We were lucky to catch up with Breonna Gibson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Breonna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
When people ask me how I got my start in acting, I always smile—because my first gig was a little unconventional, and honestly, it couldn’t have been more fitting for where I was in life at the time.
I had just become a new mom and was starting to finally pursue my creative passions. I was scrolling through a casting platform Backstage, determined to book my first acting job to begin building a foundation for my career. That’s when I came across a casting call asking for a “real person,” not necessarily a trained actor. And that phrase stuck with me. I thought, Well, I am a real person, and I submitted.
To my surprise and excitement, I booked the gig! I didn’t have an agent, no reel, no formal experience—just a whole lot of drive and heart. The pay was solid, and the opportunity felt like exactly what I needed to get started. But the truth is, I was still navigating a lot emotionally. I had just given birth, and my body was still adjusting. I didn’t feel comfortable in my clothes, and I was worried about how I’d appear on camera.
After being cast, I decided to be honest about how I was feeling and expressed my concerns to the director. I expected professionalism—what I didn’t expect was compassion. Instead of him recasting, a few days before the shoot, the director and his production assistant took me shopping to find outfits that would make me feel confident and comfortable on camera. They shared styling tips, listened to me, and poured genuine energy into making sure I felt supported. It was such a simple gesture, but it meant the world to me. It reminded me that this industry doesn’t have to be cutthroat—it can be kind.
That experience turned out to be one of the most empowering and memorable sets I’ve ever worked on. Not only did I gain valuable insight into physical acting and nonverbal storytelling, but I also walked away understanding what it means to truly show up for others. I realized that community and collaboration aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential to sustaining a meaningful creative journey.
That first job set the tone for how I want to move through this industry—with openness, honesty, and a desire to uplift those around me. Because whether you’re an actor, producer, or someone just stepping onto set for the first time, support makes all the difference. The director even gifted me one of the outfits from set once we wrapped, which I thought was so cool of him to do!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hi, I’m Breonna! Im actress and producer from Cincinnati, Ohio. My journey into the creative industry wasn’t traditional, but every step along the way has led me exactly where I’m supposed to be.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in criminology with a diversity studies certificate from Ohio University, then went on to complete my Master’s in criminal science at the University of Cincinnati. For a long time, I followed the path I thought I was supposed to take: land a good corporate job, build a steady career, and eventually retire comfortably. But despite checking all the boxes, something inside me was still unfulfilled.
That shift really hit me after I had my son three years ago. Becoming a parent made me reflect on what kind of life I wanted to model for him. I realized I couldn’t keep playing it safe—I wanted him to see his mother living boldly, choosing joy, and pursuing her passions. So I made the leap into acting, even while working full-time in the corporate world.
What surprised me most was how much my background prepared me for this creative journey. My experience in nonprofit work, counseling, and corporate settings taught me how to multi task, adapt to changes quickly, and most importantly active listening—all skills that are essential in acting.
I started out by taking on acting roles and working behind the scenes as a production assistant, learning everything I could about how a set runs. Eventually, I co-produced and starred in a film called Out of Bounds, which went on to be featured at the 2Phresh Philm Phest—a festival I helped launch with two other amazing creatives here in Cincinnati.
Since then, I have helped host events across the city to spotlight local talent and provide filmmakers and actors a space to share their work. I truly love what I do and cherish the chance to collaborate with other artists to create meaningful and inspiring projects.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
One of the most beautiful parts of being an artist—particularly as an actor—is the opportunity to step outside of yourself and into someone else’s story. Acting allows you to embody a character’s world, make bold choices, and explore the depths of human experience in a way that few other professions do. It’s a responsibility I take seriously and a process I cherish deeply.
Right now, I’m in an acting class that constantly challenges me to grow as an actor. My instructor always says, “Acting is experiencing.” That mindset has completely reshaped how I approach the craft. Each week, we engage in physically and emotionally demanding exercises, often incorporating improv within the scenes. It forces me to stay present and vulnerable, to dig deep and let go of control. The freedom in that exploration—the permission to be fully human—is what makes acting so fulfilling to me. In a world that often tries to put people in boxes, acting reminds me that I can break out of them.
My artistic journey didn’t stop at performance—it expanded into producing, where I found another powerful avenue for impact. Producing has given me the chance to build platforms that celebrate and support other creatives. One of my proudest achievements is my work with 2 Phresh Productions, where we’ve made it our mission to create space for underrepresented voices. Through a partnership with the Cincinnati Public Library, we launched the Black Film Series—a platform designed specifically to spotlight the work of Black filmmakers and connect them to wider audiences.
Another milestone came during the 2024 2 Phresh Philm Phest, a festival I helped co-create. We used proceeds from the event to surprise our volunteer cast and crew from the film Out of Bounds with payment. That moment meant everything to me. In an industry where so many people give their time and talent without always receiving the recognition or compensation they deserve, it felt important to affirm their value in a tangible way.
At the end of the day, whether I’m acting or producing, my goal remains the same: to tell stories that matter, create spaces that uplift, and invest in a creative community that thrives together. Art has the power to heal, connect, and transform—and I’m just grateful to be a part of that process.
In your view, what can society do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
When we talk about creativity, we often focus on the art itself—the performances, the films, the visuals, the music. But behind every beautiful piece of work is a person who had to fight to bring it into the world. And one of the biggest challenges that person often faces is a lack of support.
There are so many talented creatives out there who never get to fully realize their potential—not because they aren’t driven or gifted, but because they aren’t given the space, encouragement, or resources to grow. Whether it comes from society at large, within their communities, or even from family, there’s a persistent misunderstanding about what it means to live a creative life. Too often, it’s viewed as a risk, a hobby, or something people do until they find something “more stable.”
But let’s be real—stability looks different for everyone. And fulfillment? That’s something only the individual can define. For some of us, working a traditional 9-to-5 and retiring at a set age might feel right. And that’s perfectly okay. But for others, there’s a calling to tell stories, challenge perspectives, create space, and heal through art. That path deserves just as much respect and support.
What I love about my generation is that we’re starting to break away from outdated definitions of success. We’re choosing passion, purpose, and happiness over tradition. We’re not afraid to pivot careers, launch our own projects, and create new lanes entirely. Still, that shift needs to be met with intentional support.
So, what can society do to foster a thriving creative ecosystem? It starts with belief. Belief that creativity matters—not just as entertainment, but as a vital thread in the fabric of culture, identity, and community. We need more funding for local art programs, creative spaces for filmmakers, more access to mentorship and education for emerging creatives, and more platforms where underrepresented voices can be heard and celebrated. But just as importantly, we need everyday support—people showing up to indie screenings, buying tickets to community theater, sharing a new artist’s work, or simply saying, “I see you. Keep going. You got this!”
Having a supportive community can make all the difference. Because when an artist feels seen and valued, they create from a place of power. They become more daring, more expressive, more honest—and the world becomes richer because of it.
Support a local artist this week. Attend an event, share their work, buy their merch, or just reach out with words of encouragement. Your belief in their vision could be the push they need to keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.breonnagibson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breonnagibson_?igsh=cncxOG1xY2hjeGNo&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@breonnagibson?si=o2Lw7DtVMNjHIGki
- Other: IMDB: http://imdb.me/BreonnaGibson
Actors Access: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/BreonnaGibson
Image Credits
Shannon Ahlstrand
Jack Crown