Connect
Education
Vermont College of Fine Arts - Bachelor's Degree, Film Studies
Vermont College of Fine Arts - Master of Fine Arts
Abiola Abrams is a love and lifestyles columnist, author and multimedia personality. That means she works in broadcast media like TV, Web and radio, and is a writer of books, blogs and columns focused primarily on love, sex, dating and lifestyle. She also hosts a monthly entertainment show on BBC Radio, Five Live. In the past, Abiola was a TV host and personality on BET, VH1, HBO, FOX and NBC. (Editor’s Note: You might remember her from “VH-1′s Tough Love,” which is where I first heard of Abiola and her community of passionistas.) In addition, her first book, “Dare,” a hip hop love story, was published by Simon and Schuster and her addictive daily blog, “The Passionista Playbook” is where you can find all of her Web series videos and love advice vlogs. And set your Tivo, because at 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, you can catch her appearance as a teen dating coach on MTV’s “Made.”
Define who you are clearly, and never give up.
How did you discover your current job?
I have always created media around empowerment, lifestyle and relationships. When I was a teen I knew that I wanted to host talk shows and write books. I just didn’t know what form that would take.
Because of the way my own life unfolded as a suddenly single 30-something, I became obsessed with thinking, talking, writing about and investigating love, sex, dating and relationships. But lifestyle, as in Martha Stewart, has always been fascinating to me.
Because I wanted to make broadcast media, but not necessarily work in hard news, there was no clear path for me. The Internet was not what it is now when I was a teen. So I created my career brick by brick, and continue to do so.
It’s not uncommon right now to be a multimedia personality. I do the same thing as Bethenny Frankel or Rachel Zoe, just in a different niche.
What has been your path so far to get you where you are today?
Although I had hosted projects before for HBO and NBC, hosting the short film competition showcase for BET was a huge breakthrough for me. Then I was able to get my first book published.
At the same time, the Web caught up with my entrepreneurial DIY mindset, so I started writing and broadcasting for the Web. My very first important internship though was working for the host of a wellness show on a CNBC network. That cemented for me what I wanted to do.
What is your typical day like? Does it ever change?
I have no typical day. In addition to my blog, I contribute written and video content to a number of sites like Yahoo.com and LuvEmOrLeavem, including relationship advice vlogs. I also host my own shows, ghostwrite for other people, and I am writing my next book. My days vary widely, but they are always big, bawdy, fun and over the top.
My BBC Radio Show is the last Saturday of every month. My current Web series is named Abiola on LSD: Love, Sex, Dating and Drama and we are gearing up for season 2. I am also prepping the second season of Abiola’s Kiss and Tell Live Revue, a monthly NYC reading series that I host and curate.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I have incredible fans and supporters. The best part of what I do is interacting with them through my work. I love writing, and am obsessed with broadcasting, whether TV, Web or radio and am passionate about talking about love and lifestyle so it is win-win.
Who are your role models?
My role models are Oprah Winfrey, Diane Sawyer, Barbara Walters and Martha Stewart. Women who ask questions for a living and who will definitely leave the planet better than they have found it.
Is there a quote or mantra that you live by?
I live, love and thrive on the mantra, “Seize the day.”
What advice do you have for girls who want to be in your industry?
Define who you are clearly, and never give up.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
My work is not about me. My work is about reminding other women to live unapologetically and to go for our dreams no matter what!