Meet Sierra Mercer

We were lucky to catch up with Sierra Mercer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sierra , so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
*chuckles* This is a good one. Ummm… *sigh* I guess that is probably because almost everyone has had people who’ve been close enough to them to create negative feelings about their success, ambitions and goals. Unfortunate? For sure. But you learn to appreciate even the slightest backhanded comment if it’s spewed enough. Lol!
And let’s be clear, there are misconceptions about individuals who offer opinions, and feedback which feels like a personal attack which then is deemed as “haters” and that is hardly the case.
Analytically, it’s easy to make out envious tongues. Their insecurities are loud, the anger is present, and they take joy in your failures. But those people don’t define who you are. Their struggles of low self esteem comes from them not realizing their own worth, and in return, they ignite poison.
Some are motivated by whisper campaigns and trolling, while others become completely absorbed by the remarks, that it deters them from creating.
On the contrary, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t engage a hater. It wasn’t necessary, but my personality couldn’t have it any other way.
I’d hope others are strong enough to ignore that negativity, and if not – use it as fuel.

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 was born and raised in Harlem, NYC.

There’s never not a moment for me to relish in that, because home is where my passions for the arts grew. It was the biggest stage that allowed me to be free in my creativity. This is the story of many native New Yorkers.
The streets are filled with inspiration, there’s many cultural references and stories that help you explore who you are, and what your purpose is.
The Harlem Renaissance was my childhood exploration into writing.

When I fell in love with storytelling, I’d no clue those stories would eventually be used in a novel, plays, music and poetry. My love for writing grew stronger in different genres and I enlisted new styles of writing which led to my latest ventures.
When I shifted gears into film writing, I’m reminded that my zealousness extends beyond me and there’s no shortage of my imagination and innovation. This is my aspiration.

In 2021, I welcomed a new chapter in my story. I created a doll comic series on instagram about a thriving black doll community whose story lines connect. It’s formatted as a soap opera. (@mercerville21)
It has been the most rewarding part of my creative writing skills. The process that goes into it takes lots of work, but the end result is unbelievable and enjoyable. Discovering this side of me is exciting.
That same year I wrote, produced and directed my first short film that has taken on a life of its own. I followed up with a web series that has won multiple awards and gained plenty recognition in film festivals.

Ahead of the closing year of 2023, I released a miniseries entitled W.I.N.T.A. (War Is Not The Answer) This short series confront intimate and sensitive topics about a war vet battling PTSD. The work this beautiful cast portrayed was incredible and their performance was outstanding. We’ve already earned awards for this film, and more are coming in. I’d love for you to check it out. You’ll be able to access this series through the provided links below.

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?
There are a host of impactful qualities needed to aid in success, but to name three that have been the most effective along my journey, I’d say having good character, a sense of humor and being confident. In professional spaces or social interactions, I show up as myself with great intentions, sincere and driven.

It’s always obvious that I’m easy to get along with, while visually in tune with the energies around me.

I’m certain you have wonderful qualities, but if you feel there’s a lack for certain spaces, try to be more assertive and open. I love to meet people that are fun and outgoing, but I also enjoy conversations with those who are more solemn in their personality.
When a bulk of your different personalities show up, you’re bound to connect with everyone, individually.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m currently looking to build a trusting team of professionals that are passionate about their work. As a melanated mobile film writer and director, I’d love to meet with other black talented cinematographers, audio engineers and lighting technicians.

To assure my company continues to thrive with inclusion – it is important that I highlight the value of bringing melanated individuals together to create great content. Our contributions are my top priority.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
CeCeLyric Productions

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