People of Charlotte, please meet Pierrea Currence! We met Pierrea through her basketball throwing dad, Charlie Currence, aka Hook Shot Charlie. With Charlie's optimism and strong sense of grounding, we wanted to find out just how far the apple falls from the tree. As expected, it's not far! Now let's get to know Pierrea's story!
Native Charlottean?
Yes!
Alma Mater?
I went to Vance High School, here in Charlotte. I then attended North Carolina State University and majored in communications with a concentration in public relations.
What's your 9-5?
I am a Conduct Risk Analyst in corporate risk.
How are you making the world a better place?
I started an IG page @CanWeTakeaMin as a platform to discuss all the things I like and love. I felt that social media can sometimes be a negative space—I am a positive spirit interested in sharing positivity. I want to build a following where people can count on my page for an entertaining, positive, recap of news, celebs, TV shows, books, and any other interests.
One day I see myself being on a large platform where I can be positive, champion other black women, and provide opportunities to young people. Right now, I just do what I can where I am. I post positive, motivational content while supporting and recognizing entrepreneurs as well.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would be able to fly because I hate traffic!
What do you love about Charlotte?
I love how Charlotte is growing—social spots (beyond clubs) are popping up everywhere. Growing up in Charlotte, my parents always took us to free local events where you could be outside or be the first to experience a new business. Exploring Charlotte, getting free goodies, hanging out at a cute place on a nice day is still my favorite weekend past time.
What do you want to see improved in Charlotte?
The cost of living. Charlotte is a great place to live but for the people who have been here in Charlotte, they have watched the cost of living increase tremendously. What was once considered “affordable” is now an area that is probably less desirable for many.
Any regrets?
I don’t have any regrets. Every denial I have received, I know it just wasn’t for me. And things I wished I would have figured out earlier, I now know I needed to experience what I did to shift my thinking. In the end, I think my personality and my perspective will take me exactly where I am should be in life, exactly when I should be there.
Can you throw hoops like your dad?
No, I never played basketball! I was a dancer from the age of 3 until the age of 22. I danced competitively through high school, and I went on to compete at the collegiate level. I still dance here and there when I feel like going to a weekend class.
Favorite show?
I have a few fav shows. First is Fresh Prince—my entire family loved that show growing up and we quote it in our everyday lives without a second thought. We will say a line like it is just something we made up in the moment, but we all know where it’s from. I also loved One on One; when I was younger I was obsessed with Kyla Pratt. I thought she was so fun and even recorded every episode on VHS. Different World is also a favorite of mine which gave me my first idea of college and I just loved the characters and evolution of the show. These days I am very much into Black-ish, talk shows (shocker), and any crime/mystery special.
Favorite indulgence?
I love seafood! I don’t get to eat it as much as I want, but a chill day with all you can eat crab/crab legs, makes me so happy.
Favorite singer?
Beyonce! Being a dancer, it's kind of a no brainer. I actually went to her first solo concert with my dance teacher and a few other dancers. I respect her for her performance ability, business sense, and for the way she controls her narrative.
Back in college, I won a single ladies contest with my friend where the winner's video was played for Beyonce during BET’s 106 & Park. Then a few months ago, my sister and I were one of the first videos Beyonce reposted on her IG story for the “Before I Let Go Challenge.” We obviously lost our minds! We have always studied Beyonce's choreography, but this time we made it up ourselves and she saw our hard work firsthand!
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