Aspire To Inspire: Virtual Interview With Industry Professionals

What does it really take to bring an idea from concept to screen?On this episode of Aspire to Inspire, Amajae Hardy-Jones sits down with Jennifer Pessima, Executive Producer, filmmaker, and Founder & CEO of Jennifer Pessima Productions, for an honest conversation about what it takes to build a career and bring your creative vision to life.With more than a decade of experience in film and television and over 100 television shows produced, Jennifer shares the lessons she’s learned navigating the entertainment industry — from producing projects with little to no budget to building relationships, finding resources, securing opportunities, and continuing to move forward even when everything isn’t figured out.Jennifer also opens up about overcoming self-doubt, recognizing your accomplishments, trusting your vision, and why sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply start moving.Whether you're an aspiring producer, filmmaker, actor, or creative looking to bring your own ideas to life, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to have everything in place before you begin.🎬 Watch the full video interview on YouTube: Amajae Hardy-Jones🎙️ Aspire to Inspire — Interviews with Industry ProfessionalsHosted by Amajae Hardy-Jones

🎬 Let’s talk about ownership as an actor and influencer.On this episode of Aspire To Inspire, we sit down with Series Regular actress LaNisa Renee Frederick (Jury Duty Season 2) for a powerful conversation about building ownership in your career, creating opportunities beyond auditions, and using your voice as both an artist and a creator. LaNisa Renee Frederick is a Los Angeles-based actor, writer, podcast host, and voiceover artist whose work lives at the intersection of comedy, culture, and lived experience. She can be seen in Shifting Gears (ABC), NCIS (CBS), Brooklyn Nine-Nine (NBC), and A Black Lady Sketch Show (HBO), and is a series regular on Jury Duty Season 2 (Amazon). LaNisa honed her craft at The Second City Chicago and has performed on some of the country’s most respected stages, including Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. She is the co-creator of the viral Instagram sketch series Hashtag Booked, which explores the experiences of actresses of color navigating the entertainment industry and has been featured by Forbes, BET, and Essence. LaNisa is also the creator and host of the breakout comedy podcast Black and CULTivated, where she sits down with Black and Brown former cult members — including herself — to unpack life after high-control religion through humor, storytelling, and healing.The podcast has grown into a powerful platform for community and connection, with a comedy series currently in development. ✨If you’re an actor, influencer, or creative learning how to take ownership of your career and create your own lane in the industry, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss.Key Topics Covered:• Introduction• Meet LaNisa Renee Frederick• Becoming a Series Regular on Jury Duty Season 2• Ownership as an Actor & Influencer• Training at The Second City Chicago• Creating Your Own Opportunities• The Story Behind Hashtag Booked• Building a Personal Brand• Black and CULTivated Podcast Journey• Storytelling, Healing & Comedy• Advice for Actors & Creators• Closing Inspiration

In this episode of Aspire To Inspire, we sit down with Candace Stewart, a seasoned talent agent and respected industry leader with over 16 years of experience in television and film representation. Candace is a proud member of the Television Academy and a three-time nominee for the prestigious Heller Award for Talent Agent of the Year—earning a win in 2019.Candace shares her journey relocating to Atlanta to launch and lead DDO Atlanta, recognizing early on the growing opportunities in the Southeast market. She breaks down what it truly means to build sustainable careers for actors, from strategic submissions and strong relationships with casting to long-term career planning beyond a single booking.Throughout the conversation, Candace discusses her clients’ success landing series regular and recurring roles on major network and streaming projects, offering insight into what agents look for when advocating for their talent and how actors can better position themselves in a competitive industry.A major highlight of the episode is Candace’s work leading DDO Artists’ National Diversity & Inclusion Initiative, where she is actively expanding access and visibility for artists of color, non-binary and trans artists, and artists with disabilities. She speaks candidly about the importance of authentic representation, industry accountability, and creating real pathways—not just conversations—for inclusion.This episode is a must-watch for actors seeking clarity on representation, agents looking to build with integrity, and creatives who want a deeper understanding of how advocacy, preparation, and professionalism intersect in today’s entertainment industry.Key Topics Covered:What talent agents really look for when signing actorsBuilding careers strategically in emerging markets like AtlantaSeries regular vs. recurring roles: positioning and timingThe agent–actor relationship and effective communicationDiversity, inclusion, and meaningful representation in HollywoodLong-term career sustainability in film and television

The Aspire To Inspire Talk Show is celebrating our 65th Episode with Head of Casting, Talent, and Production Executive at Imani Media Group, Maureen Pierre 🌟 Maureen Pierre is a dynamic producer, casting executive, and advocate whose journey spans from Chicago to Los Angeles. Currently serving as Head of Casting, Talent, and Production Executive at Imani Media Group, Maureen oversees casting and production for a diverse slate of projects. Her credits include stage plays, docuseries, short films, and digital content, alongside cultural activations like the Essence Festival of Culture. Through her company, EnVe, she continues to mentor and empower emerging filmmakers and actors while creating platforms that amplify underrepresented voices.

🎤💫 The Aspire To Inspire Talk Show is celebrating our 64th Episode with the phenomenal Nia Miranda, actress, filmmaker, and community leader from Detroit. 🌟 You’ve seen her in dynamic roles like the ALLBLK series G.R.I.T.S. and the feature film Midas Code. Beyond the screen, Nia is a dedicated advocate for social justice, education, and sustainability. As co-founder of Bringing Love Back LLC, she uses art and storytelling to spark change and uplift marginalized voices, work that has been recognized by Forbes and ABC News. 🎙️ The full interview is now live on Apple Podcasts & YouTube—and trust me, you don’t want to miss the gems she shares on faith, purpose, and pursuing your calling in the entertainment industry.

