Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny Cox.

Hi Destiny, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

I grew up bouncing around Monmouth County, NJ, with my two older sisters, and mother. We faced many financial hardships, which led us to experience homelessness several times throughout our upbringing. Despite these challenges, our education was heavily prioritized, and after graduating high school, I went on to Rutgers University.

Since I was a kid, I always knew I wanted to become a lawyer. It was one of those feelings where I was certain about what was best for me and what I should be doing with my life. In my freshman year, I declared pre-law as my academic focus and concentrated on courses that aligned with that path. I thought I had it all figured out. Two years later, I interned with an attorney who embodied the career I envisioned for myself. She was a Black female criminal and family attorney with her own practice and business. She was an incredible mentor who took me under her wing, and I enjoyed our conversations. But that internship made me realize something important—I hated law. The passion I thought I had evaporated within three months, leaving me feeling lost and stuck. I didn’t have the financial aid to start over, felt regretful about not exploring other courses, and, above all, I felt like I had lost my sense of self.

Shortly after, I was approached by a Campus Movie Festival representative who introduced me to film. They provided everything I needed to create my first project, and I thought, “Why not?” My debut film, Lost Boy, competed at the university level and placed in the Top 10. That moment sparked something in me. A few weeks later, I attended a free Sundance workshop in Philadelphia, and that day shifted everything. I connected with local filmmakers who welcomed me into their community, and from there, I started to build.

After graduating, I moved to Philadelphia and began working my way up in the film industry. Over the past seven years, I’ve worn many hats—Production Assistant, Gaffer’s Assistant, 2nd Assistant Director, Screenwriter, Script Supervisor, 1st Assistant Director, Grant Writer, Executive Producer, and Script Coordinator for a major network and streaming service. Each step brought me closer to understanding not only my craft but also myself. And that journey is still unfolding.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

It would be easy for me to say that the struggles I’ve faced always made sense and ultimately shaped me into a better entrepreneur, woman, and person. That no matter what, I’ve stayed focused, never doubted myself, and remained dedicated to my dreams, regardless of my reality. But I don’t want to lie and glamorize my journey. There were countless times when I didn’t know what would happen next. Adulting is not for the weak, especially in this economy.

In 2019, I graduated from college and moved to a city I knew nothing about, with no job lined up. I took on contracted roles as they came, but nothing was consistent enough to give me confidence. I’ve always been someone who plans carefully and needs to see tangible proof that my efforts are worthwhile. So, for the first time in my life, I decided to bet on myself and my passion, to see what would happen if I poured 100% of my effort into my vision for the future.

At the time, I felt depressed, lost, and scared. I started screenwriting to cope with where I was mentally and began applying for grants to see if I could make another film and build a portfolio. I applied for over 120 jobs, but most of them either rejected me, ghosted me, or turned out to be scams. I started driving for Lyft and Uber Eats just to make ends meet, while my husband got hired at a private school in South Philly. We were barely scraping by, able to pay rent but with no clear path to anything beyond the struggles we’d grown up with. It felt like I was stuck in an economic generational curse, and that terrified me.

I knew what I was capable of and understood the vision, but I needed money. I was getting denied for grants left and right, and though I was happy for my peers who were getting funded, I couldn’t help but feel jealous, wondering when I would have the same opportunity to be happy for myself. Slowly, the contracted roles began to pick up, and I found myself in rooms with influential creatives—executive producers, well-connected directors, and even a well-known actor. But the anxiety that came with these jobs, especially when I was doing something new or had a tight turnaround, made me struggle with imposter syndrome.

The struggles haven’t stopped, and I still face imposter syndrome, battle for funding, and work hard to maintain my mental health. But over the past few years, I’ve grown more confident in what I bring to the table. I’m no longer the scared, fresh-out-of-college girl just starting in the film and TV industry. I have a portfolio now, just like I wanted, and I recently finished the principal photography for my latest short film, You Were Dead Yesterday. This film shows what I can create when I have funding, a team who believes in my abilities as much as I do, and the confidence to bring something I wrote, cast, directed, and produced to audiences around the world.
I have to remind myself that there was a time when I prayed for the things I now have. I don’t know if every struggle has made sense or had a specific purpose, but I’ve made the decision not to remain at the starting point where those same challenges could return later in life. They won’t break me the same way they did the first time. I’m more resilient now.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about WANO Studios?

At WANO Studios, we are driven by a passion for telling empowering stories that resonate with authenticity. As a Philadelphia-based film production company, we specialize in creating narratives that highlight underrepresented voices and perspectives, bringing real, relatable experiences to the screen. Our focus on authentic storytelling sets us apart from the competition—by staying true to the cultural, historical, and emotional depths of every story, we ensure our projects resonate with audiences on a personal level.

What sets us apart is our commitment to creating space for marginalized voices, particularly in areas like environmental racism, social justice, and the Black experience. We understand the power of storytelling in shaping conversations, so we create works that spark change, encourage dialogue, and uplift communities. We’re most proud of the impact our projects have on viewers, inspiring them to think critically about the world around them while offering a platform for voices that have too often been silenced.

At WANO Studios, we offer a full spectrum of services from script development to post-production, ensuring that each project is infused with purpose and quality. Our work is about creating an experience that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll. What we want readers to know is that WANO Studios is a production company focused on empowering stories and bringing authentic, transformative narratives to the screen.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the power of resilience and adaptability. In the world of film production, there are countless obstacles; whether it’s securing funding, facing creative challenges, or navigating the logistics of a project. What has truly shaped my growth is the ability to adapt, remain open to new ideas, and push through when things seem uncertain. It’s not always about having the perfect plan, but about being able to adjust, learn from setbacks, and continue forward with determination and vision. This lesson has shaped my approach to filmmaking and strengthened my belief in the importance of storytelling as a tool for change and empowerment.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinyjcox
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/destinyboynton/

Image Credits

Victoria Wilcox
Nia Haskins