In this episode of Odejuma, Harry speaks with Keith Parris, known online as Icy, the beauty influencer, model, and writer whose book ‘Amputee Story’ went viral overnight when he was still in middle school. Keith traces his path from a Caribbean household where the art he loved was never the plan, to building a career with no manager and no team, to the fierce self-love he protects now. He gets real about relapse, about the night an ex's words landed like the bullies he'd carried since childhood, and about what it actually took to heal his inner child. It's a conversation about being Black, queer, and disabled online, the difference between being seen and being understood, and the tender work of holding little Keith and telling him he made it.

Connect with Keith on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icyparris/

Connect with Harry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harryitie

For more information on Harry, visit: https://www.harryitie.com/

Get Odejuma delivered straight to your inbox, alongside personal reflections on the episode by subscribing to the Substack here: https://odejuma.substack.com/

Support my work: https://buymeacoffee.com/harryitie

Hi, my name is Harry and welcome to Odejuma.

Odejuma is an ishakiri farewell that loosely translates to till tomorrow.

But for me, I look at it as a promise that there is so much more in life to look forward to.

And this interview driven storytelling podcast is rooted in that promise.

So as you take the time to listen, I want you to feel that as we go deeper with folks from across the Black diaspora, exploring the adventures, resilience, joy, and the ordinary moments that change their lives to that you would have a good, hearty laugh or you find something to sit with.

Because there is power in the stories of everyday people and these stories are worth telling.

Hey, y'.

All.

Welcome to another episode of Odejumma.

I'm super excited to be back and to be here with you.

It's been such a great season so far, so I really appreciate the support.

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I'm so excited today.

I have an exciting guest and with us today I got Keith Harris, also known as Icy.

Hi, Keith, how you doing?

Hi, how are you?

Thank you so much for having me, Harry.

No problem at all.

I'm super excited to get to talk to you, to dive right into, jump right into the conversation.

So for our viewers, for our listeners who don't really know much about Keith, about who you are, can you, you know, go a little bit deeper, let us know who you are.

How did Keith Paris come to be?

Yeah, well, Keith Paris, that's actually like my real name.

So everyone online calls me like Icy because I have the whole like, icy esthetic.

How I came to be like, online.

So I started on Wattpad.

So Wattpad is like, it's just like a website where you could like read like books and like fan fictions and stuff like that.

So I started with that and then I transitioned to like doing like makeup and fashion and stuff like that.

But I really started like on Wattpad.

So I have a book on my life called Amputee Store.

So this is basically like a tea.

It's like a whole book just about like my life just as amputee, like, and, you know, I tackle certain, like, topics and subjects like, you know, like mental health, like eating disorder, self harming problems and stuff like that.

And then, like, I posted the book, and then it blew up, like, overnight.

And.

And then literally, like, everyone.

Everyone under the sun started asking me, oh, like, what else you like to do?

Because you write so beautifully.

Your story is amazing.

It's going viral.

But, like, what else do you like to do?

And then I was like, okay, I like makeup and fashion.

So then everyone from Watt followed me from, like, Watt to Instagram, and then that's when, you know, I started, like, doing, like, like, you know, editorial looks, artistry looks.

And then, like, I started, like, you know, campaigning for, like, a bunch of brands.

It's, like, very well known, like, Adidas projects, Fancy, like, Fenty Beauty, Huda Beauty.

Yeah.

And that's how I literally became in, like, in the makeup and, like, fashion world.

Yeah.

That is really amazing.

You talk about, you know, writing about your journey.

As someone who's an amputee, can you talk a little bit about that to our audience?

What was that, like?

How long have you been an amputee for?

And what was it like growing up as an amputee?

Yeah, so I've been an amputee my whole life.

So the condition, I was literally, like, born, like, regularly, but my left leg didn't have particular bone, like, when I was birthed.

So it's called.

The condition was called, like, tibial hemomelia.

So just as means that I didn't have, like, that bones.

That tibular bone, like, on my left, like, like around my left leg.

So they had to amputate from, like, above knee.

So I'm kind of like, above knee, like, amputee.

So I was like this since birth.

I know, like, online people thought, like, I, like, had cancer, like, growing up, and then they had, like, damaged it from there.

They thought it was, like, that bone cancer.

I was like, no, it's not.

People thought, like, I was, like, in a war and I lost my leg, and I never.

I think I'm.

I can't be in the worst.

I think that's, like, so untrue.

And then, like, you know, there's been so much, like, negative, like, rumors about me, like, how I got my, like, my amputation.

That's, like, just totally not true.

But it's starting, like, a part of conversation, like, what I'm doing, like, what we're, like, doing right now.

So I used to hear, like, all the time people said, like, oh, I was, like, in a gang, and, like, a gang member, like, they shot me in the leg.

I seen.

I read so much.

It was like, fan fictions.

But like, it just wasn't true.

So I just used to laugh all the time and, like.

But also too, like, when people were saying stuff like that to me, like, in the past, I was, like, so young, so I just used to take that to heart.

I was just like, okay, why is a random person who's an adult online saying, like, these racial things to me?

That is, like, totally not true.

And I was like this since birth.

Like, I look, I have baby photos with me, like, since birth.

Like, you know, I had all my surgeries, like, since a baby, like, you know, with my amputation and stuff like that.

So I was like that since birth and, like, you know, just growing up, you know, in my childhood.

And, like, for Even, like, in my grade school and stuff like that.

I always say, like, it was very, like, interesting, I would say, because I think, like, when I was in public school, it was just a very different time.

It's not how it was now.

So I feel like in this generation, you know, like, people with disabilities, you know, like, any, like, special needs and stuff like that, they're getting the support, like, what they need now.

But I feel like back in the day, like, when I was younger, I always remembered, like, it was always fighting, like, tooth and nail, like, especially for my mother and father.

Like, I always remember them, like, always coming to my school, talking to my teacher, saying, like, oh, he needs this.

Like, you know, make him do this.

Like, you know, and, like, the school just wasn't, like, supporting me.

And then even rather for the students, it was just, like, weird.

Like, they would just say, you know, comment on my looks.

Like.

Comment on my disability.

You know, I was the only one in my class that had, like, this is.

That had this disability.

And, like, I just always felt like the odd man out because it's like, okay, I'm not seeing no one that looks like me.

I mean, there's people in my class and have the same skin tone as me, or we're probably from the same country, or, like, we have the same upbringing, but, like, they're still not looking like me.

So that's what always, like, was like, the big thing for me, like, growing up as a child.

Wow.

Where did you grow up in?

I grew up in Brooklyn, so I lived in Brooklyn.

I live in Brooklyn, New York, all my life.

But my family's from the Caribbean, so my mother's side, they're from Trinidad and Tobago, and my father's side's from Grenada.

But, like, I was born and raised here in Brooklyn.

Okay, shout out to that.

Shout out to the Caribbean.

You talk about something very pivotal right now.

You're black, you're an amputee.

I don't know if you want to talk about queerness in this moment, but you as a kid also figuring that out.

So I feel like there are like three intersections that you're navigating, you know, how was that, like, navigating that?

Getting top of top of that again.

You're also from like a immigrant household, so that there's also that layer, you know.

