What made you want to do the work you do? Please share the full story.
Since graduating college—a good ten years ago, dare I say —my goals and views on success have transformed completely. I’ve worked on productions like the Rachael Ray Show, blockbuster films like Black Panther, and building brand identities for companies. But the heart of Slingshot Films truly began with my work at CASA-LA (Court Appointed Special Advocate in Los Angeles). Working as an advocate for children in the foster care system gave me a new outlook on life and a real sense of purpose. I built relationships with children who had been through more than any child should face, and I advocated for their needs in court, sometimes on cases with files over 100 pages long. Driven by these experiences, I created Slingshot Films to merge my passion for storytelling with a mission to nurture the next generation of talent. For every dollar a client spends on production with us, ten cents goes back into Young Cinephiles Club. My dream is to open studio spaces in LA, NYC, and South Africa, not only to serve clients but to be a safe haven where young creatives can learn, grow, and find community. Imagine a place where they’re given the tools, mentorship, and meals needed to dream and create alongside industry professionals.
Tell us 3 surprisingly easy and 3 surprisingly difficult things about your business.
One of the surprisingly easy aspects of my business is managing client expectations, a skill I’ve honed by consistently adding 1-2 extra days to each delivery on every project. It’s always better to under-promise and over-deliver, which keeps clients happy and builds trust. I also find that team collaboration, like brainstorming with my team, comes naturally as we’re all dedicated to the creative process. Being creative on the go ends up also being easy because in every new environment, new ideas come to mind. However, capturing the vision for some of our more complex, tech-focused clients can be a challenge. It requires an understanding of highly technical subjects, so I often seek advice from industry experts to ensure we meet their needs. Additionally, I find the backend operations of running a business surprisingly complex and am continuously learning to strengthen my skills in this area.
What are the 3 things you like best about your work and why?
Leading a team and being a director brings me so much joy, as it allows me to help clients bring their visions to life and see their reaction after their experience with Slingshot. I’m also passionate about the creative freedom of content production; seeing concepts take shape is rewarding. Working with a talented team fuels this process even further, as we bounce ideas off each other and evolve creatively together. I value the collaboration that comes from everyone’s unique insights. My years of experience have shown me the right way to run a business and lead a team, shaping my approach toward people and projects.
What do you think are your 3 biggest weaknesses and how are you overcoming them?
One area I’d like to grow in is the operational side of the business, which is new to me as a founder. I’m actively working on this by developing more structure and refining our work styles. Building our brand visibility is another challenge; I aim to network more, attend events, and improve our pitch. I’ve also found it essential to improve my adaptability to industry trends, and I’m learning to pivot quickly to offer clients innovative solutions. And I’m always open to ideas so please reach out!
Tell us about a time where you saw a surprising outcome that you did not expect.
Initially, Slingshot Films was focused on creating high-quality videos. However, after a particularly successful event for a big brand, I realized the potential to expand our services into broader content creation, including photography and all things digital. This experience taught me that clients often value a holistic approach, where we handle all things content under one roof. It was a surprising revelation that has shaped our offerings and allowed us to meet our clients’ needs more comprehensively.
What is the biggest challenge you face each day and how do you handle it?
My biggest daily challenge is maintaining a strong creative vision, especially on days when inspiration is hard to come by. Unlike working for someone else, where there’s direction from above, being a founder requires constant self-motivation and creative output. To tackle this, I make time for creative exercises, like mind mapping or reviewing past projects for inspiration or watching content by other great creators. On tougher days, I also lean on my team for fresh ideas, as they bring different perspectives that can spark new concepts.
What do you value most and why?
One of my core values is the belief that “no idea is a bad idea.” This openness encourages my team and me to be creative without fear of judgment. I also believe that persistence is key; a “no” doesn’t mean “never.” Lastly, I value seeking help, as it signifies growth and the desire to learn from others. These values drive a collaborative and ambitious culture at Slingshot Films that supports everyone’s potential and I hope this area grows more and more.
What are 3 of your goals (could be mix of personal and professional)?
Professionally, I aim to develop more effective checks and balances for our workflows to increase efficiency and scalability. In the next five years, I envision Slingshot Films growing into a creative studio that also serves as a youth program space, where we can mentor young talent and give them a meal. I also want to show the youth coming from traumatic pasts or experiences that they can leverage that and create something beautiful for themselves. Personally, I’m committed to prioritizing mental health as it strengthens me to lead my business with clarity and resilience.
What is your favorite movie and why?
Get Out by Jordan Peele is one of my favorite movies because it demonstrates the power of storytelling to address social issues in a unique and thought-provoking way and with the current political landscape, it continues to prove that we are far from a equal world. The film’s layered plot and attention to detail showcase how horror can be used as a medium to tackle real-world themes. Peele’s approach to suspense and character development inspires my work, as it highlights the importance of depth and intention in content creation.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
If I could speak to my younger self, I’d tell her to slow down, live in the moment, and trust that things will improve. Life often takes unexpected turns, but those experiences shape who we become. I’d also encourage her to ask more questions and explore different places, as those experiences help uncover purpose and provide clarity. With time, she’ll find her footing, her community, and her passion.
Who has been your biggest mentor in life (personal or professional) and how have they helped you?
My biggest mentor, cheerleader and all-around amazing person has been Patricia Clarkson. When I was just starting out in my career in film, she was one of my first bosses. I have been an assistant to a few actors but Patti was by far the best and most kind. To this day, she remains my mentor and person rooting for me and my success. She has reminded me time and time again that I was built for greatness and to not just say yes to any work that comes my way. That I have talent and that talent is worth sharing.
Just for fun, what is your favorite dessert?
Now this is a fun one. My favorite dessert has changed over time and after recently moving to South Africa, it’s become malva pudding. And not just any malva pudding, it has to be made by my soon-to-be mother-in-law, Aunty Colleen. She also makes my second favorite, peppermint crisp but I’ll get into that another time. If you’re ever in Joburg, let me know and I’ll bring some malva to you!