Conversations with Quencie Thomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Quencie Thomas.

Quencie , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I first moved to Los Angeles, I had just completed my master’s degree in Communications and was ready to get my foot in the door—however I could. I worked on any production that would give me experience, including The Law Firm (David E. Kelley’s first and only reality show), where I was a talent wrangler working closely with the attorneys on set. From there, I worked on shows like The Tyra Banks Show and Divorce Court, along with a number of freelance productions in between.

But I realized pretty quickly that if I didn’t pour that same energy into my own vision, I might never get to it.

So I took the interview show I created in my hometown—Studio Q, which originally aired on local access cable—and brought it online in LA as my own media platform. That’s when I started doing red carpet interviews and one-on-ones independently, building something that was truly mine.

My very first interview, though, goes back to college with Da Brat—and that moment showed me what was possible. But the interview that changed everything was my conversation with Whitney Houston on MTV’s FANatic, where fans were connected with the artists they loved most. That experience led to a series of encounters with Whitney over the years, including a final moment on the red carpet just two days before she passed. She recognized me immediately, stopped, and embraced me—and at the time, I had no idea that it would be both my first red carpet and her last.

After her passing, what started as a fan documentary grew into a full platform honoring her legacy—now spanning a website and social media community of over one million followers who I call my “Nippy Cousins.”

Since launching Studio Q online, I’ve interviewed hundreds of celebrities, entrepreneurs, creatives, musicians, and behind-the-scenes industry professionals. I always say I’m not a traditional journalist—but I ask real questions, I do my research, and I lead with intention.

My goal has always been to serve an often underserved audience by highlighting Black excellence through meaningful, engaging media. And looking ahead, I want to continue growing Studio Q while also sharing what I’ve learned with the next generation of storytellers who want to step into this space.

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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I’ve had my share of real struggles. When I first moved to Los Angeles, I had no car, no place of my own, and no job. I know that’s a common LA story, but when you’re the one living it, it feels like it’s only happening to you.

Within about six weeks, I went from sleeping on someone’s couch to landing a job on The Law Firm, getting a car (used, but it got me where I needed to go), and moving into my own apartment with no roommates. When I look back, that really feels like superhero-level work. I was just determined to get moving.

But even then, it wasn’t easy. I wasn’t making much money, and I was working what felt like around-the-clock hours just to cover rent, groceries, and gas. That grind lasted for about six years straight.

Eventually, I had a moment of clarity—I realized if I didn’t stop and prioritize my own vision, I could be doing that same grind for 20 years. And I didn’t want that for my life.

So I made the transition to focus on my own platform. The challenge was… I didn’t yet know how to monetize my dream. That led me right back into another difficult season—financially and emotionally. I found myself back on a couch again, this time dealing with being broke and depressed, trying to figure out how to build something of my own while still taking care of my basic needs.

That period lasted longer than I would have liked. It was a cycle of struggle, uncertainty, and growth for years. But the one thing I kept doing was creating. I was building content, telling stories, and documenting moments that I believed would matter one day.

And the truth is—that content became an investment in me. Some of the work I created a decade ago is still generating views and income today. So while it didn’t feel like it at the time, I was laying a foundation that would eventually support me.
Looking back now, those seasons of struggle and even depression weren’t the end of my story—they became part of my testimony. They shaped how I move, how I think, and how I show up. And I share that openly because it’s real—and because I know I’m not the only one who’s had to figure it out the hard way.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I started out as a celebrity interviewer, but over time I’ve grown into just being an interviewer—because the word “celebrity” can be limiting. The truth is, I interview people from all walks of life. Yes, that includes well-known figures, but it also includes entrepreneurs, creatives, social media personalities, and the people working behind the scenes. My focus is on conversations rooted in Black excellence, storytelling, and meaningful impact.

My curiosity leads me. I’m genuinely interested in people—their journeys, their decisions, how they think—and that naturally opens the door to deeper, more authentic conversations.

What I’m known for, and what I’m most proud of, is my ability to make people feel comfortable—seen, even—in a way they may not always experience. That goes for everyone I sit across from, including icons like Whitney Houston.

Part of that comes from a natural gift, but I don’t rely on that alone. I do the work. I research. I prepare. I study. So by the time I sit down with someone, I always say—it’s our second meeting, because I’ve already met them in the research.

That level of preparation shows up in the conversation, and people notice. I’ve heard it countless times: “You did your homework.” Even Whitney said that to me. She recognized that I understood not just her public persona, but how she moved behind the scenes. And that’s something I bring to every interview—not just the big names, but everyone.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just ask questions—I create space. Space for people to open up, reflect, and feel appreciated. And when that happens, the conversation becomes something more. It becomes something people can connect to, learn from, and hopefully apply to their own lives.

That’s the work. And that’s what I’m most proud of.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I loved most about LA is the weather. What i like least about it was the traffic.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://quencie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studioqtv/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StudioQueTV/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@quencie

Image Credits
I own all images, Quencie Thomas