Can you go a little bit deeper into how were you navigating all these identities when you were coming up?

Yeah, I think it was hard because, like, my mother's super old school.

So, like, she like, does not support gay people.

Like, she's like, very like, against that.

Like, even like from my career, like, fast.

Even like fast forwarding now like to my career.

Like, you know, I've done so much things.

I had like, you know, so much followers on different platforms.

You know, some people notice me like in public and stuff like that.

But like, she doesn't even like the limelight.

Like, she's just very like super low key and stuff like that.

But like, when I was younger, I just always remember, I feel like Caribbean people, especially like old school Caribbean people, they really care about what people outside the household would think about you and stuff like that.

So I always remember my mom saying like, oh, like, you gotta be like this.

You gotta be a certain like this.

I don't want X, Y and Z saying this about you.

I don't want to hear the neighbors and stuff saying about you.

So all the stuff like what she was like telling me, I feel like it was internalized and I'm like, it didn't even like, make any sense.

It's like you care about like, what people.

Who doesn't live in our houses thinking about us.

I'm like, that makes no sense.

You should live your life freely and who you are as a person.

So I always remembered me like when I was in high school, me and her fought tuna nail a lot because I think that's when my career was.

Was really blowing up a lot.

Like, the book was still doing amazing.

I was getting like, brand deals from like makeup brands and like fashion brands, like left and right.

And I was like, you know, I was comfortable in my skin.

I like, I fully came out that time.

I was comfortable in my queerness and stuff like that.

And my mom was just not having it.

There's been times, like she like, threw away my makeup.

There's been times like, you know, she would see me on social media and be like, you need to delete this.

Or, like, she would like, put, like, just poison my head.

She would really, like, try to, like, gasp at me and tell me, like, you think this brand who you're working with, you think they like you?

Like, no, they're, like, making fun of you.

They're like, you know, you're being like an example.

You're being a caricature and stuff.

She would put all this place.

And I had that.

Clearly it's not true because she's saying, like, how could she say, like, how could you work with this brand?

Like, this brand is making fun of you behind your back.

But I think it's.

I think it's something to say if, like, a brand is, like, reaching out to me and, like, you know, want to work with me, number one, using me for, like, my image, like, for campaigns.

And three, paying me, like, big money, too.

So I'm like, they gotta like me.

I don't think, like, you.

What you're saying is true.

Like, it's.

It was just like, poison.

So, like, that's like, honestly, like, how it was like for me and her.

What is the relationship like with your mother right now?

Oh, that's the million dollar person.

Everyone always asks.

So, like, I'm 27 now, and this is gonna feel like I'm on Housewives.

Like, it's.

It's just given tit for tat.

Like, you know, it's given Tom and Jerry, it's given Cat and Cat dog.

Like, it's really just given that.

Like, I think me and her, we see each other.

Like, you know, like, I do my thing, you know, she do her.

You know, she do her thing and stuff like that.

But then there's times she do slip up and she would, like, tell me, like, oh, like, I think it's time for you to get a job.

Or she will say, like, she will see something trending because there's, you know, a lot of stuff on my photos and, like, articles and, like, interviews I do.

It always goes.

It always go viral.

Always just trying to always us, like, good numbers.

And she would, like, see those on, like, the algorithm and thank God the algorithm's working on.

I'm happy the algorithm is working.

But, like, when my mom see, like, anything of me, she would, like, text me all these, like, vicious things and being like, you got to delete this.

Delete your Instagram.

Like, you know, just like, you know, you know, this is like, I don't want.

And it Goes back to, like, she.

She's always think what the Outsiders is, like, thinking about whoop de woo.

And I'm just like, I just have.

I just blatantly, like, have to ignore it because it's like, this is, like, my life.

And, like, I know in my heart, like, you know, everything that I'm doing, like, in my life right now is nothing bad.

Like, you know, me talking to you, like, like, what's so crazy?

If she see this interview, she would think this is bad.

She would think, oh, this is, like, the best.

Like, this is, like, the.

The craziest thing.

She would like.

And I'm like, this is not a bad thing.

We're not talking about nothing bad.

We're not like, you know, there's not something illegal and st. Like, you know, we're just, you know, this is something, you know, positive.

And, like, you know what's crazy?

Like, you would want your child if they was in this, like, social media world.

And, like, this Lima I've been working on with these big brands and companies starting these important copies.

You want to cheer him or her on.

Do you think.

Do you think it's the queerness piece or it's the.

The femininity of it all?

Do you think it's the Coming with the.

I don't know.

I'm just trying to figure out.

Do you.

Do you have an idea where I.

Know I could give you that answer?

I know what it is.

Everything is D. All the above.

Like, she's mad that, like, I'm fully open.

Like, I feel like she wanted me to, like, you know, be DL, but, like, baby, who's DL in this day and age?

So, like, there's no, like, you know, no ways.

Nobody's DL.

I'm not gonna.

I'm not.

And I'm not doing the DL thing.

I think she want me to, like, kept my queerness a secret, but we're not doing that.

I think the feminine thing, you know, like, she's kind of, like, tripped out with about, like, just me, like, wearing makeup because, you know, there's been times, like, she's seen photos of me wearing makeup and stuff like that, and she would literally.

She literally, like, sat in my face.

She was like, oh, you look like a clown.

Or, like.

Or are you, like.

She says she will say, like, derogatory, like, comments that's, like, leading towards, like, you know, it's hard for what a transcript?

You know, she'll say it to me in my face.

And I was like, girl, you can't say it on number one and number two is like, I'm not, I don't like me wearing makeup is like, I'm just looking good.

Like, you know, like me, like wearing makeup is self expression.

I'm not like a, like, it's not like leading me to like transition and stuff.

But hey, if I wanted to transition, this was a parallel universe.

I wanted to transition.

Like, like I said, you should support me and that's like whatever my walk life, if I was going to do that.

But like me wearing makeup as like a black gay man, I just want to wear makeup because it's like, you know, self expression.

I do it for a look, I do it for an aesthetic.

And you know, I guess it's like, I think it's just like a self love, like kind of thing.

Like when I do, when I wear makeup and stuff like that and just like the aesthetic and the vibe of it at all.

Yeah.

I'm curious, how do you navigate.

Because there are many queer people in the world who are dealing with not having families, full acceptance of their identity.

Right.

Whether it is across the black diaspora is something that is very rooted in how we navigate our queerness.

I think my curiosity is how do you take care of yourself?

How do you make sure that you are in the right frame of mind as you're dealing with not having the full support and acceptance of a parent that you really love?

You know, how do you navigate that piece for your own self care?

Yeah, I think how, like I just like protect my piece overall, like when it comes to her or just even anybody who don't support like my walk of life or my sexuality and stuff like that, I really hold.

So like I have seen it firsthand for like my personal stuff, like people who came in and out of my life who like, you know, was just around me just for like the glitz, the glam and stuff like that.

And like behind my back I would hear like, oh, they don't even support you.

They were just using you because like, you know, this brand, you're getting this, you're getting these products for free, or like they saw you take a photo with this celebrity or like this CEO and like, they just like want to be like, just want to be up your shadow and stuff like that.

So like, I'm very intentional who I bring around my circle and like in my life and stuff like that.

