We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kayla Sullers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kayla, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
My mom always calls me a Unicorn. If you look up the definition of unicorn, it states that it is a mythical animal typically represented as a horse with a single straight horn projecting from its forehead. They’re one of a kind.
Although I don’t have a horn projecting from my forehead, I do have a third eye that’s invisible but wide open and alert.
In a world shaped by media, there is a major racial and gender disparity behind the lens. Hollywood constantly falls short of reflecting the diversity of its audience on the screen, but consumers aren’t aware that it’s happening behind the lens too.
I’m often times the “diversity hire” on most of my big gigs. This means I’m usually the youngest and only black woman in the room. My skill sets are constantly challenged, and my colleagues typically doubt my abilities on set. I try not to view my experiences in a negative manner. I always look at it with an open mind and take feedback with a grain of salt. Consistently, I ask myself: What can I learn from this opportunity? What cool person will I meet today? How can I carry this experience into my future ones?
Because I AM one of a kind, I know I bring an incredibly unique perspective to my work environments. My mother always told me growing up, “You are people’s lessons.” I try to make the best of all my encounters in environments where I’m the only one who looks, acts, and talks like me. Being the oddball isn’t always too bad. Once the job is done, I know I can bring what I’ve learned to my community and find ways to prepare them when it’s their turn to be the only one in the room.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a member of the national IATSE Local 600, representing all union publicists and camera crew members across America. Although the Local 600 has 10,114 members nationwide, only 110 of these members are black women and non-binary people, which is .009%.
My name is Kayla Sullers; I am a cum laude graduate from Grambling State University, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. I am a renowned filmmaker who has received recognition for my work from various publications, including the Chicago International Film Festival’s CineYouth, AIMAFF, and the Museum of Science and Industry Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition. My career in the film industry started as a camera intern on the set of FOX’s popular television series, Empire. I then worked as a Digital Utility, Digital Film Loader, and Camera Assistant on various productions such as Candy Man, Snow Fall, Shining Girls, Power Book IV Force, Love is Blind, and more.
I am a proud owner of Beauty Beyond The Lens, a video production company where I independently produce liberating projects. I have a wide range of clients looking to bring their visions to life. My mission is to teach the next generation of minority artists about opportunities within the film and entertainment industry. Acting on my mission, I provide community-based filmmaking workshops for those interested in learning all branches of film production. Following the completion of workshops, most participants are connected with work opportunities.
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?
If I could give any advice to folks who are early in their journey, I’d tell them to be open-minded, confident, and adaptable. There is no such thing as knowing it all. There is always something new to learn. Open-mindedness unlocks the benefits of personal growth, mental strength, and an optimistic attitude. Being confident in who you are will block all the haters. If you are strong within, it will show up in your work. Never second-guess yourself! My motto is “God wouldn’t give me an opportunity I’m not ready for.” Being adaptable creates career advancements, better leadership skills, and resilience. The golden key is to have the capacity to withstand any new environment and new problems!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m looking to collaborate with people who are invested in the future of film. Providing learning opportunities to underrepresented communities will help crack the code to the lack of diversity behind the scenes and on the big screens. Coming together with our resources and passions will change lives. Representation can help people feel seen and heard while adding layers of authenticity on and off the big screen.
If you are a creative who’s just as excited about the next generation of storytellers, don’t hesitate to email me anytime at [email protected]. I’m always seeking new collaborative opportunities to give back to my community and make a difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beautybeyondtl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylacymonee/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-sullers-b41465179
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beautybeyondtl
Image Credits
Nick M. @Mr.Moody2
M. Lamourt @mlamourt.studios
Darius D. @Dondarii
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
