My favorite things: Ohavia Phillips
August 28, 2024
The Charlotte media and entertainment maven is known for her bright smile and emceeing events across the city. She shares a few of her favorite places and things to do during her free time.
by Ebony L. Morman
Ohavia Phillips has a knack for storytelling. Across Charlotte’s media and entertainment scene, she’s known for her authenticity, her “1,000-watt energy” and using her platform with intention. “I love people, hearing their stories and amplifying others — that’s where my local media comes from,” she says.
Phillips got her start in the industry in 2012 as an intern for Spectrum News. She later worked as a TV news producer and reporter, but her passion led her to a different kind of storytelling. The Brooklyn native eventually launched a YouTube channel and in 2019, she introduced “The Oh Show,” a live talk show. She’s also an in-arena host for The Charlotte Hornets.
“My favorite part is I did it all my way. I never switched my accent, my hair — I never switched [any] of that. It was all Ohavia, all these years, and it will continue to be.”
Comments are edited for length and clarity.
DAY TRIP
Whenever I need a mood boost, I go to Stay Lake Norman (a luxury vacation-home rental agency). I also host my business retreats there. That’s where I’m able to decompress, and it’s a good change of scenery. I also plan staycations at AC Hotel in Ballantyne or uptown. If my fiance (musician Dennis Reed Jr.) and I want to drive three hours away, we will have a quick getaway to Myrtle Beach.
DINING OUT
We love Uptown Yolk. I adore the owners, Subrina and Greg Collier. They have this very specific way of creating a home at every table. And I love that they are giving us new and different culinary experiences, and the food is good. And I am Caribbean, so we go to Cocoa’s Authentic Jamaican Jerk in University, which is a hidden gem.
SHOPPING
Whenever I have an event, I always try to support local or partner with businesses that are local to Charlotte. Menia Paige Couture is an incredible seamstress and dressmaker. She has done runways here in Charlotte and beyond. Another place is St. John boutique. But honestly, I like to go to Dupp&Swat to hang out with the owner, Davita Galloway, in her shop. She also amplifies local brands and their merchandise.
SELF-CARE
For spas, it’s Mood House. They really set it off with keeping you calm and the candles. The whole experience is really big.
NIGHT OUT
STATS Restaurant & Bar. I also love Red@28th because of the elevated drink experiences. We will also spend our “night out” at home, and we will order in.
LOCAL ART
If I ever want to tap in with local art, I’ll just hang out at Camp North End. I like Frankie Zombie and Sir Will, and The Harvey B. Gantt Center is the hub for me.
CHARLOTTE PHOTOGRAPHER
My favorite photographer of all time is Christopher “Sancho” Smalls. He fully embodies the experience of what you want to be in your brand, and he’s super creative. Most recently, I worked with Myicha Drakeford. She captures beautifully — she keeps it airy and natural.
TREAT
My favorite treats are from Suarez Bakery & Barra in Optimist Hall. That’s usually when I’m having a cheat week. Notice, I said week, not a day. Suarez, they just get it right. And being a Black woman, Caribbean and Latina, I try my best to always support our folks. It’s always been delicious. SP
Featured image photo courtesy Ohavia Phillips.
