We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lakisha Ginyard Louissaint. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lakisha below.
Lakisha, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose in my pain. It was the pain of failing over and over again that caused me to reevaluate my life and to model the power of perseverance for my children. I had to dig deep and realize that I was worthy of succeeding in life just as much as anyone else. It was the drive to stand up in the pits of failure; not lay down and die with purpose in me that motivated me. I had to keep going because succeeding in the face of failure and adversity has the power to uplift someone else. I found my purpose in believing that God could use anyone, even me and that’s the message that my pain sends to my children, those who have dropped out of school, GED recipients, mothers caring for children with different abilities, and all who have ever been told, “You’ll never be anything.”
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am the mother of two amazing and talented young men, an author, as well as the director, executive producer, screenwriter, filmmaker of No Perfect Love, & CEO of Film By Faith Productions LLC. Soooo, I finally completed my very first film and the first private screening for those who donated to help bring the vision God gave me was a hit. My wonderful cast was amazing and to finally get their feedback on the film was a sigh of relief for me.
On this journey, my faith in God took away every excuse designed to keep me from moving forward, and remembering everyone who donated really pushed me to not let them or my cast down. Sooooo, next up is submitting to film festivals with hopes that the message of No Perfect Love will steal the hearts of the viewers and have them wanting to know more about Janelle’s story played by DeShon Green.
And there you have it, a forty-five year old woman of determination, faith, & drive to be an example that dreams do come true. Remember, no matter what life throws your way, stand firm in your faith. Doubt will come to make you question every aspect of the dreams that God has given you, but regardless of the song it plays, remember to still dance.
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?
My love for writing, being a visual learner, and a lover of film were the skills that helped me to write, executively produce, direct, and partially edit my film No Perfect love. I didn’t allow the way others did things to deter me from doing things the way God intended.
For example, I didn’t have the budget to film consecutively, but I had the determination to film whenever and however I could. And doing so made my faith stronger. It allowed me to see that He who began a good work in me, would finish it to its completion. So, the advice I would give for others is simple, don’t let anyone place you in a box because doing so has the potential to cause you to become creatively frustrated. So, walk into your purpose the way that it was given to you.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I have been blessed to have some amazing people in my life to encourage me through the process of filming. I am forever grateful for LaCora Stephens (Writer & Director of 7 Sharp & More) Sarah Gamble (Writer & director of Fairy Dust & More) Kevin Jamaal Jordan (Who plays Brian in No Perfect Love) Harriet West Gordon, Mr. Dan Moore, and so many other amazing people. They not only encouraged me through the process, they gave me insight and feedback. But the most important thing was that they prayed with and for me. I couldn’t have asked for more.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.IamLakisha.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/
IamLakishaL - Facebook: www.Facebook.com/
IamLakishaL
Image Credits
Image Credits: Lakisha Ginyard Louissaint
