The new WE tv series, Super Sized Salon, makes its debut on the network tonight, July 29, 2022, at 10:30 p.m. EST and in anticipation of the show’s arrival… we had the opportunity to speak with the wonderful women that run the Babydoll Beauty Couture about their show and its goals.
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John Betancourt: I’ve always wondered… since reality television basically makes its stars an open book to the audience, what kinds of challenges did all of you run into in baring your soul to the world like this?

Jamie Lopez: Um, well, I would say I went into this very fearless. Because a lot of my followers, they really didn't know that I was suffering in silence. So, I really wanted to be as vulnerable and as transparent as possible. So, I really was just excited for the world to kind of see what goes on behind closed doors and kind of let them into this part of my world. Yeah, I didn't really run into too many obstacles. I mean, I was ready. I was fearless. I'm ready to put the message out there.

Astra: I think for me, it's just setting a boundary or learning my boundaries, knowing, “Oh, I maybe shouldn't have went that far or drunk that much and said that!” (Laughter from all.) Like, “oh, what did I say last night? Oh, my mic was still on.” Oh, so I think it's learning. Don't forget the cameras and that your mic is on right now. But I mean, I'm still don't really have any regrets. It's still fun. It's still me being me, fully. And I felt like I definitely had the platform or was in a space where I felt comfortable enough to do that.

A-Love: Um, I actually didn't… I was ready for this. Like, I'm like, I'm born for this. I'm, already like an open book per se. The transparency was built for me, so I was ready for the world to hear my story, and I put on this tough persona but I'm really a sweet cupcake. (Laughter from all.)

007: Ah, I'm oh so sensitive, I don't know why, I was born this way. This is the way God made me and I’ve been trying my whole life to not be so sensitive, but I'm a little getting up there and I kind of like… I don't know. Just that I'm trying. I'm gonna go talk to somebody and see if I'm trippin. But that really was my hardest thing. Like I'm ultra-sensitive and I think sometimes some people are like, “Girl, grow the fuck up.” I don't know how to fix it. But that was probably my hardest struggle, I find myself to be very sensitive to things that even I sometimes didn't know, I was gonna be that sensitive to.

Taj: Well, I would say for me, because I am a celebrity stylist and I have a background and being behind the scenes, this type of environment, it was just stepping out of my comfort zone of being behind the scenes and getting now in front of the camera. You know, and because of that transition, it's like I'm going from being fully in control to relinquishing my control. So that was challenging for me. And then just like… you literally forget that the cameras are there. So, you're burying yourself sometimes without any filter, you know what I'm saying? And so, for me, I think it was like, “Oh, do I really want to do that, because I might not like what I see coming back when I go to watch it.” Like, I know me from the press that I like, but, you know, it's like holding a mirror to yourself sometimes. So that kind of looks like, but I mean, at the end of the day, I just embrace the opportunity. I'm just my full authentic, unapologetic, self and to my surprise, it's been amazing.

BB: I would have to agree with Taj on the work part, for what we do for work, I'm also used to being more behind the scenes, and focused on other people. But I think in addition to that, I'm just naturally a very like, private guarded person. I'm not this open book, like, you have to know me, you have to be a part of my inner circle, you have to have a certain trust level with me to get to know that portion of me. And I usually get to dictate who that is. And it's usually on my own terms. And with this situation, it was like, nope, here you go, you're with these girls. And this is it. And you have to do it now. And like the collective will tell you, I'm usually the person like, I might have a one liner for you. But it's like, if I have something to say, I say it, but then that's it. And so, for me, it was like just the whole process of having to repeat the same things or have the same things happen or to be like, you know, be… “we need more” like, “you need to share more, talk more”, like it was that I think that was the biggest adjustment for me. Getting to the point where I was like, alright, you got to put it all, you got to put it out there, you have to invest more, you have to try to be more present, you have to try to be more open than what I'm normally used to being in a situation where, you know, we're all just kind of getting to know each other.

John Betancourt: Now, this is an important show for certain, and I’m very curious as to what it means to each of you to be a part of a series that is going to be revolutionary in nature.

