We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Danielle D. Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Danielle D. thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

When I started the Columbus Film, Author, and Photography Festival, it wasn’t just about hosting an event—it was about creating a movement.
One day while teaching at Ohio Media School, I found myself in a powerful conversation with some of my students. They asked about their future in media, and I began to share my own journey—touring the film festival circuit, winning awards, and finding so much joy through storytelling. Their excitement was contagious. They were amazed, inspired, and eager to know more.
That moment stuck with me.
I kept thinking—What if more people could feel what I felt? What if our youth had the chance to step into this world and dream big too?
That spark took me back to a recent conversation I had with my friend Mamie Saunders, who had once shared a dream she had—a dream that I was running a festival. At the time, I laughed and jokingly said, “Tag, not it!” But now, reflecting on my students’ excitement and the passion they showed, Mamie’s dream didn’t seem so far-fetched after all.
Soon after, Mamie invited me to a Masterclass led by business strategist Lucinda Cross. That session opened my eyes and heart to a new possibility. Lucinda helped me shape a vision that was bigger than anything I had imagined—a space to inspire, empower, and spotlight creatives from all walks of life, especially our youth.
That vision became The Columbus F.A.P. Festival—a space built to showcase the talent of local, national, and international artists, while giving our youth a platform to shine and be celebrated.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi! I’m Danielle D. Smith, the founder of the Columbus Film, Author, and Photography Festival—and someone who is deeply passionate about storytelling, community, and creating meaningful opportunities for others to shine.

My journey into this space didn’t begin with a plan to launch a festival. It started with a deep love for the arts and a desire to inspire others, especially young people. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling—whether through film, writing, or photography—and over the years, I’ve had the chance to create and showcase my own work on film festival circuits, winning awards and learning so much along the way.

I’m also the author of Yesterday’s Tomorrow and the director of the short film Don’t Be Quiet—both projects that reflect my passion for using art to heal, empower, and speak truth. These works are deeply personal, and they’ve opened doors for conversations around trauma, resilience, and the power of voice.

While teaching at Ohio Media School, I had a conversation with a student that changed everything. I was sharing my journey in media, and their reaction reminded me just how powerful it is to be exposed to possibility. They were inspired—and that inspired me.

That moment brought back a conversation I had with my dear friend Mamie Saunders, who once told me about a dream she had where I was leading a festival. At the time, I laughed and said, “Tag, not it!” But after that talk with my student, her dream didn’t seem so far-fetched. Mamie later invited me to a Masterclass hosted by business strategist Lucinda Cross, and it was in that session that the vision for the F.A.P. Festival truly came to life. With their support and guidance, I began to build something bigger than myself.

What I Do:
The Columbus Film, Author, and Photography Festival is my heart’s work. Through it, I provide a platform that:
• Showcases local, national, and international creatives
• Gives youth a stage to explore media and tell their own stories
• Hosts workshops, panels, and networking events with industry leaders
• Encourages collaboration, connection, and creative growth
• Makes space for diverse and underrepresented voices to be heard

The Problems I Help Solve:
I know firsthand how hard it can be to break into creative industries, especially without access or exposure. That’s why this festival exists—to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, and to make media and storytelling careers more accessible to those who might not otherwise see a way in.

What Makes This Work Different:
What sets this festival apart is the intentionality and heart behind it. I’m not just putting on an event—I’m building a platform for purpose. Every detail is created with excellence, authenticity, and the belief that when one of us rises, we all do.

What I’m Most Proud Of:
I’m incredibly proud of how the festival has grown and the impact it’s had—especially on young people who come through our doors unsure of their potential and leave believing in what’s possible. Watching someone discover their passion or gain the courage to pursue a dream—that’s everything.

What I Want You to Know:
At the end of the day, this work is deeply personal for me. I want people to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. If you’re a creative, an educator, a mission-driven organization, or someone who simply believes in the power of storytelling, I would love to connect. The Columbus F.A.P. Festival is just getting started—and there’s a place for you here.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was trying to do everything on my own and expecting others to operate at the same capacity as me—without first understanding their unique strengths.

For a long time, I would ask people for help with tasks, assuming they could just jump in and get it done. But often, they wouldn’t follow through or the work wouldn’t be done the way I expected. I used to take it personally—I’d get frustrated and disappointed, thinking maybe they didn’t care or weren’t committed.

But over time, I realized it wasn’t about a lack of desire—it was about a mismatch in skillsets.

That shift in perspective changed everything. I had to learn how to ask for help more effectively—not just assigning tasks, but really identifying people’s strengths and passions, and building from there. Everyone brings something different to the table, and when you recognize that, you can build a stronger, more supportive, and more successful team.

Now, I lead with clarity, collaboration, and compassion—and I’m a better leader because of it.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Rejection was my launchpad – There was a time when the word family brought me more pain than comfort. The rejection I felt from the people who were supposed to love me unconditionally could’ve broken me. Honestly, for a while, it did. I questioned my worth, my identity, my very existence.

But somewhere in the middle of all that pain, I found something unexpected—purpose.

I became a mother determined to break generational cycles. I became a writer brave enough to put my truth on paper. I became a community leader willing to hold space for those who felt unseen and unheard. And when I created the Don’t Be Quiet movement, I gave others the very thing I once needed most—permission to speak.

In 2019, I stood on a film set watching actors bring Yesterday’s Tomorrow to life on screen. A story born out of my darkest hours was now lighting the way for others. The same Danielle who once cried herself to sleep now travels to different cities teaching storytelling and media, empowering people to turn their pain into purpose.

Rejection didn’t end me—it redirected me. And that redirection? It led me to my calling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iamdanielledsmith.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamdanielledsmith and www.instagram.com/fapfestivals
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamdanielled
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamdanielledsmith

Image Credits

Artfully Images
Jehan Inc.