So I do Have a chosen family, like, you know, and I love them so dearly.

And you know, they're like the best for me.

Like, I always talk to them like about like, you know, like we all talk about, talk to each other.

Like what we're going through.

We always hang out.

I always like, you know, go go out to them with parties, but not even only parties.

We like go to each other's house.

We talk about like when we like conversation that we have.

Like, we really have like really deep like personal convers, what me and you is having.

And just like also to just like what we're going through, like mentally, physically and like spiritually.

So like I love like my chosen family.

They're like the best friend group ever.

And like, you know, I have a lot of like women friends who are like so dear to my heart.

I have like some women friend that like I'm like the nephew for their child.

So like I'm always with them.

I'm always helping them take care of their child and like just being like a ear to them.

One of my other best friend like Monica, I love her like dearly.

Like, we always like on the phone like 24 7.

We always go to like, we always hang out like in the city.

We always go to like Aritzia, like Barnes and Noble and stuff like that.

We just like shop around.

And like, she is like, so I care about like in my circle too.

So I just like to keep like genuine souls like around my circle and even to the people that I that's in my circle, I know for like five or like 10 plus years.

And even to like, I have cousins that are.

I have cousins that are gay because, you know, there's queer people everywhere.

So like, what's so funny about this how my mom don't support me.

We have gay people in like my family.

So like my, my two favorite cousin, their name Bryce and Carmeisha.

Like my cousin Bryce, like, he's fully gay and like, I talk to him all the time.

We're really good, you know, we're very close.

Like, he knew me since I was little.

Same for Carmecia.

Like, she knew me since I was little.

But she don't live here in New York.

But my cousin Bryce live in New York.

So I'm always on the phone with him.

He's always like someone.

He's kind of giving me like older brother vibes.

So like, I always go to him, I always like Kiki to him.

Talk about like boys.

I'm like, oh my God.

I was like, Bentzion.

I'm like, oh, my God, let me talk about this boy.

Or, like, it's not like, he will always see my location and, like, text me, like, where are you, like, hosting now?

Where are you going?

Like, what club are you at?

Hosting right now?

I see you at this place.

He would text me like, oh, my God, you ran into one of my friend.

I was like.

And I'd be like, oh, my God, stop.

That's one of my friends.

And, like, we just have a lot of, like, mutual, like, friends and, like, people, like, we have in common.

Yeah.

Yeah.

It's nice to have family that gets you.

It's nice to have chosen family, friends.

You can lean on people that you can.

I think that queer people across the ages, I've always had to rely on that.

So I'm really happy that that is something that you have.

Her Persona is Icy.

Tell me about the origin of Icy.

Where did Icy come from?

That came from the rapper Saweetie.

So, like, she was on Twitter.

Like, she tweeted, like, oh, I want to read a new book.

Like, anybody had a recommendation.

Somebody, like, tweeted at her, and they tagged me.

They was like, oh, my God, you should read Amputee Story.

They was, like, telling her a little about it.

And then I was.

You know, I saw the tweet.

I was like, oh, yeah.

Like, I was.

I posted a link, like, tagged her, too.

I was like, yeah, here, it's about this.

That person's right?

And then, like, she retweeted me.

She was like, I don't.

Like, she was like, I don't even know who you are, but, like, you made me cry, like, reading the book, and, like, you just went through so much, and I'm just grateful you overcame, like, so much.

So, like, you know, like, you're, like, the iciest, like, person ever.

And then I was like.

I retweeted.

I was like, oh, my God, thank you so much for the feedback.

And then I was like, should that be my nickname?

And she was like, yeah, you're literally the Icmpt warrior.

So I was like, okay, because I was already seeing, like, amputee warrior, because I think my name was just, like, keith Paris, Amputee warrior.

And then she just put Icy in front of it.

So I was just like, okay.

I like that.

I was like, that kind of gold.

That kind of was my aesthetic.

And then at that time, too, I was like, I've always been into jewelry.

Like, I love, like, gold jewelry.

Like, my ring right here.

But, like, I love, like, A good, like, like sterling silver, like diamond jewelry.

So I think at that time my aesthetic was changing too.

And like, I was like rebranding myself.

So the whole icy thing, like, I kind of like work and like, it's like, you know, it's like a very.

It's a good term of redeeming.

It doesn't mean like being bougie or anything.

I think for me, when people call me icy, I think it's kind of like, it's like a it boy nickname.

It's like when I go out, it's like, okay, that's icy.

It's like, you know, when I go out, it's like I have like my.

I have like a cool outfit.

I have the jewelry, I have like everything.

I'm with my, you know, my chosen family, everything.

And like, you know, I'm just like.

It's just good energy and good vibes.

That's.

That's amazing.

I have a curiosity.

You talked about now you're at.

Or now you're at the IC Amputee Warrior.

What.

What.

What does that mean for you?

How do you embody that title of being the IC Amputee warrior?

I think it's like a superhero title.

It's like, you know, it's like me being like the ICPT warrior is like.

It's like I'm gonna be breaking in these doors in like this industry.

So, like, if I gotta be the first, like amputee, like, guy to be on a campaign, a TV show, or even in just a conversational piece, if we're.

If they're talking about like, you know, mental, physical help, disability representations, or like, you know, influencers, like, you know, like who does like makeup, fashion, lifestyle, like, whatever.

Like, I wanna be a part of those conversations.

Just even also bring that representation to the screen.

If it's like on social media and in the media, like whatever I do, like, with my career and like, you know, so on and so on.

Yeah.

And where would you say disability representation is right now, currently, in this, in this climate that we're in?

Yeah, I think we're at a very good place with disability representation because I am seeing a lot.

There's so much like well known brands like Adidas, Nike, Lululemon.

So one of my friends, he modeled for Lululemons that are using disability models, putting them on campaigns on the forefronts and like commercials and st. Stuff like that.

And like these brands, name that I just said, you know, these brand names have been around for years.

Like, like me modeling for Adidas, I would Never imagine for them to have, like, a disability, like, clothing brand and like, accessible, like, disability wear for, like, disability people.

So, like, that was honestly, like a dream of mine, like, when I was, like, on a campaign with them and they use my imagery for here in the States and then they use it in South Korea and Japan.

So that, like, blew my mind because Adidas been around for years.

So, like, when I, you know, found out and when I was modeling, I was like, oh, my God, I used to wear Adidas, like, all the time.

I used to wear the socks.

I'm.

It's crazy that they're not really listening to my people and really making accessible clothing.

But not only making accessible clothing, but also putting us in a campaign, putting us in the forefront.

So for me to model for them, I think it was like really like a pinch me moment, you know.

Thank you for sharing that.

Actually, you are getting all these campaigns.

You're doing all the things you're.

You're more of a body, one of the prominent black queer social media influencers.

Now.

How does that translate to your personal life?

How does that.

How is that affecting you when you are trying to just be Keith, you know, on a regular day?

Just chilling.

How is that affecting you when you're dating, when you're in all of these spaces navigating your life, you know, is there like a disconnect?

Is there.

Is it tough?

What is that, like, for you?

Just, like, so much points that you said.

So, like, I think for the first point, for, like, how do I, like, care, like, still take care of myself?