Jamie Lopez: Definitely revolutionary, it means the world to me, because this is something that I dreamt up for 10 years, and I've worked really hard to get here. The message that comes across from this movement is the most important thing for me, because, you know, it's a passion project. For me, it's very, I'm very passionate about this. And, you know, it's just, I really want to help women feel beautiful and confident. I want to give them a safe place. And that is the message that we are, you know, putting out there. And just, you know, letting them know that all women are beautiful, any size, shape, weight, whatever, you know?

Astra: Oh, my, my, the main thing that excites me is it's a representation. We are women of color, we are women who are plus size, we come in different shapes. We’re not all shaped the same. We're not all bodacious in certain places. We're positive. We look at ourselves and… I don't know if we’re gonna say body positivity or whatever. But we all love ourselves. We all glam ourselves up, we all see ourselves on a on a high pedestal. We all have goals, we're all businesswomen, we all just want to uplift other women, other people and just show them you know, this is how you love yourself. This is how you uplift yourself and others and you know, walk through the world. It's okay to be who you are. So, it's really just… representation is the main theme for me.

A-Love: I actually love the fact that you use revolutionary because I use it all the time. I explain to people what the salon concept is and how everything we are is revolutionary. And I think that when people see us loving on us the way we love us, then it's gonna push out like, “dang, I can love me.” Like, whatever, you know, the situation is not even just being bigger or smaller, but maybe that you didn't have the confidence because you did have two legs and now you lost the leg. And, you know, you didn't have that confidence to, you know, be in a wheelchair or be with a walker. But now you've seen us and now you could go out there fearlessly. I feel like… we just we set so many high standards of loving yourself that we're putting that in the atmosphere. And that's what's gonna be revolutionary that we're pumping love to yourself. And that's where it all starts at is yourself.

007: Um, I don't know why I'm fighting back tears right now. For me, this means so much to me, oh, my God, this means so much to me personally, because I came out here on a whole ‘nother journey. And this kind of just turned into this. For me. It is very important for me to be able to change the views of fashion in the world. Like, there is no reason why I can't walk into places like the Beverly Center in LA, and not purchase anything, I want to bring the face of change in the plus size, super plus size, fashion world and to be able to be a part of this revolution, I feel like I truly now have a chance. And it humbles me, and I'm thankful for the opportunity. And yeah, sorry for the tears. But I told you, I was sensitive.

Taj: Um, for me, I think the word that just keeps coming to my mind, and it just keeps surfacing. And it’s just… I'm proud. I'm so proud to be a part of something with this message. Because I remember being a really heavy little girl and not being able to identify with anybody on TV, anybody in the magazines, anybody in the mainstream, you know, we have so many standards for what beauty was, you know, and I was very much not included. And so, I feel like, despite that, I've become very, you know, successful and confident and happy, healthy. But I'm just so excited to be a part of the revolution, where we are, there is a new beauty standard, where everybody's beautiful, everybody's included, everybody is celebrated. And I'm just so proud to be a part of something with such a positive message. Because reality TV, we all know has a stigma of being, you know, negative and drama. So, for us to be a part of a reality show, where we're really pushing such a positive message. I'm just really proud. I'm proud of all of us. I'm just proud.

BB: Um, I think for me, what I'm most excited about is that when you get to know a lot of all of our individual backstories, we all had our own missions. And for me, it's like it was it was confirmation that I was walking in my purpose the way I was supposed to be. Because all of our individual missions aligned in a way that only us, only this collective right here, could be put together to accomplish what we're doing. And I really feel like it's giving a face and a voice to the unheard. And it's funny because I was having a conversation and it was like for people who are being bullied or shamed or just not comfortable with their own skin and who they are. I said, all of us went through some kind of like traumatic or tragedy in our lifestyle. And the one thing that we were all probably at one point or another, teased or bullied about is the one thing that gave us this opportunity. And it's like the one thing they tried to shame you for being fat, being overweight, being unhealthy, being this, being that, being black, being whatever it is, it's like all of those things that some people literally are taking their lives over is the one thing that put us all here together and gave us this platform, like the other ladies have said to change the narrative of what is acceptable mainstream, and to literally just bring that diversity to the main to mainstream media into the forefront. And it's just a blessing. I think if I had to say it in one word, it's a blessing. And its confirmation to know that like I am walking the walk that I am supposed to be walking.

