We were lucky to catch up with Iesha Hayes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Iesha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Most of what I’ve learned came through experience, observation, and trial by fire. I didn’t go to a fancy school for film or media—I learned by doing, by asking questions, and by staying curious. Whether it was directing a project, hosting a podcast episode, or speaking on a panel, I used every opportunity as a lesson. And honestly, I’m still learning.

Looking back, I think I could’ve sped up my process by believing in myself sooner and not waiting for the “perfect” moment or the “right” opportunity. I spent a lot of time second-guessing myself, and that slowed me down. If I had given myself permission to fail and grow earlier, I might’ve moved faster.

The most essential skills have been communication, self-discipline, and emotional awareness. Knowing how to express yourself clearly, manage your time, and read a room—those things matter more than people realize. But so does patience. This kind of work isn’t just technical—it’s deeply personal. You have to understand people, including yourself.

One of my biggest obstacles was access—access to equipment, mentorship, space, or even just peace of mind. Life doesn’t always give you ideal conditions to learn and grow, especially when you’re balancing survival with creativity. But I made a way out of what I had, and that taught me how to be resourceful, how to trust God, and how to keep showing up even when it’s hard.

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?

My name is Iesha Hayes, and I’m a multidisciplinary creative and youth advocate based in Jackson, Mississippi. I wear many hats—filmmaker, podcast host, poet, model, youth coordinator, and event host—but at the core of everything I do is storytelling with purpose. My mission is to give voice to the unheard and inspire healing through honest, real, and soul-stirring work.

I got into this field because I knew my story—and the stories of people like me—mattered. I started by writing poetry and speaking publicly, which eventually led to me creating my podcast, Iesha Speaks Real, where I hold space for raw, unfiltered conversations. From there, I expanded into film and media production. One of my proudest projects is my short documentary Thou Love Shall Not Hurt Thee, a deeply personal film that sheds light on domestic violence through powerful testimonies. It’s not just a film—it’s a call for awareness, protection, and change.

In my day-to-day, I serve as a youth coordinator, which grounds me in community work and allows me to pour into the next generation. I also host events, produce visual content, and lend my voice to creative and advocacy spaces that align with faith, growth, and empowerment.

My brand and my creative works aim to solve a very real problem: people feeling unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. Whether it’s a young girl trying to escape a toxic situation, an artist who doesn’t feel supported, or a listener looking for guidance and truth—my work speaks to them. I help people feel less alone. That’s what sets me apart: I don’t create to impress, I create to connect. Everything I do is rooted in transparency, healing, and faith.

I’m most proud of the fact that I didn’t wait for permission or perfection—I started with what I had and let God fill in the rest. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that when they engage with my brand, they’re not just supporting content—they’re supporting purpose. Whether it’s a film, podcast, event, or mentorship, I aim to make every project a safe space where truth lives, growth begins, and transformation is possible.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Society can support artists and creatives—more than we realize.

We all know the economy is shifting every day. Funds are tighter, inflation is real, and many people are simply trying to make ends meet. But the truth is, support doesn’t always have to cost money. Social media is free. Reposting a friend’s reel, sharing a peer’s viral TikTok, leaving a comment, or writing a quick review of your favorite local artist or event—all of that matters. It costs nothing to show up for someone online, and those simple acts can open big doors for creatives trying to be seen.

There are a million ways to gain visibility—but only one way to leave a lasting, positive impression: *with intention*.

Support has to come from a real place. That’s why building meaningful relationships with your community and your audience is so important. People need to know that you care—not just about being seen, but about *them*. Genuine connection will always go further than empty engagement. As creatives, we have to nurture our supporters just like we nurture our craft. Because when care meets consistency, community grows—and that’s when real impact begins.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

There are so many resources I wish I had known about earlier. But honestly, the biggest lesson was realizing that the most important resource was learning how to use what I already had. As a podcaster and filmmaker, I’ve learned that both fields demand the same level of dedication, commitment, and the right tools—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally—to truly bring a vision to life.

In the beginning, I thought money was the only thing standing in my way. I believed that if I just had more financial support, everything would fall into place. But over time, I realized what I really needed was purpose, a solid understanding of my craft, and a team that believed in the mission. Those three things—purpose, knowledge, and community—became more valuable than any dollar amount.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ieshathegoddess?igsh=MWtmODdqOThwbmQ0ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19foKmsoqg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ieshaspeaksreal

Image Credits

Leo
Nico
Iesha