Meet Renika Mcqueen-echols | Writer, Producer, Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Renika Mcqueen-echols and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Renika, what inspires you?
My inspiration comes from many different things but one thing that really inspires me is music. Music sets the tone for me .The right song can pull so many different emotions from me and inspires me to write some of the most genuine things that I could ever write. I’m also inspired by love and emotions. Sometime’s I just let my thoughts about life take me on an emotional rollercoaster and it gets me right where I need to be. I am a very passionate person and sometime’s I feel like I don’t get to be as loving as I’d like to be so in those moments that I feel suppressed physically, I find it to be my most creative moments in writing. I can just let it all out in my writings.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think the thing that sets me apart from others is simply, I’m just me. I’m not anyone else. God gave me a vision and I don’t know if my vision is the exact same as someone else’s. I don’t compare myself to anyone. I stay focused on me and how I can be better than I was yesterday. The thing that makes me proud is when people tell me they can see my growth with each production. I’m always happy to hear that because that’s my goal to outdo myself with each project. I want to improve in all areas of filmmaking each time I decide to tell a new story. I got to where I am today professionally by not giving up and continuing to constantly move forward even when it wasn’t easy to. I pushed and motivated myself. It wasn’t always easy but it was always worth it. I overcame the challenges by praying a lot and talking to the few people in my life that believe in me. They also encouraged me on days I was feeling overwhelmed or stressed. I learned a few valuable lessons along the way. I learned that you will receive more support from strangers than family and friends. I learned it’s just as important to take time to relax and regroup as it is to work hard. Keep as much as you can to yourself because when people don’t have their own dreams, they will try to deter you from following your’s. Your vision is your’s for a reason and everyone isn’t going to be able to see the vision. I want the world to know that I’m here to stay as long as God allows and I want to be on televisions, streaming services, movie theaters, laptops, phones and more all over the entire world. I want everyone to know my name and brand when they see it and as soon as they see it, know that they are about to see a quality film with a good plot, twist and turn.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was in the area and I wanted to show them to a good time, I’d take them to the giant slide, the slippery one. I think we’d have an awesome time coming down, nearly breaking our backs. Then we’d head over to Fixins Soul Kitchen Detroit for some good soul food. We would hang out downtown and if the Lions were playing, we are most definitely going to the game.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shout out to God for blessing me with the gift of story telling.

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Twitter: hey_Renika

Facebook: Renika McQueen