By ALESHA CADET
Tribune Features Reporter
acadet@tribunemedia.net
The TV show “A Seat at the Table” is a production made for women by women. Now in its second season, it is a platform that aims to provide a space for women to discuss topics that are often considered controversial and taboo, said creator Latoya Moxey. It also covers powerful and empowering ideas that are sometimes neglected and rejected by men and society as a whole.
“Society has placed many stereotypes on women, as well as unrealistic standards and goals that aren't placed on men. This shows allows women to dig deeper into the narrative that has been set for us and find ways to change that narrative as well as share how we've overcame in certain situations,” she told Tribune Woman.
Latoya has a varied career background. She has worked in hospitality in various areas of management, but mainly in being marketing and public relations. She’s an ISSA certified fitness trainer and holds a certification in entrepreneurial leadership from the Harvard Business School Online. She’s also a self-taught swimwear and fitness designer.
And it was her love of being creative and communications that led her to various speaking roles and platforms, resulting in the birth of the talk show “A Seat at The Table”.
I hosted a red carpet for the Bahamian Icon Awards and have been in front of the camera for most of my adult life. I have been told by many persons that ‘I was made for this’. After giving it a lot of thought and research, I just went for it. It was important for me to prove to myself that I could do this. I wanted to show my daughter that strong women come in many different forms. I wanted to show her and others that whatever you put your mind to, you can do. Most importantly, I wanted to create a safe space to break down the stereotypes, clear up misconceptions and really provide a seat at the table for women and men to view from a different vantage point of what it is to be female,” said Latoya.
The second season of “A Seat at the Table” aired last Sunday at 5pm and will continue to air on Sundays on its YouTube channel.
Latoya said the advantage of having the show on a virtual platform is that viewers can watch the episodes at their leisure on the device of their choosing.
Episodes come in two formats: one-on-one interviews with experts on particular topics and round table talks featuring different viewpoints for clarity and balance.
“In season one we tackled topics such as body positivity, body shaming, confidence, a man's right to tell a woman how to look, successful women in business and how they've grown their companies from the ground up, infidelity from the perspective of ‘the other woman’, life after divorce and death of a spouse, and more,” said Latoya.
“The stories have been so powerful, and we've gotten great feedback on each episode. We are so thankful for the women who are courageous enough to share their stories with me. We end each season finale with a panel of men and women.”
For Latoya, the project is a labour of love.
“When we first started as a team of four women, we had many challenges, especially with partnerships, funding and production, then Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas during mid-planning. And moving into 2020, COVID-19 struck everyone hard, and we had to pause. I invested with my own funds to get the ball rolling, and with the commitment of a few team members, we jump-started our engines. Even through all of the setbacks, loss of a few team members, we pushed through and found a way to get 10 episodes taped, edited and packaged,” she said.
For season two, Latoya said viewers can expect seven thought-provoking episodes.
“I always look forward to hearing from other women. There's no validation needed in expressing how and who we are, but supporting each other, providing constructive feedback and discussing with transparency and honesty what we go through as women, I find is necessary,” she said.
“We learn from each other, whether it’s by open and honest conversation, or unfortunately, the kitchen table talk that happens with women who wish to judge each other without understanding or reason. Ironically, that's why I love this show so much. We've all been that woman at one point or another who may have judged another woman based on what we see or hear, and if not at least one time or more you don't catch yourself thinking about your life choices or habits or goals, then the show isn't doing its job. It reminds us of who we are as mothers, partners, professionals, friends, human beings, especially when we sit quiet and listen to someone's story that we may have misunderstood. It's humbling, it’s uplifting, it’s heart-warming, and in some instances, gut-wrenching, but it's all real and it’s being heard.”
She said the team is looking forward to scouting for new content for season three in late July. Those interested in participating can e-mail aseastatthetabletalkshow@gmail.com.
“The show is truly beneficial for all women. The only way we can make a change is if we become the change and set the example of learning from our failures and celebrating our victories as women. The importance of storytelling, sharing and acknowledging the subjects that matter in our lives shouldn't be something we suppress or never address aloud, but rather embrace and learn to heal and be heard. We help one another grow when we show our strengths, not hide them. Don't get me wrong, not everything or everyone requires an audience, however, when we consider how impactful we are by using our voices for good, for clarity, for not just a seat at the table but also to build our own tables, we then become unstoppable,” said Latoya.
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