John Betancourt: Now it’s obvious that each and every one you really approached this with a special meaning in your hearts. With that in mind, what’s the number one thing you want the audience to take away from this series?

Jamie Lopez: Um, I really want them to take the message of you know, you can really do anything, there are no limitations, due to your size, or anything that you're facing. You know, they see me on a walker a lot. That doesn't give me the limitation to not go to work and to not follow my dreams. So, you can really accomplish anything if you really put your mind to it no matter what. So, I want them to know that and just know that we really worked hard to give them, you know, I always root for the underdog. That's me and I root for the dreamers. And, you know, we did create a safe place for them. So, it's really, really amazing. And it is revolutionary. Definitely… one of a kind.

Astra: To add to what Jamie said, like, the main thing is just being a dreamer. Like, I feel like it's important to dream. A lot of people don't realize the importance of dreaming and believing in yourself. I always knew like, this is something that I wanted to do that I wanted to be on TV for one, wanted to entertain, to inspire people, to just be myself fully and not have to hold back. But um, yeah, I think part of what makes people afraid to dream sometimes it's just you know, their environments, you know, dream beyond your environment, dream beyond your body size, or your color or what people say to you. So yeah, take away from this, keep dreaming, keep believing, and you will be achieving.

A-Love: Kind of just, I guess everybody is saying, we all are saying the same thing. But I really just want people to love themselves. Like, I can't even express that enough. It’s confidence you have to have with dealing with your daily things, and it starts with loving yourself. Because you can let everything fall apart around you. Or you can build yourself up and build up everything around you. So, I feel like we gone do all of that. Definitely build up some lives and show the world that they should surely love themselves, whatever the situation is.

007: Oh, man, I think I could kind of piggyback on what everybody said, but man, follow your dreams, follow your gut, trust you, being on you. And all the other pieces and people you will need will come to you. Never give up, man, I've been on this journey a very long time. And I'll just to see it all manifested just is… beautiful, so just don't give up on yourself. Period. Keep going. Keep fighting. And watch it happen for you.

Taj: I want them to take away that… not everyone everything and it's okay. You know? I would like for them to take away that there are some beautiful happy healthy, thriving, hustling, sexy, sensual, confident, big women out there. Like, I'm happy to portray big girls in a different light. You know, I'm happy to take the stigma of woe with me, you know, My 600-Pound Life type of scenario away from big women. Because we are all on our journey. Whatever phase we're in, you know, to get happier and healthier, health wise or what have you. But in the process. We're loving on ourselves right now. We're living our lives right now. We're dating. We're happy. We're confident. And we're human just like everybody else. We livin’ our life just like everybody else. Right?

BB: I think for me, it would be to tell people to stop existing and start living. To stop waiting for permission, or for waiting for people to make room at tables that you're not welcome at and start creating your own. There was no table for us. So, we made our own. I just think people need to, you know, be fearless, be confident, be fearless, and be kind and spread love and move with great intentions. I believe in energy. I believe in karma. I believe that what you put out will come full circle. And whenever you're moving with great intentions and a good heart, the good things will come back, but be fearless. And be unapologetic and start living your life and stop waiting for permission to be the best version of yourself.

John Betancourt: Last question for you all today, what are you most proud of when it comes to your time on this show?

Jamie Lopez: I am absolutely most proud of, you know, the salon itself and the message that we're sending and I'm also really proud of this group. And this group of women who helped me kind of, you know, tell my story and put my dream together and you know, service the girls and, you know, they believed in me, and that's the most important thing.

Astra: I'm proud of how far we've come together in this journey in this process. I'm proud of just seeing the growth that's happening in this group in this process, like, over the years of us being together, just seeing how much we've matured, how much more we're gonna, you know, succeed in this and just us continuing to dream and believe and support each other. And I'm very proud of how you know how, how seen I feel. Shout out to WE tv and the producers and everybody who's doing the editing, like, I feel like they're gonna capture that's exactly how we are. So, I'm very proud of that too.

A-Love: I'm proud of creating this sisterhood that we are taking over the world together with. I’m proud that they never judge me. And vice versa. With all their situations going on, and I'm proud to say that these are my sisters, and we in this together, for real.

