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INTERVIEW: Justine Skye Dishes On Her Holiday Shopping Secrets, Her Latest Album “Space and Time” & More!

The R&B singer partnered with Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx to showcase their holiday market.

Brooklyn-born Justine Skye has been one to watch ever since she garnered over two million views on YouTube for her cover of “Headlines” by Drake. Not to mention, her cool-girl aesthetic continues to make her the lovable girl next door. While she is one of the original Tumblr and YouTube girlies, Skye has a star-studded resume that includes signing with Atlantic Records at 19, working with brands like Dark & Lovely and M.A.C. and collaborating with music moguls like Timbaland, WizKid, and DJ Mustard. Most recently, she added a new role to her curriculum vitae starring as the cool, stylish freshman Annika Longstreet in season 5 of Freeform’s “Grown-ish.”

When Justine Skye isn’t making hit records or starring in Freeform’s “Grown-ish,” she’s teaming up with Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx to showcase their fantastic holiday market featuring a vast selection of must-have gifts and crave-worthy stocking stuffers across categories. We pulled up to Location05 in New York to chat and have a one-on-one shopping experience with the singer and actress.

BET.com: What's your favorite thing about the holidays?

Justine Skye: My favorite thing about the holidays is just getting to spend time with family and also, not gonna lie, getting the gifts. That's always the fun part we sometimes don't like to admit, you know? You try to stay humble, but it's always fun to open presents with your family or friends.

BET.com: Absolutely! How do you shop for beauty, fashion, and decor for your friends and family?

Justine Skye: The more friends you have, the more difficult it is to go shopping for them. Marshalls and TJ Maxx have everything I need at such a great price. So, if I'm looking for something high-end for my friends, when I’m looking through the racks, I always find something that I'm just obsessed with. It is perfect for that one friend who's obsessed with fashion. And when it comes to beauty, they have so many products that I absolutely am obsessed with. Home decor and everything; it's a one-stop shop.

BET.com: You can get it all done in one place. So, what's on your list to keep, and then what are you gifting?

Justine Skye: That is always so hard for me! Cause you know, when you're shopping for gifts, you end up like, “Wait, I need this. Maybe I should get it too?”  But you know, the prices are so good, you can get two.

BET.com: One for me. One for you.

Justine Skye: Exactly. And I love that. So for me, I've been into fashion a lot, but also home decor because your space is so sacred. And making sure that it's exactly how you want it is so special to me. I've really been into gifting home decor to my friends because that's something they can look at every day.

(Photo courtesy of TJ Maxx)

BET.com: I love that. And it's meaningful. It means something to them and you.

Justine Skye: Especially when you walk into their space, and you see that gift.

BET.com: That’s beautiful. What are your top picks for the wellness guru?

Justine Skye: You have to go into the beauty space more. I'm very into skincare, and they also have so many amazing products. Face masks, jade rollers, ice rollers — there are so many products that they have for your skincare needs. Your skin will be great, and you will feel great after using them.

BET.com: That’s good! Let’s talk about how much we love your character on Grownish. Her style is impressive. How has it been working on “Grownish”?

Justine Skye: It's been awesome. It's my first big acting role, and it's just been a dream to be a part of that family and to wear all the outfits. My character on the show, she's very high-low as well too. I'm pretty sure they shop at Marshall's and TJ Maxx to get a lot of the fits, and it's just awesome.

BET.com: What's been your favorite part of playing that role?

Justine Skye: My favorite part is the outfits. I see people talk about the character, and they're always talking about her style. And she's very fun.

(Photo courtesy of TJ Maxx)

BET.com: Tell us about your latest album, Space and Time.

Justine Skye: That project is very special to me because I got to work with Timbaland. He produced every single song on that project. It's definitely something that I will hold near and dear to my heart forever because I've always wanted to work with him, and I’ve looked up to him in this industry for a while. He's an amazing artist and producer. Also, to work with Justin Timberlake was excellent, too, because that's the music that I grew up listening to, you know. And to work with these icons and for them to support me in my career just gave me another boost of confidence and reassurance that I'm on the right path.

BET.com: I didn't write this question down, but it just came to me. What's your favorite Timbaland song?

Justine Skye: My favorite Timbaland song? Well, I feel like, I feel like it's probably, it's not his song, but he produced it. “Try Again” by Aaliyah.

BET.com: That's so fitting for you, though.

Justine Skye: His production is always dope. You can go from way back up until the present. His work is very versatile, and that's what I love the most about him. He doesn't allow himself to be boxed into one specific category or genre. And his impact on music and how he shifts the sound of your stereotypical R&B sound is just iconic. Very impressive and iconic.

BET.com: For sure. So speaking of wearing all the hats, why was it important for you to partner with Marshalls and TJ Maxx?

Justine Skye: It was important because when it comes to the holidays and gifting, this is the number one place to go. Because, like you were saying, the prices are just amazing, and it's a one-stop shop. I like to get everything in one space and get it done. And so, looking through the stores, you can have your fashion, you can have your beauty, you can have your home decor, and then it's all done.

BET.com: What does it mean to take up this specific space as a young Black woman?

Justine Skye: It's, it's a responsibility, but I wear it proudly. I try to live my truth and be the best version of myself that I can. Every day is a new day to be better than you were yesterday. While I may not be perfect, I know that I'm me, and if that can inspire anyone, any Black girl who's watching me, it's an honor.

More of Justine’s Hottest Picks:

  •  Statement jewelry is a timeless gift that will elevate any holiday look.
  •  Mini handbags are a luxe, on-trend accessory for all your holiday festivities.
  •  Throw blankets are a budget-friendly way to gift loveable, cozy essentials that will personalize any space.
  •  Leather goods, whether boots, gloves, or jackets, are high-end necessities at a low price that will keep anyone warm and stylish through the winter.
  •  Toys from outdoor gifts to art sets will put a smile on any kid you’re shopping for this season.
  •  Beauty sets for hair, makeup, fragrance, and skincare offer everything your friends or relatives need to try out their favorite looks—at the best prices. 
  •  Outerwear made with high-quality fabrics like wool won’t break the bank for you but will be a cherished gift for years to come.
  •  Cashmere knits are covetable fabrics available for less.
  •  Turntables are the perfect high-quality gift for any music lover who wants to enhance their listening experience.
  •  Luggage sets are a way to save on a functional must-have for the jet setter in your life!

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