Like, if I'm like, okay, this is icy and we're turning off icing, we're just like, you know, this is Keith, like, Paris.

So I think for me, for, like, for Keith Paris, like, how I am, like, if it's like a normal trip, if I'm not doing an event, if I'm like, you know, not doing content, if I just have a chill, like, week or day, I'm like, I'm.

I'm the chillest person ever.

I'm like, I'm only child, so what you see is what you get.

So, like, I'm home by myself.

I'm literally just like, watching tv.

Like, my TV is playing like, Pokemon, like, loft, like music.

I'm like, watching people on YouTube and like, Instagram, like, opening Pokemon packs and like, I'm watch and my own personal time.

I'm like, watching like, anime, like, like videos and like, game, like, like, game walkthroughs and stuff like that.

Like, I'm a nerd at heart.

Or like I'm reading like manga and stuff like that.

Or like, I love Egyptian culture.

So I'm always reading like a book on Egyptian holographics or like something about like the pharaohs and like, you know, the mummies and stuff like that.

Like, you know, I'm just doing that at home and then like, you know, I will go to the gym.

I'm like, you know, like, take myself out to eat and stuff like that life.

Like, that's how chill I.

That's literally how I'm chilling.

I'm not doing a hosting if I'm not like at a red carpet, if I'm not, you know, planning a photo shoot, I'm literally just home going to catch me at the gym.

I'm a workout for like, I work out for like two, three hours, be in a sauna for like a good like 50, like maybe 25, 50 minutes.

You know, sweat it out, like get my body good and like literally just like go home and chill.

So like, that's how it is for me for disconnecting but for like dating and stuff.

Like, I'm not like dating now, but I always say to myself and like, you know, all my family and friends always say like, you know, when you least suspect that like someone will come to your life.

I was dating somebody publicly.

It was like years, years, years ago.

Like, I.

We was on like People magazine together and stuff like that.

Like, you know, we did like a couple campaigns to get like back in the day, like Hot Topic and stuff like that.

But like that relationship, Obi, that relationship ended.

But like, for me, just like right now I'm just focused on myself.

I'm focused on my career.

Like I said, like, whoever, like the Lord, you know, God or the universe, like bring me to is like they bring me to.

But like, you know, I'm always cautious.

Like, you know, if I am talking to somebody or like, you know, somebody do want to date me, you know, I do tell them about like, you know, the social media, like, stuff because like, you know, I'm very cautious with that.

But also too like, I take my career like super seriously.

Like what Sweetie says in her song Icy Girl.

My career is like a child and I'm taking all the custody.

Like, my career is like my firstborn child.

Like, I don't play when it comes to my career.

So like, if I'm dating somebody, like, you would never see.

If I'm like talking to somebody right now, you would never see.

You would never see me post Them, like, very quickly, like, you know, me and him doing a tech talk or like, you know, I'm posting him right now.

We're doing like content together.

Because no, I don't want to do that because it's like, I want to get to know you and I want you to know Keith Paris.

I want you to know.

You're going to know Icy.

Obviously you're going to be around Icy.

You're going to know.

You're going to know Icy.

But like, you wanted to date Keith Paris, so you're going to date Keith Paris.

And I don't like to waste people time because everyone's time and energy is so precious.

So.

And I don't even want to like parade anybody who I'm talking to very quickly on social media.

I think that's tacky.

I think like, you know, that's like kind of weird to me when I see celebrities do that.

Not even celebrities when I see other influencers do that because, like, they just want the clicks.

They want so fast.

You know, they see different favorite celebrities or influencers, you know, in relationships and they.

That can do they give us that competition or they want the clicks and views.

But like, I don't, I don't do that, like for love.

And I think another thing too is I'm just be real with you.

There's a lot of influencers that can't do real life.

Like, I could not be on my phone for a whole day and I won't get like anxiety.

I could post my content.

You know, I post.

I could post and go.

I won't be obsessed with like the clicks, the views and stuff like that.

My favorite cousin, Griselle, like, what she always say to me or whoever, like, your content is like, those are the people who get your content, who get it.

Who is getting your niche.

So don't worry about like the likes and like the clicks and stuff like that.

I get it from, you know, it's a business, but like, it should still be fun.

It's like, you know, me doing this interview.

I don't care like how much views this guy.

Like whoever watch it or like all the comments that we're getting from this is like, these are the people that gather.

These are the people that getting to know me or like people who already follow me.

They're translating to over here.

Like, they're going to get this.

So, like, I'm like very cautious with my energy when it comes to like I'm in person and stuff like that.

Yeah, I fully believe people like a Lot of people, they can't do real life.

Like a lot of influencer.

They can't do real life.

Yeah, yeah.

And I feel like influencing is.

I mean, it takes a lot, you know?

Yes.

It's no joke.

Good.

Like you Googling me already.

Like, I've been doing that.

So I literally seen so much people who came and gone.

I literally seen, like, I've been around people who was like the Ed boy girl around that time or was like the big influencer stuff.

And I literally seen like, if they're in a scandal, I literally seen their career crash or me being in these spaces.

Like, you hear so much about everybody.

Like, people like to talk.

Like, you know, people run their mouth like water.

So I heard it all.

So, like, and especially when I go to these events, one thing for me, I'm very conscious when I go to these event.

Like when I go to an event, when I'm getting ready, I don't say to myself, like, oh, I want to meet this big influencer and I want to do a TikTok with them or Instagram or get a follow with them.

I'd be like, I say myself, I get myself a pep talk.

Because people are so weird in these events.

I'm like, look, if I make a friend, I make a friend, I'll be good.

But I want to talk to who sent me that email.

I want to talk to the, like, the owner of this brand because, you know, I'm trying to, like, I'm trying to make gold.

Like, of course, like, they invite me, so that means a budget big.

So I'm trying to like, really do business with this company, with this brand and like, you know, with these, you know, partnerships.

Like, you know, that's like really like what I see.

Okay, okay.

That's pretty cool.

What would you say is the secret of your longevity?

So what's the tea?

Tell the people?

Oh, my God.

I think there's no tea.

I think because, like, how I am, how I am on camera is literally how I am in person.

Like, how I am on my story is literally how I am in my, like, in person too.

Like, when I do my hostings and stuff, I like, like the feedback that I get from people, especially, like queer people that look like me.

Like boy, like gay, like feminine boys that look at me.

They.

Everyone always say, like, you, you're just like, how you is online and, like, and they'll tell me horror stories.

Like, they be like, oh, my God, I met this influence or I met this person and who lives in New York that has so much powers.

And, like, they're mean.

They're like, you know, they're very clicky and stuff like that.

And, like, I'm not like that.

Like, my mom always told me, like, never judge a book by a cover.

And I was never, like, the judgmental.

Like, you know, I never was a judgy person growing up and stuff like that.

I was always to myself, always respected people and stuff like that.

And I think just what really works for me is, like, what I'm sharing online and, like, what I'm sharing to you right now.

Like, how I told you.

Like, like, I'm in the house.

I watch anime.

Like, you know, I love the, you know, my anime side.

The makeup, the beauty, the fashion.

I think these are actual things that I love.

And I think, you know, my followers and like, just like.

Or just everyone is just seeing, like, this is what Icy really likes.

