Erica Williams Simon is an award-winning strategist, author, creative and entrepreneur. As the founder and former Head of Snapchat’s Creator’s Lab, Erica creates conversations that help a diverse, digital native generation tell new stories about “who we are and how we want to live”. Her work incorporates elements of her multi-industry career to surface countercultural wisdom for work, life and social impact. Through her company Sage House, a strategic content, experience and consulting firm Erica works with clients like Spotify, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and countless creative partners to bring big ideas to life. She is also host of the popular podcast The Call with Erica.  Previously, Simon worked as Senior Editor and Creative Director of Upworthy.com and as a columnist for TIME.com.   On This Episode: Do you think our identity being rooted in what we do prevents us from moving and showing up in spaces that we are needed in?We see people on social media and compare not know the process…give us perspective you were the founding Creative Director of Upworthy.com – what does it look like to build // what skills do we need to build especially a media presence? Narrative intelligence what is it and why is it important to storytellers in media? How can someone gain opportunities to show up in their new space if they are “starting late”. Example you left and went into Snapchat Connect with us:  Shivawn Mitchell (host) www.shivawnmitchell.com  Erica Williams Simon (guest) https://www.ericawilliams.com/

Letisha Bereola is an Emmy nominated TV News Anchor in Jacksonville, Florida. With 10+ experience in the news industry, Letisha has covered everything from national championships and hurricanes as an MMJ to the anchor seat. Letisha is the host and producer of the podcast AUDACITY: Unlocking the secrets of the Bold where she interviews entrepreneurs, creatives, thought leaders and artists about how they cultivated the audacity to go after their dreams. Her faith in Jesus is the center of her life and helps her show up everyday as a mom of two, wife and news anchor who is determined to use her platform to inspire people to live a life purpose.   On This Episode We Cover:  Finding our voice in a noisy space how do you show up as your authentic self as a storyteller.How does your faith define what stories you share?How does your faith shows up in your creativity?Representation in the media …why News? How did you get started?What does it look like for you going after your dreams? What have you learned as wearing the producers hat going into the podcast?What do you say to the people who say I don’t want to start because the market is Oversaturated?Measuring Success….what does that look like for you and defining what it is? Connect with Us:  Host: Shivawn Mitchell www.shivawnmitchell.com  Guest Latisha Bereola https://www.instagram.com/letishatv/

Christina Jones is a creative director and producer with a strong background in graphic design & branding, film production and marketing. She has traveled nationally and internationally, collaborating with brands such as Showtime Sports, TOGETHXR and House of Athlete to direct and produce creative content. She's recently founded a brand titled "Creatives Are Essential" which showcases the importance of individuals in creative fields and creates resources for people to grow by developing ideas, collaborating with others and learning to rest.   On This Episode We Discuss :  Why Creatives are Essential How she put herself out there to work with House of Athlete Working with a team What it looks like to produce Connect with us:  www.thecreativeoutsiders.com  https://www.strytlrs-creative.com/

Avril Z. Speaks is a producer, director and film educator based in Los Angeles. She produced the critically-acclaimed feature film Jinn, which won the Special Jury Prize for Writing at SXSW and was acquired by MGM/Orion Classics for theatrical and VOD release. Since then she has produced several films including Hosea, and African America, which will premiere this year at the Pan African Film Festival, and the upcoming Dotty & Soul, starring Leslie Uggams, Gary Owens and Margot Bingham. She was an associate producer on the TNT docu-series “American Race,” and has helped produce content for BET, Coca-Cola, Essence, and others.   What we discussed on this episode?  How did you pursue film? What were your actionable steps?  Why do you think we don’t see more women in the space of producing and what skills do you need to wear that hat? How do we show up better?  Faith and Creativity. I saw that you studied, Theology and Film, why was this important for you to study the two together and how has it shaped your creativity?  Is it important for us to apply for producer labs or fellowships? What does this do for our careers?  Do you have to move to LA to be successful in film as a producer/or director?  What stories are important for you to tell now and why?   Connect with us Avril Speaks  Shivawn Mitchell - Host & The Creative Outsiders

