Meet Jai Harris

We were lucky to catch up with Jai Harris recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jai , 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?

Wow. This question resonates deeply with me because it truly is the story of my life. As a Black woman who grew up in Denver, Colorado, I was often the only person who looked like me in most rooms whether in school, at work, or in the film industry. Not only was I the only Black person, but many times I was the only minority and often the only woman.

But no matter the room, I stayed rooted in myself, my morals, my values, and my integrity. I never allowed outside factors to manipulate my vision of who I wanted to be as a storyteller and creator. The projects I presented often challenged my peers because for many of them it was hard to comprehend that a story like mine could exist in their world. In reality, we were living just blocks apart, but from completely different planets.

Standing in my truth is what has allowed me to stand out in a world dominated by groupthink. I have never been one to follow trends. In fact, I often created them unintentionally by remaining unapologetically myself.

I have also been intentional about hiring and collaborating with the most qualified people who look like me. Together, we share our gifts and talents with the world. Because if opportunities are not always given to us, then we must create them for ourselves. My philosophy is not to dwell on the problem, but to become part of the solution, to build systems that fix what is broken and open more doors for those coming after us.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

At my core, I am a storyteller and builder of platforms. Through Free Royalty, I have been blessed to work across television, film, and education, partnering with some of the most incredible voices of our time. What excites me most right now is Free Royalty Academy, which is not just about teaching filmmaking, acting, or production, but about creating a pipeline for the next generation of storytellers. We bring hands-on workshops, master classes, and mentorship directly into communities that are often overlooked, giving young people access to tools and opportunities that can transform their lives.

We are currently developing an incredible slate of projects. Our web-series, Products of the Plan: Season 2 has officially begun production in California and will feature high-profile talent including Adrian Swish of LabelIQ.ai and DigitalCurrensy.com, viral recording artist @Verum_Music, community leader Brother Minister Hanan, CEO Charles Smith, Author/ Celebrity Stylist George Saint Thomas, and many others. For those new to the series, Products of the Plan: Season 1 – Colorado is now streaming on www.YouTube.com/@FreeRoyaltyLLC.

In addition, we are producing Have Mercy, a powerful clemency-focused documentary, as well as The Ephren Taylor Story, which explores one of the most compelling true crime and redemption arcs of our time.

What I am most proud of is that Free Royalty now has two active development deals with celebrity clients, which speaks not only to the strength of our creative vision but also to the trust we have built in this industry. These partnerships allow us to merge entertainment with impact, ensuring that the stories we tell don’t just entertain, but educate, inspire, and open doors for others.

This is bigger than me. It is about building a legacy that uplifts communities, provides access where it has been denied, and creates space for the next generation to thrive. Free Royalty is proof that when you invest in people, in culture, and in truth, you can shift narratives and leave something lasting for those who come after.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, sticktoitiveness, and an unwavering commitment to my path. There were so many moments when I wanted to give up, but I had to remind myself that while the journey is not easy, it will be rewarding if I stay the course.

We live in a time where creatives are often being replaced by technology, but I believe our stories remain vital for the success of the next generation. With production strikes, job losses, and financial challenges, it can feel easier to give up or pivot to something you never intended. But if you can remain disciplined and focused, you may reach the very dream you have been fighting for. There is no point in giving up now. Hard times do not last forever.

I know this firsthand. I am part of the 300,000 Black women who lost their jobs and found themselves unemployed in 2025. I have questioned my journey many times, but every time I return to my vision and trust the plan, God always makes a way.

So my advice to anyone starting out is this: no matter what you are going through, keep pouring whatever energy you have left into your dream. Every single day. Keep planting seeds, even if they are small ones. Because before you know it, your garden will bloom, and you will finally see the fruits of your labor.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, we are actively looking for partners and collaborators all over the world. Free Royalty Film Academy is a traveling pop up academy that will go state to state, bringing storytelling and filmmaking opportunities directly into communities. We welcome educators, volunteers, mentors, and most importantly, students from marginalized areas. When we arrive, we provide everything including workbooks, curriculums, supplies, and hands on training. Students learn production, photography, drone operation, acting, producing, editing, art, and more.

We are also producing several film projects that will travel from city to city. For Products of the Plan, we are seeking powerful and unique stories from individuals affected by the crack epidemic and the rise of gangs in the 90s. We are looking for the survivors who turned their pain into redemption and art. We are also building talent driven shows that put local filmmakers to work in their own cities where they will collaborate with industry mentors and showcase their communities.

In addition, we are looking for sponsors who want to invest in students and support the Academy’s growth. It truly takes a village, and we want to partner with anyone who shares our mission to create impact, opportunity, and lasting change through art and education.

If you are reading this and feel called to collaborate, you can connect with us at www.FreeRoyalty.biz or email us directly at [email protected]

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Free Royalty LLC

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