Years before I became Aquillia “Q” Mikel, the writer and (almost) aerialist, I became addicted to television. Gathering around the family tv set was the only way that my family ever engaged in authentic discussion. We rarely talked about young women going through puberty or why we were angry at God without some visual cues from Norman Lear or a Disney Channel production.

Chicago is my hometown and I will always brag about my ability to survive absurdly long winters. (Oh. “You’re from Chicago too?” Where did you go to high school?) I taught 7th-12th grade Lit for almost ten years and that work will forever change my life for the better, even though I’m ecstatic to never make lesson plans in Panera Bread again (too.much.bread) or cover up my tattoos with Band-aids. I’ve lived under canvas tents in Tanzania, harvested chocolate in Ecuador, and I am a very nervous flier, so I will snitch on you if you don’t put your phone in airplane mode.

I also lived in Thailand for just the right amount of time to: start a podcast that exclusively interviews Black women screenwriters, get an Alchemist-themed vegan tattoo (?), and learn that some people can make a successful throuple.

Now, I’m in LA working towards the dream: becoming a revolutionary and impactful comedy showrunner who highlights the Westside of Chicago, hires all of her interested former students who want to work in the biz, and then retires to an undisclosed location in the Pacific Northwest when I’m 50 because I, too, sing America- but I do not dream of labor.

Please call me Q.

Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?

  • Kid Cudi. But if he doesn’t answer the phone, Tierra Whack. If she sends me to voicemail, I’ll group Facetime Solange and Tracee Ellis Ross and make a reservation for three at Pura Vita.

Would you like to be famous? In what way?

  • I have no desire to be famous. But it would be cool if my work was famous or I became infamous for helping artists behind the scenes like Prince or hacking the World Bank, eliminating the use of money forever so we all have to go back to the barter system or something. But, I don’t want to be famous. Sounds terrifying.

What would constitute a perfect day for you?

  • Waking up early to drive somewhere that I’ve never been and eating good vegan food. Obligatory note— I would not know where any of my technology is, especially my cell phone, because I’ve either left them at home or thrown them in the ocean like Carrie did after Big left her at that altar.

For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

  • God’s grace and mercy since it’s new EVERY morning. My health and being able to pursue what I love with the people I Iove on my own time. No one’s benchmark for success but mine.

If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality or ability, what would it be?

  • Teleportation. Hands down. I need a Portkey ASAP.

Is there something you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time?

  • I’ve dreamed of becoming a DJ. Like, several times. And I would love to be able to write a video game that helps to change someone's life because that’s what Spiritfarer did for me.

What do you value most in a friendship?

  • Radical honesty that is rooted in love. Wanna be friends? I’m really awful at small talk- if you lead with that, it will be awkward for both of us. You’re better off starting with:

    “Can I ask you a question? It’s kinda personal.'“