SHANNAN E. JOHNSON is the ultimate accountability partner. After grad school she became a junior creative executive at NBCUniversal at the Syfy Channel. I was there for the rebrand. Remember Sci Fi? Yeah, not really. Anywho, it was her job to help writers and producers take their ideas from pitch to production. She co-exec'd on Alphas, Being Human, Haven, Sanctuary, Warehouse 13, and more Syfy dramedies. This is how she honed my skill in all stages of the screenwriting process. She started her own script consulting company, The Professional Pen. Her clients include emerging screenwriters to established actors, directors, showrunners and producers. She's judged screenplay competitions and sat on festival panels, consulted on a plethora of scripts, and garnered several editing credits.  Our Host for this Episode is Brittany White a modern-day visionary. Using a unique brand of faith, funny and down to earth realness, Brittany aspires to show women that you can have it all without sacrificing your faith, family or career.   On This Episode We Cover:  Your career path defines versatility…you’ve worked in education, tv/film and as an actress/singer/dancer. How did you decide it was time for a career switch and were you ever fearful of taking the leap from one career path to another?What exactly is a script consultant and what type of services do you offer to writers?Why is it important as a writer to invest in these types of services?Let's get social  www.awriterforyourwriter.com IG: @theprofessionalpen www.thecreativeoutsiders.com  IG: @thecreativeoutsiders

Myah Naomi Lipscomb was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in Adelphi, Maryland as the only child of Sylvester and Chandra Lipscomb. She was taught at the early age of three to be an individual and it eventually became apart of her identity to whole-heartedly and unapologetically be herself.  After graduating from Eleanor Roosevelt high school in Greenbelt, Maryland, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee to attend Tennessee State University.  She graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science/ Pre-Veterinary Medicine.  After working as a veterinary assistant for a year and half, she realized that her passion lied elsewhere and that life was too short not to fulfill her dreams. She has always had a strong creative side that she’s expressed through dance, writing, acting, videography, and editing. In December of 2014, she took a leap of faith toward her passion and decided to pursue a career in television and film. She attended Lipscomb University and graduated with her Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree in Film & Creative Media in December 2017. Myah’s passion for television and film comes from the desire to create content that positively represents people of color, especially women of color, in a respectable manner. She is the creator of an award winning scripted television comedy series, #WeirdMYAH, and is currently in the process of getting it picked up by a television network or streaming platform. She currently works as a freelance director, cinematographer, and editor for individuals, artists, musicians, events, businesses, and local television stations.   Podcast Guest Host: Brittany White is a modern-day visionary. Using a unique brand of faith, funny and down to earth realness, Brittany aspires to show women that you can have it all without sacrificing your faith, family or career. Nicknamed “Every girl’s best friend”, Brittany’s humor and realness has allowed her to connect to women all over the country through an active and engaging social media presence. She understands that social media can be used as a source to bring women together and uses it to inspire and encourage women around the world.  The vision of Brittany J. White Inc. is to spread the love of Christ through both her media company “Pretty Funny Ent.” and her non-profit organization “The Leah Project Inc.”   Get Social with The Creative Outsiders or visit our Instagram / YouTube Channel

