I HAVE A VARIETY OF PASSIONS, including video editing, directing, acting, and fashion design. I am grateful for the creative abilities bestowed upon me by THE CREATOR, which allow me to express myself artistically. As an actor and director, I aim to faithfully convey the playwright’s and screenwriter’s words as they are written, whether through my own performance or by guiding others in their interpretations. Video editing presents its challenges and joys as I work to bring the director’s vision to life. In fashion design, I interpret the qualities of fabric—its texture, colors, and patterns—into unique designs that can be considered “wearable art.” This versatility across various artistic fields makes me a multifaceted individual, capable of connecting with diverse audiences. Below is a personal insight into these specific areas.
VIDEO EDITOR
I began editing in 2009 by producing videos for my students. Over the years, it evolved into a professional endeavor turning raw footage into engaging, refined videos. I skillfully create visual stories that connect with viewers using advanced editing tools like Final Cut Pro. More importantly, I collaborate closely with partners to devise innovative solutions for contemporary media projects, focusing on video shorts and docufilms. I have worked as the director of photography and editor for Love UnImagined: A Love Supreme, which was featured at the St. Louis International Film Festival. Additionally, Openings earned third place in the 60-second St. Louis Public Library Film Festival, and I was awarded a grant from CALOP (The Commission for Access and Local Original Programming) to create a short documentary about University City, Missouri.
I have had the chance to direct both films and plays, and I appreciate the differences between the two. Directing films focuses on capturing genuine, unguarded moments from actors, which tends to be more introspective. In contrast, theatre involves empowering actors to express themselves more naturally in front of an audience. A camera can record intimate moments, such as a fleeting glance or a blush, while theatre requires actors to be more aware and intentional in their communication. What inspires me the most are the people involved, whether they are the actors or the crew, whether I’m directing a play, a film, or a documentary.
ACTOR
I love actors. I love being an actor. I began acting at the age of seven. From there, I appeared in numerous productions and established two (now defunct) improv theatre troupes, Just Us and The SpontaNubians, along with having performed with several St. Louis local theatre companies: St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre Company, A Call to Conscience Interactive Theatre for Social Change, The Kutana Players, Hot City, and Gitana Productions. I love acting and performing and will continue to do so every chance I can get. I love performing before an audience. I love the fact that audiences are smart, emotional, and have high expectations. And when they’re engaged, I can feel that this is the completion of the work. When it works, it’s like we’ve built an invisible bridge from our hearts to hundreds, thousands, even millions of hearts in the human audience.
FASHION DESIGNER
My mother taught me how to sew, and I really disliked it at the time. However, years later, I began to appreciate it as I was filled with creative ideas. Now, after acquiring three sergers and several sewing machines, I have launched my own clothing line called The SpontaNubian Collection, and Mali’s MudCloth, which has its line named Mud Bathed. I’ve visited Ghana multiple times and enjoy allowing the fabric to inspire me. Unlike some designers who sketch their ideas, I convey my design vision through the tactile experience of handling the fabric, which led me to create wearable art. For me, self-expression has always been a key part of fashion choices—clothing has consistently conveyed personal, social, and political messages, often influenced by the appropriateness for different occasions.
If you’re seeking someone with my skills to help with your project, don’t hesitate to contact me for assistance with any of these tasks.