And, you know, people's like, really watching, gravitating towards that.

I'm not just following.

I'm not.

Have you noticed from my content too, like, I'm not using any audios or doing certain things that are, like, a trend.

I may do, like, a makeup, like, trend that's popular, but it takes a lot for me to do, like, a makeup trend because I really.

I personally really have to get inspired.

I'm not to do a makeup trend just because I see somebody like, you know, I don't know, like, lit.

Like, Lily is like, you know, she's.

She's doing it and I see like, Bobby.

Bobby is doing it and stuff.

Like, no, I. I personally have to, like, really vibe with it and really see, especially for an audi, like a TikTok audio like this.

Like, I won't.

I won't do a TikTok on it just because it's trending right now.

Like, right now.

Like, you know, I literally just did the coconut water audio with my best friend right now.

And like, you know, but like, when that came out, I was like, do I really want to do this?

But it wasn't gravitated towards me.

But, you know, I did it with her because she does TikToks and I'm like, okay, it works for her, her brand.

And actually, you know what?

It's kind of vibe now when I really getting to, like, really know the song is going back to what I said.

I'M always intentional when I'm looking at what I'm seeing, when I'm bringing around my energy and my aura.

Because like, I really, like, I really don't play that.

Yeah, yeah.

I have a curiosity though, because you're thinking about influencing, right?

As you continue to go through this influencing life, do you ever feel pressure that you have to constantly talk about some of those things to be able to maybe have relevance, you know, or that, you know, how do you balance your life experience as someone who is black and queer and an amputee?

As opposed to, you know, constantly saying that I'm gonna have to always, you know, use this part of my story as a means of making money.

I don't know if, I don't know if I'm making sense.

Right?

Yeah, like making the car.

Yeah, like making money, like revenue or like such thing rather than like in this time.

Because you said I've been doing it for years.

How do you balance it out like that?

Oh, that feel like.

Oh, yeah.

Exploiting your pain basically for profit.

Yeah.

I mean, I'm not ashamed with what I've been through and like, you know, I am coming out with another book and it's going to be a continuation of the first book and it's good and I'm going to be real with you.

It's very more deeper.

It's.

We're getting more deeper into like what I, what I'm feeling.

So if you think about it, I was a preteen at the time.

I was, you know, still getting help at that time when I was writing the book and when I, the book was published on wattpad and everything, you know, the book did good.

It went viral.

I was getting clean at that time and everything and I was staying with my sobriety and everything from my eating disorder, self harming problem.

And you know, every time when the anniversary came, I always said to myself, like, oh, I probably want to do a photo shoot.

I'd love to do like, you know, like a meetup.

There's been so much brands in the past that asked me like, oh, hey, like your book anniversary is coming up.

You Want to do like a meet and greet.

There was so like many makeup, skincare brands.

I remember brands used to send me like, congratulate, anniversary, like congratulation, four hours, like for the first book.

And I was just like, I feel like I'm not ready.

I feel like there's still.

I just want to live life and, you know, maybe still write more.

And like, you know, I always still write because, you know, writing is so therapeutic.

I can't just keep everything like, you know, bottled up in my heart and my soul.

So, like, I was still writing and, you know, going back to my old, you know, my relationship.

You know, like, when my partner broke up to me, like, broke up with me, like, I did relapse back and I didn't relapse that just because, you know, it would.

I didn't realize somebody because, like, you know, he broke up with me, you know, like, oh, like, you know, all my life is over.

Like, you know, he broke up.

But no, I really, I relapsed back when he broke up with me because, like, the certain things he was saying and like, it kind of was replaying my head.

He kind of felt he.

The way how he was sounding, he sounded like the bullies that was in my life since, like I was younger.

It wasn't like he, you know, made me realize it's the words that he was saying and like, you know, his true colors was coming out.

And it made me went back to how I was feeling when I was a little kid.

And then when I found out how he really felt about me and like, you know, all these derogatory terms he was saying about me, it's like, oh, you sound like the people in my DMs or, oh, you sound like the people, like, you know, that bully me in my head.

And you know how the human brain works.

The human brain work is a crazy.

And you know, when you hear one thing about yourself that's negative, you keep replaying in your head and you, you know, you get insecure, you keep double doubting yourself.

I think that's like, what happened.

And, you know, I'm comfortable sharing my story now and you.

And I'm happy that like, you and everyone is gonna read the book and like, just a little more tea about you.

There is gonna be an audiobook.

And like, you know, I'm happy that, you know, we're gonna read and we're gonna listen and we're.

And I want you guys to be on this ride with me because, like, from the first chapter of it, you know, it's gonna.

You know, it's gonna be dark.

It's like, you know, and, like, I don't.

Like I said, I don't feel ashamed, but I want people to, like, listen and read this new book and, like, you know, enjoy this ride because it is dark, but also, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

And, like, the light is like, I'm still.

Like, I'm still here.

I'm still doing my thing.

You know, nobody's perfect except whoever you believe.

And I think that's like, the main message of, like, the first book and the new book, too.

But I think for me, for, like, right now, I think the problem for me, I'm being real with you.

I've been noticing because I see certain, you know, people send me, you know, DMs, people send me, like, little, like, indie blog, like, posts, what they will, like, write about me and, like, you know, Twitter conversations and stuff like that.

I see and stuff like that.

I feel like a lot of some chatter online.

A lot of people just try to discredit, like, my walk of life.

And I think that's, like, where I get frustrated and angry, like, for, like, time being right now.

Because I think people discredit me when they'll say, like, oh, he's been doing this for years.

He needs to give it up.

Or, like, they'll just be too, like.

Like, you know, like, mean girl.

Like, mean girl, mean boy.

They'll, like, try to criticize, like, you know, my brand, my walk of life, like, who I am and stuff like that and, like, my career.

And they try to, like, compare me with this influencer and not even want to influence or try to compare me with somebody.

I don't know.

It'd be weird, like, in the music industry or, like, you know, somebody who does, like, fashion content.

It'd just be weird.

And especially they'll love to compare me with people that's, like, in my queer community who does, like, influence.

It could be influencing music, fashion, even podcasting people.

I see people comparing me, and I'm just like, I just don't like this because it's like, I work so hard for my name and my brand.

And I think also, too, it's like, I think a lot of people forget, too.

I don't have a manager, so I've been doing this on my own for years.

I had manager, like, management in the past, and it just, you know, never work out or fall out.

And like, you know, that was, like, when I was, like, so young, but, like, all these deals and stuff that I'm telling you now, it's like, I got these on my own.

I have no manager, I have no team, no publicist.

I do have a business partner, which is like my best, my childhood best friend, but, you know, he don't have a man.

He don't have a man.

He never went to, like, to like college for like business or like, for marketing and stuff like that.

Like, me and him were really like doing this in real time.

Like, we're learning while we go.

Like, he literally helps me like, send out emails.

He literally helped me send, like, you know, scheduled thing for me and it's a collaborate thing.

I don't, I don't tell him like, hey, do this for me.

And then, you know, having the money for the end of week, it's like, no.

I tell him like, no.

Here, you take half of this email for outreach.

I take half of this email for outreach.

Let's use Google Calendar.

Let's sync this up together.

He keeps me afloat with my budget.

