A Humble Abode and Safe Space For Bonnets & Durags
Her: Simone Arrington
Hometown: Albany, New York | Alma Mater: College of Saint Rose
What started as a simple conversation about dating and relationships on Twitter has quickly turned into an experience that gives a new meaning to the term “pillow talking.”
Simone Arrington is the founder of Bonnets & Durags Podcast - a podcast designed to provide millennials with a safe space to have open, intimate, and honest conversations. Preparing to enter her fourth season of the podcast, Simone took some time to share a little about her journey to creating this space which, in just three years, has grown beyond the internet and into a continuously sold-out real life experience.
How did you come up with the idea for Bonnets & Durags?
The honest truth? I got tired of arguing with guys on the timeline about love, dating and relationships. No one was being heard and it began to feel like everyone was speaking at each other and not with each other. I saw that as my opportunity to create a space where Black millennial men and women could have healthy conversations around topics that concerned us the most.
Can you share a little about the name, Bonnets & Durags: A Pillow Talk Podcast?
I always knew that I wanted the podcast to serve as an intimate space for conversations. One day while I was driving home the name just came to me. It’s like God was talking to me in that very moment and it made sense. When you’re most comfortable and vulnerable with someone, a lot of your most intimate conversations are most likely to happen when you have your bonnet and/or durag on. These intimate moments are often referred to as “pillow talking” thus creating Bonnets & Durags: A Pillow Talk Podcast.
You just hosted your third Bonnets & Durags party. How did you decide to take the podcast into a real life experience?
Since I love themed parties, I thought it’d be a good idea to throw an event for the podcast that required people to wear bonnets & durags. It was a pretty straight forward idea and people loved it! They loved it so much that I just celebrated my third sold-out Bonnets & Durags party.
What has been your biggest accomplishment with Bonnets & Durags?
My biggest accomplishment was definitely when Devon Franklin’s publicist reached out to me. She basically told me that she came across the podcast, loved the concept and thought he would be a great guest. After a few e-mail exchanges, we were able to make it happen. In that moment it was like, “Wow. Someone sees me and sees my work,” and it made me so proud of myself.
He was such an amazing guest and provided great insight on how to be a better professional, friend, romantic partner. I definitely think we need more people like him for our culture and community.
What has been your biggest obstacle with Bonnets & Durags?
My biggest obstacles would have to be maintaining a consistent schedule for episode releases and scheduling studio time for recording. For 2020 I want to focus on investing in my own recording equipment to have in my home. This will hopefully eliminate my need to rely on others for recordings and hopefully allow me to release content on a more consistent basis. Consistency is one of my themes for 2020.
Did you have a theme in mind when decorating your space?
I always knew I wanted modern glam. My favorite color is green and my second favorite color is gold and I knew I wanted to make sure both colors had an appearance throughout the space.
What was the biggest challenge you faced when decorating your space?
I hold on to a lot of things that I should probably get rid of. When I moved into this space, it took a while for me to unpack and I had to part ways with a lot of things that I actually no longer needed.
What stores do you frequent for decor and home goods?
I’m a huge fan of T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Home Goods, Wayfair and Joss and Main.
Do you have any rules or words of advice for others when it comes to decorating?
I would encourage everyone to create a mood board. Instagram’s saved section feature is like the new Pinterest and it’s so good! If I see something on my feed or explore page that I can envision in my apartment, I save it and begin creating the story for myself.
What’s your favorite thing about your apartment?
I really love these windows and the natural sunlight they provide. When I open my blinds, I feel a sense of warmth and brightness that I always desired in an apartment.
If you could change one thing about your apartment, what would it be?
I really wish there was a washer and dryer in-unit.
What’s your favorite thing about living in NYC?
I love that I have access to almost everything. Nothing seems untouchable or out of reach and I love that. I also love the communities that are created for people who look and think like us. My prime example was my ability to find community with The CCNYC just a few weeks after moving here. I Immediately I knew those were the types of people I wanted to call my tribe - all thanks to NYC.