Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nieshia Crawford. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nieshia , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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.

Everything meaningful in life begins by taking some sort of risk. The risk could range from something small to something grand, but if you look back on the big milestone moments in life that you’ve experienced I’m sure you’ll find something that you were afraid to lose at the core. My risk came with my career. I was 28 years old and holding the biggest title I’d ever garnered at a prestigious PWI in Atlanta as Senior Audio Visual Technician. I had a good salary, great benefits, and most importantly security! Something that was much needed as a first year mom, new wife, and graduate student. For all intensive purposes I was happy and accomplished according to the expectations of those around me. But I wasn’t doing the job that I believe would make me happy. I had a professor/mentor at the time who saw my producing potential and set me up for an interview for a major reality series. The catch as she explained, was that the position was entry level and would pay about a third of the money I was use to making. She advised if I could afford the temporary monetary setback that my household would experience that my investment in myself would payoff tenfold. I was torn because I needed every dime I had finally began to make but, I was also terrified (possibly even more) of settling in my 20’s into a career that drained my passions. I took that leap and started that job with the support of my husband. My decision confused many but with knowing what was at stake in my life, I forced myself to work every opening and opportunity I received because this had to work. It took a year and half before I began to see the manifestation of the things I’d worked and prayed for. During that time I was making less but my self pride and happiness was higher than it had ever been. I bet on myself and WON! Had it not been for that decision I would not have worked or produced some of the top shows on Bravo, HBO, Netflix, and so many others today. Any wise investment goes through a maturation process and my professional experience was no different. Don’t shy away from risking what you have now because in the end, what’s really at stake is the potential of what could be.

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

I began my journey into television production with education. My undergraduate studies were in Communication/Mass Media Arts at Clark Atlanta University and my graduate studies in Television Production at SCAD Atlanta. I learned my passion for storytelling at these institutions and focused those energies into my work at a television producer. I started my independent production entity in 2016 as 1080 Productions. Through this company i curated sizzle reels, and provided drone and videography services for customers as well as PSA’s and other commercial video materials for companies and small business. My journey in television prompted the formation of my latest effort Indherstry (pronounced Industry). This is a woman’s apparel line for creatives across industries focused on highlighting women and the creative impact we have on the arts.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission at this point in my journey is to set as an example as a woman of color behind the scenes in entertainment that we can do and have it all. I want to create opportunities for advancement for women within the industry that don’t require choosing between family life and a successful career. I would also like to ultimately have my own studio that can serve as a safe space for other creatives and visionaries to bring their ideas to life.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Consistency and honesty are two things that are vital in any industry. Always being consistent in your offerings and efforts is a huge asset to your audience as well as to your peers, co-workers, and employees. Honesty is equally as important because it can present opportunities for us to learn. When I don’t know/understand something I am vocal about that because it gives some any opportunity to teach me something I may not know or help me better understand a situation so that I may address it in the best way possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nieshiaupnext.weebly.com/ https://www.1080productionsatl.com
• Instagram: @niupnext @indherstry
• Linkedin: Nieshia Crawford

Image Credits
Indherstry Photos by Leo Marshall