Like when I'm in my hotels, when I have press tour and stuff like that.

Like, it's a full, like, you know, people don't realize.

Like, people just think influencing and like what I do is like, oh, it's cute.

Like, he opens packages and like, you know, he put makeup on his face and, you know, beautiful clothes and like, you know, he just, you know, records.

And then that said, it's like, no, I really do work to like, get me in these places and stuff like that.

Even right now, I'm on a little press tour right now.

Like, you know, I have so much articles coming out for like July and August and there's so much that's coming out that like a lot of people don't know that I'm super excited to share but, like, had to do the work, like, I had to do the outreach.

I had to like, you know, phone call.

Like, I.

And that's another thing.

I don't really show people a lot.

I don't really show them, like, really like the behind the scenes so that I really do, like, I'm setting up like phone conversation with brands, television shows, like, you know, I'm talking to like networks and stuff like that too.

And there's so much emails that I get throughout the day, like contracts, like, you know, PR stuff.

It's like, it's a.

It's a lot.

But like, you know, that's the one thing I really don't like what people say.

Like, they try to compare me or they try to discredit my walk of life because like, I work like, you know, I work super, extremely hard and I feel like I made a good day for myself.

And on top of that too, I feel like the proof is in the pudding.

I have like a Wikipedia page, a famous birthday page.

You could actually google my whole entire life.

And then also too, I got so much awards for a short time.

And like since I was young too, I've been on like out magazine.

Like they're out 100 list pride, 50 lists I got last year.

Same for Native Son.

Like, these are big like accolades I'm holding on my names like at a young age.

So I think the proof is like literally in the, in the pudding.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Because I know when you were speaking about relapsing and I wanted to.

I want to talk about that a little bit more.

Do you have like an addiction situation at some point?

Yeah, it was just, I think the addiction was just for me was, wasn't like no like drugs, like.

Nope.

Like pills or anything like that.

It was just like I just really had like a bad, like self harming problem.

Like I would like, you know, like stuff on myself like so much.

I had like a bad eating disorder, like problem like so much.

I think like when my partner broke up with me, before he broke up with me, I was starting like my workout journey, so I was like working out.

Like I kept saying to myself, like, oh my God, I want a bigger chance.

You know, this one, like, you know, a little muscle on my arm.

I started working out.

And then like when he broke up with me, it was, I was kind of like at a limbo stage.

I was still working out.

Like, you know, when he broke up with me, I feel like that was like such a therapy for me too.

But then there was times like when I didn't eat, so it's like, okay, I'm drinking the protein, you know, shake and everything like that.

And you, you know, I'm seeing, you know, and I'm naturally skinny, so I was seeing the definition.

But then there was times I wouldn't eat and it's like, okay, that's bad.

Now that I'm like, you know, trying to bulk up.

When you bulk up, you know, you have to eat like protein, you know, really, you have to be serious, like when you're trying to bulk up, like, you have to like, you know, be on the protein, like eat the food, like, you know, the high protein food and stuff, like healthy and stuff, like, so I wasn't really eating and stuff like that.

And then like, I was still hurting myself.

So it was just like a weird like limbo, like, like stage that I was in.

But I'm happy that like, you know, I'm business partner slash brother Christian.

Like, he really got me together.

He was like, hey, like, I love you.

Like, you know, like, screw him.

But it's like, let's get you how.

Let's take a month.

Take.

He literally told me to use like, take a month or two off.

He like, he had like, he hold my passwords down.

Like, you know, he was like, okay, there's something that I think you should go.

And at those times when I did relapse back, he was literally telling me, I think the only events and stuff you should go.

If it's like a red carpet, like a red carpet event.

If it's not a red carpet event, you're not going.

You're not going to.

No pop ups, no nothing.

Like you're gonna get help.

We're gonna like go in therapy and like the only events you're gonna go to is like red carpets.

And I'll handle the emails and like, that's what we done.

That's good to hear and I'm glad that you're doing better and you're feeling better and that you're thriving.

What would you say is the key?

Because you seem very confident and very sure of yourself.

What would you say is the key to loving yourself unapologetically?

What was the thing that you discovered in you that no matter what, you know, society or people will try and put onto me, you know, I love me and I'm fabulous and I'm, you know, the baddest.

How do you get to that space where you have this level of self love unapologetically?

Yeah.

I think how I got to this stage like now is I think I had to do the work to heal my inner child and just to heal myself too, to get like my glow up.

So I think, you know, just being in therapy, talking to a therapist and like really getting to the, like getting down to the nitty gritty of like, why, like you had this trauma, like, why a certain, this certain word, like, makes you feel like insecure and stuff like that.

Like, you know, so like I think really is like healing that inner child and holding them, holding little Keith and the saying, like, hey, well, you know, you're older now, but like, I just want to say, like, you're Healed, like, you know, you have people in your life that actually do care, do care for you.

You're doing amazing things of what you always dreamt of as a child.

And like, you know, I feel like for me, when I was little, I always loved the art.

I always love this lifestyle.

Raised in a Caribbean house.

Like, you know, like, like, people know how it is.

It's like they want you to be a nurse, they want you to be a doctor.

They want you to do all these, like, you know, fun for other people.

But for me, that was not fun.

So I was just like, I was just like, to myself, I'm like, this seems like a code.

I don't want to be a nurse.

I don't want to be a doctor.

I don't want to be a lawyer.

I'm like, I don't.

I'm sorry.

And like, what's so funny?

I was like a theater kid growing up.

Like, I like, I love acting.

I think acting, you know, it holds such a beautiful place in my heart.

I would, like, want to, like, do that.

I love sitcoms, so I would, like, I totally see myself doing that in the future.

So, like, just like, really healing my inner channels.

I work out.

I stay for a long time.

I like to stay like two to three hours.

I have to go late at night.

Like, like 12, 1 o' clock finish.

I finish like 3, 4 in the morning.

And just like, you know, be to myself and just like, really do the work.

Yeah, yeah.

And for your career, what.

What is your hope for?

I know you spoke about it a little bit about, I wanted to do a sitcom.

But how in, like 10, 15 years, where do you want IC Paris to be, career wise?

Yeah.

So.

Well, I feel in 10, 15 years.

Oh, my God.

I would fully want for me to just, you know, obviously the name got bigger.

Obviously the name got bigger.

Me, you know, you will see me, you know, still, you know, in makeup campaigns, modeling for, like, a lot of like, just like random brands that, like, make sense for me.

Like, you know, fashion brands, makeup brands, skincare brands, you know, anything under the sun that I could grab towards, that I could gravitate towards.

Probably still living in New York.

I can't see myself living nowhere else, but maybe traveling a lot back and forth from la, so like, maybe like, you know, just being like a fake, like LA resident.

Just saying they're just only going there for the events and like for work and stuff like that.

And, you know, and then, you know, like, having the book, like, I would love to have my book In Barnes and Nobles.

I think that would be like, so dope for me to do like, have like a, like a pub, like a published, like physical, like hard copy, like book of like amputees.

Like, we have to get amputee story, like in Barnes and Noble shelves.

I think that would be really dope.

And it's really like having conversations for those.

