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

Hi Shanna, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I definitely wish I had started my creative journey much sooner. I can only imagine where I might be at this point in my career if I kept consistent and truly put my best foot forward from a younger age. There is so much talent and amazing ideas hidden inside so many of us that someone out there in the world needs to see. I spent so many years battling low self esteem and just believing that so many things were impossible for me because of my weight or appearance. I wish I had the confidence ten years ago that I have right now, but the beautiful thing is that all those years I spent running away from my passion helped mold me into the woman I am today. More confident and more grounded in who I am and what I am capable of. I wish I started sooner… but now is a more perfect time than ever.

Shanna, 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?

I’m Shanna J! I definitely consider myself a creative gem because there are so many areas that I dabble into. From screenwriting to filmmaking to acting to singing; and much more. Most importantly, I am a mother of one beautiful eight year old girl and am inspired by her daily to keep pressing towards my dreams. Originally born in San Francisco, CA, I moved to South Florida at a young age with my family and can always remember the arts being a big part of my childhood. It’s important to me to connect with other creatives to help bring important stories to life. I think writing and filmmaking has been a huge part of helping me cope with certain traumas. It’s an amazing feeling to watch certain films connect with different audiences. I started my production company, Ink To Real Productions in 2016 after having my daughter. I was anxious to begin creating my own work without waiting on someone else to do it for me. In the beginning, I was more laid back about the idea of creating my own content but now it’s a whole different ball game. To see the growth in my work in every aspect from then until now is truly motivating. I love to tell authentic stories, mainly through drama and thrillers. But, I also enjoy helping others create and bring their stories to life as well. I was asked the other day by a good friend, if I wasn’t acting or doing anything pertaining to film, what else would I do? The answer was simple…nothing. I feel alive in front and behind the camera . It is important to me to help inspire and assist the next generation of creatives. As well as, keep telling the stories that deserve to be heard.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

During the process of pre production and production of the series “Blurred Ties” I am currently working on, I experienced so many obstacles. Laying my Grandma to rest and turning around the very next day to start production in Atlanta for the series was more than enough of a challenge. But I was met with so many other challenges along the way that truly tested how much I really wanted to do this. I woke up one morning of filming thinking I might quit due to lack of finances, lack of sleep, falling ill, and much more. I knew more than anything that all the hard work that had been put in up into that point was not for nothing. The cast and crew that was put in place was not for nothing. I allowed the negative situations to fuel my passion instead of tearing me down. The experience made me stronger and definitely pushed me to make sure that this project will reach the eyes of those who are meant to see it. Situations can get overwhelming tough, I keep faith that the award on the other side of it all will be much greater if you can just fight through it.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think a lot of non-creatives believe that the journey is as simple as applying for an audition, getting a call back the next day, and a six figure check just handed to you. The journey is so much more than that. It’s hearing NO a million times and still standing back up every time, hopeful for that one yes. It’s sometimes twelve hour days with small paychecks and if your just starting out sometimes no pay. It’s finding ways to juggle another job to help fund your projects that may vary well cost you a few thousand dollars or more. Equipment is expensive, headshots, all of the casting sites you have to keep up with, mileage, the time spent setting up and doing self tapes. There are so many things. Someone may ask , why? Why do it if the money isn’t guaranteed or you haven’t landed a major movie role or distribution deal. It’s passion. It’s determination. It’s love for something that you can’t imagine not doing or being a part from. Everyone has something they long to do or are doing that brings them joy. The journey isn’t always easy and it may take some time but, it’s what I love.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shanna-johnson.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/Shannaj_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannajactor

Image Credits
Blieve Media Eralphia Trey Eckles III