Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Charrita Nelson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Charrita, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

All my life, I aimed toward one thing—greatness. Not the “big dream” kind you pin to a vision board or recite in five-year plans. For me, greatness was smaller, quieter. It lived in the everyday things: showing up, doing good work, being dependable. I didn’t grow up imagining myself taking up space in boardrooms or creative circles. In fact, even when I was the one walking into meetings with all the answers, I still somehow felt “not big enough.”

I carried this belief that other people possessed something I didn’t—some secret ingredient, some invisible permission slip that allowed their dreams to be valid. And because of that, I learned to play it small. I told myself that if something was meant for me, it would show itself. I didn’t chase opportunities; I waited for them. And if they passed me by, I accepted it. I feared rejection far more than I valued potential. Staying where I was felt safe, even when it wasn’t fulfilling.

Then came the moment that changed everything.

I decided to move to Atlanta.

It wasn’t a glamorous leap. In fact, on paper, it looked like a downgrade—less stability, less clarity, and honestly, not much of a plan. But what I *did* have was a feeling. For the first time in my life, wanting “more” outweighed my fear of not being enough.

Packing up and starting over was the biggest risk I’d ever taken. I remember driving into the city knowing I was leaving comfort behind and stepping into a version of myself I had never met before. And that version required bravery I wasn’t convinced I had yet.

But the moment I took the risk, everything shifted. Atlanta stretched me—spiritually, professionally, creatively. It pushed me into rooms I never imagined stepping into, and suddenly the opportunities I once thought I wasn’t worthy of started to feel… attainable. Not because the world changed, but because *I* finally did. My confidence grew in real time, not from perfection, but from proving to myself that I could stand in unfamiliar spaces and not shrink.

That “downgrade” ended up being the turning point. It took me to levels I never imagined, revealing possibilities that only appear when you leave the safety net behind.

Looking back, the real risk wasn’t moving to Atlanta—it was the years I spent believing I wasn’t ready. The moment I stepped out, I realized I always had what I needed. I just had to bet on myself long enough to see it.

Charrita, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey into this industry started much earlier than most people realize. In the 10th grade, I joined Crenshaw High School’s New Media Academy—a selective program that only recruited a handful of students each year. Up until then, I didn’t fully understand what “industry” I belonged to or what creative direction my life was headed in. But the moment I stepped into that academy and we studied live television, lighting, camera operation, sound design, and the full spectrum of production… something in me clicked. It was more than an elective—it was a life-changing decision that confirmed exactly who I wanted to be. It was the first time I felt like my creativity had a home.
That passion carried me into college, where I pursued a bachelor’s degree in Television Arts with a minor in Digital Graphics. I graduated in the class of 2010, and that season of my life sharpened me in ways I didn’t expect. I was often one of only a few women in my courses—sometimes the only one. The industry, as presented to us through Hollywood’s lens, was heavily male-dominated, and there were very few people who looked like me or shared my perspective. Instead of letting that discourage me, it fueled me. It taught me how to have a face, a voice, and a presence in a business that didn’t always make space for people like me. It made me determined to stand in rooms where my representation wasn’t just needed—it was necessary.
Professionally, I provide creative and technical expertise across the production and post-production landscape. From storytelling to editing to managing complex workflows, I help turn ideas into finished, compelling visual experiences. I solve problems for clients by bringing clarity, structure, and integrity to processes that often feel chaotic. I listen deeply, I create intentionally, and I approach every project with the goal of elevating its purpose—not just completing a task.
What sets me apart is the combination of authenticity, discipline, and vision I bring to every space I enter. I’m not afraid to be myself, and I’m not afraid to stand up for what’s right. Integrity isn’t just a value—it’s the backbone of how I move in this industry. I believe in doing things with intention, lifting others as I rise, and creating opportunities where they don’t yet exist. I know how far a chance can take someone, because someone once took that chance on me.
I’m most proud of taking the biggest risk of my life—the one that forced me to step out of comfort and into my purpose. I didn’t make it here through shortcuts, handouts, or burning bridges. I built my career from being an intern to running a successful post-production department for one of the most influential people in the world. Every step of my journey has been earned, nurtured, and built with character.
For potential clients, followers, or anyone new to my work, here’s what I want you to know:
My brand is rooted in excellence, empathy, and truth. I care deeply about the stories I help craft, and I’m committed to creating work that resonates, represents, and raises the bar. I’m here not just to contribute to the industry, but to expand it—to make it more inclusive, more intentional, and more reflective of the people who’ve always deserved to be seen.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

n the film and television world—where long hours, tight deadlines, and high expectations are the norm—I learned early on that true leadership isn’t built on popularity; it’s built on respect. And respect doesn’t come from trying to be everyone’s friend. It comes from your work ethic, your consistency, and the example you set long before you ever start delegating.
One of the most important lessons I’ve carried with me is this: you can’t lead effectively from a distance. I believe in being in the trenches with my team, especially in the beginning. When they’re tackling a difficult task, I’m right there beside them—not to take over, but to understand the challenge firsthand. When people see that you’re willing to do the work too, it builds trust. It shows them that you don’t just talk about solutions—you help find them. And once you’ve earned that kind of respect, then you can step back and delegate, because your team knows you’re not asking anything of them that you wouldn’t do yourself.
I also believe leadership is about teaching. Every project, every deadline, every high-pressure moment is an opportunity to pass on knowledge, build confidence, and help someone grow into their next level. When people feel supported, when they feel like they’re learning and becoming better at what they do, morale naturally stays high.
At the end of the day, managing a team is really about showing up with integrity, empathy, and example-driven leadership. When your team knows you are invested—not just in the work, but in them—that’s when they give their best. And that’s when the entire team rises together.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Social Media and word of mouth. It’s always about who you know.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.CharritaNelsonShoots.com
• Instagram: @charritanelson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charrita-nelson-689b4029