Follow The Yellow Brick Road of Success-Amanda Amann

Today, I am introducing a new segment to my blog called "Follow the Yellow Brick Road of Success". I will be basically doing interviews with people that are under the radar and about to make a big impact in their profession.

This wonderful lady is an expert with cars. She's co-hosted ESPN 2's “Stylefest” and “NHRA Explode Sport Compact Racing Series”. She also hosted "Automotive Rhythms" on BETJ. She has been featured in Ebony and King magazine.

Ladies and Gents I introduce to you Amanda Amann.


Harlemite: Hey How are you? How’s life in the City of Angels treating you?

Amanda Amann: I'm well thanks for asking. Los Angeles is cool. I've been fortunate enough to learn an immense amount in front of an behind the camera. I'm an east coast girl at heart so I miss the energy and authenticity.


Harlemite: How’d did you get into cars? And how did the TV opportunities come about?

Amanda Amann: Well, it all started at the Bowie Race Track... a horse race track. My father used to take me and I enjoyed the speed....which then led to my love for speed in vehicles...hence the term "horse power'...haaa. My father loves German imports as do I. I remember when he brought his first Jag home, it was like he brought home an enormous Barbie house!

Harlemite: In being in such a male driven industry and being a woman and person of color, have there been any extreme shortcomings that you had to deal with and overcome to get to the place that you are at now?


Amanda Amann: No, I am a strong believer in creating your own context. Of course, there were obstacles; however it's only a shortcoming if you allow it to be. From working on the speedway to shooting in a studio , men love to probe and inquire to figure out...'well what does she really know?' I take it as a compliment.


Harlemite: Do you have to deal with chauvenistic men that are jealous of you because you know more about cars than them?

Amanada Amann: Absolutely! I find it humorous. Men really enjoy trying to argue or debate with me in reference to cars. Half the time, I just say 'oh...hmmm okay." It's like whatever. 'Surprisingly, there are a fair amount of men, who really know nothing about cars, even the ones they drive!


Harlemite:What is the fastest speed that you have ever driven?

Amanda Amann: Believe it or not; I haven't driven that fast. It was 120. Ask me after I visit the autobahn. (Laughs)


Harlemite:What are some of your favorite cars that you have driven?

Amanda Amann: Ahhh my loves; let see there's the Maserati Gran Turismo, Aston Martin DBS, Bentley GT Coupe, and the classic everyday luxury 745i BMW.


Harlemite:What car would best describe you and why?

Amanda Amann:My beloved Maserati Gran Turismo, because it's sensual and demands attention when she drives down the street. She's versatile; you can drive her in automatic or paddle shift manually for a more sporty drive. Her lines are sleek while simultaneously moving in a voluptuous manner. She hugs the road at every speedy corner. She's a dynamic threat being so elegant on the exterior but even more exquisite on the inside with a V8 and she is divine... The car might be a better date than me! LOL


Harlemite:What are three tips you would give to someone learning to drive stick shift?

Amanda Amann:Number one, find someone who truly loves you to teach you. Patience is strongly advised. Number two, feel and learn the clutch. And number three, ALWAYS push the clutch all the way down.


Harlemite:You teach dance to children in downtown LA. Tell me a little bit about that.

Amanda Amann:I started the Amann Dance Program (ADP) in late November 2007. I offer Ballet and Jazz classes to at risk inner city youths. It’s absolutely one of the best things I’ve ever done in life. Ballet and Jazz are great disciplines. My objective isn’t to make all my kids professional dancers but to make them artistically diverse through music and dance. I want them to have an outlet outside of their current environment.


Harlemite:So have you ever been on a date and had a debate on who’s driving?

Amanda Amann: Absolutely not! I always drive, usually separately. There’s a lot of weirdos out there. Lol. I don’t date that much anyways. I’m a bit of a book worm. I find myself writing a mental grocery list when I go out on dates, so I drive that way I can leave early if need be.


Harlemite:What some of your favorite sites that you like to browse?

Amanda Amann: Huffington Post, CNN, several random style pages, and Auto Blog.


Harlemite: What’s in you IPOD? What music do you like to drive to?

Amanda Amann: Wow that’s a long list. Rolling Stones, Stan Getz, Ella Fitzerald, Josephine Baker, Nat King Cole, Ottis Redding, The Doors, Prince, Fleetwood Mac, Jay Z, Pac, Guru, MIA, Madonna, Mad Soca, Calypso, Byron Lee, Gregory Isaacs, Vivaldi, Chopin, Mies, Coltrane, Aretha, City of Refuge Choir, Jamie Cullum…there’s a wide variety.I usually listen to Classical music in the morning, or some old school Gospel tunes. During the day, it’s Jazz. At night, Madonna’s Hard Candy, MIA, or Roots.


Harlemite: Any new projects that you have on the horizon? What do you see yourself in 5 years?

Amanda Amann: Currently, I’m thinking about working abroad in Europe. I’m looking over a few scripts. Also, I’m developing a few program series. In five years, I’ll be over my boyfriend…the Gran Turismo and looking at the Ferrari F430. I plan on expanding my dance program to other major cities and opening The Amann Arts Center.


Harlemite: Sounds great! Good luck with everything! Thanks for you time. Talk to you soon.