Story & Lesson Highlights with Sydney Gates of Columbus, Georgia

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sydney Gates. Check out our conversation below.

Sydney, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
Currently my days consist of reviewing footage from my very first show that I filmed in March and preparing for the show’s release and rollout! My days also consist of content planning and scheduling for my production company.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sydney Gates. Musically I am known as Aisyla Arriet. Film-wise I am the owner of Sydney Gates Studios. I’m a screenwriter and filmmaker. I aim to tell real stories. I pull most of my inspiration from my life and the lives around me. My first web-series is currently in post production and will be out very soon!

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I spent a long time afraid. I didn’t believe in myself or my work as much as I should have. I was afraid to put out my books because of the content. I was afraid to release music because of the mixing. I was afraid to produce a film because of the budget. I was afraid no one would support any of my work. I was fearful that one small thing would instantly cause any project of mine to be reduced to trash or the projects would be unworthy of support. Over the years, I’ve crushed that fear and have pushed myself further than ever to do what makes me happy and release that song, or release that book, or release that show. There’s nothing to be afraid of because there is always someone that’s going to support you and push you further than you ever could have imagined.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Trust yourself! You don’t need a million people telling you that you’re great before you believe it. You have to know for yourself that you are amazing and truly talented and whatever you decide to do, you will excel at it.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Take care of your people and they will take care of you. I was raised to treat everyone how you want to be treated. I use that philosophy with all of my projects. I enjoy building strong relationships with my cast, crew, engineers, other artists, etc. because once those relationships are established, you have family for life! I still speak to friends I made in college that I’m able to bounce ideas off of and work on scripts together.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
I’m currently setting the foundation for generational wealth. I’m building a business. I’m looking into real estate and other forms of passive income that will set my children and their children up for success. I’m intentional about putting my family in a position to win.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Marques Womack

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than