Issa Rae Covers Forbes / Talks New Jewelry Collection & the Power of Telling Black Stories

Issa Rae is making major moves, from YouTube to the box office, and she’s sharing it all in an interview with Forbes.

Full story below…

The multi-talented writer, producer, and entrepreneur reveals that her production company HOORAE, was founded to tell authentic Black stories, recently showcased in her film ‘ One of Them Days ,’ starring SZA and Keke Palmer.

In the interview, Issa shared:

“We want to prioritize Black audiences and storytellers. Those stories, in particular, are the reason I’m here. I’m also in a business, so we have to think smart and what will make money and what will draw audiences to our work but we are very much ‘what is missing?’ first.”

The multihyphenate wears many hats in her thriving ecosystem of businesses, including Hoorae Media, Raedio, and Color Creative, and how she balances it all.

She admits:

“Honestly, it’s a lot of conversations and meetings, and I’m not saying I’m perfect at it.

As for her mantra, she shared:

“People will watch anything as long as it entertains them.”

“People will watch anything as long as it entertains them.”

Issa Rae, writer, producer and @HOORAEMedia founder, joins @ForbesWomen editor @mcgrathmag to discuss creating media. https://t.co/nFDR8lePBW pic.twitter.com/6NXzudMXjU

— Forbes (@Forbes) February 17, 2025

But she’s not stopping there. The star is expanding her entrepreneurial empire with the launch of her jewelry collection, Braeve , in collaboration with Cast Jewelry.

She shares her love for statement pieces and the significance of jewelry as a status symbol, as shown on her Forbes cover. The line reflects her values, being led by women and focused on sustainability—a perfect match for her vision.

“Cast is the most legacy-building collaboration I’ve ever done. Storytelling is forever, make no mistake. But sometimes the stories get detached from the storytellers; the best stories do. This still feels . . . tangibly finite.”

Issa Rae’s journey shows that her ambitions know no limits, and she’s just getting started.

Watch the full interview: