Cynthia Branch, 38, has been guiding people for a long time in her roles as a licensed social worker and life coach. Now has come the time when she has to take off her coach hat and rely on relationship experts Damona Hoffman and Jack A. Daniels to help her navigate the world of dating.
Here, Branch defines love and shares what Beyoncé and Oprah mean to her.
What made you feel comfortable doing the show?
I am not certain I was ever fully comfortable with the show. I am comfortable within myself but the idea of sharing my thoughts, fears, vulnerabilities and failure with the world… that wasn’t comfortable. That took courage.
Name two of your favorite Hollywood icons and why you appreciate their body of work?
Two people I respect: Oprah Winfrey because she came from nothing. She worked her way to the top using her intelligence and confidence, which I’m sure continued to build along the way, to become the iconic success that she is… She is respected by every one. She empowers and educates girls and women. She’s comfortable in her own skin and she is the ultimate giver. She’s also an Aquarian like me 🙂 The other person is Beyonce because she’s a beast! She sexy, talented, and also worked hard to become the most successful super star in the business. Besides, every girl has a “sexy Bey” in them…
What did you learn about yourself while working on the project?
That there is always more to learn and always more growth needed. I must always remain teachable.
Take the name of you current project and describe how you have grown in understanding working with the television production.
I have a new found respect for the industry. There is so much that happens behind the scenes to bring to fruition the pretty picture the world sees at the end. People behind the scenes work super hard, long hours and sleepless nights. They deserve far more credit than they get.
Finish the sentences:
My character shows emotions like …
A strong woman who is unafraid to be vulnerable, yet is strong and powerful when that is what she needs to be.
Being filmed allowed me to …
Realize I probably wouldn’t be a great actress but showed me just how true to myself I really am. It also allowed me to feel a little bit like a celebrity even if only for a moment.
My favorite part about this project is …
The workshops and the sisterhood. Most women go through similar experiences. It is important that we support and uplift each other. Women are resilient because of our connections to other women. I love that our group on the show genuinely liked each other and had great chemistry. There was no shade… ever!
If I could have a dinner party with Hollywood icons and invite five iconic living women I would invite … Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Malala, Beyonce, Hillary Clinton (to name a few, there are others).
My three favorite books are …
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Bible.
Sister is …
Protector, confidant, soulmate, encourager, truth teller, supporter..
Love is …
A healer… Love is 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
FYI’s latest series #BlackLove premieres on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 10:15 p.m. EST.
