Finding Light: An Interview with Robin Ayers

What if there is always a way out?

I first met Robin Ayers when we were guests on a talk show discussing the untimely death of Jessica Pettway. We were talking about the high rates of misdiagnosis in Black and Brown communities, and she bravely shared her recent diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma cancer. She turned what must have been a terrifying moment into an opportunity to advocate for the health and awareness of others. In dark moments, we are perfectly within our right to step back, so it is truly remarkable when someone steps forward.

When I launched the newsletter, I cast a wide but intentional net of people I wanted to interview. Robin was one of the first people on my list, and she was also one of my first yeses. I will always be grateful for that.

But let me tell you about this queen.

As seen on FOX, BET, and OWN Network, Robin is a renowned author, speaker, and entertainment and radio host who inspires and motivates with stories from celebrities and everyday achievers. Using her own life's challenges and triumphs, Robin speaks with a relatable, impactful attitude that resonates with her audience. A former fashion stylist, she transitioned to entertainment reporting, interviewing stars like Jackie Chan, Will Smith, and Magic Johnson. Robin's work includes red carpet coverage, co-hosting TV shows, and delivering motivational speeches at various events, always aiming to help others overcome challenges and pursue their dreams.

I am thrilled to welcome Robin to the platform. 

Faye: When we met, I was so taken by your authenticity and honesty about your journey. I wanted to know you better and learn more about you. 

Robin: Oh my gosh, I’m always taken aback when someone wants to speak with me or learn something new about me. It’s hard to live in your skin and know you’re making an impact. Sometimes, you have to step out and take a bird’s eye view of things. 

FAYE: Isn’t it always like that? So, I would love to start by learning more about your firsts. Could you tell me about some of the firsts you’ve achieved and how those achievements have impacted you and your family?

ROBIN: As far as being the first in my family, I consider myself the chosen one. I was the one who ignited a passion for God in my family. I went to school, graduated, and made it out, so to speak. That has been inspiring for me and my extended family. For my immediate family—my children and husband—I can only hope they are inspired by what I’ve done. My children, who are 17, sometimes say things like, “You’re the only author I know,” which shows me they’re paying attention. They’ve told me they’re proud of me, as is my husband, but it comes out in other ways, too. That’s how I know I’m making an impact.

FAYE: As a mother of three boys, I understand how precious those moments are when you realize they’ve been paying attention! It’s so rewarding. So, you are a host, speaker, author, mother, and wife. Can you share a pivotal moment or moments that led you to this 2024 version of yourself?

ROBIN: Sure. I’ll start with high school. I was lost and didn’t know what I wanted to do. I didn’t fall in line with my peers who were preparing for college. I wanted to go out, get a job, and hustle. After a few years, I decided I needed to do something more meaningful, so I enrolled in fashion school.

I worked in fashion for a bit, but after meeting my husband, joining the church, and getting married, I became a stay-at-home mom. When my twins were born, I realized they were a commodity in the entertainment business, so I got them an agent. For five years, I was a momager, taking them to auditions and shoots.

When they decided they wanted to focus on school, I looked for ways to re-enter the workforce. I met Sonja Norwood, singer and actress Brandy's mother, who was looking for an intern. I offered to intern for free just to be around and learn. She graciously let me into her circle, and that opened doors for me.

Through Sonia, I met Jojo Ryder, who saw my potential and asked me to interview Keith Sweat for a project. I had never interviewed anyone before but said yes. That led to more opportunities, including interviewing Magic Johnson. These experiences made me realize I loved interviewing. It was a series of yeses and stepping out scared that brought me to where I am now.

FAYE: That’s amazing and so inspiring. Your humility and willingness to learn surely opened many doors. How did you exercise discernment to know which opportunities were right for you?

ROBIN: Discernment is a gift, but it also sharpens with experience. I’ve always had a keen sense of discernment, but I’ve made mistakes, too. Ultimately, one of my truest gifts is being able to detect the soul of a person. In just 30 seconds, I can sense whether someone is good or not. It’s been a process of learning to trust that instinct.

