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

Alright, Carolyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

The roots of my creative services business trace back to 2015 in Memphis, Tennessee, during a meeting that forever altered my path. At the time, I was working as the Manager of FP&A, with over 30 years of experience in finance and accounting—a path I’d chosen with intention. Growing up in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in a family with limited means, I knew early on that a stable career in finance could provide the security I was seeking. From 1985 onward, I dedicated myself to building that career, navigating corporate America, and rising across Fortune 500 companies. Yet, despite the success, a certain spark was missing.

Then, I met Brittney Butler—a young, ambitious filmmaker with a vision to create stories rooted in Memphis. Brittney’s passion for storytelling and her dream to direct films resonated with me. She shared her ideas, hopes, and deep desire to put Memphis on the map through film. I could feel the fire in her words, the belief that this creative path was not only meaningful but could uplift the local community.

Inspired by her vision, I decided to support Brittney’s dream tangibly. We acquired everything needed to bring her project to life—cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and countless other essentials. Soon after, we created “The City of Crosses,” a thirteen-episode drama with a story as rich and gritty as the city itself. Watching the series come to life, seeing our collective efforts broadcast locally in Memphis and then in Dallas, and finally witnessing it evolve into a film that reached audiences on platforms everywhere by 2018 was nothing short of transformative. I fell in love with this creative world.

Though I continued in finance, keeping one foot firmly planted in the corporate world, my heart had found a new rhythm. Creating stories, supporting emerging talent, and building something meaningful through film was no longer just a side project—it was my newfound passion. I realized I could succeed in this space because I had the resources and experience to support creative projects and a deep, undeniable belief in their potential impact. This fusion of finance and creativity became the foundation of my business, a journey driven by purpose, passion, and the spark that first lit up back in 2015 with Brittney’s dream.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I grew up in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the eldest of three sisters in a family surviving on a limited income. Despite challenging circumstances, I was determined to change my destiny, ultimately becoming the first in my family to graduate from college. I earned my associate degree from Coahoma Community College, followed by a B.S. in Accounting from Christian Brothers University, and later, I received my Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Over time, I held senior financial roles at companies like FedEx and ServiceMaster, building a robust foundation in finance. This journey eventually led me to BLP Film Studios, where I was partner and CFO. BLP aimed to create what could become the second-largest Black-owned film studio in the U.S., a goal that aligned with my vision of opening doors for Memphis-based creatives who often have to seek opportunities elsewhere.

After many changes and obstacles, the studio was not completed. However, this did not change my passion and belief in the creative space. I continue to work with several producers in Los Angeles, nurturing my commitment to the industry and supporting projects that elevate unique voices and stories. I have collaborated with Brian Shackelford and Joyce Fitzpatrick on several feature films and a documentary on the NFL, which helped broaden my perspective on the powerful impact of storytelling. Later, I met David Skato, an extraordinary writer, director, and producer, and together, we recently completed our feature film entitled Whatever, Ever After. David’s talent and dedication are inspiring, and I am excited to continue on this incredible path.

My unwavering commitment to integrity, people skills, and an unshakable drive for efficiency through automation sets me apart in the industry. I pride myself on being approachable, transparent, and a strong listener, especially to those facing adversity. My experiences have instilled in me a deep empathy and a desire to help others overcome obstacles, just as I did. This sense of purpose is my “superpower,” allowing me to lead with a blend of resilience and compassion.

One of my proudest achievements is paving a path for young creatives and advocating for an inclusive space in the film industry. I want people to know that my work is about more than just film; it’s about fostering community, nurturing talent, and creating lasting opportunities in Memphis and beyond.

Link- https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2023/04/20/carolyn-henry-cfo-blp-film-studios.html?ana=lnk
Link- https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm11111974?s=aec99320-4a0b-00b2-f0b0-65b72fe951f0&site_preference=normal

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being in the creative space is witnessing the incredible power that storytelling has to impact the world and resonate deeply with audiences. There’s a unique pleasure in seeing how creatives can weave stories that not only entertain but also spark reflection, creating experiences and memories that can inspire and even change lives. It’s amazing to see an idea, once just a thought in someone’s mind, evolve into a story that’s shared and felt by all, whether on the big screen or through streaming. Watching how these stories touch people, prompt them to think, and sometimes change their perspective—that’s the true magic and fulfillment of being part of the creative world.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, now that I’ve found my passion, my mission is to help others discover and pursue their own. I want to inspire people to embrace the creative journey if that’s where their heart truly leads them. It’s essential not to let fear hold you back—if you feel that spark, that undeniable pull toward creativity, then it’s never too late to change your path and follow what genuinely makes you happy. Being in this industry, I understand why they call it “movie magic”—it really is magic, the kind that not only transforms stories but can also transform lives.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.n.henry.9
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-henry-94b4649/

Image Credits

Joy Rahat

Cynthia Cash