We recently connected with Coven and have shared our conversation below.
Coven, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I often am the only woman, the only black person, or usually both. This made me feel like I had to overcompensate for what I did or didn’t know, or that I had to speak with utmost confidence and certainty to be heard.
As I’ve grown on my film journey, I’ve come to realize that being the only one who looks like me doesn’t count against me in the right rooms. In the right rooms, my crew already has an ear out waiting for me to say something. In the right rooms, not knowing the right answer is okay, because collaboration is the heart of filmmaking.
I’ve learned to be effective as a creative director by being blessed enough to meet the right people, being strategic enough to know where they fit into the ecosystem of my production company, HoneyShock Pictures, and allowing them to inform my filmmaking process. My success so far has come from creating the right rooms.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Coven, I am the creative director of HoneyShock Pictures, a full-service production company that provides energetic and creative solutions for companies and creatives looking to bring their next creative pursuit to life!
At my core, I am a producer, I love bringing people together for a project. My favorite aspect of the film is creating this small community that all works towards a common goal, and once the film is done there is nothing more satisfying than seeing the finished product!
Which is why I had a screening back in February for our film “My Boyfriend Stole My Kidney,” before I submitted the film for our festival run, so far we have been selected for three film festivals, two of which are local: Beyond, The Cary Film Festival and Sick Chick Flicks Film Festival in Chapel Hill.
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?
The three most important skills that have been crucial in my development as a creator are my adaptability, perseverance, and communication.
My advice for developing these skills is to get out there and create something, be willing to fall flat on your face and fail because 9 out of 10 times, you won’t. Even if things don’t go exactly how you wished they would. I think there are very few times you can truly fail as an artist if you see setbacks as a moment to learn something.
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 mom did for me was not forcing me to choose the “realistic” or “safe” path. Once she saw what I wanted to do, she’s done everything she can to support my creative journey!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://honeyshock.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covencreates/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honeyshockco/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coven-c-498383241/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@covencreates
Image Credits
Isabel Victoria Bernal
Tory Silinski
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
