We recently connected with Yhá Mourhia Wright and have shared our conversation below.
Yhá Mourhia , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Inside Out Podcast seasons 1 & 2 is the most meaningful project that I’ve worked on because it allows me to tap into the voices and stories of people within my creative community and provide them with a platform to amplify their footprint. In 2019, I reached the height of my success living in New York while working as the Senior Video Producer of MadameNoire I had the opportunity of producing, directing and writing unscripted interviews for one of my assigned short form digital series ‘In This Room.’ That afforded me the opportunity to interview the likes of Loretta Devine, Kim Fields, Robin Givens, and Emil Wilbekin to name a few. Then, the pandemic hit in March 2020 and I was left with picking up the pieces of my life so, as I sat in my childhood home back in the Bay Area – where I sheltered in place. People around me planted seeds that I should have my own podcast so I moved towards the next step and began to purchase podcasting equipment. I was unsure what was next, when the pandemic would be over but I knew that people needed community and a healthy outlet. Fast forward to 2021, I began to refocus on production with my short film, ‘Don’t Be Desperate’ and shifted from the podcast. In the summer of 2023, I hit another creative lull and felt strongly in my spirit that it was time to relaunch the podcast after an almost 3 year hiatus. Only this time, I had more years of challenges, triumphs, and people who surrounded me with shared goals and vision. I knew it was time to approach Inside Out Podcast with an open heart.
Yhá Mourhia , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Of course! Well, first thing – Yhá Mourhia is all my first name – it trips a lot of people out. I say, it sounds most like the word “euphoria.” I was always a creative child and, in fact, when my dad first brought a home video camera to our apartment in San Jose back in around…1992/1993 he pointed that camera to me and I posed and said “Hi! My name is Yhá Mourhia!” I mean, I even remember what I was wearing. It was so exciting to me. A lot of people who know me already know this story, but I had imaginary friends – Shonna, Rhonna, and Maleeka. Sometimes Shonna-Rhonna was one person, sometimes she was two. Maleeka was always an individual imaginary friend. I created stories in my head, loved writing, loved everything about the ability to take ideas and create something people could watch or listen to – it still amazes me! My parents are from Gary, IN and moved to the Bay Area in 1984 without knowing anyone other than the other folks my dad knew while he served in the Navy. They didn’t have the support system or the resources as I was growing up to really help nurture my gifts and talents so I really began to explore them at church. I would write “skits” for church at an early age, play around with Windows Movie Maker, anything that would allow me to explore my passion for creating short films and projects. Finally, in undergrad at Santa Clara University, I began to explore theater in a real way but signing up for the courses. I was a political science major with the intention on going to law school but I was captivated by the ability to just “sign up” for any classes I wanted and that’s how I really began to lock into my creativity and receive the training necessary.
I provide producing services to small businesses and non-profits under my production company, YháWright Productions. Of course, this also extends to scripted and unscripted film, digital, and television content as well. I’m expanding my client and collaborator list in 2024 so please feel free to contact me at: [email protected]
This is a great question – what problems do you solve for clients. First of all, I liaison equipping clients with the teams and resources necessary to complete a production whether it’s for their website, funding, or live events (virtual and in-person). I have an extended history of working with non-profits and startups so I know how taxing it can be to extend budget and resources. YháWright Productions steps in and lifts that heavy load!
My background in event planning, film, and digital allows me to also understand time sensitive deadlines so I treat my work with clients in the same way. We don’t sit on communication, deliverables, or deadlines. I also understand the importance of people “Experiencing Excellence” so from ideation to deliverables and distribution (or execution for events) YháWright Productions aims to bring a continuous experience of excellence and a personable approach that closely reflects the client’s brand.
Most recently, I am proud to have co-founded and produced SoulCanvas – a wellness meets creativity event at Emerson College L.A. After nearly 12 months if ideation with my business partner, Tamika Jamison, this event has 24 speakers, 4 fireside chats, 3 keynote address, 2 masterclass conversations, and various workshops and activations. This is the same work that I look forward to producing on behalf of future clients!
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Grants! I wish I knew more about grants because financial resources have been such a challenge to come by for my projects across the board.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The hardest thing I’ve had to unlearn is listening to people’s opinions. Now, it’s important to receive feedback and opportunities for growth but you must consider the source. I’ll never forget, during season one of Inside Out Podcast, I interviewed author, creative, and scholar EbonyJanice (the episode is called “Black.Woman.Worthy”) and she says something along the lines of not just taking advice from anyone who isn’t “soul-filled themselves.” What that means to me is, you have to look at the fruit of the person who is offering advice – solicited or unsolicited. Is that person fulfilled in their life? Are they realized, in any capacity, when it comes to the topic they’re purporting to understand or provide you with insight on?
Historically, being open and liked outweighed discerning when someone is instilling doubt, fear, weariness – or any other emotion or belief system that squelches my creative flow. The creative flow is divine energy. It’s what keeps us afloat during the hard times. Why one might ask? Well, because that’s how we IMAGINE ourselves out of circumstances. So, you cannot allow yourself to be SO open to feedback that it stifles your ability to move forward in the flow of your life’s purpose!
To dive a bit deeper into the backstory, it has a lot to do with being “unique” as I was told growing up. I was an outcast on the playground, at church children’s and youth group, in college…so I carried being an outlier as though if it’s a burden. However, it’s actually what allows me to have the foresight to create.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yhawrightproductions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mswrightontime
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yhamourhia/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/yhawrightproductions
- Other: Inside Out Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insideout_podcast/ Personal Website: https://yhamourhia.com/
Image Credits
BTS Photography by Jamil Gooding Headshot photography by Deborah Lopez