Today we’d like to introduce you to Reema Sutton.
Hi Reema, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in Buffalo NY, I always had a gift for entertaining, never shy always loved the spotlight. I was the choir director in Church when I was younger, and in high school, I was the Captain of my undefeated high school drill team. After high school, I went to cosmetology school. Immediately after graduating, I moved to NYC in 2002 to live with family and pursue a career in acting. I immediately became employed (and too comfortable) in a 9-5 and was not as focused as I should have been on my goals. I did a few things pertaining to acting and even dabbled in rap- recording a few songs. Eventually, in 2006, I refocused my attention on my passion and signed up for acting classes at NYU. After that, I went on to join a theater workshop (The 4th Wall) where I performed in off-Broadway shows for two years.
In 2008 I became a single mom, which led me to now have to work my 9-5 and to bartend to provide for my daughter. After about three years of single motherhood and working two jobs I could no longer take the hustle, bustle and struggle of NYC. I moved myself and my daughter back to Buffalo NY, where I knew I would have the support of my mom and sister-less expensive to live etc. However, even the move back to my hometown did not allow for me to focus back into my career in acting/entertainment. I still had debt bills and a daughter to raise. It wasn’t until 2016/2017 that I began to have this deep interest in learning to write comedy for standup. I was raised on Def Comedy Jam- the original with Martin, and watching all the greats, Bernie Mack, Martin, Chris Rock, Sommore Monique, the list goes on and on. Something was tugging at me to explore my comedic side. Always known to bring dope energy into a room, always making people around me laugh, being a bartender constantly performing behind the bar, singing making people laugh, dancing having FUN. Of course, with social media now being the ultimate platform- and social media “Comedians” and “Influencers quickly on the rise. I attempted to dive into recording and doing one-woman skits. However, I just didn’t feel that was “my lane.”
In 2018 I signed up for a stand-up comedy workshop at Helium Comedy club. I learned the basics on joke writing and stand-up comedy. The workshop ended with a graduation comedy show. I didn’t invite a lot of people, I was scared. and my father was dying of cancer around the time I was preparing for my very first standup performance. I performed May 2nd, 2018, six days before losing my dad. He was proud of me and although he didn’t get to see me perform, I got to speak to him and see him soon after. After my first performance, things just went quickly for me. I was booking big shows after that. Working with Talent the comedian, I was able to make so many connections. I also went back to NYC, where people connected me with promoters and I was able to work with other popular comedians. In 2019 I had the opportunity of costarring in a big local film, “Conflicted,” written by Duece King and filmed and produced by Ak Reed. The film featured Micheal Rappaport J Holiday, Benny the Butcher and Westside Gun of Griselda Records. That gave me even more exposure. In summer 2020, I came to Atlanta to work. I did several guest spots again, making awesome connections. I went on to get booked for feature/lead in the City Girls ft Lil Baby Flewed out music video where I had the opportunity to work with Desi Banks and Navv Green- 2 big names in comedy in Georgia. I connected with Desi again for Desi and Pretty Vee’s Valentine, where I played the role of Roxy. Another Dope experience. Having so many opportunities in Atlanta, “Black Hollywood,” It was only right that I relocated. The community the hospitality the networking is just awesome.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am human so naturally, my biggest obstacle most of the time is trying to get out of my own head. Getting away from the insecurities, and fears, problems and worries I create in my head. I am in my late 30’s (although I don’t look it-Ha!) I am also now the mother of a preteen, so this transition to Georgia is difficult she doesn’t want to leave and I don’t want to leave her. But I can’t bring her to Atlanta until I am situated. It’s been really hard. Even when to the outside, things seem to be going Amazing for me. I am still struggling everyday. The pressure of moving, trying to push out content, write material for standup, it can be extremely overwhelming to stay focused and motivated. Oh and lets not forget we are STILL in the midst of a global pandemic. I just continue to push through and Trust God. Walk-in my faith, even when sometimes its only the size of a mustard seed- I will still tiptoe on that joint!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Stand-Up Comedy- Buffalo NY – Shea’s Theater, The Tralf music Hall, Brooklyn NY Laffaholics Comedy Series, Brooklyn Comedy Zone- Rochester NY- Photo City Improv Tampa Fl- Moore Eventful, Atlanta- Crave Lounge, Suite Lounge, Oakk. Film/Video- Conflicted (Amazon Prime March 2021) City Girls Ft. Lil Baby Flewed out Music Video directed by Benny Boom, Desi and Pretty Vee’s Valentine.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My favorite books right now is Quiet Times with God Devotional- Joyce Meyers, and In Gods Presence – Bridgette Marie. I also have a book I am about to start reading, The Power of your Subconscious Mind- Joseph Murphy. I don’t have a favorite App but my favorite social media pages for inspiration are @Pinkestluv and @spiritualword on IG. A couple of my favorite Podcasts Salon Talk Podcast and A Nuva Black Podcast. I am looking for more- so I am open to suggestions.
Contact Info:
- Email: reemareemsofunny@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reemareem/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reemsofunny/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReemaReem
