Tomeka B. Holyfield is a visionary business mogul, executive producer, best-selling author, and founder of the HELPPPP Agency Group (HAG), a conglomerate of companies and faith-based initiatives designed to inspire, empower, and transform. Since founding The HELPPPPing Hands Foundation in 1997, Holyfield has expanded her reach across industries—most notably through the creation of HELPPPPmedia and a series of high-profile productions including All-Star Gospel Celebration, theMIC, Gospel Goes to Hollywood, and more. Through these platforms, she bridges faith, entertainment, and culture in powerful ways.
In this exclusive interview, Holyfield sits down with Revelence Founder Porsha Monique, to reflect on her 18-year journey producing the All-Star Gospel Celebration (ASGC), how she bridges the intersection of faith and sports, and how resilience has guided her groundbreaking path.
However, it’s her parting words that leave the deepest impact: “Favor is in the again,” she proclaimed, “Send the email again. Call again. Try again. Put in the application again. Pray again.”
“The only difference between success and failure is that one person got up and tried again.” Read on to get the full context of the message.
Porsha Monique: Your Black-owned, woman-led production company has thrived for 18 years during NBA All-Star Weekend, an event historically centered on men’s sports. What’s been your recipe for success with the All-Star Gospel Celebration?
Tomeka B. Holyfield: I tell people, do what you love and what you’re called to do. When adversity hits—and it will—it’s your love for what you do that sustains you. Eighteen years ago, just imagine a Black woman producing an event during a white-dominated sports weekend. Yes, we see Black men on the court, but the foundational infrastructure is still largely white and male. I had to learn how to navigate that. Think of it like Survivor: the ones who stay just under the radar often make the biggest impact when it counts. That’s how I’ve operated.
The All-Star Gospel Celebration gives athletes a unique platform to express their faith. How have you seen this public display of faith inspire players and the broader community?
Faith is central in the African American community. Only 450 players make it to the NBA each year—that’s a tiny fraction of the world. It takes enormous faith to believe you’ll be one of them. These men come from single-parent homes, attend camps their families often can’t afford, and still believe they’ll rise to the top. That level of belief is inspiring. The celebration allows fans to see these athletes beyond their physical talents—how they live, survive, and thrive because of faith. Imagine the impact if we showcased that side of them more than once a year.
Let’s talk about faith as a catalyst for change. This event reminds us of how powerful faith can be in overcoming adversity. How has the All-Star Gospel Celebration reflected that?
Myself and Melanie Few, who produces Super Bowl Gospel, are in a league of our own—we’re trying to provide a Christian platform during major secular events. That’s not easy. Some sponsors ask us to remove “gospel” from the name, or want us to tone down the faith-based content. But resilience means standing firm. I remember year two was extremely difficult for me. I was devastated. But God reminded me: if this were easy, it would’ve already been done.
So, we pivot. We rebrand. We come back stronger. I tell people all the time—if the front door is closed, try the back, climb through a window, or come in through the roof. That’s what this platform has taught others: faith plus strategy equals impact.
Porsha Monique: ASGC stands as a testament to Black female leadership in an industry where women—especially Black women—remain underrepresented. What message do you hope to send to the next generation of women looking to break barriers in entertainment, sports, or faith-based productions?
Tomeka B. Holyfield: Enjoy what you do and find what you love—not based on the spotlight, but on your heart. Once you find that, ask yourself, “How do I become an asset and not a liability?” When you know you’re adding value, confidence naturally follows. That confidence allows you to kick down doors—regardless of the industry. But the foundation must be strong. Don’t chase trends, popularity, or money. Ask yourself: “What would I do if money or talent weren’t obstacles?” What would I still choose if I felt unqualified but had the passion? That’s your goldmine.
Porsha Monique: That’s powerful. I know you were speaking to me, and so many other women needed to hear that as well. Thank you. Now, after nearly two decades of producing ASGC during NBA All-Star Weekend, you’re now creating a platform to honor women. What inspired this expansion, and how do you plan to elevate female athletes and leaders through this new initiative?
Tomeka B. Holyfield: When women do anything, we elevate it. After 18 years of honoring men, it was time to shift. Back in 1996, the world finally opened its doors to women in basketball, and we elevated the game. So now, we’re kicking off WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis for the first time after 18 years with the NBA. We’re calling it She’s Got Next, and it will start with the Michael Jordan of the WNBA—Ms. Sheryl Swoopes.
Porsha Monique: I love it. So, what can we expect? And when is it happening?
Tomeka B. Holyfield: It’s happening in 2025, during WNBA All-Star Weekend in July—specifically July 17th. It’ll be an incredible luncheon with WNBA players, NBA players, and women uplifting women. We’ll share stories of resilience—some women are mothers, some are married, all are game-changers. It’s about celebrating women who’ve made it and those who are on the rise. When women support each other, we break chains, raise children, and still find time to create change. We’re 7-course meal makers—resilient, multitasking survivors.
Porsha Monique: You’re clearly building a legacy that goes far beyond ASGC. Since founding The HELPPPP Agency Group (HAG) in 2006, you’ve built a powerhouse production company that spans Grammy Week, Oscar Week, multiple All-Star events, and now the WNBA All-Star. What’s next on your horizon—and how do you see your platform evolving over the years?
Tomeka B. Holyfield: I want to speak into the lives of people and let them know—I’m a recipient of a second chance. God gave me a second chance to do it again, to get it right, to start over. And if He did it for me, He can do it for you. I’m here to tell you that you can.
Favor is in the again. Send the email again. Call again. Put in the application again. Try again. The only difference between success and failure is that one person tried again and the other didn’t. I’m living proof that the “again” really works.
We often think it’s over. But no—do it again. Going through a second divorce? Get up again. Your child messed up? Pray for him again. Someone didn’t follow through on their promise? Send another email again. We have to keep going. Favor is in the again.
When you understand that, you tap into the tenacity of a woman who’s willing to pull on her boots, hold on to the straps and keep trying. And that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life. I’m living in my favor right now. I’m walking in my answered prayers. Everything I asked God for—I’m living in it. But it didn’t come without a cost.
There were nights I was curled up in the fetal position. My house went into foreclosure six times because I was putting every dollar into this brand. But I got up again—and I paid again—right there on the courthouse steps.
I don’t care what you’re going through or what industry you’re in—if you can hold on to the truth that favor is in the again, you’ll meet me on the other side: the after flow. And let me tell you—it’s good. It’s really good.
Porsha Monique: That was such an extraordinary message. Thank you for pouring into our audience—and into me. You are truly a godsend. Now, where can people follow and connect with you?
Tomeka B. Holyfield: You can find me everywhere as Red Carpet Mogul. I was the first to bring red carpet events to the Christian community, so that title stuck. I’m on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn—always posting something inspirational. Life is short, and depression won’t change your situation. So smile. You’ve got two choices: sink or swim. I want you to swim.
Porsha Monique: I love that. What an inspiring conversation. From faith to philanthropy, leadership to legacy, you continue to uplift communities and break barriers. Thank you so much, Tomeka.
Tomeka B. Holyfield: Thank you, Sis. Truly appreciate it.
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