007: Honestly, I'm gonna just say what kinda my first mind. I'm proud of us, man. I'm genuinely, seriously, honestly, proud of us. Like… we made it, we did it. I'm proud of Jamie. I'm proud that we had the opportunity and like Astra said, I really do believe that the network will capture us in a pleasing light and not like… this ain’t gonna be no trashy TV. It’s with purpose. I'm proud of that. I'm really proud.

Taj: Oh, that gave me... wow. I'm proud of… like I said, being a part of such a powerful movement, where little girls up today are going to be able to look at the TV and see themselves. I'm very proud of that.

BB: I think I am proud of this entire cast for being the change that they all want to see. In baring their soul and their stories for everyone to be a part of. But I'm also very proud of the women who we represent, who don't have this platform, or who will remain nameless, but who are living their everyday lives and come from the same places that we come from. And I think that those will be the people that resonate with our stories the most, and those will be the people who support us and I'm just proud that they are still pushing through their everyday regular lives.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

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Esther Smith and Rafe Spall are a pair of accomplished actors that have spent the past couple of years moving audiences as Nikki Newman and Jason Ross in the Apple TV+ series, Trying. All by earnestly playing a pair of characters that are desperate to enjoy the wonder of parenthood and with season three of this magnificent series upon us, we had the opportunity to talk with Esther and Rafe, regarding their characters and the importance of this poignant series.

John Betancourt: I would love to know, what it means to each of you to be part of such a poignant and relevant show.

Esther Smith: Yeah, I mean, first and foremost like the scripts in itself, I find really special, I think they're incredibly moving. Full of heart, full of honesty on a subject matter, which is, you know, true for a lot of people. So, it's important to kind of, I think, get that script and represent it in the most kind of honest way. Andy does that so brilliantly. And he adds this brilliant bit of humor, that was like a bonus anyway, having that script, but then on top of like, making it and it coming out, having the interaction with fans through social media, who either are going through this process or have been through this process or having infertility troubles or going through IVF, all of this, their kind comments have meant so much, it really is… that in itself just feels like “wow,” to be able to have that connection. And that in into people's lives where they feel like they're being represented or comforted, or they're not feeling like they're on their own in that journey. That has felt so special. And like nothing can take that I think away from us within this. It’s so real. Yeah. A privilege, actually.

Rafe Spall: It's great to be in a show that people like because, you know, I've been in plenty of things that people don't really like, and you do, like things that I've had really good time doing, and then it comes out and no one cares. So, it's really, it's really good to have the quality of the finished product reflect the enjoyment that we had in making it and, and even further to that, that this is a show that, you know, people who like it, don't just like it, they love it, that means a lot.

John Betancourt: Now I’ve noticed this series works a lot with specific themes and messages. Season one was about that quest to see if Nikki and Jason are ready to be parents, and season two was about preparing oneself to be a parent. What would you say, season three’s theme is?

Rafe Spall: I guess it could be summed up in like, be careful what you wish for, right? When you're like confronted with it, with what it is that you've wanted so much, you can have a sort of unrealistic expectation, you've painted a picture of it, if you wanted something for so long… adopting a kid. Not only do you get to do one, but you get the possibility of two, double the fun, and it invariably isn't going to be what you imagined it was going to be like, and so, to try and make peace with the disparity between one's expectation and reality of a situation… makes for a rich landscape full of touching moments, heartfelt moments, humor, comedy, jeopardy. So, I think that's what sums it up, the difference between what it is you expected and what it is you have.

Esther Smith: I was gonna say the same thing. I was like “expectation versus reality.” So, then you go and say it.

Rafe Spall: Well, I just came up with that right now. And you're not… blown away by it? (Laughter from all)

Esther Smith: No, I think it's exactly that. Expectation versus rather the expectation of being a parent versus actually what it means when it's presented directly in front of you and how you manage that. As a human being just thrown into the deep end with these two, kind of, you know, fully formed humans who have their own opinions, they have their own way of thinking and trying to bond with them. Yeah, expectation versus reality.

John Betancourt: Now to expand on that a little further, in a spoiler-free manner of course, now that they are seemingly close to what they want, what would you say Nikki and Jason are searching for in season three?