K. Elle Jones is an Amazon Bestselling author, award-winning entrepreneur, Personal Brand Consultant, filmmaker, and media-savvy expert, with more than 25+ years experience in media, entertainment, branding, marketing & advertising, working with top brands including Victoria’s Secret, Bath + Body Works, and Cigna Healthcare. Her brand positioning, presence (on-and-offline), and messaging has helped her land lucrative brand partnership deals, and garnered her both local and national media attention, including CBS, The Tamron Hall Show, VoyageLA, LA Talk Radio, and more. She’s currently in production on her live Docuseries, “The Beauty Behind The Brand Live,” a 12-episode, original television series produced by, ELLEvate NOW Creative Media, her production company, and LMK Entertainment. Elle consults with entrepreneurs, business owners, female founders and community leaders on how to build a powerful, legacy-driven personal brand, share their message with more people, and elevate their credibility, impact and profitability, leveraging the power of storytelling, video, brand marketing + distribution.   On This Episode We Cover:  Navigating the middle of the journey Losing a job and pivoting careers Branding & PR with Creatives - What that looks likeNext Steps when you don't know what to do Get Social with Us You can learn more about Elle and her creative agency + video production company at www.ellevatenow.com or on Instagram  You can learn more about TCO and their production company at www.thecreativeoutsiders.com or on Instagram

Lamide Akintobi is an award winning journalist and television personality with several years of experience in front of and behind the camera. She has a B.A in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish from Texas A&M University – Commerce, and an M.A in International Journalism from City University, London, where she was a British Council Chevening Scholar. She has worked as a news anchor, producer and reporter at Channels TV and TVC News and as a Presenter/Producer with Ebonylife TV, which broadcasts across Africa and in the UK. She also worked with Red Media as a host on the show "Church Culture" and has worked as a freelance producer for CNN International since 2018. Lamide has also served as a producer/coordinator on independent documentaries and as a project/content acquisition manager. She has moderated panels at the Nigerian Entertainment Conference, Ake Festival, Union Bank Annual Education Conference, & She Leads Africa Festival, among many others. In addition, she is an event host, working with clients such as Union Bank and Google Nigeria, a content consultant, and documentary maker.   On This Episode:  Finding your Footing as a Storyteller Networking & Connections  Producing out of Necessity  Freelance Production  Your Responsibility as a Storyteller  Get Social with Us:  Lamide Akintobi : Instagram Website The Creative Outsiders : Instagram  Website

Charlotte Betts Lomé Togo, raised in Canada’s capital , Ottawa and currently call a quiet suburb outside of Chicago home. If there is only one thing you need to know about her, it is this — She's a storyteller through and through. and passionate about helping  people and businesses make an impact through digital storytelling. Her creative (writing) journey began in 1990 thanks to a book by La Comptesse de Ségur entitled “ Après la pluie le beau temps” she fell in love with Ségur’s ability to transport me to France through words and vowed one day to do the same. Today, that vow has helped her serve individuals by bridging the gap between their stories and their audience, through the use of effective and impactful storytelling.  Get Social With Us  Charlotte Betts - www.instagram.com/pintsizefaithmedia or Website or www.instagram.com/charlotteabetts  Shivawn Mitchell - www.thecreativeoutsiders.com or www.shivawnmitchell.com & IG

This Episode is a Special Edition with Just Shivawn Mitchell chatting with you about the perspective of being a Christian Creative and what that looks like. Tune in as she breaks down how she see's her faith in the movie Home Alone 2.    Shivawn's Bio - & Get Social with here HERE or HERE  At just 8 years old I took my first step at writing, submitting a personal essay into a contest at my Elementary School. This was major considering I was the girl who hardly spoke in class. But, I pushed past my fears and laid my words on the line. To my surprise I won. After winning the contest I tucked my award into my scrapbook and didn’t formally write for another 20 years. I kept writing but my words were hidden in my journal. I grew up believing that I could be a teacher, doctor or even a lawyer. I didn’t see creativity as a career especially for Christians unless you were creating a church play on Easter. My perspective stayed limited and I didn’t believe there was space for me as a creative until I had a mini meltdown at my 9 to 5 which sent me on a journey of obtaining my MFA in Screenwriting.

