Growing up, I have always been a creative person. After graduating high school, I pursued esthetics where I was first introduced to holistic psychology and then studied film production. Though I did not complete either program, I continued to incorporate that knowledge into my work. Today, I’m a production makeup artist, independent filmmaker, and performer. In 2017, I joined IATSE Local 798 and have worked on movies for A24, HBO, and Netflix. Last August, I received an Alabama grant for influential Black filmmakers. As a hobby, I practice belly dance and fire spinning which I also used for storytelling. Through the benefits of my union, I decided to return to school. In 2020, the film industry shut down and I was out of work. It was during that time I focused more on my own mental health. I found myself exploring why somatic work is so beneficial and its connection to movement. Currently, I’m in my last semester for an associate degree with hopes of transferring this fall for a bachelor’s in psychology. Last year while on set, I shared with my team a somatic neuroplasticity hack used for grounding oneself. Working in the film can be stressful with little time to take care of ourselves. My goal is to create a space for better mental health advocacy in these types of industries. Upon transferring, I hope to work towards having a double minor with one in somatic dance/movement and the other in film should my previous credits be accepted.