We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lynnette Potts a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lynnette, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Growing up, I was raised in the heart of Carver Heights—in Leesburg Florida. I saw a lot of things that, even at a young age, I knew I didn’t want to become. There was this internal voice whispering, “There’s more to life than what’s around you.” And somehow, I believed it.
In elementary school, music quickly became my favorite class. I’ll never forget how the instructor noticed something special—how, the moment an instrumental started, I’d begin singing the lyrics without hesitation. Even then, music felt natural, like it was already a part of who I was.
I was about 12 or 13 years old, and the ’90s—hands down—was the best era of my life when it comes to memories. That decade was alive with rhythm, soul, and a kind of creative magic that stayed with me. I was completely captivated by a blend of genres and artists like the Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Usher, Monica, Brandy and more. Music wasn’t just entertainment—it became an escape, a passion, and a calling.
I loved to sing and dance, and being in the background always felt right to me. In middle school, I formed a singing group with my friends Rachel, Erica, Jennifer, and Amanda. If you didn’t dress out for P.E., you had to walk the track—and we turned those walks into rehearsals. We’d spend hours learning songs, practicing choreography, and dreaming about performing on stage. It was a beautiful time to be a kid with big hopes and no limitations.
In my room, I’d take it even further recording myself singing, then layering my voice over itself to create harmonies. It was just me, a tape recorder, and a vision. I didn’t have fancy equipment, but I had heart, creativity, and the determination to turn imagination into sound.
At 16, I began attending church and joined the choir at First Baptist Church of Leesburg, Florida. That’s when my creative journey deepened—both spiritually and artistically. I had the blessing of being mentored by Pastor Ken Scrubbs, Cecil Johnson, and Victoria Johnson the Choir Director at the time provided the opportunity to sing. They poured into me not just as an artist, but as a person of faith and purpose. They taught me that creativity could be a vessel for healing, ministry, and testimony. In High School I enrolled in the Tv Production class where I learned hands on experience in various aspects of video production, camera operation, script writing, directing and running teleprompter and reading from teleprompter while recording a show or live streaming.
As for acting, I’ve always been drawn to storytelling—especially when it’s raw and real. Performers like Forest Whitaker, Adrien Brody, Russell Crowe, Angela Bassett, Taraji P. Henson, Keanu Reeves, Robert Patrick and many more showed me the power of presence. Watching them made me want to be part of that magic—whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes helping bring a story to life.
My first opportunity to step onto a film set was Bingo Night, directed by Matthew Thomas Komorowski of The Belvoir Film Company, where I played a bingo player. Shortly after, I was cast as a party goer in It’s a Party, directed by Shanita Brown. They were background roles, but they meant everything to me. Those small steps affirmed that this world—this industry—wasn’t just a dream. It was real. It was possible. And it was unfolding through faith, hard work, networking, and real relationships led to doors opening,
“Creativity was never just a hobby—it was the language my heart used to speak when words weren’t enough.”
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Lynnette Potts born Lynnette Gibbs November of 1987 daughter of Annette Mosely (Gibbs) and Davies Gibbs — sister to Anita Ellis and David Gibbs, mother to Lyshawna Augustus and Michael Potts Jr., wife to Michael Potts Sr, friend to many, and follower of Jesus Christ attend The Fathers House Church. I love to volunteer in the community/communities (Z88.3 Altamonte Springs, World Vision, Food for the Hungry Tampa Florida, JC Films Studios Production Club and ICFF International Christian Film & Festival Orlando Florida, The Fathers House Church Leesburg Florida) where there is purpose in helping others thrive.
I’m a creative spirit with a heart for people and a passion for purpose. I never imagined I’d end up in the film industry, but everything changed after I wrote a simple bucket list on June 1, 2024. Alongside fun goals like visiting the beach and trying an escape room, I added: “Be in a commercial or an extra in a film.” Just one week later, I found myself on the set of Bingo Night—and I haven’t stopped there. Since then, I’ve been part of 10 film projects, participated in interviews, and appeared on multiple podcasts. (Check out my IMDb for the full list.)
What began as a background role quickly became a hands-on education. I didn’t just show up; I showed up fully listening, observing, taking mental notes, and offering ideas when I could. That openness led to incredible opportunities, from starring in a Locs (Dread Locs) commercial produced by the phenomenal Petrona Ramsay, to being featured in the music video Nazareth by Thomas Ware ft. Lucinda Moore.