Taja V. Simpson is an actor, director, producer, keynote speaker, best-selling author,entrepreneur and studio owner. As a 4x award-winning actor, she has over 20 years ofexperience in acting with more than 60 credits in TV and film. Perhaps best known forplaying Priscilla Owen in over 100 episodes of BET's, “Tyler Perry's THE OVAL”. In thenear future you will be able to see Taja leading her own show entitled Jupiter Jones,which is a spinoff from AMC's AllBlk hit series, A House Divided.This Louisiana native graduated from McNeese State University with a BS in MassCommunication and has proved that versatility is her greatest accomplishment as sheinitially pursued a career in broadcast journalism but couldn’t shake her childhooddiscovery in acting. That passion led her to guest star in multiple roles on some of themost popular television shows of our time. Most recently, she has starred in NBC'sFound, STARZ’s Hightown, HBO's Insecure, LOLA 2, Grey’s Anatomy and NCIS.As a businesswoman, Taja is the co-owner of Simpson & McGowan Studios that utilizesFRAME, a new and upcoming innovative streaming platform, to distribute theircontent. Frame not only hosts a variety of original productions from Simpson &McGowan Studios but also focuses on generating revenue through selling advertising,with a particular emphasis on product placement within its content. The platform isdesigned to support independent filmmakers and content creators by offering them aplace to showcase their work and reach a broader audience. Her talent doesn't stop withentertainment as she is also the founder and CEO of TAJ, a Hair Growth Company thathelps regrow and strengthen all hair types. Taja has also created an online acting courseentitled The Working Actors Academy (TWAA). This curriculum teaches actorspractical tactics to help them evolve as professional actors, but also instills in eachstudent the importance of learning about yourself and engaging in personaldevelopment to become the best version of you.In the essence of every role and every business venture, Taja engages in the mission,which is always ever present. Believe. Evolve. Become. She believes if you embrace yourpower through belief and consistently doing the necessary work, you will live anauthentic, full and purposeful life.

Malika Blessing, Award-Winning Actress, Director, and Producer is a native of Oakland, CA, is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, known for her versatility on screen and stage and her exceptional work behind the scenes. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she holds a Master’s Degree in Theater Arts from Grambling State University. Malika’s talent and dedication have earned her prestigious accolades, including a nomination for an NAACP Theater Award for her role in A Lady in Waiting and the honor of hosting the 2024 NAACP Theater Awards. She recently won Best Director for her short film A Devil in Her Bed. Her on-screen highlights include starring alongside Loretta Devine in Don B. Welch’s The Lost Souls Cafe (TVOne), leading roles in the horror film Grim Weaver and the holiday favorite Hope Street Holiday (both streaming on Amazon Prime), and a guest-starring appearance on Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots (OWN Network). Behind the scenes, she served as producer for Michael Colyar’s The King of Venice Beach comedy special, directed by Leslie Small. Currently, Malika shines in her role as CADEN on AMC/ALLBLK’s hit series Wicked City. Her impressive portfolio demonstrates her commitment to excellence and her ability to thrive across multiple facets of the industry. Follow her journey on Instagram: @actressmalikablessing.

In this deeply inspiring episode of Aspire to Inspire, we sit down with the brilliant and purpose-driven Kelly M. Jenrette—an Emmy-nominated actress, writer, and advocate whose work continues to make a lasting impact in Hollywood and beyond.Best known for her compelling role as Amara Patterson in the CW drama All American: Homecoming, Kelly brings fierce integrity and heart to every performance. She made Emmy history with her standout guest appearance as Annie in Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale, earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.Her diverse credits span fan-favorite shows like Grandfathered, This Is Us, Manhunt: Deadly Games, Here and Now, and more. But Kelly’s talents extend beyond the screen—she’s also a published author (The Adventures of Jimmy the Fly), a passionate speaker, and a powerful voice for authenticity, faith, and Black representation in media.In this episode, Kelly opens up about her journey from Atlanta to the spotlight, the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a career in Hollywood, and how she remains grounded in purpose through it all. Whether you’re a creative, dreamer, or simply seeking inspiration—this conversation is for you.

In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Inspire, we sit down with Chicago native and dynamic actress Courtney Nichole, best known for her role as Leah in Tyler Perry’s hit BET comedy series Assisted Living. Courtney brings heart and humor to the role of Leah, the devoted wife of Jeremy, as the family uproots their life to help care for a quirky grandfather in rural Georgia.Beyond the sitcom world, Courtney’s resume spans genres and platforms. She’s appeared in Amazon Prime’s Not for Nothin’ as the bold and charismatic talent rep, Alicia, and has delivered gripping performances in Lifetime’s Sinister Surrogate, the digital series H8ters by Fullscreen, and the Emmy-winning PSA The Talk by Procter & Gamble. Her TV drama credits include S.W.A.T. and Snowfall, showcasing her versatility and range.At her core, Courtney is a passionate theater artist. She starred in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play No Place to Be Somebody, produced by Tina Knowles Lawson and Richard Lawson at the renowned WACO Theater Center.Tune in as Courtney shares her journey, insights, and the passion behind her purpose-driven career.

Meet Jennifer Sears, a dynamic and purpose-driven actress starring as “Bridgette” in Tyler Perry’s Divorced Sistas. Though she originally set out to pursue a career in law, Jennifer’s journey took a divine turn when she embraced her true calling as an artist.With an impressive resume that includes roles in Madea’s Family Reunion, Greenleaf, Bigger, Coming 2 America, and more, Jennifer continues to make her mark in film and television. In this powerful interview, she shares how faith guided her path, the lessons she’s learned in the industry, and her passion for using her gifts to uplift and inspire others.