Coming Events

Mia Guzzo: Could you please introduce yourself and share your creative and professional background?

Yolanda Simmons: Sure, I’m Yolanda Simmons aka Queen Yolanda. My creative background is in fashion, beauty, and the performing arts. My professional background is quite diverse: clerical, administrative assistant, educator, beauty, retail, music - should I go on?

MG: Your career has been varied and you have worked through many different disciplines-- what draws you specifically to writing and teaching?

YS: Writing and teaching have always been a part of my life. My first teaching role was as a Sunday School Teacher in my Grandmother’s church [when] I was in middle school-- I loved to read as a child. When I entered high school, I would keep a journal and write my thoughts, my ideas down. So, for me it is just something I enjoyed when young that I have focused on manifesting into a product to share with others now, which is something I always desired doing.

MG: You state on page 60, ‘"If you are really a performer, your inner core will scream out that you must do it." That hit me deeply. For me, the call wasn't just about performing. It was about being connected—to music, to artistry....” When did you discover this call within yourself and what was the process of answering that call?

YS: When my drama professor said that line, it hit me like a ton of bricks. He, Dr. McElroy, was speaking in reference to being an actor. But for me, it was about the entire experience of the industry. When I was a young girl, I loved putting together programs for the holidays at my church and once I saw people acting on television, it expanded my interest even more. All I knew was that I wanted to be a part of entertainment.  And when I saw my first Broadway play, “Your Arms Are Too Short to Box With God” in June of 1972, that experience resonated even further in my spirit that I wanted to be involved in the industry in some capacity.

MG: How would you describe your newest publication, Backstage Grace?

YS: Backstage Grace is an uplifting memoir about my life as a personal assistant to one of music’s most respected icons, Ms. Mary Wilson of the Supremes. But not only that, in this book you’ll learn about professional etiquette skills I applied that helped me to better organize and manage my goals I pursued in life. Through sharing my experiences, I hope to encourage someone else to live their best life, like Ms. Wilson did for me.

MG: Not only does this novel provide interesting and compelling stories about your time with Ms. Mary Wilson of The Supremes, but shares the knowledge that you gained while working with her. What inspired you to write a how-to mixed with a memoir?

YS: When standing in front of an audience or even speaking with someone one on one, I always desire to impact them in a positive way. It is my innate desire to inspire and/or encourage others; that is my mission: “To use encouragement and/or inspiration to transform lives in a positive way.” So, I wanted to write a memoir that showcases a positive light about Ms. Wilson. Why? Because she deserves it.  In sharing my truth as a personal assistant, it had to provide dialogue on assisting others in their own journey-- their own role in serving as an assistant to someone.

MG: At the end of each chapter, there is a reflection and a prompt for the readers to consider. How did this choice come about and why do you urge the readers to engage with themselves and the text in this way?

YS: I wanted this book to not just be a memoir, but to really help others. Though it is not a journal, it most certainly offers the reader the opportunity to journal. I found journaling to be a wonderful tool for my own pursuit of happiness. You see, I wanted to provide an opportunity for the reader to not just read stories, but review key points and then pause, reflect, then even write and apply if they so choose.

MG: You discuss how getting to work with Mrs. Wilson was divine alignment, could you describe a bit more about what divine alignment means to you?

YS: Wow. Divine alignment for me is not so much that it was a supernatural experience, but it was an experience in which systems and things flowed naturally; there was no concerted effort to manipulate anyone or anything for the opportunity to come forth, I was just being me. What was even more phenomenal or extraordinary was that because of my background I was ready or the opportunity when it showed up in my life.

MG: Are there other ways divine alignment has come up in your career?

YS: Absolutely, when I got my job as a makeup artist for Fashion Fair Cosmetics, all of my adjunct professor jobs are area universities and colleges, my coordinator position with Newark Best Friends… need I go on?  The way we move, how we treat others and interact with others, one just never knows where it can lead.

MG: What was it like for you to reflect on these experiences you had while working with Ms. Wilson and share them with the world? 

YS: As I wrote down various experiences throughout these past 5 years, I smiled a lot. I was also amazed at the many experiences and persons I had the opportunity to meet, for many of them I only heard them speak or sing on the radio and or television. I felt happiness and so much gratitude.

MG: You mention how music and art impacted your career greatly. Who are some musicians and authors that inspire you? 

YS: Well, to name a few, [for] authors: Iyanla Vanzant, Nikki Giovanni, Susan Taylor, Sonia Sanchez, Linda Goodman. Musicians: Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Aretha [and]singers: The Supremes, Chaka Khan, Karen Carpenter, Gladys Knight, Rachel Ferrell, Anita Baker

MG: You will be having an event for Backstage Grace at Soldato on December 14th from 5-7pm. Why is it important for you to connect with local venues like Soldato and be a part of this artistic community?

YS: We are helpers of one another. As a Bergen County resident, I feel it is important to support our local venues. Having my event helps expose others to Soldato’s space and the products they offer. At last year’s book signing most of the attendees had never been to Soldato, so they were made aware of a new venue-- and they loved it!  Being part of this artistic community has been exciting. I’ve been well received. I performed at the Rutherford Multicultural Festival numerous times as a singer and recited poetry. So, I’m grateful for the chance to share my gifts and talents. The local venues/community help to inspire artists to keep going and vice versa. Connecting with one another strengthens the buzz and widens the circle of influence so that others may choose to partake in the experience.

MG: Why should people read Backstage Grace?

YS: Read Backstage Grace because it’s a real talk read, an easy read, a revealing read, and an uplifting read on living your best life while supporting another person. I managed to create balance and want others to see that when reading and to apply it to their own life, so they can be successful in whatever they choose to do in life.

MG: Is there anything I didn’t ask about that you would like to share?

YS: Thank you so much for this opportunity to engage in dialogue with you about Backstage Grace: A Guide to Serving With Excellence, Poise and Heart.