Felicia Pride has long championed the art of storytelling, but with Honey Chile, she has taken her passion to a new level—one that unapologetically centers the experiences of Black women over 40.
Founded four years ago, Honey Chile is not just a brand; it is a transformative platform that tells stories by, for, and about women whose voices are often ignored in Hollywood and media spaces.
Pride’s journey with Honey Chile began with an acute observation: stories that reflected the conversations she and her friends were having were missing from mainstream narratives.
“I saw a gap in the marketplace in Hollywood,” Pride explained. “The conversations I was having with my friends weren’t being reflected in the stories we saw on TV and in film. I wanted to prioritize Black women, 40 and over, both as an audience and as storytellers.”
The platform addresses this glaring omission by crafting empowering narratives that spotlight the lives of Black women as multi-dimensional individuals, while also redefining what it means to thrive after 40.
The Concept of ‘Honeys’
Central to Honey Chile is the concept of “honeys.” For Pride, the term is more than a demographic label; it is a way of being.
“We tell stories by, for, or about honeys,” Pride said. “This means centering Black women over 40 in leading roles and telling stories that resonate with them, showcasing their wide-ranging interests, joys, and challenges.”
This approach does more than entertain—it validates and celebrates the often-overlooked lived experiences of Black women in this age group, offering them a mirror where they can see their worth and influence reflected.
A Cultural and Economic Force
The significance of Black women over 40 extends beyond storytelling. Pride emphasizes their role as cultural influencers and economic powerhouses.
“The scope, the influence, and the financial prowess of honeys are also why we’re prioritizing them from a marketing perspective,” Pride noted.
This demographic continuously shapes trends, narratives, and movements, serving as vital contributors to broader cultural conversations.
Pride is determined to ensure they are not just participants but protagonists in the stories that define our times.
Creative Roots and New Horizons
Pride’s career in storytelling is deeply rooted in her early work as a music journalist and author. Those foundations have shaped her ability to craft authentic, compelling narratives.
Today, Honey Chile spans multiple media formats, including podcasts, books, and films.
One of the brand’s standout productions is its newest podcast, It’s Good Over Here, which delves into the adventures and transformations of Black women post-40. The first episode features viral rapper Angel Laquita Moore, whose story underscores the beauty of self-discovery later in life.
Honey Chile’s debut podcast, Chile Please, received critical acclaim, earning two NAACP Image Award nominations. Pride sees audio storytelling as particularly accessible and impactful.
“We are so invested in audio because of its accessibility, both for audiences and creators,” she said. “It’s a great way to connect on a personal level.”
On the cinematic front, Pride’s first film, Look Back At It, was shot in Baltimore as a proof of concept. Exploring themes of family and personal growth, the project exemplifies the deeply personal stories Pride seeks to bring to life.
Beyond her own projects, Pride is adapting Tia Williams’ bestselling novel, Seven Days in June, for Amazon, demonstrating how Honey Chile bridges literature, media, and film.
Empowering Through Community and Innovation
While Honey Chile thrives in Hollywood, Pride is committed to building a holistic brand that extends far beyond the screen.
“Our mission is bigger than Hollywood,” Pride said. “We do work through our newsletter, social media, events, and even a book arm that we are launching. We’re about creating a space where Black women can truly get free.”
Part of this mission includes re-releasing her book, The Creative Comeback Workbook, which details her journey to rediscovering her creative voice.
“The next book is a romance novella under Honey Chile,” she shared, signaling the brand’s venture into yet another storytelling medium.
One of the most innovative aspects of Honey Chile is the Honey Fund. In collaboration with Women of Color Unite, this initiative enables supporters to make tax-exempt donations, funding creative projects that elevate women of color in media.
Changing the Narrative
Felicia Pride’s work with Honey Chile is more than a celebration of Black women over 40—it’s a challenge to the status quo. By amplifying their stories, Pride is ensuring that this powerful demographic gets the recognition and representation it deserves.
With her vision and commitment, Pride is not just telling stories—she is redefining who gets to be seen and heard in today’s cultural landscape.
