Meet Melissa Joyner

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Joyner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.

Hi Melissa, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

The short answer…, I didn’t!

I am a woman of color, so the nagging doubt that I truly don’t belong, is engrained and supported by the society in which we live. Maya Angelou once said, “I have written 11 books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.’”

Imposter syndrome has been a persistent companion, however, I’ve learned to navigate it by embracing vulnerability and seeking support from others. Its difficult, but I find, vulnerability can help. Being brave enough to say, “you do that so well… how do you do that?”, or “I’m excited to take this on but these are my fears…”. Nothing gets off of the ground without collaboration, and if I lean into the expertise of those around me, I tend to find where MY expertise can stand strong. Sharing my fears and doubts has not only fostered deeper connections but also revealed my unique strengths. It’s about finding the courage to ask questions, learn from others, and accept praise without dismissing it.

While I may never fully conquer imposter syndrome, I’ve found that by acknowledging it and taking steps to address it, I can continue to grow.

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?

I’m a multifaceted professor and artist, passionate about storytelling in all its forms. My career has spanned television, film, and theater, with roles in shows like Mrs. America, Blue Bloods, and FBI. I’m particularly proud of my performance as Betty McKay in Maids Door, which earned me an Audelco Award.

Beyond acting, I’ve delved into directing and writing. My directorial debut, Reimagined Volume III: Young Thang, is a testament to my commitment to innovative storytelling.

I’m excited about the future, and I’m eager to continue pushing boundaries and creating work that resonates with audiences. I believe that art has the power to inspire, challenge, and transform, and I’m honored to be a part of that process.

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

This journey’s been a ride, full of twists and turns. To navigate this crazy industry, I’ve had to level up on a few key skills:

1. Bounce Back, Baby: Resilience is my superpower. This biz throws curveballs, but I’ve learned to roll with the punches. Rest, a solid squad, and breaking down big goals into bite-sized chunks have been my secret weapons.

2. Adapt or Die: The entertainment world is a chameleon, always changing. I’ve had to learn to pivot, experiment, and embrace the unexpected. Staying curious, being open to feedback, and keeping up with the world around me through all the creatives I meet along the way, has made this journey all the more enjoyable.

3. Hustle Hard, Dream Bigger: Perseverance is the fuel that keeps me going. It’s about grinding, believing in your vision, and learning from every misstep.

My advice? Embrace improve and its “Yes, and…” mindset. Turn challenges into opportunities, and always strive to level up your game.

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?

I’m always eager to collaborate with fellow creatives. I’m particularly drawn to projects that celebrate diversity and amplify marginalized voices. Imagine a world where stories reflect the richness and complexity of the human experience, where characters from all walks of life take center stage. I’m open to collaborating with actors, directors, writers, and other artists who share this vision. Let’s channel that same energy and create something truly special. If you’re passionate about storytelling and want to make a difference, let’s connect. Let’s build a creative community and create something truly special.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Alexis Silver Photography
Forrest Images Photography

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Portraits of Resilience

Sometimes just seeing resilience can change out mindset and unlock our own resilience. That’s our

Productivity
Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,

Confidence
Kicking Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move