also use it as like a capsule for your wardrobe. Take pictures in your closet and say, hey, put together five outfits with these pieces. Correct, and a lot of people are using it to kind of mix and match the pieces that they already have in their closet. So if you take a picture of some items, you can always say, give me some items that go along with this skirt or these jeans. And it will actually tell you, and you can actually go in your closet and say, I haven't worn that in years and kind of mix and match together. So that's amazing. Yeah, before you throw it away, run it through ChatGPT shop. Yes, that's exactly what we're going to say. And you also do more than just this week. I know that's a highlight of the year, but you just recently had a runway block party. Yes, so I strive for creativity. I like to have my creativity run free, I guess you can say. Fashion is just so kind of closed in a box that we really want to just bring it out some. So, you know, my creativity, once I sit down with a pen and paper, it's over with. And I feel old. Thank you so much. But I really want people to be seen, heard. And that is what Fredericksburg Fashion Week is about. We believe that beauty is skin deep. You don't have to have a height or weight requirement just to bring out those talents in you, right? So we want everyone to be seen, heard, and what better way but to have a block party or to do an art show or to do the fashional runway show so everybody can express their talents. Okay, well, we want to see some expressions. So I'm going to let you bring out each model. We'll talk through their look and then also how it connects with the themes. Sure, sure. Are you ready? Let's go with our first one. So this designer here is Fidela. And what happens, so this is Ari. She's a model. I'm sorry, I'm kind of stuttering. I'm blown away about the chain that she has on. So she has a chain piece and it's, you know, it's the cross, but it's big energy. So this year, the AI versus reality is just big energy. Big aura of everything. The coat, the black and white, the essence of everything. It kind of just goes along with it. You can dress it up, dress it down. It's a luxury style, a luxury street bring. Also a statement piece that cross right out front. It just catches your eye. I love that. Next up. All right. And this is a Mario. He is also a model and he is wearing Fidela Nior. Okay. And then he has on their jacket and also their button up. Turn around for me and stand so we can see the, we want to take the time to see your fit here. Yes. And turn. He's like, I'm trying to get off there. Turn so we can see the back of your model for us. Cause I can see all of the art and the detailing in the jacket. Right. And that kind of just brings along with the AI and the realistic portion of it to our runway show. And then he also has the male handbag, which is amazing. Absolutely love it. That's a trend within itself. Do you call it the Merce? Yes. Yeah. I love that. Love it. There's nothing wrong with that. I love it. Okay. What's his name? I'm Mario. All right. I'm Mario. Now Mario, now you can go. All right. Come on now. Y'all are doing a fantastic job. Yes. So this is Brisco. He is actually the owner of the company and Brisco say your name again. Cause I know I kind of stuttered over it a little bit. Fidel Nero. I see it. Fidel Nero on the bag. And the bag. So his shirt is just your regular street wear, but it's luxury. You can dress it up, dress it down. But this brand here is just amazing. I mean, they have so many wonderful pieces and I just want the whole collection. All right. Last, but certainly not least. So let me have you stand right here in this good lighting so we can see the fit. Yeah. And he is just also wearing the same. You know what? I'm not superstitious either. I've done the air before, but this is really, really nice. All of the lines too. That's what I noticed about the designers work here. Yes. And he is also one of the partners with the brand as well. All right. And the gold buckle. Yes. Yeah. There's been so much black and white and you can mix it up. I know metal, silver and gold is also popping as well. So we're getting that. But that umbrella is amazing. Yeah. He's going to get me in trouble. You all come on out. I got to see these fits one more time. You did a great job. Yeah. So along with the fashion week, you also offer, you talked about the block party. Yes. Educational classes. Yes. I mean, there's a whole lot there. Yes. So I wanted to just go a step above and beyond. I mean, a huge step. So we do offer runway classes. We have in-person classes where you can sit down and get the education. Just about why we have runway shows. Why is it fashion weeks? What are fashion weeks? The different names of the different brands and the different clothing. Just language that is out there. So we do an awful lot. We have even our platform for children. We have Fredericksburg Fashion Week Kids International. And that is going to be April of 2027. So yeah, we do a lot. And that's new coming online. Yes. I love to see it. But then also too, it's an economic engine. It is. Preparing these young people and adults as well of all ages. If they want to pursue a career in this field, there's a lot of things that you can do. Yes. And we also have an autism show coming up. An autism fashion show that is dear to my heart that I am putting on. I work into schools and I teach and I educate the different kids. And one young lady said, well, there's not enough for us. And I said, wait a minute, I got you. So I do have an autism fashion show coming in November. So if you guys are interested in that or know someone, please go to our website and register. And yeah. That's why you just have a heart for people. I do. That's your best accessory. And I see it. You wear that proudly each and every day. Thank you so much for coming. Our models, you all are fantastic. Fidel, congratulations. I see you and I see this. So keep it going. All right. I'm going to sashay to the other side of the studio as well. Because this whole show has