On today's episode we hang out during our Creative Community Chat where we discuss navigating during Covid-19 we had the pleasure of having Marlena Banks who I like to think of the mindset queen.   She's also known as a Christian Startup Coach | Author of Big Idea Food: A Weekly Devotional for Entrepreneurs, Side Hustlers & Dreamers. Big Idea Food™ started in 2018 as a paperback devotional for entrepreneurs that serves up dope biblical nuggets to energize your hustle. Since then it’s grown into a lifestyle brand for dope Christian entrepreneurs that features a private online community, a YouTube channel, a weekly devotional email & inspirational social media content. Together, all these resources work to feed your spirit with God’s word in a voice you can relate to so that you are empowered to execute all the world-changing ideas God has given you.   On This Episode we Discuss  How do you deal with fear? What does that look like practically. Why are we not doing what we're supposed to do? What mindset work do we need to do to get rid of our excuses and produce?Wanting to collaborate but I’m full of comparison how do I handle that space Let's Get Social Marlena Banks Big Idea Food  Instagram  Shivawn Mitchell Website Instagram

Mercedes Brazier-Thurman is a screenwriter and content creator. Her writing explores the comedic curiosity and complex vulnerability within our relationships. She is currently a staff writer for the streaming site, Black and Sexy TV. She was a co-writer for Black and Sexy TV’s Hello Cupid: Season 3 Reboot. She is the creator of the quirky comedic web series, All My Friends Are Married.  Season 1 is distributed by The Black TV & Film Collective. In addition, she is the co-creator of MomStorie, a millennial blog that encourages creativity in parenting. An alumna of Tisch School of the Arts for Film and Dramatic Writing, she has a MA in Educational Theatre from NYU Steinhart’s School of Education. Mercedes has taught screenwriting to NYC teens, women of color and Indigenous Americans and. She is currently a script writing professor at The City University of New York.   Show Notes:  Getting started in Screenwriting.  Common pitfalls with those who are new to screenwriting? Tips for the established screenwriter?  How should you get feedback as a screenwriter? Crowdfunding as a Screenwriter. Navigating the middle as a Screenwriter.  Let’s get Social – mercedes brazier-thurman // instagram shivawnmitchell // thecreativeoutsiders

Kristin Winchester is a Licensed Therapist and Mindset Coach, speaker, host of the DFBG Mindset Podcast and founder of Her Therapy Space, a mental health private practice in Washington, DC.    She partners with ambitious WOC entrepreneurs and professionals to break the negative thought patterns keeping them from success so they can live out their purpose with excitement and confidence. She believes that we have the power to choose and create the life we desire and it all starts with our thinking. With over 8 years experience in the wellness field, Kristin has helped many people shift their ways of thinking in order to live a life they once didn’t think was a possibility.    Kristin has been featured in Essence, Cosmopolitan, CNN Money, Rolling Out, Huff Post and a number of other platforms.   Show Notes How do we Navigate our Mental Health During This Time What is Depression & managing our Emotional health Identifying Anxiety Why we still need Routine during this time Checking in with yourself and what that looks likeImposter Syndrome Limiting our Consumption as Creatives during this time  Let's get Social -  kristinsuttonlpc // hertherapyspace  shivawnmitchell // thecreativeoutsiders  Visit us Online HERE Mentioned on the show The 5 Minute Journal  Thank you to our Sponsors Salon Noa & Yendidi Restaurant  Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for a relationship with a licensed mental health professional. If you need immediate assistance please contact: Suicide Prevention 800-273-8255Mental Health Hotline 866-677-5924Center Against Sexual Assault 866-373-8300National Alliance on Mental Health 800-656-4673National Sexual Assault 800-656-4673