In addition to acting, I’ve assisted with marketing for just starting out but powerful businesses and creative brands that have grown such as Heaven’s Table Café & Catering, Willy Buck’s Backyard BBQ, Phoenix Rising TV Network, and more. Create and run their social media pages, capture content (pictures and videos) attending the events speaking to customers/guests when needed lend a hand. Handle scheduling, advertising – magazines, podcasts, radio and more. Whether I’m on camera or behind the scenes, I find true joy in helping others bring their visions to life. Talents doesn’t just stop there, even assist in Location management finding and securing locations for film productions along with whatever else was needed for production projects.
What sets me apart is the compassion, patience, and time I dedicate to truly seeing people—to helping them unlock their potential, goals, and dreams. I’ve always been a people person, and I believe that’s part of my God-given calling. I’m never afraid to talk, hug, or connect with someone for who they really are—with zero judgment and all love.
Two of my proudest and recent moments are working on Loyal to Love, written and directed by Dante Fleming, where I appeared on screen as myself Lynnette a server and served as a Production Assistant behind the scenes; and portraying Charlene in Tied, while also serving as Producer and Location Manager. That project—written and directed by Tamela Kayanae Allen and filmed by Jimmy Blanco of Dream Team Productions NY—reminded me not only how far faith, growth, and a willingness to learn can truly take you, it’s when others can see the potential in you for a supporting role.
At the end of the day, I want people to know I love to serve, uplift, and create. Whether through film, marketing, volunteering, or a simple word of encouragement—I strive to be a light in every space I enter.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I actually don’t believe there’s such a thing as a “non-creative.” Every person who was created is, by nature, a creative—each with a unique way of expressing what’s inside of them. Creativity isn’t just about art or media; it’s about imagination, originality, and the courage to bring something new into the world.
Being creative means tapping into that inner spark, even when it looks different from someone else’s. We’re all born with distinct traits, gifts, and perspectives. No two people see, speak, think, or process the same way—and that’s a beautiful thing. I’ve learned to meet people where they are instead of expecting them to operate at the level I’m on.
When it comes to creativity, there should always be room at the table for new voices, ideas, and visions. We may not all create in the same way, but every form of creativity has value. It’s not our job to criticize or tear down someone else’s expression—especially in an industry built on diversity and storytelling.
Someone out there is always going to relate to a story, a voice, a song, a film—even if others don’t. If we don’t create space for every kind of story, someone will feel unseen and unheard. And that’s something I refuse to let happen. Everyone deserves to know they’re visible, valued, and needed.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
First, we need to understand that creativity isn’t a competition—at least not with others. The real journey of a creative is about outgrowing your past self, digging into your lived experiences, and using your gifts to connect with others on a deeper level.
When your creativity is rooted in truth—especially in real-life moments of struggle, healing, or growth—it becomes more than just art. It becomes a lifeline. A testimony. A mirror someone else might see themselves in.
That’s why collaboration is so important. When creatives work together, it’s not about outshining one another—it’s about combining stories, struggles, and strengths to create something that not only resonates but empowers. Together, we can offer others a guide to navigate life’s trials and tribulations through the power of shared expression.
To truly support creatives, society must:
Nurture safe spaces for expression.
Value authenticity over popularity.
Encourage collaboration over competition.
Invest in creative education and mental wellness.
Celebrate diverse voices—especially the unseen and unheard.
When we do that, we don’t just support the artist—we strengthen the whole ecosystem. Creativity heals, teaches, and transforms. And that’s something worth fighting for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm16249538?s=3ccbdbbc-8215-d88a-7adb-a2b2132b1c8a&site_preference=normal&fbclid=IwY2xjawLM_mFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsanNyQ3M0WllWNXBWMEhnAR5VYtDvzCOd38A44rWYQ9S2f8N4Al1VS0kwZf5F17Y0kxsKPtal9J6Xv143SQ_aem_dYJMZoZbAmHtm2z6ZxTnMQ
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heaven_sent110987/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heavensent087
- Other: Tamela Kayane Allen YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/xO6JbfC9D6E?si=fc-y7NCmfJPvTwNx and https://www.facebook.com/tams.allen
Jimmy Blanco https://www.facebook.com/DreamTeamProductionsNY and https://www.facebook.com/share/1GZnjvxRLH/
Dante Flemming https://www.facebook.com/dante.fleming.7771
Thomas Ware https://www.facebook.com/thom.ware
Petrona Ramsey Loctician https://www.facebook.com/petrona.ramsay
Willy Bucks Backyard Grill https://www.facebook.com/WillyBucksBackyardGrill2025
Phoenix Rising Tv Network https://www.facebook.com/PHXRisingTV
Matthew Thomas Komorowski https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Belvoir-Film-Company/100089687846449/ and https://www.facebook.com/mtfilmandphoto
Image Credits
Lyshawna Augustus, Jimmy Blanco, Michael Brown, Matthew Thomas Komorowski, Rose Spencer, Shanita Brown, Bonnie Whicher Photography