Meet Lisamarie Thomas

We were lucky to catch up with Lisamarie Thomas recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisamarie , so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

Persistence in the face of haters and nay-sayers comes down to staying grounded in my purpose. My life and career are built on the belief that my story has value and can inspire others. I’ve faced challenges far greater than negativity from outsiders—surviving experiences like sex trafficking, domestic violence, and other traumas has given me an unshakable resilience.

When people doubt or criticize me, I remind myself of the lives I’ve touched through my work, whether it’s a reader who found healing in my books, a viewer moved by my films, or someone uplifted by my social activism.

It’s also about having faith and keeping my focus. I lean on prayer, a strong support system, and my own belief in the plans God has for me. I’ve built seven companies, written bestselling books, and produced award-winning films—not for the approval of others, but to fulfill my purpose.

In the end, I see criticism as fuel. It’s a reminder that I’m making waves, and that’s what disruptors and changemakers do. So, I persist by staying true to who I am, remembering why I started, and focusing on those I’m called to serve.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am an Author, Screenwriter, Film Producer, Inventor, and Social Activist. Through my work, I aim to inspire change, spark conversations, and bring awareness to important social issues. My bestselling novels, Turned Out and When God Let Me Speak, are deeply personal and tackle themes of resilience, faith, and survival. These books have been embraced by readers worldwide and are even part of public library systems, which is a huge honor.

What excites me most about my work is its ability to create impact. For example, my feature film, #TURNEDOUTTHEMOVIE, is more than just a cinematic experience—it’s a movement. Based on my novels, this film builds on the success of my award-winning short, Turned Out: The Prequel, which premiered at over 28 festivals in 12 countries in just three months. The story resonates with people because it’s raw, real, and redemptive. I’ve seen firsthand how it sparks meaningful conversations about topics many shy away from.

Beyond my films and books, I’m also working on something I’m incredibly proud of—THE ME DOLL. This patent pending product goes beyond being just a toy; it’s designed to reflect the likeness of any individual, promoting positive social and empathy skills. Currently in beta testing, THE ME DOLL will officially launch alongside #TURNEDOUTTHEMOVIE as part of its merchandise. We’re also exploring collaborations with organizations like Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to expand its reach.

I believe what makes my brand special is its authenticity. Everything I create is rooted in real experiences and a desire to inspire hope. Whether it’s the books I write, the films I produce, or the businesses I build, my focus is always on empowering others, especially women and young people.

Looking ahead, I’m thrilled about the rollout of THE ME DOLL, the release of #TURNEDOUTTHEMOVIE, and continuing to grow my brands and social impact. Stay connected with us on Instagram (@TurnedOutTheMov) and join us on this incredible journey!

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, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, vision, and adaptability.

Resilience
Life threw many challenges my way—surviving sex trafficking, domestic violence, and other traumas forced me to develop strength and perseverance. Resilience became the foundation of everything I do. It’s about refusing to give up, even when the odds are stacked against you. My advice to anyone starting out is to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Remember, setbacks don’t define you—your comeback does. Build your resilience by surrounding yourself with people who uplift you, practicing self-care, and keeping faith in your purpose.

Vision
Having a clear vision for where I wanted to go kept me grounded and focused. Whether it was writing my first book, starting my companies, or producing a film, I always kept my goals in sight. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to dream big and stay laser-focused. Write down your goals, create a vision board, or meditate on what you want to achieve. Your vision is your guide—use it to stay aligned even when distractions or doubts arise.

Adaptability
Nothing ever goes exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Being able to pivot and adjust is what kept me moving forward. For instance, launching THE ME DOLL involved challenges, but staying flexible allowed me to turn obstacles into opportunities. My advice is to develop adaptability by keeping an open mind and viewing change as a chance to learn. Life will throw curveballs; your ability to adjust will determine your success.

For those just starting out, I’d also say this: don’t be afraid to take risks, and don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Every step—whether it’s a win or a lesson—gets you closer to where you’re meant to be. Invest in yourself, seek out mentors, and never stop learning. Most importantly, remember that your unique story and experiences are your greatest strengths.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling faith and a sense of purpose in me, even in the midst of challenges. My journey hasn’t been an easy one, but their guidance and the values they taught me gave me a foundation to stand on, no matter how hard life got.

They showed me the importance of believing in myself and trusting that God has a plan for my life. Even when I faced unimaginable hardships, I held onto those lessons and used them as fuel to keep going. My parents also taught me the value of hard work and resilience—watching them navigate their own struggles with strength and grace inspired me to do the same.

One specific thing that stands out is how they encouraged me to use my voice, even when I didn’t feel heard by the world. That’s shaped who I am today as an author, filmmaker, and activist. It’s why I’m so passionate about telling stories that matter and empowering others to share their own truths.

Their belief in me planted the seeds for everything I’ve accomplished. It reminds me of how important it is to pour into the next generation—to let them know their dreams matter, their voices matter, and they are capable of greatness.

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