What It Was Like Being Interviewed By Humans Of New York

Once upon a time, I met Brandon Stanton of HONY and he interviewed me.

Like many of you, I read Humans of New York every day.  It’s something that brightens the often depressing time that I spend on social media.  The power of HONY is incomparable.  It opens our eyes and our hearts to those around us and gives us a unique chance to learn their story.  It’s also probably the only place in all of the internet that I love enough to be genuinely excited to read the comments.

Since following, I am now far more aware of the times that I am quick to judge someone by their appearance. “But, they could be just like someone featured in Humans Of New York,” I think to myself.  And that’s just it, we all have truths about our unique journey.  Brandon somehow approaches strangers and in a matter of minutes can get stunning portraits and some of the most intimate details of their lives.  So last week, when I was invited to Toronto for a speech by THE Brandon Stanton (as well as an amazing beauty preview, more details on that soon, promise), I was completely floored.  I’ve never gushed so much in an email response.  In fact, her first line in the reply back to me was: “I’m so excited that you’re SO EXCITED!” LOL.  I couldn’t help myself!  I adore Brandon and the work that he does.

After a series of emails back and forth, it was then decided that since I was such a big fan of Brandon’s, that I could be the one he pulls on stage to demonstrate his interview process with.  I shook my head “No, no nooooo,” in paralyzing fear as I typed “YES, I’d be so honoured,” back to her.  This was the kind of offer that I HAD to step outside of my comfort zone for.  A ‘say yes now, figure it out later’ kind of situation.

Then tonight, in a beautifully decorated room full of fabulous strangers, I sat in a chair and realized that it was all happening – and it sure was terrifying!  I’d spent the entire flight to Toronto trying to figure out what my biggest struggle right now is, as it’s a question that I know Brandon often asks.  Unfortunately, I had overthought my response so much, that when the moment came, my answer seemed flat and rather rehearsed.  I honestly started to think right there on stage, that I had no answers to anything at all and nothing profound to say, especially in front of a crowd.  But a few questions in, under bright lights, with a microphone in hand, I opened up a bit.  It was just Brandon Stanton and I having a conversation.  I somehow shared a story about my Nana that I don’t even know if I’ve ever told.   I wasn’t even nervous by the end. It was honestly magic.

Brandon has this gentleness and familiarity about it.  It’s a bit of Southern Charm and an approachable assuredness that instantly makes you comfortable.  I now understand how Brandon Stanton has excelled at what he does.  If it had just been him and I on the street chatting, I would have absolutely shared something deeply personal.  And I bet it would have been therapeutic.

After the public interview, I scurried back to my chair to down a glass of bubbly (hence my signature “I’ve had a drink” red face in the above photo) and was luckily able to snag a picture with Mr. HONY before the Unilever preview.

I’m still in shock over all of it, it was just beyond amazing.  Thank you so much to Unilever Canada for an incredible experience here in Toronto and to Kelly Lynn and the Harbinger team for organizing.  Of course, a huge thanks to Brandon for the chat and the inspiring Humans Of New York talk.  It’s something that I will always cherish and well worth traveling across the country for.   Now I’m off to catch some zzz’s before my last day of TO sightseeing!   Goodnight, my darlings xo