Meet Jovahna Marie | Author, Screenwriter, Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jovahna Marie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jovahna, what do you attribute your success to?
I think the most important factor to my success is my ability to keep going in the face of adversity. As a woman in what many may consider a male dominated industry, determination and resilience have definitely been a focal point for me. I think that there is a level of mental fortitude one must possess in order to be successful in the entertainment industry. As creatives, we open ourselves up in the most vulnerable of ways. Laying ourselves bare in attempts to connect and share our art with the world. With each book or film project I have put myself out there, knowing fully well that I was opening myself up to be judged and criticized. And, that my ideas and performances weren’t always going to be well received. I think having a sense of mental fortitude, has allowed me to continue forward despite difficulties and deterrents or negative feedback. Throughout my personal journey, I have heard more no’s than yes’s. I have experienced rejection after rejection And, at times that can feel discouraging. It’s in those moments that resiliency is most vital.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started my career as an author, publishing my first book in 2015. My book “Setting fire to Darkness, was the first installment in my romance trilogy” and was an Amazon best seller for three weeks running. My second book was a poetry and spoken word book titled “Whiskey for the wounded.” Whiskey for the wounded ultimately set the trajectory for my career. And my third book titled “Star Dust was featured in the New York Times. Since, then I have written a total of five books and seven screenplays. And, have even tried my hand in front of camera as an actress. I have starred in several films including “ The invite.” , “The contract Healer, “The Mistress.” And most notably “The Jackie Wilson biopic.” In addition, to acting I recently completed production of my very first film. “The Dark Side of Beautiful.” Although I have starred in other movies, to have written, directed and produced my own film is a completely different feeling. And something I am extremely proud of.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a bit of a homebody. But I love entertaining people at my home. Food is definitely one of my love languages, that said I love cooking for my family and friends. I enjoy hosting dinner parties and having girls only brunches. Themed, game nights with those closest to me. And believe me, I take my game nights very seriously. lol No but honestly I simply enjoy curating evenings specifically tailored toward everyone’s enjoyment of the people I love. A night at my house usually entails great food, drinks, games, music and dancing. As of late I have taken a fascination with making the prettiest charcuterie boards.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Breakthrough film studios, is a film productions company that I founded, because of the barriers I personally experienced while trying to break into the film industry. It has been my driving motivation for cultivating safe spaces for others who desire breakthroughs in the entertainment world. And, lastly and most importantly, I would like to take the time to thank all of those who have helped me along my journey in my film career. Ken Williams- Writer Director, Angela Dunlap, writer, producer, playwright, Tj Hemphill playwright and writer. Don Snipes,Writer, Director actor.

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Image Credits
Davide Anderson, Will Holden