We recently connected with Lashanda (L.A.) Anderson and have shared our conversation below.

Lashanda (L.A.), thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One of the greatest risks I ever took was learning to bet on myself and trust God’s plan for my life.

I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. While it will always be home, I often felt like I was surrounded by people who were comfortable settling for whatever life handed them. For many, stability and familiarity were enough. But even as a young girl, I knew my dreams stretched far beyond that. But like many young dreamers, I didn’t have the guidance or resources to navigate the entertainment industry. I began to feel that my dreams might never take shape if I stayed where I was. So I turned toward another passion of mine: fashion. I loved sketching clothing designs, and I decided to pursue fashion in college. Opportunities came along that could have taken me out of Kansas City, but at the time, I allowed the opinions and fears of others to influence my decisions. I put other people first.

Eventually, that decision caught up with me. What followed was resentment and a deep sense of unhappiness. I realized something powerful: if I kept living for everyone else, I would never truly live for myself. I began to feel a strong pull to leave my hometown. I didn’t know exactly where I would go. At first, I considered California, but the connections I once had there were no longer available after I had previously declined opportunities. So I prayed. I asked God for direction. Again and again, Atlanta kept coming to mind.

The idea didn’t make sense to many people around me. I didn’t know anyone there. I didn’t have a detailed plan. When I shared my dream, some people tried to talk fear into my decision. But by that point, I had already wasted enough time doubting myself. So I stopped talking about it and I did it. I left Kansas City and moved to Atlanta to pursue a career in fashion design.

Once I arrived, reality set in. Atlanta wasn’t exactly the fashion capital I had imagined. But I refused to give up. While working in education, I met someone who had ties to the entertainment industry through a well-known magazine. One evening over dinner, she made a suggestion that changed everything: she encouraged me to explore the beauty industry as a pathway into fashion. She told me I had the look, and that sometimes that was half the battle.

At first, I was hesitant. I knew nothing about being a makeup artist. But the people around me believed in me and invested in my growth. They helped me build my first makeup kit, supported me in creating my first portfolio, and guided me as I learned the craft. I attended workshops with celebrity makeup artists and took classes to sharpen my skills. Things began to move quickly.

Eventually, someone suggested I try doing background work on film sets during slower periods. They also encouraged me to showcase my makeup artistry whenever I had the opportunity. When I did, it caught the attention of crew members on set, and I started getting more opportunities. Before long, I realized something unexpected, I had fallen in love with the atmosphere of filmmaking.

Being on set ignited a new passion in me. I began marketing myself as a makeup artist for film productions, and that opened doors into an industry I had never imagined exploring. Then the pandemic hit. Like many people in creative industries, my work came to a halt. Close contact was impossible, and makeup artistry was suddenly not a viable path. I had to pivot once again. But this time, I asked myself a different question. What else do I love about film? The answer was storytelling.

I decided to go back to school and study film. After graduating, I began applying to positions with major studios, but the responses never came. For a moment, I could have let rejection define my next step. Instead, I chose to create my own opportunity. Drawing from the poetry and short stories I had been writing for years, I produced my first short film.

The response surprised me. People connected with it. They asked for more. That was the moment I fully stepped into my calling. I began collaborating with other directors and producers, continuing to write, create, and produce films. Today, I am preparing to shoot another film I wrote , one that I believe will resonate deeply with audiences.Looking back, I realize that the biggest risk I took was leaving everything familiar behind and trusting that God had something greater ahead. If I had never left Kansas City, I might never have discovered the many layers of creativity within me. If I had listened to the fear of others, I would have never found the courage to pivot, grow, and evolve.

Sometimes the greatest risk is simply deciding to start. But when you trust God, believe in your gifts, and take that first step, you may discover that the path unfolding before you is far bigger than the dream you started with.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a creative entrepreneur with a deep passion for storytelling, filmmaking and inspiring others to pursue their purpose with faith and courage. I am the own of D’vinely Gifted Productions. Where we write, direct and produce our own films and also assist others with their film making needs. We help with script writing , location scouting and provided a helping hand on set such as production assistance, make up and wardrobe assistance. My journey into my industry really began with my love for fashion. I’ve always enjoyed sketching clothing designs and imagining pieces that allow people to feel confident, bold, and unique. That love lead me into leaving hometown to pursue a career in career in it , which later turned into a career in makeup artistry , which led me to gain experience on film sets and later allowed me to fall in love with the film industry.
Through my work, I aim to create creative projects that inspire people to believe in themselves and embrace their individuality. My focus is on helping people feel seen, confident, and motivated to pursue their own dreams. I believe creativity has the power to shift perspectives, encourage healing, and remind people that they are capable of more than they may realize.

One of the biggest challenges I strive to address through my work is self-doubt. Many people have dreams but feel discouraged by fear, lack of support, or the belief that their goals are out of reach. Through my story, my creative work, and my brand, I hope to show others that it’s possible to take risks, trust your path, and create a life aligned with your purpose.

What sets me apart is my authenticity and my faith-driven approach to everything I do. My journey hasn’t been perfectly planned, but it has been guided by faith, determination, and a willingness to take risks when opportunities present themselves. I’m not afraid to share both the challenges and the victories that come with pursuing your dreams, because I know many people can relate to that experience.
One of the things I’m most proud of is having the courage to bet on myself and pursue a bigger vision for my life. Leaving my hometown and starting over in a new city to chase my goals was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve made, but it also became one of the most defining moments of my journey. It taught me that growth often requires stepping outside of what feels comfortable and trusting that your purpose will guide you forward.
The main thing I want people to know about me and my brand is that everything I create comes from a place of passion, faith, and a genuine desire to inspire others.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and a creative is the freedom to be authentically and unapologetically myself. Creativity allows me to express my truth without limits. When I’m writing or creating films, I feel a sense of freedom that’s hard to describe.

What makes it even more meaningful is knowing that the stories I create can help others. My goal with film and storytelling is to create work that people can relate to and see themselves in. When someone connects with a character or a story and realizes they’re not alone in what they’ve experienced, that moment can be incredibly powerful .Knowing that something I created might help someone reflect, feel understood, or even begin to heal is the most rewarding feeling for me. It reminds me that art isn’t just about creativity, it’s about connection, empathy, and the ability to touch people’s lives in meaningful ways.

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.

I think one thing non-creatives sometimes struggle to understand is how differently many creatives are wired. Creativity doesn’t always follow a predictable schedule or structure. Many of us are naturally spontaneous, and inspiration often comes in moments that can’t be forced or confined to a traditional routine.

Because of that, some creatives find it difficult to thrive in a traditional 9–5 environment. That structure works well for many people, but it doesn’t necessarily support the way creative minds operate. Many creatives feel most fulfilled when they’re able to spend their time building, imagining, and bringing ideas to life rather than following a rigid daily structure.

For creatives, being surrounded by inspiration and having the freedom to explore ideas is essential. When we feel boxed into environments that don’t allow room for creativity or expression, it can become discouraging and even emotionally draining .At the same time, I believe both paths are valid. Some people thrive in structured careers, and others are driven by the need to create and innovate. Neither is wrong, we’re just wired differently. For creatives, though, creating isn’t just a hobby or something we do occasionally; it’s a core part of who we are and how we experience the world.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Elle_Dvine and Dvinelygifted
• Facebook: L.A. Anderson
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dgiftedp?si=WcDtc_fYoioZmnKY