Alesia Etinoff is an LA-based creator and comedian just wrapped principle on her short film 19 WEEKS that Zoe Saldana’s Cinestar Executive Produced; Alesia stars opposite Sherri Shepherd, Lamorne Morris and Marque Richardson. Alesia’s 2017 web series Avant-Guardians won Best Short Form Dramedy at the prestigious NYTVF, was nominated for best websereis at ABFF, and is an official selection for the LA Film Festival. It’s received rave reviews from Essence, Bust Magazine, Decider and TubeFilter. The pilot she wrote, inspired by the series, made it to the second round of the Sundance Episodic Story Lab and the second round of the MACRO Episodic Story Lab. Alesia has showcased at the Hollywood Improv, Nerdmelt and Zanies Chicago and can be seen regularly at UCB and Flappers. She is a UCB Diversity Scholar and a graduate of the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama. Alesia most recently partnered with the Television Academy to create a diversity writing intensive called ‘Young Writers to Watch.’   On This Episode We Cover:  Producing her own Project & Funding  How Comedy has shaped her writing  Her short film 19 WEEKS Script Coverage  Pitfalls Screenwriters Make The Importance of Community For Filmmakers Connect With Us Alesia Etinoff - Instagram, Website  Shivawn Mitchell - Instagram, Website

Rani brings 16+ years experience in the digital media space. Her work has taken her from Washington, DC, to Los Angeles and to Singapore, producing, directing digital content in support of Travel Channel, TLC, HGTV, DIYNetwork and more.  Throughout her career she’s produced many digital series including HGTV’s House Tours with host of Flipping Virgins, Egypt Sherrod, and Flip or Flop Atlanta’s Anita and Ken Corsini. Additional series she produced include My Hometown and Day in the Life with actor Brian Unger (Travel Channel). Rani has also produced the digital series for Travel Channel, Man v. NYC, featuring Man v. Food’s Casey Webb and Food Network’s Vivian Chan. Rani is also an avid world-traveler. In an effort to share her experience and passion for travel, her love for photography and her local experiences with her 3 children,  she created a lifestyle blog called Triplicity by Craft. The blog showcases her travels to such places as Paris, Italy, and Senegal.  Additionally, she has used her passion as a platform to tell others about the importance of travel for young kids and adults.  In 2017, Rani was invited to speak at Good Travels’ inaugural event in San Francisco on the importance of travel, especially for the next generation. Rani also serves on the Board of Creatives team for 100cameras, a non-profit organization that works with young children in marginalized regions throughout the world, teaching them photojournalism. Rani currently residing in Knoxville, TN, by way of Washington, DC. In 2017 Rani, started working alongside her good friend Latasha Kennedy at LMK Entertainment Group to produce scripted and unscripted content. Rani executive produced ‘One Last Goodbye’ with Latasha Kennedy in April 2018.   On This Episode We Cover:  The Pitching Process How Rani's career landed her in producing  Skills that will benefit you as a producer  How travel has helped her as a storyteller    Connect With Us:  Rani Craft Robinson - www.instagram.com/ranicraft or https://www.lmkentertainmentgrp.com/our-team Shivawn Mitchell - www.thecreativeoutsiders.com or www.shivawnmitchell.com

Gynai Kristol was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. As a child she would constantly watch and critique music videos while contemplating ways to form concepts in her head for them. Her Grandfather was a photographer and inadvertently had quite the influence on her at young age. The camera and film world had always been intriguing for her and a constant creative motivator since she was a little girl, which in later years, caused her to purchase her first camera, a Canon t3i. After Graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2013, Gynai began working with The West Angeles Church Of God In Christ as a videographer. Not content with juggling only one gig she continued to pursue working with various creatives in and around LA and began working with and documenting artists’ processes as they created their albums, prepared for their first shows, and went through life. In 2015 she decided to move to New York to further pursue her passion in film and attended New York Film Academy for their one year documentary program. The want to tell stories of people's lives, giving them a relatable appeal, is what kept Gynai doing documentary based videos and short films. With her documentary films, Gynai’s goal is to inspire and entertain her audience. She is now a freelance filmmaker and editor based in Brooklyn, NY.   Connect with Gynai Kristol - Website Connect with Shivawn Mitchell - Website

