Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mykell Barlow. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mykell, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

When I first started working for RuPaul Charles I was convinced a mistake had been made. I stood next to him and just knew that at any moment he would realize I didn’t belong and send me on my way. I was a ball of nerves coated in anxiety.
You see, Ru is a giant who fills up every room he walks into. An EVENT! Sometimes extravagantly, sometimes more subtly…always unapologetically.
Who was I to LITERALLY walk in his shoes?

I have spent the majority of my life trying to fit. Shrinking myself down so as not to take up too much space or make others uncomfortable. Being 6’4 I am acutely aware of my physical stature so I crouch in photos and take wide legged stance when I am talking with people shorter than me so I don’t seem too menacing. When people asked if I played basketball I would cringe then lie because how dare I not be athletic. Some of this is internalized overreaction but a lot of it stems from a lifetime of being told by society, who I should be and HOW I should be it.
On my first day with Ru I watched this long legged glamorous man in 6 inch heels, standing 7 feet tall, SASHAY into the room and capture everyone. He commanded the space with a vibrancy and humility like nothing I had ever seen. The entire room suckled on his every word, every movement, and he got everything he wanted out of that moment. I was STUNNED but I thought perhaps this was just the power of hair and makeup and heels. Then the following day Ru walked into the room in an Adidas sweat suit, and still, every eye was fixed on him. I had questions?
How does this man NOT SHRINK? The short answer is he knows who he is, what he likes…from his looks, to lighting, to the way he takes his tea. And he doesn’t apologize for any of it. In fact, he recognizes that this self knowledge allows him to give back to the world in ways that are unique to who he is. We all benefit because RuPaul doesn’t shy away from his HIM-NESS. This same principle applies to me and every person on this planet. It changed everything. As I got to know Ru better the most incredible thing began to happen. I started standing up taller. I stopped shrinking back and started filling up space meant for me. And although it took more effort, I let go of the conditioning to apologize for my ME-ness. It’s like Ru’s presence in my life gave me the permission to be my truest self without apology.
I think it is important to note that when I say “Be you unapologetically” I don’t mean be a jerk (obviously Ru is the furthest thing from this). What I mean is recognize who you are wholly, align your actions with THAT person, and have the courage to stand tall when society tries to make you more palatable, manageable, or change you completely. Opportunities flow from being your most authentic self…but we can talk about that another time.

We need you to be your truest self…unapologetically.

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

As a writer, producer, and actor, and I see myself as a caretaker of stories—dedicated to presenting honest, impactful narratives that are driven by the human experience. My journey began as a singer/songwriter, collaborating with industry legends like Grammy-winning producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and renowned music manager Johnny Wright. Through music, opportunities arose in writing and acting, leading me to transition into screenwriting and acting full-time.

My husband, Justin Patten, and I co-founded a production company, A GREAT ADVENTURE (AGA), where we write, produce, and partner with other creatives to bring meaningful stories to life. We’re currently working on two short films in post-production and two feature screenplays seeking producing partners. I’m most proud of the work we’re doing at AGA and the way we’re shaping the kinds of stories we believe matter.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is seeing a project come to life—transforming an idea that once only existed in my mind into something tangible. It feels like tapping into a kind of divine creative magic. Equally rewarding is collaborating with a team that shares a common vision, where every person—from assistants to actors—contributes their unique talents and energy. The synergy that emerges is both humbling and exhilarating, and it’s a reminder of how powerful collective creativity can be.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a deep mission: to cultivate empathy through story. Growing up in the South, I often found myself in spaces where I was seen as “other”—whether because of my race, my background, or my orientation. But in those spaces, I realized that most people simply need a frame of reference to better understand those they perceive as different. The best way I could offer that understanding was through stories—anecdotes that shared my humanity and perspective, helping others see me more clearly.

That’s when I discovered my purpose: STORY. A well-crafted story has the power to bridge divides, cultivate empathy, and challenge the narratives that separate us. Whether it’s the tale of an immigrant woman overcoming hardship to build a better life or the everyday struggles of people whose lives often go unnoticed, these stories humanize and inspire empathy.

I believe that in a divided world, the most impactful thing I can do is tell stories that highlight the shared humanity in us all. Through storytelling, we can combat ignorance and bring dignity to those often overlooked. This is my mission, my purpose, and my reason for creating.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.agaproductions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialmykell
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AGreatAdventureProductions
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/agaproductions

Image Credits

Cindy Dame