When Pretty Vee walks into a room, the question isn’t just who will show up—it’s which side of her will shine today. Will it be Sharoonn, her beloved Jamaican character? The dancer? The comedian? The fashion icon? No matter which persona the world sees, at her core, she is Dr. Vena Excell—a confident, multi-hyphenate, God-loving woman stepping into her power on her own terms.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Pretty Vee to get all the tea. From the moment I walk onto the set, it’s clear she’s in her element. With every camera click, she effortlessly shifts from pose to pose, exuding the confidence of someone born for this moment. Even between outfit changes, she takes time to introduce herself, making sure everyone is comfortable and welcomed. Her warmth and authenticity are undeniable, a spirit that has captivated over six million Instagram followers.
As we sit down to talk, Vee is fully present, excited for this moment. "I’m so appreciative that Upscale sees their Cover Girl in me,” she says, a beaming smile across her face. And with that, we explore the essence of Pretty Vee—fire, water, air, and earth—each element shaping the powerhouse she’s become. Her energy is dynamic, ever-evolving, and impossible to ignore. Let’s break it down.
Fire – Passion & Transformation
“I have so much more to bring than jumping on tables and playing characters,” she declares. “I’m a beauty girl, a fashion girl, a host—I want to show my range.”
Her journey didn’t happen overnight. It started with an iPhone, a dream, and a best friend who saw her light before the world did. “She filmed my skit, and it went viral—but I was still struggling,” Vee recalls. “I was working my 9-to-5s—Dollar Tree, McAlister’s Deli, TJ Maxx—I was even an assistant for DaBaby. But I was still struggling.”
Determined to make it, she auditioned for Wild ‘N Out—and didn’t get it. “God said it wasn’t my time, and He was right,” she reflects. “ I lied in my first audition, saying DC Young Fly was my cousin and Karlous Miller was my uncle,” she laughs. “But in that time, I learned that God is an honest God, and He will keep you.”
"He kept me in a place of stillness, preparing me for the moment when I was truly ready.”
That moment came in 2018 when she got the callback. And from there, the doors began to open.
Water – Depth & Purpose
Pretty Vee refuses to be confined by expectations. She’s not just an entertainer; she’s a businesswoman, a creative director, and a producer, pushing boundaries and making moves.
Her brand is proof of her relentless drive—her merchandise is now sold in over 600 Citi Trends stores, and her latest project, Pretty Victory, a 100-page journal designed to help readers recenter and find their purpose, is available in Walmart, Target, and Barnes & Noble.
“My mission is simple—I want to help people. I want to change lives,” she says. “I want my book to remind people—they can start over, they can win again. If you have another chance to be great, fight through that. Get up!”
Her impact goes beyond business. She’s dedicated to giving back, regularly mentoring young girls in juvenile detention centers and supporting Agape Church in Atlanta. “I do this for the people—those who love me and those who haven’t had a chance to get to know me,” she says. “I want to use my platform to uplift others, and I do that by being myself and staying relatable.”
Air – Dreams & Influence
Vee has always dreamed in color, and now, she’s bringing those dreams to life on the big screen. “I’ve always wanted to be in front of the camera. I’ve always wanted to be a movie star,” she shares. “So I went all in—I hired an acting coach, and truly learned my craft. There is a process before the promise, and you have to keep going to get to it.”
One of her biggest aspirations? Working with Tyler Perry. “He’s such a visionary—I loved 6888. I want to do a WWII-era film—he gives drama, romance, and suspense.” And she dreams of collaborating with Jim Carrey. “That’s my twin! He started with the Wayans Brothers and built a legendary career. His story reminds me of mine. I can’t wait to share that with him.”
Earth – Legacy & Longevity
Vee’s journey is just beginning, but her foundation is rock-solid. She’s grounded in faith, wisdom, and the lessons she’s learned from mentors like Nick Cannon, who once told her, “You’re a star, you can do no wrong.”
She’s also had her fair share of doubters.
“People said all I could do was play a ‘ghetto girl’ character, jump on tables, make faces—that I wasn’t funny,” she admits. “But I know I’ve been called to this space. I deserve to be here, doing what I love—and that can’t be wrong.”
Through it all, she remains unapologetically herself. “Kat Williams once told me, ‘Stay in the way. You don’t swerve to please others. You execute. Be bold.’ And I’m doing that every day.”
As our conversation winds down, I ask what she wants to leave with her fans. Without hesitation, she beams, “We’re going to the top! The top = non-stop. Whatever I put down, I’m picking back up. Whatever I second-guessed, I’m doing. I’m here for a reason.”
She pauses, then adds, “I want people to look at me and say, ‘She had a good heart. She worked hard. She never gave up. Stay locked in and watch what’s next. I’m not stopping—and I’m definitely not apologizing.”
And with that, Pretty Vee steps out for her final look, exuding the unstoppable energy of a woman who is just getting started… A Star On The Rise!
Credits
Cover Writer: LaToya Vickers
Photographer: Juan Veloz @jveloz
MUA: @picasso
Hairstylist: @amazinglystyled
Wardrobe Stylist: @sankaraxt
Wardrobe: @alexandermcqueen
Creative Director: @seda_wilder
PR: @therealkarlette
