Revealing... I want to build a multimedia empire in Bermuda

Carla Zuill is a reporter, a social media strategist, a well-known blogger and a life coach.

She has a weekly column — Carla Confidential — every Monday in The Royal Gazette. She is also mother to Sakile, 13, Ajani, 7, and Na’im, 4.

Her newest venture is her show, Straight Talk with Carla Zuill, which launches on Wednesday on Channel 82.

Viewers can expect honest, frank conversations with topics most Bermudians won’t usually touch in a public forum. The show is expected to be bold and sassy, just like Carla. In her spare time, Carla plays softball, enjoys reading, cooking, photography and social media.

She is also passionate about helping those who are in need and regularly posts statuses on Facebook asking people to donate. Carla is currently the assistant news director for Bermuda Broadcasting News.

Interview by Mikaela Ian Pearman.

Your earliest memory? 

Dancing to Brown Girl in the Ring with my mom and Aunt Violet when I lived in Happy Valley as a child. I was three. And of course I was the Brown Girl!

What were you like in school? 

Always studious, loved to learn, but didn’t push myself to my full potential because I was intelligent.

Which human trait do you dislike the most? 

Lying. I live in truth. It drives people crazy, especially the ones who can’t handle it. But it’s liberating. It sets you free.

Human trait you value most in others? 

Showing unconditional love. There have been times when I was extremely conditional, it gets you nowhere. But then again, outside of my children, showing unconditional love has got me nowhere either.

Which film character would you be? 

Vin Diesel. There are a few people I’d like to knock out.

When did you last laugh out loud? And why? 

I’m always laughing. I have a sense of humour that is loved by many. 

Your greatest fear?

Dying before I am satisfied that my children have successfully found their way in the world.

Your ultimate ambition?  

To have a successful multi-media empire in Bermuda and beyond.

Your most unappealing habit? 

I do this grunting thing when my sinuses are acting up. People give the weirdest looks when I do it…but it feels so gooood! 

Describe yourself in three words. 

Passionate. Loyal. Driven.

Best party you’ve ever been to? 

My 35th birthday party at BPSU. Had a blast and was surrounded with people who wanted to celebrate the momentous occasion with me.

Biggest disappointment? 

Being a single mother, but hey it could be worse. I could be single and unsuccessful.

Biggest regret? 

Not completing my Master’s Degree as soon as I finished my Bachelor’s — 16 years and three children later, I’m plugging at it.

Your desert island song? 

Me Myself and I by Beyonce. I sing it at least twice a week. It’s my mantra.

What do you do if you can’t sleep? 

I pray. I reflect. I troll social media pages. I get up and kiss each of my children and thank God for giving them to me.

If you had a time machine, where would you go? 

To the South during the Civil Rights era. I think my generation is too accepting of the wrong things. We need a movement of our own.

Most unpleasant exchange you’ve have had with a person. 

A huge fight on a Saturday afternoon. The person disrespected my home. All decorum went out the window that day. I’ve never been that angry since. And vowed I never would be.

Best advice you have ever taken? 

“Move on. You deserve better. People will see the truth for themselves.”

If you weren’t a journalist, what would you be? 

A social worker. I love helping and empowering others. Or working in
Public Relations.

What do you most dislike about you appearance? 

The fleshy moles on my face. And I’m beginning to realize my left eye is slightly lazy. 

What do you like best about your appearance? 

My bow legs and my posterior and I am told quite often that I have a beautiful smile.

What’s your attitude to money? 

I don’t need to be rich but I need to ensure that I am always in a position to take care of my children. 

Nicest thing anyone has ever said to you? 

That I am doing a great job with all of my children. That is the best compliment ever. I take pride that they are a direct result of my unwavering commitment to their upbringing.

Define romantic love. 

When you think about that person and you get a chill and your smile radiates from the inside out. When you can look in that person’s eyes and know what they are saying without uttering a word.

Most treasured possession? 

My heart. And I protect it fiercely. Maybe too much, according to some. 

A dream location for a home? 

In my mother’s homeland, Nevis, overlooking the water. 

What keeps you up at night? 

Worrying about if I am a good enough parent to my children. They are my everything and I want nothing but the best for them. So until they are at least 18, it is my responsibility to ensure their needs are provided for. Especially my sons because I am pretty much raising them solo.

Guilty pleasure? 

Macadamia Nut Brittle Ice Cream. Although I’m working out I eat maybe a spoonful every two weeks as opposed half a pint per sitting like I used to. 

Your attitude to exercise? 

I’m actually starting to love it. I work out 5.15am twice a week and 7am each Sunday. This is huge because I am not a morning person. But it’s been great. 

Your proudest achievement? 

When I was a reporter for the daily, I got a huge story which allowed us to break it before electronic did, which is unprecedented. I remember that night like it was yesterday. That’s when I realized how important my job was in the community. 

If you won a million dollars, what would you do with it? 

I would ensure that my children’s college educations are paid for, I would refurbish my home. I’d give all of my nieces and nephews a gift and donate to those in need. 

What would you most like to be remembered for? 

For my ability to live in truth and with integrity. I am unapologetic for who I am. I want people to remember me for being a great mother and friend and a champion of causes that others were afraid to stand up for. 

Most important lesson life has taught you? 

Life has taught me that you cannot control other people’s actions and that really the only actions I am responsible for are my own.