We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Schwanda Winston a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Schwanda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is my recent award-winning web series, Welcome to the Forties. The show follows the lives of four best friends navigating their forties, exploring life’s unpredictable lessons on love, friendship, and evolving careers. Through their journey, they uncover both hilarious and heartbreaking truths about themselves and each other.

This project holds a special place in my heart for several reasons. First, it marked my debut as a writer, executive producer, and filmmaker through my production company, Winston and Winston Productions, which I co-own with my husband, Jeffrey Winston. While I had previously written and produced plays, Welcome to the Forties was my first foray into filmmaking—both behind and in front of the camera.

As a professional actor with over 15 years of experience, I’ve always felt a strong desire to create meaningful stories that reflect my experiences and empower men and women in my community. This series allowed me to fulfill that passion while stepping into new creative roles and learning the intricate art of filmmaking.
The show was deeply inspired by my real-life friendships, particularly the bond I share with my sister and my inner circle of best friends who have been by my side for over 25 years. Our unbreakable connection, built on love and respect, has carried me through life’s highs and lows. Whether through laughter or tears, their unwavering support has been a constant source of strength. This series is my love letter to them—and to my mom, who has been a guiding light in my life.

Finally, I wanted to share an important message with the world: life doesn’t end at 40 or beyond—it begins anew. Life is meant to be lived fully, and reaching this stage is a privilege that comes with the incredible gift of wisdom. Through this project, I hope to inspire others to embrace this chapter in their lives with courage, joy, and purpose.

Schwanda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey through the entertainment industry has been one of passion, resilience, and unwavering faith. As an actress, writer, and filmmaker, I’ve dedicated myself to carving out a meaningful career in film, television, and theatre, all fueled by my love for storytelling and my belief in the divine power of creativity.

It all began during my time at Florida A&M University, where I earned a degree in Business Economics. While my academic path pointed toward a corporate future, I also discovered my true calling in creative expression. Writing poetry in college was the first spark that ignited my passion for storytelling.

After graduating, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where the city’s vibrant music and entertainment scene gave me my first taste of the industry. Appearing in a few music videos and indie films awakened something inside me and set me on this path. Determined to explore acting more deeply, I began studying the craft and truly taking it seriously. Those years of continuous training changed my life, equipping me with the tools to start my career in theatre and later branch out into commercials, films, and local plays.

My journey eventually took me to Los Angeles, where I gained invaluable experience working on independent projects, commercials, and extensive background work. LA was a proving ground for me—it taught me the grind, grit, and determination the industry demands.

When I returned to Atlanta, my career took an exciting new direction. I began writing and producing my own work, starting with plays that allowed me to tell stories close to my heart. One of my most fulfilling projects was a two-person show that I toured throughout the Southeast for several years. I also wrote and produced an ensemble play that debuted to a sold-out audience in Atlanta. Writing my own material gave me the opportunity to create my own platform and share stories that resonate with people.

For me, creativity has always been tied to my faith. I believe God makes room for the gifts He places in your heart, as long as you believe. That belief was the driving force behind my most ambitious project yet—Welcome to the Forties, a seven-part, award-winning web series.

The series took seven years to develop and was completed in 2024. It’s a labor of love that challenged me in every way. Along the way, I learned the importance of faith, persistence, and surrounding myself with a strong support system. My husband, family, and friends were my rock during moments when I felt like giving up.

Much of my work explores themes of love and relationships because those elements have always been central to my life. I write about love because it’s such a fundamental part of who I am and the experiences I’ve had.
As I continue on this creative journey, I remain inspired by the transformative power of faith, love, and creativity. My story is a testament to the idea that with passion, perseverance, and a belief in your gifts, you can bring your dreams to life.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal has always been to tell compelling, multi-dimensional stories about Black women—stories that celebrate our passionate bonds of friendship, our deep commitment to community, and the complex, unapologetic love that defines who we are. Through my work, I aim to show us as whole, authentic beings, flaws and all.

There’s been so much misrepresentation of who we are, and I feel a deep responsibility to counter that. Every time I’m blessed with the opportunity to let us shine in our divine light, I embrace it wholeheartedly. It’s this mission that fuels my creative journey, whether I’m writing stories that reflect our truths or bringing them to life through acting.

But my purpose goes beyond the stories themselves. I’m also passionate about empowering women behind the camera. Through my production company, Winston and Winston Productions, I’ve been able to create opportunities for women of color in key roles like Director, Editor, and Cinematographer. Having an entire crew of women in these positions is still incredibly rare in this industry, and it’s something I’m deeply proud of.

For me, it’s not just about what I can achieve personally—it’s about creating a ripple effect. When we create opportunities for others, we allow blessings, knowledge, and representation to flourish. That’s how we ensure that the stories we tell and the legacies we leave behind continue to thrive.

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

To create—it sounds so simple, but it’s one of the greatest blessings of my life. The ability to bring people together through theater or television, even for just a few hours, is something I never take for granted. It’s a chance to transport them from the realities of the world and invite them to experience emotions that remind us of our shared humanity. To see an audience laugh, cry, get angry, and just feel—those are the moments that make it all worthwhile.

When I create, I’m tapping into something bigger than myself. I’m crafting experiences that might stay with people for a lifetime, and that is nothing short of a blessing. Living out the dreams that have been placed in my heart while being unapologetically me is a journey I cherish. I refuse to let labels—whether tied to gender, age, race, or anything else—define who I am.

In many ways, I get to play as a full-grown adult. But make no mistake—being an artist takes guts. It requires immense faith and the unwavering support of an incredible village of love through family and friends. It’s not easy, but it’s a privilege I treasure every day.

What an honor it is to step into this creative space, to connect with others, and to live out the purpose God has placed within me. Creation isn’t just my work—it’s my joy, my passion, and the way I leave a piece of myself in the world.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @schwandawinston @welcome2theforties
• Linkedin: Winston and Winston Productions
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@welcometotheforties-webser262

Image Credits

Megan Doherty Photography