We recently connected with Lynneisha L.Marie Charles and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lynneisha L.Marie, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from my mother. I’ve watched her overcome major aversions in her life and she kept going. In my eyes, she’s always done what she wanted to do. Even if it’s something as small as dancing alone on an empty dance floor. That just showed me to do what makes you happy no matter what.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a casting producer as well as an entertainment reporter. I made the move to LA about nine years ago to follow my dream of being an on-air host. Before my move I was a radio producer, the producer bug was still in me but I wanted to focus on being on air. After hosting for different publications I was able to now spilt my focus and add producer back to my title. I like providing a source of entertainment for people and casting takes that to another level. Not only do I help in providing entertainment I am also helping to change people’s lives. When I cast someone on a TV show, it can provide them with exposure to help build their brands or introduce them to a whole new world. As a Black woman, I don’t see many that look like me in my position or higher. Now there are more of us now than a few years ago. But I want that number to continue to grow. So I plan on starting my own casting company to help other Black women in front of and behind the camera.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most important things that have helped me on my journey are networking, being knowledgeable in my field, and being determined. You can’t be afraid to talk to people. I’ve also worked in retail in my time and I learned how to start a conversation. Along with that skill I was blessed with my dad’s charm. He could not only talk to anyone but have them engaged in what he was saying. If you don’t have the gift of gab, just hit up YouTube university. Whatever it is that you are pursuing you need to know it in and out. That can help with networking but also keeps you prepared in case of an opportunity lands in your lap. And lastly, you have to be determined to get where you are trying to go. The road to success is never easy, if you lack determination you will not see the success you are looking for.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I am feeling overwhelmed I will go to the beach if I can. The sound of the waves are so calming. I also journal, and at times I will read old entries that remind me of how to slow down and breathe. If I can’t get to the beach I just take a day for myself. Again, I’ll take out my journal and start reading and writing. Whatever hobbies or interests make you feel calm when doing them, that is what you should do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: LMarieTV
Image Credits
EURWeb.com (this credit is for the red carpet photos)
