We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Joyner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.

Melissa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

‘Reimagined Volume III: Young Thang’
I am now the proud writer, director, and producer of “Reimagined Volume III: Young Thang,” the third VR animation series created through Meta’s series Reimagined. Reimagined is a female-led anthology series that introduces audiences to multiple storybooks by presenting mythology, fables, and folklore in a gender-inclusive experience.

Reimagining the Southern Nigerian fable, “The Woman with Two Skins” this 16-minute film’s synopsis centers around Young Thang, a human encouraged by her guardians, Spider and Water Juju, to change her appearance by wearing a second skin. The pressures to conform and disguise her appearance intensify and cause inner turmoil, ultimately impacting her broader community.

I adopted two-dimensional and three-dimensional techniques to signify the complexities and difficulties inherent in conforming to one’s environment and the ensuing consequences.

‘Young Thang’ — also titled, ‘The Young Thang with Two Skins; or, She was not Ugly, but Beautiful, as She was born with Two Skins Fable’ — is about beauty, belonging, and joy. It’s all too present to feel the pressure to conform, to put on a metaphorical second skin cloaking your full identity. Young Thang immerses the audience in a world that is both real and magical. It’s also a tribute and a blend of collage, animation, and soundscapes. From Dunbar to Bearden and all those in between, it draws inspiration from artists. It’s an ode to embracing what makes us unique and the bravery to celebrate all of it!

Melissa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

A director, writer, actor, vocalist, and professor with an authentic approach; my writing and directorial debut is keen storytelling that blends thoughtful narrative, emotional depth, and strong visual prowess. I honed my craft under esteemed mentors, including the iconic Dr. Maya Angelou. My dedication earned an MFA from The Actors Studio, solidifying a foundation for my multifaceted career.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the profound connection I feel with myself and the world through my work. It’s like unlocking a hidden part of my soul and sharing it with others. There’s an incredible sense of fulfillment in bringing an idea to life and seeing how it resonates with people. It’s a constant journey of self-discovery and growth, and I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity to express myself authentically.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The weight of rejection felt like a physical force, pressing down on me from all sides. I’d been told, that I didn’t fit the mold. “I don’t know what to do with you,” one manager shared as if I were a puzzle piece with no place to belong. The sting of “you’re not a leading lady” echoed in my ears, a relentless reminder of the limited roles often offered to Black women.

It was a lonely and isolating experience, but it fueled a fire within me. I refused to let their words define my potential. Instead of shrinking, I grew. I immersed myself in my craft, studying every nuance of acting, and every beat of storytelling. I found solace in the words of other Black actresses who had paved the way, their strength and resilience inspiring me to keep going. I learned to own my unique voice and to find power in my vulnerability. Eventually, I found creative communities that challenged stereotypes and allowed me to showcase the depth and complexity of the Black female experience. It wasn’t easy, and there were countless setbacks along the way. But each victory, no matter how small, was a testament to resilience. I realized that my journey was about more than just landing roles; it was about breaking barriers, creating opportunities for others, and inspiring a new generation of Black Creatives to dream without limits.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.melissadjoyner.com
• Instagram: @therealmeljoy
• Facebook: therealmeljoy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealmeljoy
• Twitter: therealmeljoy

Image Credits

Alexis Silver Photography
Forrest Images
Getty Images