Meet Shay Franklin

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

Shay , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from a combination of my upbringing in Baltimore, Maryland, and my personal experiences, which shaped my determination to overcome adversity. Growing up in a tough city, I witnessed the struggles of those around me, including financial hardships and the challenges of navigating a city with its own social and economic barriers. I was raised in a home for kids due to the struggles of the disenfranchised community I was born into.

My resilience was truly tested when I faced a series of personal setbacks in my early adulthood. Struggling with being a single mom, no support system, mental health issues, and a lack of direction, I found myself at a crossroads. But instead of succumbing to my circumstances, I made a conscious decision to take control of my life. This turning point led me to focus on my physical and mental well-being, being a better mom, and pursuing my career in entertainment and strengthening my relationship with the creator. My journey wasn’t easy—it was filled with challenges that required strength, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to bettering Myself. What further fueled my resilience was my desire to uplift others in my community by forging a path forward to success.

My resilience is also shaped by the strategies I employ in my daily life. I emphasize shifting my mindset to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Whether facing personal difficulties or professional hurdles, I approach each situation with a mindset that empowers me to push forward. I also value deep social connections and grounding myself in strong community ties.

By focusing on my health, maintaining a positive outlook, and constantly seeking ways to better myself, I turned my personal struggles into sources of power, inspiring others along the way.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Shay Franklin, a storyteller with a passion for reshaping the narratives we see on screen. As an independent screenwriter, producer, and director, my work is all about amplifying underrepresented voices and telling authentic stories that go beyond stereotypes. Growing up on the west side of Baltimore, Maryland, in a large family, I was exposed to the harsh realities of poverty and the struggles of living in an underserved community. My time in a home for kids, followed by being moving from Baltimore to the South at the age of 16, and becoming a mother to my amazing son Amir gave me the resilience and determination to rise above the challenges I faced.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to create content that not only entertains but also uplifts, inspires, and heals. Whether it’s through my indie documentary SKINDEEP, where I explore trauma and inner healing, or my contributions to shows like House of Cards, Charm City Kings, and Born Five, I’m always focused on telling stories that connect with people on a deep, personal level. Through my production company, Franklin Media Group, I’m able to create projects that reflect my mission to offer more authentic, empowering representations of Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities.

Professionally, I have worked as a high-level executive support and creative development executive for a well-known Hollywood producer, as well as working for companies such as Overbrook Ent, Revolt TV, and Blavity. These roles allowed me to collaborate with other creatives and curate content that speaks to a wide range of audiences while making sure the stories we were telling reflected the cultures and communities I care about. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to reshape the entertainment landscape by telling stories that showcase the complexity and richness of life beyond traditional stereotypes and archetypes.

At the heart of my work is the belief that storytelling has the power to create change. I’m driven to provide the next generation with content that reflects their lived experiences and inspires them to challenge the status quo. Love, resilience, and authenticity guide my creative vision, and I’m committed to creating projects that spark meaningful change on a global scale. Whether I’m working on commissioned screenwriting, directing opportunities, or developing new content, I’m always focused on amplifying voices that deserve to be heard and sharing stories that speak truth to power.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, there are three key qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that I believe were most impactful:

Resilience and Determination – Overcoming the odds and navigating difficult situations, from growing up in Baltimore to facing personal challenges, has shaped my ability to stay focused on my goals despite setbacks. Resilience has been a driving force behind my pursuit of filmmaking and storytelling. I’ve learned that when life doesn’t go as planned, you have to adapt, find strength in your struggles, and keep pushing forward.

Advice for others: Embrace your setbacks as opportunities for growth. Life will throw challenges your way, but they don’t define you. Develop a mindset that turns obstacles into stepping stones. Be persistent, but also patient with yourself. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your growth.

Storytelling Craft and Artistic Vision – My ability to craft meaningful and compelling stories has been critical to my success. Whether I’m directing, producing, or writing, the skill to tell authentic, engaging stories that resonate with others has been foundational to the growth of my career. It’s about not just telling a story but using the narrative to evoke emotions, share experiences, and drive change.

Advice for others: Continuously work on your craft. Whether it’s through formal education, personal projects, or collaborating with others, keep refining your skills. Read widely, watch films from different genres and cultures, and practice writing or creating consistently. The more you immerse yourself in the world of storytelling, the better equipped you’ll be to bring your own vision to life.

Networking and Collaboration – Building relationships within the industry and cultivating a network of like-minded creatives, mentors, and collaborators has been invaluable. I learned that filmmaking is not a solitary endeavor; it’s about working with others who share your passion and vision. The right connections can open doors, provide opportunities, and help you grow both professionally and personally.

Advice for others: Start building your network early, even when you’re just starting. Attend events, reach out to people whose work you admire, and be open to collaboration. It’s about creating genuine relationships and learning from others. Be proactive in seeking mentors and offering help to others along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and stay curious and you are never too old to get started.

In sum, resilience, storytelling craft, and networking were key in shaping my journey. My advice to those early in their journey is to focus on these areas, but don’t forget to enjoy the process. It’s a lifelong learning experience, and staying true to your vision while embracing growth is what will set you apart. Dream Big and Manifest the Life you deserve.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

The books Oneness, Produced by Faith, and Sacred Woman have played a crucial role in my personal and professional development. Each of these books offered valuable insights that helped me navigate the complexities of life while deepening my understanding of myself and my creative journey.

From Oneness, I learned the power of connecting with a higher sense of purpose and the importance of spiritual alignment in all areas of life. This book emphasizes that everything we do should come from a place of unity, both within ourselves and with the world around us. It helped me to focus on staying grounded and trusting that the universe is aligned with my purpose, even during challenging times.

From Oneness, I learned that “We are not merely a tiny, insignificant part of this universe, not just some mistake, or random chance, we are the universe.”

Produced by Faith provided profound lessons on integrating faith and purpose into my work. This book taught me that the foundation of success in any career, especially in the entertainment industry, is built on a belief in something greater than myself. The idea of working with integrity, while aligning my professional choices with my core values, continues to guide me in everything I do. A key takeaway from this book was that success is not just about achieving goals but about maintaining authenticity and faith in the process, regardless of external pressures.

Produced by Faith taught me that “What matters is not where you are today, but what kind of person God is shaping you to become in preparation for the time when he brings his vision for your life to fruition.”

Sacred Woman was transformative in helping me reconnect with my feminine energy and embrace the holistic concept of healing. The book’s focus on self-care, nourishment, and honoring my body as sacred has had a lasting impact. It provided valuable wisdom on the importance of inner balance, ritual, and ancestral knowledge in healing and growth. One of the most impactful lessons from Sacred Woman was the idea that true power comes from embracing all aspects of ourselves—our strengths and vulnerabilities—and treating our journey with reverence.

Sacred Woman emphasized the importance of self-care and honoring one’s body as sacred, providing valuable wisdom on the significance of inner balance and holistic healing.

These books have inspired me to approach my work, my relationships, and my personal growth with more intention, balance, and spiritual alignment. They have been foundational in shaping the way I approach my creative projects and my overall approach to life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: shay_franklin_

Image Credits

photos by: @eyeboims, @vonjovey, @trutvla, @lowkey_hope