Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to LaKeisha Wilson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
LaKeisha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
My parents, who have been married 47 years, have been the ultimate role models. My mother taught me how to be a wife, a mom, and how to serve others. My father taught me how to work hard and be dedicated. They both instilled in me, the pride, love and appreciation for the family unit. Growing up I had the opportunity to watch them struggle, overcome, thrive, and live life filled with love, peace and abundance. I would absolutely not be the person I am today had it not been for their influence in my life. I am because they are.
LaKeisha, 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?
I am a visual storyteller. I am a filmmaker. In my craft, I am passionate about cultivating, capturing and preserving memories through film. I am the owner of JustUs Films. JustUs is an ode to Melanated People. We are under and misrepresented in media on all levels. The current industry is used to manipulate control and damage our culture. I want to change this by controlling the narrative. In 2022 I felt compelled to use my artistry to give back to the culture and people who inevitably made me the individual that I am. JustUs Films is a double play on the words Just Us and Justice. Justice is a major concern for melanated people. We are often treated unfairly and denied justice on the most basic levels. JustUs Films exist to uplift and amplify Melanated people by telling stories of our resilience strength, joy, love and unity.
My love for filmmaking actually started when I was a very young girl. My parents had an old video recorder and every chance I got I begged them to allow me to record our special family events. That is where I fell in love with film.
I got into the film industry, some years ago by serving on the media team at my church. It was there where I learned the ins and out of film, filming and editing video. That produced a spark that turned into a business with a group of the media team members of my church. Since then I have moved away from my hometown and started my own independent business in film where I capture special events, such as weddings, parties, church programs, commercials, testimonials, etc as well as short films and documentaries.
I think the thing that sets me apart from others in my field is that I really care about telling the story so that means even if I’m filming a commercial, I’m really interested in learning the story behind that brand. How did they get started? Why do they do what they do and not just necessarily what it is they do. I want to know the why behind their brand. I want to know things like their family history and what inspired them and motivated them to go on that particular venture in their business. I am a storyteller at heart and I like to sit down with people to get to know them and to bring out their personality even in their business. I want to show the world who they really are in a positive way. I am not trying to only highlight their business or what they provide but my clients understand that I am on their team and I want them to shine and not just their services.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I am a homeschool mom of five and a business owner. With that, I have a lot of different limitations that vary from finances to time management to emotional and mental fortitude. Be that as it may, I am very passionate about my craft, my gift and my calling of being a filmmaker. Without sponsorship or even a business loan, all of the expenses to start my business like camera gear, lighting, audio, etc came from our personal funds. I have successfully pushed through many limitations to make JustUs Films a reality.
How’d you meet your business partner?
My business partner is my husband, Quintaurus Wilson. This year we will celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary. I met him many many years ago when my family joined the church that he and his family attended. When I met him, we became very good friends and from that day to this day, he has been my biggest supporter.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: JustUs Films
- Facebook: JustUs Films