Today we’d like to introduce you to Ray Perkins.
Ray, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My passion for media and entertainment started as early as I can remember. I was only in the third grade when I started directing, producing and hosting the morning announcement show for my elementary school. Back then it was the best thing that ever happened to me and I can remember the way it changed me forever, becoming a pediatrician or a singer wasn’t going to cut it anymore, I had to have my own TV show. As I got older, my interests never changed, however, my focus did, so while I was telling people “Im going to be a talk show host,” I was working a million kind of jobs and trying to find the best way to make money instead of channeling the type of energy into my dreams that they deserved.
Being naturally talkative and able to entertain a group of people is something I’ve used to my advantage my entire life. I’ve been able to talk myself into jobs that I had no experience for and out of situations I didn’t need to be in. After leaving college to “find myself (really find some money)”, I charmed my way into a waitress position and was able to use my personality to make pretty good money for myself. The hustler in me quickly noticed that the big money was coming from behind the bar. Servicing others and making people feel good is something that has always made me truly happy and from behind the bar I was being paid to do just that. I can’t recall exactly how I came up with the idea to combine my talk show and my passion for bartending. I do remember though, that idea coming during a time when I was being very deliberate in my prayers, asking God for balance and to help me become more focused. The first Episode of Talkin’ Tipsy, featuring a house made Margarita Sangria was released in November 2017 and I’ve been Talkin’ Tipsy Ray ever since.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Anyone who does anything similar to what I do knows that on recording day sometimes cameras aren’t charged enough and we record entire episodes just to realize the sound was terrible and the footage can’t be used. Other times, we just don’t have the money to pay for what needs to be done in order to bring the show together. Those have all been small mishaps for me on my journey on more than one occasion. I’ve learned though, that I am literally the only thing that can stop me.
Before there was Talkin’ Tipsy Ray, there was Raya Mars with The Vlog From Outer Space. Then, I was Raya P, the host of The Pajama Panel and countless other shows that I’m almost too embarrassed to mention now. I’m 26 years old and my first show was released when I was 19, so I’ve been chasing my dreams through what I think have been some of the most pivotal years of my life so far. On top of trying to step into the media industry without a degree or any real experience, I’ve also been trying to find my spot in the universe and figure out the kind of woman I’m becoming. My show and anything I create is an extension of me so in the beginning, it was difficult to get comfortable showing people my personality or who I am, when for the longest time I wasn’t sure myself. I think that shows through all the different forms my show has taken on and how many times I’ve stopped and started again –the battle was never about figuring out what I wanted to do, it was always about being consistent.
In recent years, I struggled with anxiety and depression and it was such a big part of my life at one point that I would have to take hiatuses from social media and just society in general. No matter how long I’d go without releasing any content, someone random would always see me and address me by one of my old alias’ or bring up an interview I’d done years ago. Being reminded of all these weird version of my dream that didn’t work used to embarrassed me for some reason, now I’m able to look at it as a sign that my work is actually reaching people and making a lasting impact. It feels like I’m finally on the right track.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Talkin’ Tipsy – what should we know?
I interview people while getting them tipsy. It’s a very simple concept. Each episode I create a cocktail that is inspired by my guest and ask them questions about their business, talent or art. There’s still so much for me to learn as a bartender but I’ve been privileged enough to learn a lot about spirits and mixers so I’m able to take craft cocktail ingredients and put a fun twist on them. Being the host and bartender for the evening allows me to create the vibes I want in the room and have fun with my bartending skills. I get my guests as comfortable as possible on set and then the real show begins.
Talkin’ Tipsy is growing into more than just a show, I feel like its’ becoming a home for different creatives. After a few sips of a specialty cocktail and a couple of icebreaker questions, my guests are really giving viewers an insight to who they are and not just what they do. I’ve developed real friendships through these interviews because my goal for the show has always been to genuinely get to know my guest. We’re having fun, doing some bar talk, just on camera.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I thank God every single chance I can for showing me the kind of favor that allows me to literally live out my dream. The show hasn’t reached it’s full potential yet, but I feel extremely blessed that I have the means and the opportunity to create the career I want for myself with this show. I haven’t crossed paths with any mentors yet; however, I’m making it a point to network more with people, women especially, who I can learn from and grow with.
I also have to thank God for parents who support me in the way that mine do. My dad taught me how to hustle, not just to make money, but how to make every situation I’m in work for me. He bought my first camera when I told him I couldn’t afford to pay someone to shoot my show and encouraged me to learn how to do everything on my own. He even paid for my first bartending class and never asked for me to pay him back, he’s literally the reason I’m able to be Talkin’ Tipsy Ray. My mother has invested in me in ways I can’t explain; she helps me understand how important it is to have a relationship with God- which is the reason I’ve overcome every obstacle in my life so far. My ability to make people feel good comes from her teaching me at an early age how important it is to be kind to others. They’re my best friends and I can’t wait until they see how their investments in me pay off.
I’d like to thank any videographer that has ever shot an episode of my show as well as Media Production Studio for allowing me to set an entire bar up inside their facility. This seasons set was created by Brittini Rambeaux, her efforts and ideas have helped take this show to the next level! Lastly, I would like to thank every single guest whose traveled to come be a part of my show, every friend who has been an audience member and provided great energy on set and every single person who watches my show on any social media platform. Its the best feeling in the world to know that people want to be a part of or even just watch my show.
Contact Info:
- Email: talkintipsyray@gmail.com
- Instagram: talkintipsyray
- Twitter: talkintipsyray
Image Credit:
AboutadreamCo. -Terrence Johnson, WithIntentTV.- Sterling McGee
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