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

Quanisha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

Divine Jewel actually started back in 2018, I had a bathing suit line. However, Divine Jewel Entertainment started in 2020. It was really just out the blue. I literally just was joking around, sitting around just writing. A month later, after getting very good feedback, I said I’m going to make it into a book. I already know the steps of becoming an independent publisher because my mom is actually an author and independent publisher (Menacing Whisper on Amazon). She was guiding me but then few weeks to month, I said I want to see it, visually. Now I had no idea what to do next but I knew by watching tv; it must be a camera crew, got to be a script, definitely need actors, and boom I can find locations on housing apps and then I did just that and found people. I started wanting to do filming in November of 2020. It was so hard because I couldn’t find no actors but I did find camera guy. I didn’t give up though, I kept going. So, I held casting calls after casting calls and one person (Cast member Nyiesha S. – Lily) showed up and helped bring more attention to me looking for actors because I was a nobody. I didn’t have resources, I took it to social media and prayed for the best. So people started applying and it went up from there. I had a lot of challenges and still having them but it’s worth it because I figured out how to be an amazing independent filmmaker and be able to help individuals get their full potential. My first few months filming was a disaster but I found a cinematographer (Sam Anthony) who believed in my project and I was actually able to get my first film (Let’s Trade Places) done. I started off on YouTube but still didn’t give up. I moved to Let’s Trade Places 2 and then my first thriller film Wrong Questions. Btw, all of this is in 2021, starting from January to November I was happy, discouraged, excited, frustrated but never gave up; as much as I wanted to. When November came, I got a phone call from Dame Dash Studios regarding my film Let’s Trade Places. My whole life changed after that, I just knew it was meant for me to continue. Now it’s 2022, I have three movies and one coming soon on Tubi. They all doing great, especially Let’s Trade Places Sequel. I am very pleased to say Allah Got Me. I am now expanding my business in different states such as GA. I am relocating to GA for a better environment and to launch my business more in different ways. I am ready to show the world what I got and most importantly ready to give those who don’t believe their chance to shine.

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?

I always been a writer, but didn’t take it serious. So, me getting into this industry was really a hidden talent I never explored. I am extremely glad I was able to explore it and stop hiding it. I honestly just put my trust in Allah and go with the flow. Divine Jewel Entertainment made me into the best woman I could be. I grown so much and now realize my full potential. I am most proud of me not giving up. I want my potential clients, followers, fans etc to know “If You Can’t Control It, Don’t Let It Control You. God Will Always Have Best Advice”.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The biggest lesson I had to unlearn was believing everyone is as genuine as myself. Backstory, my time being an upcoming filmmaker; I ran into a bunch of people who I thought was genuine. In all reality they just was around for their own purposes. I had people I worked with talk behind my back, belittle me as a filmmaker, etc. Truthfully, I just opened my eyes and realized everyone is not you and I need to stop allowing myself to get personal with business. Don’t get me wrong not all business because some can turn into family.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Whew, this the one lol. Truthfully, all my funded came from my 9 to 5. I didn’t have a plan but a mindset to get it done by any means necessary. I worked and just figured it out from there. How I started my business was just God guiding me in the right direction. I really don’t know how I did it. I worked and kept going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm13271404/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100076425350449/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/DivineJewelPresents