We were lucky to catch up with Tatiana M. Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tatiana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Generally I’m not a huge “risk taker” but right after graduating from Hampton University, I took a bold step by moving to Los Angeles to pursue my dreams within the entertainment industry. At that time, I was working as a Pharmacy Technician—a stable job but not aligned with my passion. Heading to LA felt like a risk, driven by the belief that I’d dive into the industry alongside my aunt on a film project. However, when that plan fell through, reality hit hard. As I chased my entertainment dreams, my student loans chased me for payments.

Initially, I anticipated a brief stay in Los Angeles, perhaps 3 to 6 months, to assist my aunt with her “project.” Surprisingly, those months extended into a span of about five years. After several months of job hunting, I landed a temporary position that unexpectedly opened doors. Attending the Grammy Awards through that opportunity was surreal, offering a glimpse into the city’s vast possibilities. Then came the breakthrough—I secured a full-time job at WME Entertainment, one of the industry’s top talent agencies.

Ultimately, I moved back to the East Coast (which was another risk in itself), but my time in Los Angeles equipped me with the tools, network, and general life experience needed to navigate future challenges.

Tatiana, 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?

Hey there, I’m Tatiana M. Johnson—an award-winning writer, producer, and creative consultant based in Durham, NC. I’m a proud graduate of Hampton University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Business Management. I’m the founder of 1st Lady Management, my talent and consulting firm, and the co-founder (alongside my co-founders David Hunter Jr. and Daniel Hunter—Hey guys!) of Made for More Entertainment.

Throughout my 15+ year career, I’ve collaborated with industry giants like Leslie Lewis Consulting (Grammy Nominee Album), WME Entertainment, National Geographic, and Duke University. My journey spans diverse facets of media, yet my true passion lies in partnering with creatives to help their visions flourish. Whether shaping powerful narratives, navigating production intricacies, or offering strategic creative guidance, my goal is to amplify their brilliance. Specifically, I aim to amplify the voices of marginalized communities lacking opportunities to share their authentic stories.

I embrace the mantra, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” And in a world that could use a little more light, I strive to be part of that illumination.

My work isn’t just about the end product; it’s about the transformative journey we embark on together—the process that brings ideas to vibrant life. I’ve witnessed the healing properties of storytelling across mediums—be it film, television, podcasts, books, live theater, and more. Authentic storytelling, untethered by predefined templates, fosters freedom in the atmosphere and contributes to a more inclusive society.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Wisdom and life experiences have taught me to view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures, so I appreciate the way this question is framed. I would say that my significant pivot came in the form of my divorce.

When my high-school sweetheart proposed, I embraced marriage despite some reservations. I left behind my dreams in the Los Angeles entertainment industry to start a life in my hometown of Durham, North Carolina. In doing so, I unintentionally sidelined my career aspirations and neglected to advocate for what truly mattered to me. Three years later, my marriage became one among over 30,000 dissolved in North Carolina. While various factors contributed to its end, my inability to assert my desires was critical. It was a tough lesson, but it taught me the importance of prioritizing my life goals and values.

I realized the need to pivot, to prioritize my aspirations, and to put on my own mask first. While support systems are invaluable, no one will champion your dreams as fiercely as you can. You can have cheerleaders along the way, but waiting for others to lead your journey in the pursuit of your purpose isn’t the way forward.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Whether I’m collaborating with a small internal team, ensuring a smooth production on set, or navigating discussions within my family, I’ve found that creating an atmosphere of open communication and valuing diverse viewpoints is crucial. In each scenario, understanding that everyone brings a unique lens shaped by their experiences enriches our collective understanding and approach.

On a production set, for instance, valuing the opinions of every crew member, from the director to the production assistants, not only encourages a sense of involvement but also leads to a more cohesive and collaborative outcome.

While acknowledging and respecting the opinions of others doesn’t mean complete agreement or immediate implementation of every idea, it does cultivate an environment that prioritizes open communication and the appreciation of individual perspectives.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.madeformoreent.com
• Instagram: tatianamjohnson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatianamjohnson/

Image Credits
Photo credits: Phillip Loken, Pierce Freelon, James Jeter, Solomon Bonner