Meet Campbell

We recently connected with Campbell and have shared our conversation below.

Campbell, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

My name is Christian Angelique Henley. However, many people know me as Campbell. I adopted the name Campbell as a way to encapsulate my identity as an artist and filmmaker. This evolution did not happen overnight and was born out of a deep desire to find my place in the film industry. I wanted to differentiate myself and brand my artistry in such a way that it was undeniable the artist behind the content I imagined future audiences would consume. Almost everyday I confront these feelings of being an imposter. I often question my decision to forego my given name and embark on this new journey of self. I fear that I am hiding a piece of myself and that the real me will somehow expose me. Imposter syndrome to me is believing that the success, accolade, attention, honor or recognition one may receive is a fluke and that the true nature of oneself will expose them to be the exact opposite of the aforementioned words. Overcoming imposter syndrome for me is realizing and accepting that the greatest and most resonant art comes from a vulnerable place. That vulnerable place we often try to mask with our ego is the inception point of this malignant syndrome. The desire to control the public perception of oneself is what invites this cancer into our lives. I discovered when I embrace the fullness of my being, I am free to fail, succeed, be silent, be loud, and just be altogether. My way of overcoming imposter syndrome is in the ongoing practice of radical acceptance and self love. The powerful declaration to be seen in my failures and successes, and allowing those who resonate with my most authentic self to find me and celebrate that while sending well wishes and peace to those who don’t.

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?

My name is Christian Angelique Henley, but professionally, I go by CAMPBELL. I am a multidisciplinary artist with a deep love for film and television. As a young girl, I was classically trained in dance. I spent many years in a dance studio and will always consider dance to be my first love. I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin (HOOK EM’) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. I currently spend my time writing faith-based genre films and honing my storytelling skills. My mission is to spread messages of hope and healing through entertaining, mainstream media. Many people typically have a very distinct image or idea when it comes to movies considered faith-based or inspirational. I am excited and committed to expanding the scope of what these films can look like. I often explore ideas of self-discovery, acceptance, redemption, taboos, and societal dynamics through expansive, unique and often personal stories. Aside from my pursuits as a screenwriter and director, I teach a Broadway Jazz at a neighborhood studio in Mid-City, Los Angeles called the C Spot LA. I am currently in pre-production for a sci-fi short film called One Pill, which follows a depressed middle-aged woman who receives a life changing opportunity to test trial a new drug that supposedly eradicates your sadness. Please follow @thtgrlCampbell for updates and ways to support the film if you feel so inclined!
I believe that the entertainment industry has a great responsibility to society and humanity as a whole. The ideas and artistry that flow from Hollywood have the ability to shift beliefs, practices, and the future of our planet, either for good or destruction. My mission is to awake the masses to divine truth through the medium of television and film. And if you’re wondering what that means, you’ll just have to watch one of my movies!

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?

Three qualities that have been most impactful on my journey have been faith, surrender, and humility. I understand these are not qualities that one would think would have a meaningful impact on a career, but for an artist, I believe they are paramount. Faith, which I know can be a sensitive topic, has been the single greatest driving force for my continued sanity and success. As artists, we are often bombarded with thoughts of inadequacy, fear, and hopelessness, on top of the literal realities of trying to survive in oftentimes unforgiving financial conditions. Without a compass to guide you through the ups and downs of this journey, it is easy to turn around and give up. My faith in God through Jesus Christ has been the only reason I have not abandoned the dreams so intrinsically connected to my being. Finding a practice to ground you and connect you to a higher purpose and sense of self will most definitely help on the most challenging days. Surrender is important because without actively practicing the release of control, it is easy to lose one’s mind. We can not control the moment we will experience our breakthrough. We can’t anticipate that chance encounter at a cafe that led to your super niche indie film finally finding its’ producer, who fully believes in your vision and concept. If we try to control and manipulate every part of our life, it is a recipe for dissatisfaction, agitation, and stress. Remaining in a state of surrender to the divine flow of life helps us take each day in stride and trust that, although it may not make sense, each step in our journey is meaningful, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Humility is probably the trait that is most actionable on this list. Remain humble and teachable! Never become to great or prideful in your own glory that you can no longer be teachable. We are always learning and the moment you believe you are past gaining new lessons and growth is the moment, I believe, artistry dies.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The single most impactful thing my parents did for me was support me and be my biggest cheerleaders as I pursue my dreams to be an artist and professional filmmaker. Without their years of sacrifice, dedication, and love, I know wholeheartedly I would not be the woman and creative I am today. I have been truly blessed by their generosity and wisdom. Mom and Dad, thank you for seeing me and fostering the dreamer inside of me since day one. I love you.

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Image Credits

Darshae Zamari

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