We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Athena Cosby a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Athena thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My grandmother and mother have had a profound impact on my life and career. My mother, a devoted believer in Jehovah, instilled in me the importance of putting God first and relying on Him, even when faced with challenges that test my faith. While I may sometimes lean on my own judgment, I ultimately turn to God as my best friend in times of need, both in moments of joy and hardship.
My grandmother, on the other hand, was a source of unconditional love and wisdom. She taught me the value of hard work, always encouraging me to see through any endeavor I started and to never give up on my dreams. Following her guidance, I have persevered through various challenges and completed tasks, even if it meant taking a longer route, leading me to new opportunities and successes in my career.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Ms. Athena Cosby’s passion for storytelling and community engagement shines through her diverse projects and initiatives. Currently, she is screening her Indie Feature Film, “Revisiting the Heart,” which she not only directed but also produced and wrote. This film is a testament to her creative vision and dedication to bringing meaningful stories to life on the big screen.
In addition to her work in the film industry, Ms. Cosby is also involved in Elevate BRG, where she serves as president, bringing people of different nationalities together to promote education, joy, and cultural awareness. This role allows her to continue making a positive impact by bridging cultural divides and celebrating diversity.
Looking ahead, Ms. Cosby has ambitious plans for the future, including filming her next project, “Fading Truths,” a call-to-action indie feature film that sheds light on the issue of Human Trafficking. She is also set to work on her upcoming dance reality show titled “The Ultimate Unification of Dance Pilot” and a feature film called “A Friend of Mine.”
One of Ms. Cosby’s most beloved events is the Destined 2 Dance Awards Show, scheduled for 2024. This annual show is a testament to her dedication to recognizing and celebrating dancers and their contributions to the community. Ms. Athena Cosby’s commitment to storytelling, cultural unity, and social awareness continues to inspire and uplift those around her.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Ms. Athena Cosby’s journey with creating the movie “Revisiting the Heart” was a true test of her resilience and determination. She faced significant challenges during the production of the film, which pushed her to her limits and forced her to learn valuable lessons along the way.
One key takeaway from this experience was the importance of delegation and having the right tools and resources in place. Ms. Cosby realized the significance of proper funding, thorough contract management, and financial planning to ensure the success of her project. The difficulties she encountered during the production process, including financial strains and the risk of losing everything, were some of the toughest obstacles she had faced in her career.
Despite the hardships and setbacks she faced, Ms. Cosby’s perseverance and determination allowed her to navigate through the challenges and seek out new opportunities for growth. The experience of creating “Revisiting the Heart” not only strengthened her resolve but also enabled her to refine her skills as a director, producer, and filmmaker.
Through this challenging experience, Ms. Cosby was able to identify areas for improvement, seek out additional training and education, and ultimately enhance her craft. This dedication to continuous learning and self-improvement has opened up new doors and opportunities for her in the industry. The release of her movie on February 20 is a testament to her growth, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her passion for storytelling through film, yet this was done 2 years ago it shows her beginning to were she is at now in her career.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Ms. Athena Cosby’s work ethic and determination shine through in her approach to funding her projects. She shares that she was raised with the value of hard work and avoiding taking on multiple jobs or borrowing money to fund her endeavors. Instead, she puts in the effort to work tirelessly and put in countless hours to pay for what she needs without going into debt.
Ms. Cosby acknowledges that her current job may not cover all the expenses for her projects, so she has had to get creative in finding ways to fund them. One strategy she employs is applying for grants, which provides her with non-repayable funds to support her work. This allows her to minimize any potential losses and ensures that she can complete her projects successfully.
Additionally, Ms. Cosby seeks out product placements for her events and brings in special guests with existing followings to enhance the experience for attendees. By focusing on creating unique and memorable experiences, she not only attracts audiences but also adds value to her projects.
Overall, Ms. Cosby’s resourcefulness, dedication, and willingness to explore alternative funding sources demonstrate her commitment to achieving her goals without compromising her financial stability. Her proactive approach to securing funding reflects her strong work ethic and determination to succeed in the competitive world of filmmaking and event planning.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.d2dawards.com
- Instagram: @d2dawards @innertwinedancefitness @athenacosby
- Facebook: Athena Cosby, d2dawards, Innertwine dance fitness
- Linkedin: Athena Cosby
- Twitter: D2dawards