Having people having conversations about the book, learning more about my life and, you know, there's so much ideas I want for like a physical, but I want like, you guys to really, like, know about my life, know about my disability and like, you know, just know more about me.

Like, I want.

There's so, like, so much ideas I have.

I've been talking to people that, you know, offered to like, have my book published and this many ideas.

I thought I to have like, photos of me when I was a child in the book.

And so like that whole, like, that whole thing, like a really like, biography or like a mem or a good memoir.

Like, I would love to like, have that moment.

So, like, I would love to see that like in 10 years.

What else?

What else?

And yeah, like I said, acting.

I love, like, that's what really gravitated to me to like, this industry.

Like, you know, I love like Demi Lovato.

I think she's like my favorite actress ever and like, you know, favorite like, performer and stuff too.

So, like, she really got me into, like, you know, the arts and stuff like that.

I remember looking at her as a child and, you know, pointing out my dad, I'm like, I want to do this.

And like, he'd straighten me, put me in acting.

And like, you know, I'm funny as hell.

So, like, I would love to be like an all black sitcom or even to like a teen drama.

Like, I would love to be like, on a show.

Like, if they ever bring back like Degrassi, I would love for them to do something like that.

I would love to be on that show.

I think me being on like a show like that, I think will start, like, great conversation, you know, great representation, not only for me, but like, you know, everyone who's disabled.

Because, like, I want to be on a show like that.

Because, like, if you think about it, we had.

They had a disabled person, but he wasn't disabled, AKA Drake, like, his character.

And I really thought back in the day he was like, in a wheelchair.

But then I saw him performing Moment for Life with Nicki Minaj.

I was like, oh, you're not in a wheelchair.

I'm like, okay, this Is scary.

Like, that's scared.

That, like, creeped me out.

So I was like, we need, like, representation.

So I would love to actually be a disabled person and like a show like in like a teen drama like that.

Okay.

Okay.

So the goal is, you know, more makeup campaigns, a lot more work in pop culture spaces, whether it's acting or movies or TV shows.

That's pretty good.

From your lips to God's ears, you know, you can very.

Can very much happen.

Yeah, yeah, it can't.

I mean, it could.

And also too, I would love to do rally tv.

There's been a couple people that have been sliding in the DMs.

So you never.

You never know.

Okay.

Okay.

Yeah, I would love to do Chase.

I would love to do Chasing.

The Chasing series.

If they ever do New York.

Chasing New York.

Yeah, I would love to do Chasing.

If they do.

If they ever do a Chasing New York, I would love, like to do that.

That would be so fun, you know, Never say never.

You could reach out to them and be like, hey, what's good?

Cause I know there's la, there's Dallas.

What's up?

I've been hearing what people have been saying.

I've been hearing, they said they've been hearing rumors about they want to do New York.

So, like, if they do New York, like, I think they should have like a bunch of og New Yorkers, first and foremost, born and raised.

I think we should take the first dips and then you guys can bring.

We call them transplants.

You guys will bring the transplants, like in the show.

Whatever.

Okay.

Okay, cool.

Okay, cool.

We're winding down our interview, but before we fully wrap up, we do rapid fire questions on here.

And so I'm going to ask you a bunch of rapid fire questions and to get your answers to them.

Are you ready?

Yeah.

Oh, my.

The first one is.

What are the three songs currently on your playlist?

Freya, Sky, Silent Moment, Isla.

She did it again.

And Bad.

Not bad Baby Not Popsicle.

Oh, my God, the baby popped that thing.

I don't know why I said two of them.

Oh, my God, I'm nervous.

Oh, my God.

I do feel this rapid fire.

Okay, you're fire.

You're good.

What artist do you want to collaborate with so bad?

Oh, Dream.

Like anybody.

Like, makeup wise or just anybody?

Yeah, maybe makeup wise.

Fashion, acting.

In all your interests.

Who would you want to collaborate with so much?

I'll give you two for makeup and one for acting.

So for makeup, I love to collaborate with, like, Huda Beauty.

Huda Kattan.

She know me since I was 19.

I would love to be on a campaign like Rihanna for Fenty Beauty.

She reposted me, so I want to, like, meet her in person.

Finally.

We can meet face to face.

Because, like, you know, she was feeling your boy, and she reposted.

I was the only person on her campaign she reposted, so I need to meet her.

And then for acting.

Ooh.

I love the show.

I really love.

And I can see myself on.

I love the Ms.

Path show.

That's on BET.

Yeah, I would love to be on that show.

So I would love, like, to be any character.

I don't care if I'm, like, a side character, have one line, the waiter.

I would love to be.

I think she's, like, really funny.

Yeah, like the waiter.

I don't care the way how she, like, is so funny.

She reminds me of, like, Bernie Mac.

Like, a female Bernie Mac, and I lose.

I love, like, the Bernie Mac show.

Like, growing up as a child, I used to watch it when I was little.

I would love to do, like, the Miss Pash show.

That would be, like, so cool.

You know, y', all, you know your black comedic history.

You pulled Bernie Max.

I mean, that's how I mean I'm.

Can't you see I'm black.

Like, I know.

Like, like, I was raised, like, on all these amazing shows.

Like, I love, like, Ms. Pat.

Like Bernie Mac.

Like, sister.

Sister.

Oh, my God.

Miss the Parker Show.

And love.

I would have killed to be on that show, too.

Like, oh, my God.

Yeah, those are good.

Those are good shows.

Those are good shows.

Yeah.

I know you say you like anime.

Do you ever cosplay?

I do, yeah.

Yeah, I do.

As on my arm, on my TikTok.

What do you mean?

I did so much.

Like.

I mean, the Naruto team reposted me, too.

I did not.

I have.

I done Naruto.

I done Ken Kaneki.

I done Deku.

Deku.

I would say Deku have got.

Got me, like, into, like, a bunch of anime doors.

Because he was the first character I cosplayed.

The creators of my hero, they reposted me, and they sent me an email.

They was like, oh, my God, you did so good.

Like, it's so cool.

And like, Viz and Crunchyroll, like, reposted me and everything, and they.

I met so much reps from them.

They was like, telling me, like, oh, my God, you, like, you're so talented and, like, what you do.

Okay, cool.

So is there an anime character that you'd cosplay for the rest of your life Constantly.

If you had to pick one that you would cosplay for the rest of your life, what anime character I would.

Cosplay five, probably Deku, because, honestly, I look good in green.

So, like, every time I have to, like, recreate him or, like, you know, he has so much rendition of his outfits.

Like, he has this, like, regular one, I think, like, his one that I really want to.

I want to recreate.

One of his ones is, like, his movie one is, like, that whole, like, he's wearing London mask, and, like, his whole outfit is distressed.

I want to read.

I want to do that one so badly.

Or, like, his movie one is, like, the neon glow in the dark one.

I just love I look good in green, so, like, I. I don't mind, like, you know, doing my eyebrows green and, like, you know, getting, like, temporary color, like, mousse and, like, doing it all green and stuff like that, because I look so good in green, so I don't mind every time I have to be him.

I don't mind being him.

Okay.

Okay, cool.

That's good.

Where is your dream travel destination?

Ooh, dream travel destination.

Probably Dubai.

Probably.

Yeah, probably Dubai.

