HauteSpot: Whitney Collins – please kill her hamster
“As you get older you realize you don’t always have to say yes.”
So you know those people that just make you laugh? I am referring to those who don’t even realize how funny they actually are? Seriously I mean those who find humor in just about every situation, which is so refreshing when most people, today, are oozing with negativity…Enter the comedian (let’s not forget the haute and stylish)…Whitney Collins.
I recently met with Whitney for a number of reasons…1) she’s hilarious 2) learn more about her writing 3) what she has planned for her (GROWING) audience…and 4) she’s one hautemomma doing what she loves.
“I love the Internet so much!” This was Whitney’s comment as our conversation began with this topic…considering it is one of the most popular topics of our ‘time’ I felt it a good starting point. According to Whitney, regarding the topic of media keeping our generation ‘detached’, she feels it has actually brought our generation closer. I have to say I completely agree with her. Let’s say the Internet did not exist…but because it is here, and in a big way, our generation is reconnecting, marketing, networking, creating awareness and monetizing on new and creative ways to do all of the above with the Internet and its opportunities.
Whitney recently published her first book “The Hamster Won’t Die” – it is a MUST-READ! You won’t be able to put it down. I finished it pretty much immediately and now it resides on my bedside table so that at night before bed I can have a quick giggle…does the body good. Not only does it allow for a good laugh, you will relate. Whitney is very observant of her surroundings and refers to it as ‘observational humor’…love that.
Husbands thoughts toward your ventures?
“He is my biggest cheerleader because he knows how happy it makes me.” Whitney’s husband agrees that she is doing what she was meant to be doing. Whitney admits her husband is quite the comedian too…however she firmly stated he’s not exactly at her level of ‘exhibitionist’.
Regarding Motherhood
“It takes time to find your personal path. Many people stall-out and loose their path. I realized this and I realized I kept coming back to the ‘observational’ humor in life. So many people think once you have children your life stops, your personal journey stops.” One aspect of motherhood Whitney mentioned is difficult but she is trying to teach her children is the concept of dry humor and most importantly to be able to laugh at themselves. I couldn’t agree more, this aspect with children is soooo important. Whitney finds time to write as soon as her two young children head to school – no errands, she expresses – time for those later.
What’s next?
…another book ‘just essays’ Whitney states…oh and did I forget to mention she does stand-up comedy. Yes. Amazing. According to Whiney stand-up and publishing have been very liberating. These two business goals have empowered her, coupled of course with her husband’s support, to gain confidence in herself and overcome any previous success related anxiety.
Never leave home without?
“My iPhone. Never. Ever. Also sunglasses (because my eyes are sensitive to the sun), and my bifocals (they are made by Ray-Ban, if it’s any consolation), and a cardigan sweater (I’m always cold). In short, I’m a little old lady with a Facebook account.”
Style icon?
“Oh, geez. Well, there are lots of ladies I’d love to emulate, but I’m always in jeans and have damp hair and tend to choose comfort over flair. However, I guess my dream look would be Carolyn Bessette’s head on David Spade’s body with Reese Witherspoon’s wardrobe…Or is it Reese Witherspoon’s body with David Spade’s wardrobe? Hmm. Tough call.”
Favorite cocktail?
“There’s a cheap, organic, sulfite-free red wine that I love from Trader Joe’s called Well Read. You can buy a case and still have money left over for a down payment on a house. But an actual cocktail? A Bloody Mary. With tons of things in it: olives, peppers, celery, pickles, pimentos, shrimp, ice. I like a Bloody Mary that sounds like you’re shaking Liberace’s jewelry box whenever you take a sip.”
What’s in your makeup bag?
“I wear a lot of bright red lipstick. The 24-hour Maybelline kind. It makes it look like you sleep and care. And bronzer. I could be a spokesperson for anemia. Also: it’s a little-known fact that if I didn’t bleach my hair and straighten it with a flat iron and wear red lipstick and bronzer and choose Ray-Ban bifocals over the ones I really wanted, I would look exactly like Napoleon Dynamite. That’s my real hair and complexion. Thank God for Rite Aid. (That’s where I buy all my beauty supplies. Honest.)”
Favorite vacation spot?
“Probably Vero Beach, FL. It’s not hip like Miami or fancy like Palm Beach or full of spring breakers likes Daytona — in fact, some people call it Zero Beach — but I love how low-key it is. Robbie and I go there about 3 times a year with the boys to fish for pompano and ride big wheels and watch Matlock. My other answer would be out West. Growing up, my family went out West about twice a year. I love the Rockies.”
Listening to now?
“Whatever they’re listening to on HBO’s Girls. That makes me feel somewhat in-the-know. I’m not ashamed to admit that I usually download five songs from current bands after watching an episode of Girls. But left to my own devices? Duran Duran.”
Muse? Icon? Mentor?
“My current muse is Lauren Passell and her website: www.loopletters.com. She has weekly humorous essay themes and nothing inspires me more in my writing. I feel like she made that site for me. (We’ve never met, by the way.)…My Icon? Probably the love-child of David Sedaris and Amy Sedaris. Oh, wait. They’re brother and sister. That’s disgusting! Never mind. What I was trying to say is David for his writing style and Amy for her comedic bravery. But I’ll just say Phyllis Diller instead. That woman had balls.”
