We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joyce Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Joyce, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?
If I were starting over, I’d be more cognizant of how quickly time passes by maximizing every moment. One of the ways I’d maximize my time is by setting a schedule to address the business side of the entertainment industry. I’d reallocate a significant amount of my budget to marketing and building a social media presence. Finally, I’d take more risks; bet on myself.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
After years of reading work spawned from everyone else’s imagination, Joyce decided to put pen to paper and create a few of her own. Her first attempt was a Christmas story in the 8th grade. The class found it comical; it was meant to be a tragedy.
Later, those stories became a launching pad for skits, short stories, films, novels, and plays. Joyce is a multi-award
winning writer whose productions have garnered entrance into festivals across the country.
I am an international speaker, doctoral student, author, educator, minister, and advocate in the fight for stronger families, mental health, and victims of human trafficking. My personal mission as a writer is to write thought-provoking pieces. As a leader, I aim to impart knowledge, change mindsets, and invoke a renewed purpose for living.
Her personal mission is to write thought-provoking pieces, impart knowledge, change mindsets, and invoke a renewed purpose for living.
Joyce provides small group facilitation, motivational speaking, coaching, and leadership training.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
One thing non-creatives may need help understanding is that vision consumes. A creative’s vision fuels their passion for pursuing the dream even with low sales, and when the hype is virtually non-existent. Creatives often struggle with the industry’s business side and lean more towards the joy of creativity over revenue and exposure.
The key to a happy medium is understanding that both the business and the creative side have their places in the world. Non-creatives can benefit from a creative’s understanding that life is to be lived and enjoyed freely. In contrast, creatives need to understand that the practical side of business ensures longevity and exposure.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One lesson I had to learn is that I am a good investment. As a playwright who also produces my shows, there were many times I struggled to believe in myself. I’d agonize over what month would get the most butts in seats or finding a centrally located venue so people would be more likely to purchase a ticket. I didn’t realize it then, but my lack of confidence also showed up as over-accommodating or being afraid to replace unprofessional actors. I’d allow actors to interrupt me on stage or give other actors notes while directing a scene.
I knew I told good stories, but I allowed my inexperience to cripple me. Eventually, I stopped fretting over long commutes or a decent ticket price. If an actor got out of line, plenty more were waiting to take his place because I am worth it-any time of the year!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jasmithproductions.com
- Instagram: @jawrites01
- Facebook: joyce.smith.50999
- Twitter: @smithaj76
- Youtube: @jasmith01
- Other: https://linktr.ee/joyceasmith
Image Credits
Image 3 (from bottom to top)- Ruby Lee Dove II, Donna Stewart, Relisa Franklin Image 4 Joyce A. Smith, Marcus Jones