Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Clover Ford. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Clover, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My parents did right by introducing me to God and music, two pillars that have profoundly shaped my life and career. Being raised in the church gave me a strong foundation, helping me understand the “why” behind life’s triumphs and challenges. It instilled in me the importance of resilience, faith, and finding positivity even in difficult times. God has always been my anchor, and as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to see how He continuously lifts me up in ways I couldn’t fully grasp before. Through His gift of music, I’ve been deeply rooted in R&B, gospel, and other genres that not only brought me joy but also led me to the world of film and TV. During a season of isolation, when I felt lost and lacked direction, discovering Ari Lennox’s music reignited my creative spark. That moment became the catalyst for a journey that would see me inspiring richly melanated women, sharing my story through a short film that gained festival recognition, and eventually creating and producing my own TV series, Hopeless Romantic, now streaming on Amazon Prime and Tubi. Today, I run a thriving film studio, empowering other creatives to bring their visions to life. None of this would have been possible without the grounding influence of God and music, gifts from my parents that continue to guide and inspire me.
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.
For those who may not have heard my story before, I am a filmmaker, creative entrepreneur, and multi-talented artist with a deep-rooted passion for storytelling and empowering others. My journey into the film and TV industry began during a transformative isolation period in 2019. That season of reflection and rediscovery led to the creation of my own short film, which was accepted into a film festival and ultimately inspired me to continue in the industry. This journey culminated in the opening of my film studio, a space designed to empower other creatives to bring their visions to life.
My studio offers nine creative sets tailored for a wide range of purposes—whether you’re a model, actor, content creator, photographer, or filmmaker. What sets me apart is my unique blend of creativity and insight. I have a gift for bringing ideas to life, especially through interior design, which allows me to craft versatile and inspiring spaces.
I am a woman of many talents, and while it can sometimes be challenging to focus on just one, my studio has given me the opportunity to merge all my passions under one umbrella. Here, I get to design sets, make strategic business moves, model, act, and even sing. The boundaries are endless, and I love that I’ve created a space where I can thrive while helping others do the same.
Through my studio, clients can rent out spaces to create their own magic. We offer various packages, some of which are uniquely tailored to meet the needs of individual clients. What I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built and the stories I’ve been able to share, from my TV series Hopeless Romantic, now streaming on Amazon Prime and Tubi, to the thriving creative hub my studio has become. My work is a testament to resilience, passion, and the belief that with faith and dedication, you can turn dreams into reality.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story from my journey that truly illustrates my resilience is the process of starting my TV series. When I first embarked on this path, I had no idea where to begin. I had no mentor or guide to answer my questions about breaking into the film and TV industry, securing funding, or getting my work on major streaming platforms. It was daunting to start from scratch with absolutely no resources or knowledge of the field.
I decided to lean on what I did have—my corporate experience and the determination to make my vision a reality. I researched online, learning the basics of filmmaking on my own. I built a team of friends and a few crew members, held auditions, and began writing the script—despite having no prior experience in scriptwriting. I simply had a dream and a drive to bring it to life.
There were countless nights of frustration, especially when I felt the weight of having no one to turn to for guidance. But during those moments, God reminded me that I am the leader—the person others look to for answers. That realization gave me the strength to press forward, even when it felt overwhelming.
Season 1 of filming was filled with challenges. I made mistakes, learned hard lessons, and endured personal losses, including the passing of a few family members. There were moments when I wanted to quit, but I refused to give up. I knew nothing about creating a film budget, call sheets, or coordinating meals on set, but I learned it all along the way. By God’s grace, someone came into my life to help with editing, and I embraced the process of on-the-job training.
Looking back now, I’m amazed at how far I’ve come. Despite the obstacles and the steep learning curve, I pushed through and finished the project. Today, I can proudly see my series streaming on major platforms and say, “I did that.” That’s resilience—stepping out in faith, figuring it out as you go, and pushing through barriers until your dreams come to life.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely, there is a deeply personal mission driving my creative journey, and that mission is my family. My grandmother, my parents, and my kids are at the heart of everything I do. Since I was young, I’ve always wanted to make my family proud, to strive for better, to break generational curses, and to create a life of ease and opportunity for future generations.
Growing up, I heard stories about how my dad and uncles had a music band, performing shows and pursuing their passion. I often wonder how different my life might have been if they had continued that journey. That thought fuels my determination—to keep going, to break ceilings, and to pave a path that allows not only me but others in my family to enter rooms we’ve only dreamed of. My ultimate goal is to build generational wealth, so that my family can thrive from the foundation I’ve laid through hard work and perseverance.
And then there’s my grandmother—my greatest cheerleader and the person with whom I shared a special bond. Losing her broke me in ways I can’t describe, but it also ignited a fire within me to keep pushing. I know she’s watching me from the other side, rooting for me every step of the way. Her unwavering faith in me, her belief that I would go on to do great things, motivates me to never stop striving for the greatness I know is promised to me. Everything I do is for them—to honor their sacrifices, to fulfill their dreams, and to create a legacy that makes them proud.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mychocolatefilms.com
- Instagram: @mychocolatefilms
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/my-chocolate-films-charlotte
Image Credits
Image credit for my bedroom set goes to photographer Brian Sims. All other images are by me.