Meet Mercedes Garcia

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

Mercedes, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room who looks like me has been a recurring experience. In my cohort at Stephens College, a women-focused program, I was the only Latina and the only person of color. At industry events, I’m often one of the few women present, and even more often the only Latina or person of color. These situations come with their share of challenges, like the microaggressions I’ve experienced, such as a recent moment at a film festival when I was mistaken for staff at a mixer even though I was dressed for the event. These encounters are subtle but accumulate, reinforcing the feeling of being an outsider.

Despite this, I believe I belong in these spaces just as much as anyone else. And that confidence doesn’t come naturally. It’s something I’ve had to build up through my own form of “exposure therapy.” By repeatedly putting myself in situations where I might be the only one, I’ve grown stronger. Each time I step into a room and hold my ground, it becomes a little easier to take up space unapologetically.

I credit my mom for helping me get there. She exposed me to these kinds of settings early on, taking me to events where I learned to feel comfortable and confident. Even though I’m naturally shy, these experiences taught me that I can, and should, assert my place.

Another example of this “exposure therapy” came recently, while I was waiting for a panel. People were standing around, unsure of where to start the line, so I went right up to the door and stood there. When others asked where the line started, I just said, “Right behind me.” Before long, others lined up, following my lead. That moment was a reminder that while people are often afraid to be the first, someone has to step forward.

If you’re the first, you’re not just claiming a place for yourself. You’re creating space for others. And sometimes, it’s as simple as starting a line.

Ultimately, my success lies in setting my sights on what I want and pursuing it, no matter the environment. I remind myself that my voice and perspective are valuable. Being the “only one in the room” can feel isolating, but it’s also a powerful motivator. By showing up and continuing to take up space, I’m not only affirming that I belong but also paving the way for others who might one day stand beside me.

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

I’m a Writer, Director, and Producer and the Co-Founder of Stray Cats Productions, a production company with a deep commitment to storytelling that’s raw, grounded, and often focused on slice-of-life dramas. Our work brings to light the complexities of everyday moments and ordinary lives, which I believe reveal universal truths and emotions that resonate deeply with audiences.

At Stray Cats, we aim to create films that are honest and impactful, stories that stick with you long after you’ve watched them.

For me, what’s most exciting about this work is the chance to bring real human experiences to the screen in ways that are both relatable and thought-provoking. There’s a beauty in the small, often overlooked moments, and as a storyteller, I’m drawn to the challenge of making those moments feel as powerful as they are in real life. Stray Cats Productions is all about creating that kind of intimate cinematic experience, one that draws viewers in and makes them feel seen and connected.

Right now, Stray Cats is focused on expanding its reach by collaborating with other talented filmmakers and artists who share our vision for grounded storytelling. We’re working on a few projects that I’m excited about, all of which explore complex characters and relationships in ways that challenge conventional narratives. One of our goals is to increase our presence at film festivals, where we can share our work with broader audiences and connect with other creatives who inspire us.

At its core, Stray Cats is a brand that’s driven by a desire to show life as it is, not as it’s often portrayed in mainstream media. I want our work to be something people can connect with on a personal level, whether through a film that feels like a slice of their own life or one that opens their eyes to someone else’s.

I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built so far, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward, creating stories that challenge, inspire, and reflect the real human experience.

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

I think the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are tenacity, imagination/ingenuity, and confidence.

First, tenacity is crucial in this industry. It’s a long and challenging road, and things don’t always happen as quickly as you’d like. It takes patience to stick it out, especially when you’re faced with obstacles or setbacks. The ability to push forward even when things get tough has been vital to my success.

Imagination and ingenuity have also played a huge role, but not just in terms of creating stories. It’s about thinking creatively to solve problems. Filmmaking is unpredictable, and the best filmmakers are those who can think on their feet, finding solutions on the fly. Whether it’s a production problem or a creative challenge, the ability to approach situations from a fresh angle can make all the difference.

Lastly, confidence is key. Even if you’re naturally shy, you have to believe in your talent and know that you belong. This industry will test your resolve, and it’s essential to trust that you have the skills to make it. Especially as a producer or director, you’re often put in situations where people are looking to you for answers. You need to be confident in your decisions and make your crew feel supported and safe. If you don’t have all the answers, it’s okay to reassure them that you’ll find them. It’s your job to lead with confidence.

For those just starting out, my advice is to embrace “exposure therapy.” The more you practice these skills (tenacity, imagination, and confidence) the more natural they’ll become. It’s like the saying, “Fake it till you make it.” You might have to fake it a few times before it clicks, but with persistence, you’ll get there. Keep putting yourself in situations that push you outside your comfort zone, and over time, you’ll develop the resilience and skills you need to succeed.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I believe it’s essential to do both. Go all in on your strengths while also investing in areas you’re less familiar with. When you’re in a role like directing, you want to be the best you can be at it, but I also think a well-rounded understanding of every aspect of production is what truly elevates your work.

As a director, your job is to bring a vision to life, but to do that effectively, you need a holistic understanding of the production process and how each department contributes to the final product. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in different production roles. Everything from set design to handling the lighting and even acting. Gaining hands-on experience in these areas helped me appreciate the challenges and demands of each role, and taught me the language of every department. Now, as a director, I can communicate with my crew in ways that show I understand what they’re going through and what they need to do their best work.

This experience not only makes you a more empathetic leader but also sharpens your creative instincts. When I’m directing, I’m able to collaborate better with my team because I know what’s possible and what might push their limits. For instance, if a certain lighting setup isn’t working, I can brainstorm realistic alternatives with the lighting crew because I have that foundational knowledge.

So, my advice is to focus on excelling in your main role, but don’t neglect the chance to learn and get involved in other areas. This well-rounded experience doesn’t just make you a stronger, more informed director (or any other role you’re pursuing) but also builds a sense of mutual respect and trust on set. After all, filmmaking is a team effort, and when your team knows you respect their work, they’re more willing to go the extra mile to bring your vision to life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://straycatsproductions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themercedesgarcia/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@straycatsproductions