Denise Purkett is a writer who creates original content for the internet. She enjoys telling stories visually, touching on topics including relationships, self-care, and grief. She works alongside her husband in their company, Vision Suite Media, where they specialize in creating digital videos and photos for businesses, creatives and artists. Denise has a MA in Strategic Communication. Denise lives in Norfolk, Virginia with her husband, her bonus daughter, and her 8 month old daughter.    @denniinop Instagram @thecreativeoutsiders or @shivawn_adrienne SUPPORT THE PODCAST If you like this episode, share it + subscribe + leave a review (or do both) The more reviews, the greater chance someone else will hear these episodes. iTunes  Stitcher iHeartRadio  Podomatic

Alana Marie is a storyteller and digital content creator. Alana’s passion stems from her belief in everyone having a story, everything having a meaning, and every experience serving a purpose. Alana recently completed her first short, The Kinloch Doc, which screened in the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase and the St. Louis International Film Festival. She is currently producing and directing the feature length of the Kinloch Doc, the first documentary about the rise and demise of Missouri’s First Black City - Kinloch, MO. In addition to filmmaking: (1) Alana is a college access advocate exposing first-gen and underrepresented youth to college, (2) a community organizer in overlooked and neglected neighborhoods in St. Louis, and (3) a freelance writer whose work has been published on several known online publications including Blavity, xoNecole, The Root & Delux Mag. Sponsor : Location Locked is a peer-to-peer marketplace that offers filmmakers and content creators like yourself, the opportunity to book locations and services needed for your next big project or event. Visit locationlocked.com to register your space and find what you need for your next project today! Visit locationlocked.com today and get started today! Website: www.thekinlochdoc.com www.thecreativeoutsiders.com & www.shivawnmitchell.com

Dana & Sarah Films LLC is owned by two women filmmakers, Dana Richardson and Sarah Zentz, who have been passionately directing and producing independent documentary films since 2008. They are the Producers, Directors, and Editors of the award winning documentary films GOSHEN (2015) and BACK TO EDEN (2011). Their documentary features have broadcast on PBS, FNX, and Amazing Discoveries and were selected by several On Demand channels including Amazon Video, Telus, Steep Edge TV, Grind TV, Eco Streamz, and FMTV. ​Their films are concerned with social and environmental issues, covering stories such as sustainable food systems and the impact of climate change on indigenous cultures. They have a unique way of storytelling that is entertaining, educational, and inspires change. Powered by Location Locked. Location Locked is a peer-to-peer marketplace that offers filmmakers and content creators like yourself, the opportunity to book locations and services needed for your next big project or event. Visit locationlocked.com to register your space and find what you need for your next project today!  Connect With Us:  https://www.facebook.com/DanaSarahFilms/  https://vimeo.com/danasarahfilms  www.shivawnmitchell.com  www.thecreativeoutsiders.com

Jillian Bullock is the CEO/President of Jillian Bullock Enterprises, LLC, an empowerment and entertainment production company based in Pennsylvania. After graduation with a degree in Communications from La Salle University, Jillian got her start in filmmaking as an intern on Spike Lee’s movie “Malcolm X.” From there, she has worked on her own, and other people’s movies as an actor, writer, producer, director, and fight choreographer.  As an award winning filmmaker, Jillian wrote and directed the documentary “A Filmmaker’s Personal Journey.” She went on to write, direct and produce the drama “Spirit.” Jillian recently completed “A Sense of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives,” a feature film that focuses on veterans, PTSD and military sexual assault.Currently, Jillian is in pre-production on the movie “A Cup Full of Crazy,” a psychological thriller.  Since 2007, Jillian has been a screenwriting judge for the Set In Philadelphia Screenwriting Contest, which is sponsored by the Greater Philadelphia Film Office. This Episode is Powered by Location Locked is a peer-to-peer marketplace that offers filmmakers and content creators like yourself, the opportunity to book locations and services needed for your next big project or event. Visit location locked to register your space and find what you need for your next project today! Connect: Jillian Bullock https://www.jbullockspeaker.com/  Shivawn Mitchell www.shivawnmitchell.com www.thecreativeoutsiders.com