really been about the arts and a celebration of arts culture. That's here. We know we got it here in the DMV. But then also embracing the newer and up and coming generations of it. And so there is this event that's coming up actually this weekend in D.C. And it's R&B on the water. And there are two things I certainly love. I love music, all forms of music. And I certainly love being on the water. So you can get both of those here. And this is Simone. She's been busy at work throughout the show. Oh, my God. Is that you? No. This is why I thought it was her. Look at her. She's pretty as a picture. Thank you. Wow. So you're one of the curators as well. Yes. Tell me about R&B on the water. So R&B in the water. I'm so excited for it. It actually started off as a happy hour. And now here we are five years later. And it's a full-blown music and arts experience. So I'm super excited to be a part of it and curating the artist walk with that. Which entails six other artists all together and creating. OK. So it's like a walk where people can walk through and look at some of the artwork here. Exactly. Because it's going to be in the Water D.C. building. So it's huge. And then we're going to have a huge display that I'm actually building out with one of my partners. A huge gallery wall. And it's going to have art all around it. And then you can continue walking and see all the other local talent that's in the area. Now, how would you describe all of these? Your pieces? Yes. Oh my goodness. You are so incredibly talented. I was already told you were talented. That's why you're here. But to see it up close and personal. And I mean, you've only done this or started this within the last 50 minutes. If that. 25 minutes. Yeah. We've been on for 15, 25 for her. Describe what we're looking at here. So right now is the underpainting process that I'm doing. And this piece will be one of the future pieces for R&B on the Water. And this is actually one of my favorite peoples. It's Tiana Taylor. Oh, it's Tiana. I was going to ask you if it could be me. No, I got you coming. You got a purple dress, though. That's my favorite color. Okay, good to know. But I forget where Tiana wore that fit. But I do remember the gown. Oh, when she won the award. Was it Golden Globe? Or was it the Icon Award? Icon Award with Janet Jackson at the recent BET Awards. So she's been very inspiring to me. And I see her here. Yes, I'm using it. Yeah, you're using it as inspiration. When did you first fall in love with art? I fell in love with art in the third grade when my art teacher told me I wanted a second prize in the county fair. And I was like, I'm going to be an artist when I grow up. And then here I am. Oh, and you just stuck with it for sure. Tell us about the other pieces. They're more abstract, mixed art and pieces. Absolutely. So what you're seeing over here is a mix of some of my styles. I primarily paint in black and white, as you can see, sometimes with a pop of color. And I utilize a lot of broken glass in my artwork, which you see in these two pieces. I use crushed glass and finely crushed glass. So that's the difference between these two glass pieces. What's the significance of the crushed glass? I know everything has an intention. Yes, yes. So what message are you trying to get across here? The bigger message I'm trying to get across with my broken glass in my art is that you can still find beauty in the things that are broken. And I think that's really important. And that's also why I use a lot of black paint in my art, because even in darkness and just things that you don't know, you can still see the light. And like with glass, it reflects light, even in the dark. As my good friend and mentor Ayala Van Zandt says, there is peace in broken pieces. And that's what you have on, wasn't that a word? Yeah, I love that. I'm about to put that in a painting. Broken pieces. So people want to pick up the pieces and come out to this R&B on the water and see you, your art, enjoy some good music. How can they do that? They can get some tickets. Get some tickets. We'll be there Sunday from 6 to 1159. And all these people, there'll be other art as well, because again, there'll be six other artists. So you'll see a lot of our, all the art will be available for purchase. This will be finished and presented there as well. All right. Well, congratulations on what will be an outstanding event. I got to see if I can actually make it out because I'm certainly inspired. Yes, we would love to have you. We've been doing this live demo throughout our show. We appreciate it. All right, we'll be right back with your Burst of Joy. And today we have a very special Burst of Joy here on the show. Media mogul and Urban One founder, a good friend of mine, I call her mentor, Ms. Kathy Hughes, is set to receive the key to the city in DC today. Mayor Muriel Bowser will be giving her that honor during a very special ceremony tonight at Sycamore and Oak in Southeast. That honor will recognize her for her decades of impact on broadcasting and black media. I've had the opportunity to be in several rooms with Ms. Hughes over the years to learn from her, sit at her feet and take in all of her advice. And you're actually looking at video from a conversation we had when this show first debuted during its first week. And she just shared certainly words of inspirations and gems to not only to help the launch of the show, but to continue on in broadcasting because it certainly continues for all of us, all women in media as we move forward and try to open the doors for the next generation. So my biggest congratulations to you, Ms. Hughes. We'll talk soon. I'll be back with your M note. Thanks for joining us on the show today. I have to say the M note for today's show at least has to be about all of the arts and entertainment that we had on and all of the guests here on that topic. They talked about seeing something that was missing or they felt was missing in their communities. So they started something new and I'm so glad that we got a chance to showcase some of those upcoming events.