I just love, like, the culture and, like, you know, they have so much, like, you know, culture and, like, things over there like that.

I probably want to see an experience.

Like, I would die to go there, like, for, like, the perfumes, like, the oud and stuff like that.

And, like, I'm a Housewives fan, so, like, when I saw Housewives of Dubai, I was like, oh, this is me.

I could see myself living here when I'm married and I got a kid and stuff like that.

So I'm like, okay, this is like.

Like, this is tea and South Korea.

Like, South Korea.

I would love to, like, go to Seoul because I love the culture.

I love, like, you know, that's like, my alley kids.

You know, there's the anime side over there.

You know, they got the anime, like, the makeup.

The skincare is like tea over there.

So I would love to go there too.

Okay.

Cool segue.

You know, I'm a Housewives fan.

I'm always curious, what are your favorite franchise.

Who are your favorite Housewives, and what are your favorite franchises when it comes to Housewives?

Yes.

Oh, my God.

So I love Atlanta.

Okay.

Of course.

And I'm watching Atlanta.

I'm watching Atlanta right now.

I'm up to speed.

Like, I love Atlanta.

Potomac.

I love.

Okay, Real Housewives in New York.

I love.

I love the Reboot I need to watch the old ones.

I know the old ones are really good, people always say, but, like, I love, like, the new ones.

Calculated new ones is more modern.

It's more woke.

It's more like, you know, diverse.

Yeah.

And what?

And what?

What's another one?

I think.

And Real Housewives of Dubai.

I can watch Real Housewives.

I miss Real Housewives of Dubai so badly.

They need a third season.

I miss that so badly.

But my favorite housewives.

I love Portia.

I love Cynthia.

I'm so happy K. Michelle's on it because, like, obviously we knew her from love and hip hop and, like, I just think that's, like, such a marketing genius.

And that's t. I'm happy that, like, she's there, even though she's crashing out.

But, like, she's so good.

I hope she's back next season.

I'm like, fingers crossed.

Like, yeah, I love Karen Huger.

I love the Grandin.

Like, I be calling myself the Grandin.

I love the Grand.

I love, like, Wendy.

Yeah.

I love, like, Wendy Candace.

Yeah.

Giselle.

I love, you know, I love Lisa Milan.

She's my favorite.

Like, I love Lisa Milan.

Okay, cool.

That's good.

That's really good.

Okay.

What is your favorite part about being black and queer?

What's my favorite part?

That we have style, we have taste.

And, like, and, like, the culture.

And, like, obviously.

And, like, the men, too.

Like, oh, my God, there's so much, like, fine guys that were like, I will see, like, at parties, I'm like, I just be looking at all these guys and even guys who, like, try to talk to me or, like, flirt with me or whatever.

I'll just be like, in my head, I'm like.

I'm like, thank God I'm black.

I'm like, oh, my God.

I'm like, I'm so proud of my blackness.

I'm like, thank you, please.

I can't imagine anywhere else, like, what Dorothy said.

There's no place like home.

I love it.

Oh, my God.

That's cool.

That's really cool.

And finally, what's your guilty pleasure?

Guilty pleasure?

I don't know my guilty pleasure.

I don't know that I drink a lot of apple juice.

I don't know.

Like, that's the only thing I like.

That's, like, my guilty pleasure.

I drink.

I'm.

Apple juice.

I'm sorry.

Yeah, I could.

No, you think you can drink?

No, it's bad.

I've been drinking since I was little.

Like, I can drink, like, gallons.

Like, it's Like.

Like it's water.

Like, it's like all my.

You could ask any of my friends.

Like, my best friend's looking at me to the side right now.

She's like.

She's like, no.

She's like, no, he has a problem.

I think this is.

That's.

That's.

That's the real addiction.

Like, no.

Like, he's not hurting himself no more.

He's, like, drinking so much apple juice to become an apple.

Yeah, he's gonna.

He's gonna turn apple.

You Honestly.

He's gonna turn apple.

That's a real.

Yeah, that.

Yeah.

No, I need a Mott's deal.

I need a Tropicana deal, Arizona deal.

Like, for real.

Okay.

Okay.

Shout out to apple juice.

I love apple juice.

So, you know, I'm here for it.

Totally.

I'm really happy that you came on.

I really.

I'm really happy that you came on to have this conversation with us.

My final question for you is there are many black queer kids, young black queer people.

Some of them are also, you know, living with a disability.

What do you want them to take away from seeing you live your life?

Your life is very inspirational.

You've been able to rise and not let your situation define who you are.

And you've been able to be great representation for folks who are going through similar things that they're going through.

And so what do you want young black queer kids who may or may not be living with a disability?

What do you want them to take away when they see you do your influencing on social media?

When they see you, you know, get that TV deal or that brand deal?

What do you want them to take away from experiencing IC Paris?

Yes.

What I want them to take away is just, you know, always be yourself.

As long as you be yourself, you be kind to everyone who's, like, around you and stuff like that.

And like, honestly, I think what kept me happy, like, when I was a kid and just like, you know, till now, and I still do it now.

You just have to keep dreaming.

Like, you know, just as long as you keep dreaming.

You have your imagination.

Like, no one can stop if you say to yourself, like, I want to be the first.

Like, whatever, or like, oh, you want to be do what I do too, like, like, literally keep dreaming.

And like, when you get to that certain age and, like, you know, you could sit to yourself as, like, okay, how can I get to this place?

Like, icy or, like, any other influencers or, like, who.

Or just anybody else who they're looking at and stuff like, that you can look in your heart and really make a game plan for yourself and just like, go after.

So, like, what you're dreaming and you know, as long as you're like, you're yourself, you're safe, you know, you're kind to others, you know, and just really ignore the haters.

Really ignore those people.

That's being rude.

That's mean to you.

Really don't listen to the naysayers.

Really, whatever like, you're going through right now, it's.

This is not like your whole life.

This is not permanent.

Like, you know, if it's.

You're going through something at school, at home, like, you know, you're gonna get older, you know, you're gonna like, find your chosen family.

But if it's like, stuff at home.

Had my journaling, I had my creativity, I had like, my dream with dreaming really got me to where I am right now because, like, when I was home, when my mom never supported me and stuff like that, I, you know, I always.

You just lock myself from.

I was like, you know what?

This is not permanent.

I'm gonna, you know, just like manifest like, my life after, you know, the situation that I'm in and like.

And look.

And like, fast forward now, look my life blossom and stuff like that.

And I'm grateful for that.

And like, really just, like, protect, like, really, like, honestly and truly, like, protect your peace.

Protect your peace.

Amen.

Amen.

Amen.

Thank you so much.

I see this has been great conversation.

Appreciate you being open.

I appreciate you just sharing.

And I'm sure that, you know, our listeners are also thankful for your openness and your vulnerability as well.

Yes, thank you so much.

Thank you so much for talking to me and having.

Having no problem at all.

And if you've been watching, whether on YouTube or on speak Minneapolis or you've been listening wherever you are listening to this podcast, thank you so much for stay with us till the end.

Thank.

Don't forget to, like, don't forget to share.

Don't forget to drop a comment if you're watching on YouTube.

Also subscribe.

Thank you so much.

I really appreciate you.

And until the next one, Odejuma.