We recently connected with Imani-grace King and have shared our conversation below.

Imani-Grace, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I’ve always resonated with the quote, “The universe whispers until it shouts.” For me, the whisper was clear: “The stories inside you need to get out.” That whisper started early, stirred by the emotional pull of movies like Life Is Beautiful (La Vita E Bella). I remember being completely captivated, feeling something I couldn’t yet name. Was it the actors’ performances? The ingenious writing? The incredible set design or the seamless production? Whatever it was, it consumed me.

But those questions—”Why does this move me?” “Why does it matter?”—felt too big to answer then. So I let the whispers stay low, focusing on more practical paths like law, marketing, and technical services. For a while, that was enough. Then in 2020, I watched Lady Bird – written and directed by Greta Gerwig. I was working a marketing job downtown, living the “young professional” dream—snazzy outfits, black Americanos, and happy hours. I had distanced myself from movies and TV because they opened me up too much. If I let myself truly feel, I’d have to face the truth: I wasn’t living my purpose. And who wants to deal with that when you can distract yourself with career milestones and cocktails?

But my best friend Jordan insisted: “You gotta watch this.” So I did. And I couldn’t look away. Lady Bird didn’t rely on immense sorrow or dramatic twists to make you feel. It was honest, funny, beautiful, and deeply universal. Watching it felt like breathing—effortless and natural. The characters mirrored my own experiences so vividly, as if Greta Gerwig had created this portal to my past, present, and future – all in 90 minutes.

I watched it again. And again. And again. I read the script every morning with my coffee. I took photos of my favorite scenes and studied them. I watched analysis videos and reviews. What struck me was how simple it all seemed—but only because Gerwig’s genius made it look that way. She had taken the small, specific truths from her life and offered them to the world, trusting that others would recognize themselves in her work.

That’s when it hit me: I want to do the same. I’m going to tell stories that are not complicated, but complex. Not boring, but deeply relatable. Universal, yet unapologetically mine!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a writer and filmmaker based in Greenville, South Carolina splitting my time between creating stories and working in Los Angeles for a nonprofit that supports system-impacted youth through enrichment programming, vocational training, and education.

People ask, “Why not make films in L.A.?” My answer is that Greenville is home. There’s something special about running around your hometown, telling stories, and playing make-believe in the places that shaped you. After 17 years here, I’m finally open and ready to make stories any where in the world, but it took the support, comfort and love from Greenville, South Carolina to get me here!
I graduated from Furman University in 2019 with dual degrees in Communication Studies and Politics & International Affairs, determined to become the next Olivia Pope by conquering the legal, public relations, and political world. But in 2020, I decided to take writing and filmmaking seriously, launching my production company, Jig Productions, to bring my stories to life.

My goal is for you to feel seen and emotionally fed when you watch my films. And if you’re ready to share your art with the world, I’d love to help you make it happen through consultation, resources and encouragement!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the idea that pursuing what you believe in must be a long, hard, and lonely journey. Our subconscious mind is a porous vessel, constantly absorbing the narratives we feed it and seeking evidence to make them true. For a long time, I told myself that chasing my dreams would be a vicious struggle—and unsurprisingly, I found proof to support that belief.
Once I understood the power of belief systems, I realized I needed to reprogram my thoughts about the entertainment industry, my limitations, my dreams, and my fears. I began telling myself: This path requires diligence, trust, joy, humility, and openness.

I reminded myself that when I’m authentic, joyous, grateful, and prioritize having fun with others—without taking it all too seriously—amazing things happen. This shift allowed me to see the journey as a gift, not a nonstop train I had to control or force into motion.
By letting go of rigid expectations of success, I’ve discovered how magical living your purpose can be when you allow it to unfold naturally. This mindset shift has been my most valuable lesson, one I now apply to every aspect of my life.
Long story long – the main lesson I had to learn was to fill your mind with beautiful, optimistic, and grounded beliefs. I believe you’ll be more excited to work, create, and engage with the world!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, transmuting energy is the most rewarding part of being a creative. An idea can become a 190-page screenplay. A heartbreak can transform into a 15-minute film. A joyful moment can turn into a poem, monologue, or an essay.
To me, this speaks to the divinity of being human. We have this incredible ability to alchemize energy into something tangible, something others can experience. That’s insanely cool to me.
And then, to realize that the process of expressing this energy—for your own growth and healing—can impact someone else? That’s such a gift. It’s an energetic exchange you’re part of… how incredible!!
Since energy can’t be created or destroyed, it has to go somewhere, I’m really grateful I get to be part of where that energy goes. It’s rewarding just to think about it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://imanigraceking.com
• Instagram: imanigraceking
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imani-grace-king/
• Other: https://vimeo.com/970675831?share=copy

Image Credits

Sophie Schwartz
Gabi Rumph
Luke Coffey