Adrienne Houghton isn’t one to shy away from a controversial conversation. The singer, actress, entrepreneur, and talk show host regularly dishes out #realtalk on the aptly named daytime talk show, “The Real,” alongside her co-hosts Jeannie Mai, Tamera Mowry-Housley, and Loni Love.
But entertainment is just one part of her multifaceted career. Houghton is also the founder of the high-end jewelry line, XiXi and the host of “All Things Adrienne,” a YouTube channel where she weighs in on topics ranging from beauty and fashion to home décor and entertaining.
To get a glimpse into her world, we asked Houghton about her career in the spotlight, including the biggest mistake she’s ever made professionally, the #1 piece of advice for anyone looking to break into the entertainment industry, and so much more.
CREATE & CULTIVATE: What about the entertainment industry do you wish more people knew? What are the common misconceptions? Why?
ADRIENNE HOUGHTON: People understand entertainment to be really glamorous, but nobody recognizes the hard work behind the scenes. It takes business savvy and understanding how to market yourself. There’s a constant battle with rejection and loneliness and judgment, which can be overwhelming at times. It’s important, especially for other people coming up in the industry, to understand that the final product—what the public sees—is curated, it doesn’t represent the inner workings of the industry. A strong work ethic is a must.
What is the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make professionally? And how did you get through it?
I came up in music. It was my dream to be a solo artist and to put out a solo record, so the hardest decision I’ve made professionally came from recognizing that my album and my career as an artist, had been shelved by my record label, and ultimately finding the strength to ask to be released from the label. I had to walk away from my dream. It was really hard, but that loss really fueled my career as a host and forced my other strengths and passions to be realized.
What's a mistake you made and what did you learn from it? How did you turn it into an opportunity?
I was up for the lead role in A Cinderella Story, which ended up being a huge film and the breakout role for Selena Gomez. For fear of being typecast, I passed on the role. Obviously, I didn’t realize my mistake until years later, but it was a learning experience. You should never pass up a job because you’re too cool. If an opportunity aligns with your morals, then it should be seriously considered. It’s worth a shot.
“You should never pass up a job because you’re too cool. If an opportunity aligns with your morals, then it should be seriously considered. It’s worth a shot.”
What advice would you give to young people who are hoping to break into the entertainment industry but are feeling overwhelmed by the competition?
Authenticity is key. You need to establish yourself and your brand. There isn’t a blueprint that you can follow to succeed. You have to be yourself, you have to create your own lane.
You are so impressive—not only are you a host on “The Real,” but you also run a lifestyle vlog, founded a jewelry line, XIXI, and so much more. How do you make it all happen? What are your tips on prioritizing? Can you share any work hacks for how you get it all done?
I’m blessed to be in a place professionally where I can be more selective and I am able to build businesses and create authentic content that speaks to my core values. My ability to prioritize is key in managing my projects and maintaining balance in my personal life.
I do my best work when I am fulfilled and happy, and I am most inspired and driven when I take the time to reconnect with myself. Spending time with my family has always been and is increasingly my top priority, so maintaining efficiency and taking a “work smarter, not harder” approach is huge for me on a daily basis. I gauge my success based on the experiences I am able to share with my family and the legacy I am creating for them.
Your jewelry company is incredible but we'd love to know, why did you decide to branch out of entertainment to start this company? What have you learned in shifting to a different industry?
Jewelry has been a big part of my life and is somewhat nostalgic. Growing up, I received jewelry for every birthday and celebration and holiday, and it is significant in my family because it is passed down from generation to generation. I have a huge love and appreciation for jewelry because it’s generational which makes it that much more meaningful.
When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you #FindNewRoads + switch gears to find success?
I understand that in every industry, especially media and entertainment, the ability to pivot and evolve is paramount. I always reflect on the saying, “What is meant for me, will never pass me.” I truly believe that if you are authentic to who you are the right opportunities and paths will be apparent.
You co-host “The Real” with three other powerhouse women, how do you maintain good working relationships? How do you handle conflicts? What's the secret to a happy work wife?
“The Real” has had a profound impact on my career, and I'm immensely proud to be on the show. It’s allowed us into people’s homes five days a week. Our audience has gotten to know a sillier, crazier, and more opinionated side of me. They have witnessed all of the hosts grow individually and form this sisterhood and this bond over six seasons. Together we earned an Emmy Award which is a huge milestone and even more so because it is something we can share.
It’s powerful to show four women getting along, sharing our stories and journeys, and it has opened me up to new ideas and self-discovery. I have learned that we shouldn’t be afraid of sharing our truths or of being wrong. There is something freeing in telling your story to an audience and I am forever grateful for this experience.
What traits do you need to succeed as an entrepreneur or personality in the competitive world we live in?
Confidence. You have to trust and have faith in yourself and your abilities.
Flexibility. The ability to pivot and understanding the importance of reinvention, innovation, and evolution while still staying true to yourself and your vision
Authenticity. Both entertainment, traditional and digital, and business are very saturated markets, and I have always found success in being myself and creating content and products that are authentic to my brand.
And, quite simply, a strong work ethic. I pour everything I have into my projects. It takes a lot of sacrifices, and you have to be willing to sacrifice in other areas in your life (your time, your finances, your lifestyle), especially in the beginning.
You create a ton of content especially for your lifestyle vlog All Things Adrienne. What is your content strategy? How do you think about content to ensure it stands out and has a unique point of view? What advice do you have for other content creators who want to achieve your success on YouTube?
My vision was to use this platform to let people into my daily life and for them to see me in a different light—especially in my home. I wanted to create content focused on real conversations that center on relatable, everyday topics.
I joke that I'm the Latina Martha Stewart. I came from humble beginnings, so I'm mindful of money. I pride myself on being a “frugal Fran,” which resonates with my audience. We focus on affordable luxury and maintaining a high-low balance that is class and status inclusive.
It’s important to recognize the power of authenticity and understanding your audience. Viewers and consumers are attracted to what is real and authentic and I think my candidness and authenticity have been a driving force in my success.
You always seem so bold and self-assured, where do you think this confidence stems from? What advice do you have for people who are feeling self-doubt and want to have more courage?
I think we all struggle with self-doubt. I always find resolution in gratitude. When you are grateful for your opportunities, and when you recreate those opportunities for other people coming up in the industry, it allows you to accept your successes as valuable, real and deserved.
“I think there are a lot of people who don’t want to take the risk of investing in their own projects, but investing in yourself, as a woman, as an entrepreneur, is key.”
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who have an idea but don’t know where to start to execute it?
As a female founder and business owner, It’s important to me that I use my platform to send the elevator back down and empower as many people, particularly women and minorities, as possible. I want women and girls and Latinas to know that we can create opportunities for ourselves in markets where we don’t already see representation. I think there are a lot of people who don’t want to take the risk of investing in their own projects, but investing in yourself, as a woman, as an entrepreneur, is key.
What is your best piece of financial advice for new entrepreneurs?
It’s important to recognize that building a business at any stage in your career requires dedication and self-sacrifice and an understanding of how to budget and be financially disciplined. In creating XIXI, I was very scrappy in this first year, limiting production costs while ensuring the turn out of high-quality products and being mindful of sustainability and customer expectations. I have a small-bu- mighty team helping me with everything from web design and infrastructure to social media and PR to the creation of product and packaging.
Photographer: Jenna Peffley
Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska
VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 ENTERTAINMENT LIST HERE.