Esther Smith: I guess it's… that's so tricky because they don't necessarily still have what they want. It's not a full guarantee of theirs. And as much as they can, you know, they're trying to live a day to day where they're imagining that life, playing that role. There is still, if by the end of it, they don't get these children that kind of, the fall from that, the heartbreak from that, because they are so invested. I feel like they've always been invested like to this process, but now they have these two children that are living in their house, they're forming bonds with them, they're living like a daily life with them. If that's not to work out for them, then that's… like the heartbreak of that, you know, would be huge. So, it's, it's tricky, because I guess they still haven't fully, there's still fully no guarantee that that is the life that they're going to have as within this series. And we'll only kind of find out through the exploring of it, whether it's something that they'll have.

Rafe Spall: I guess they're searching for approval, I suppose, approval from the local authority, approval from the children, approval from each other. And approval from you know, from themselves not to get to sort of lofty, but like, they really want to be good people, they're really trying to be good people. And sometimes they get so caught up in trying that they, they lose themselves a little bit. But the central tenet in the middle of this show is love and connection. They love each other so much. That they want to see that manifest in the love for a child and two… as it turns out for them. And so, they want to connect, they want to love each other, they want to spread love, they want to do the right thing. And their intentions are wholly, wholly, good.

John Betancourt: What would each of you say you’re most proud of when it comes to your time on this show?

Rafe Spall: I'm most proud of my time with Esther, and that I've never felt such a connection with another performer. Especially when it comes to creating a believable world. And I've never, you know, there's Jason, there's Nikki, and then there's the organic character, which is their relationship which exists between two of them. People often comment on the chemistry that we have with each other. And I'm really pleased that people enjoy it, but… they won't enjoy it as much as we do. You know? As performers, that feels like, you know, people talk about any sort of flow state, that you get when you're aligned spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and you're not thinking of anything else other than the thing that you're doing. Whether it's writing an article or gardening or whatever. Like, for me, I achieve the true flow state sometimes through performing. And with Esther like… it's like we have this sort of telepathic communication with each other when we're acting with each other. And we had that the first day that we auditioned. And that's hard to find. And it's the only time I've ever found it. And I'm really, really grateful for that. I'm really proud of it.

Esther Smith: I actually have that with everyone, Rafe. (Laughter from all)

Rafe Spall: Everyone? Ollie and all that?

Esther Smith: Everyone. Imelda, Ollie, Mickey, Eaton, two kids. No, I mean, yeah, similarly, similarly without, you know, repeating but it's, yeah, it's been made special. I think for like; I think for me for that reason. That, you know, I can remember on our very first day where we met each other. We had this, we had this chemistry read and they're always nerve wracking because you're trying to prove to people, that you don't know, that you've got chemistry with someone that you've never met before, that you don't know. And that’s… it's always slightly, it's a terrifying thing. Particularly with a script that you love, and it will, you know, can fall like on a knife edge either way, depending on that relationship you have with someone. But me and Rafe met before our chemistry read and just really got on, and it was such a relief. And it's been so lovely to continue that journey. But you know, everyone wants to go to work, and it be a nice experience. You want to enjoy the job that you do inevitably, like, there are moments, particularly in filming, there are really long days, days that can feel like really long and hard. There are really early starts, but I always enjoy going to work. And that's, you know, that's just that's exactly what you want. And yeah, I get to work with one of my best friends. So that's lovely.

John Betancourt: Last question I have for you today, what are hoping audiences are going to take away from this new season?

Esther Smith: I hope they take away a feeling of warmth. I hope they find it funny as the other series. I hope they take away from it… maybe a sentiment just to… I was gonna say “just to keep ‘Trying!’” (Laughter) Yeah, but to have hope. Life is hard and life throws you so many curveballs. Like so unexpectedly, but they're all good lessons to be learned within those curveballs and that you… yeah. You just got to keep going.

Rafe Spall: I think because I'm doing To Kill a Mockingbird at the moment in the West End, Aaron Sorkin's version, and one of the last lines of the play is: “Trying to do the right thing, is the right thing.” And I think that, that, that works for this: “Trying to do the right thing is the right thing.” And also, rather cleverly involves the name of the show! (Laughter from all)

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.