FAYE: So many of us run away from our instincts or explain them away. Trusting them is a gift in and of itself! So, speaking of seeing a person's soul—you’ve interviewed so many high-caliber guests. What do you love most about interviewing, and which interview has impacted you the most?

ROBIN: What I love about interviewing is discovering the mind of the person I’m speaking with. Usually, when we talk about these people, we all know them, and there’s a reason for that. They may be A-list or B-list celebrities, but they’ve achieved so much. I never had the chance to interview Kobe Bryant, but if I ever did, I wouldn’t care that it’s Kobe Bryant. I would want to know how he thinks—how he achieved what he did. And not only for myself, but also for those who will watch the interview. What can you tell us about how you think? That’s why I ask the questions I do.

That second question is a difficult one to answer! Because of the types of questions I ask, I get incredible answers and insights that I had never thought about before, often offering me a new way to think about something. Many people have done that for me, so I’m not sure if I can pinpoint any one interview in particular. There was an interview that particularly impacted me. It was last year at an event—I know because I just attended the same event last night. There was a beautiful woman named Deborah, whom I call Auntie, and she was accompanied by Pastor Michael Todd. At the end of our interview, they turned it around on me and started to speak life into me. It was meaningful and impactful because, when you’re walking the red carpet, everyone just hopes to get interviewed. But rarely does someone turn it around and show genuine interest in you. They said something stuck out about me and wanted to talk to me. I was like, "Whoa." I got that moment on camera, and I’ll keep that memory forever. It was probably more impactful than any celebrity I’ve ever interviewed.

FAYE: Wow, that sounds powerful. We all want to feel seen. It must have been a beautiful moment. You have had such an incredible journey, Robin, with so many highs. Naturally, I'm sure you've experienced lows as well. What keeps you going, especially during tough times? Do you have a mantra or affirmation?

ROBIN: That's such a great question. I experience fear like anyone else, but my faith is triumphant. You may or may not know from social media that just last October, I went through a crazy medical situation and was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma cancer. As soon as I left the doctor’s office after my diagnosis, I started handling my business, which was praying to God and letting the most important people know. I didn't let it shake me because it didn’t belong to me.

In a similar way, that's how I handle life. I believe everything is always going to work out, and that belief is why it does for me. I wish everyone knew that no matter what it looks like today—whether it’s ups or downs—it will be alright. Even if it doesn’t feel alright right now, we’re not done yet. God is not going to let you fail. 

We will experience everything in life, and it doesn’t mean that the weapons won’t be formed against us—they just won’t prosper. That’s my mindset. The first book I wrote is called Unspoken Language: Making Your Belief Speak for You. In that book, I talk about being with a friend in a dark tunnel. If they want to cry, I’ll sit and cry with them, but only for a moment because somebody’s got to get up and find the light. I will grab their hand and start searching for the light. Just close your eyes, keep crying, but hold my hand. That’s how I think about it—there’s always a glimpse of light. Once you see it, you’ll know where you’re going. That’s what always overcomes fear for me. It’s not that I don’t experience fear. I just won’t let it take up residency in my mind.

FAYE: Not you making me cry, Robin! Your faith is so inspiring. So, if I can gather myself, let’s talk about one of my favorite subjects—books! Aside from your own books, is there one book you can read again and again?

ROBIN: I am Debra Lee. It has so many layers and touches on so many aspects of life. I have it on Audible and can listen to it repeatedly, gaining new insights each time. Another great book is The Four Agreements, which helps me realign myself.

FAYE: I love both of those books! So, what’s next for you? Any new projects? Any new books?

ROBIN: I think it’s time for me to step out and do something that scares me again, like creating my own show or segment. I have ideas that I want to bring to life. Another book is also in the works, but it keeps evolving. I’m excited about what’s next.

Check out a clip from my interview with Robin!