WEEN Academy Mentor Spotlight: Nakisha Celistan

Why did you decide to be a WEEN Academy Mentor?
I became a WEEN Academy Mentor to help young woman with their journey in entertainment. My goal isn’t to help her figure who she is, but rather who she is not.

Tell us one interesting fact about your personal/or professional background that served as groundwork for you to become a mentor?
An interesting fact about my professional background is I begin my career in HIV/AIDS social services helping young women in DC with self esteem and self worth issues. I have always wanted to be a comfort to a young woman who needs encouragement and someone in their corner. Although my career path is different now, the message is still the same.

How did you build your personal/professional brand?
I have built my personal/professional brand by being a team player and embodying my schools motto, CAU taught me to “find a way or make a way”. In production I usually am a part of a small team, so I am willing to do everything from wardrobe, location scouts, to picking up lunch, researching and interviews. Being a team player is an asset everyone wants around.

What are two gems that you wish someone would have told you about the business?
Two gems I wish someone would have told me were get used to never sleeping again but realizing you will sleep when you’re dead. I live to hear the words “action” “cut” and “quiet on set”. This is my passion!

Who is/was your most significant mentor and why?
I actually have two significant mentors. My most significant mentor is P. Frank Williams. I expressed interest in transitioning from production management to creative modestly, but he believed in me and brought me onto his team. He has made me step out of my comfort zone and actually do the work I expressed interest in. He is one of the best producers in docu-series TV and I’ve learned so much from him. Through him I met Dianell Hudson who as also been a treasured mentor. I am definitely a work in progress regarding my interviewing skills, but I can say I am more confident and it shows when I watch my footage, it has because more fluid and conversational. I am very proud of that.

What are some things that you are doing to make the entertainment business a better place for women?
Something I am doing to make the entertainment business a better place for women, is simply hiring more women. I love when I get a resume from a female camera operate or grip/electric. I love that this generation realizes there are no roles that are gender specific and we are capable as well.

Who would play you in a modern day movie about your life and why?
Gabrielle Union would play me in a modern day movie about my life because I feel she is a genuine soul and means well. She admits all flaws in her life and works hard to rectify them and not make the same mistake twice. Acknowledging hurting people, enjoying it, realizing you were hurt, that is why you hurt other people, then apologizing for it takes courage.

What do you believe are important tools needed to survive in the entertainment industry?
I would argue an important tool needed to survive in the entertainment industry is simply following through. “Do you have a card” “How can I contact you”. I have had several people ask for my information and never follow up and keep in contact when inquiring about shoots and productions. Persistence is key.

What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment?
I would consider my biggest accomplishment writing and producing my first film “The B Word” about young black women with bulimia. I have always wanted to bring to light social issues in our community no one discusses. I am proud of the final cut and want the world to hear my voice.

Famous or not: Name one woman who embodies what you think a real woman is and explain. Dead or alive.
Mara Brock Akil is a woman I believe embodies what I think a real woman is because she is a genuine talent who uses her gift to speak for us. Girlfriends, Being Mary Jane, The Game; they all give us a voice and highlight our journey. It helps me to know I am not alone. She expresses entertainment is her passion, but her children and her husband give her the fuel to wake up and share her creative passion with the world.

Tell us something about you that people do not know?
Something about me people do not know is I have a certificate in phlebotomy. I loved practicing drawing blood from my classmates and have my blood drawn.

Social Media Handles:
Instagram: produceherkish
Facebook: thecelistantwins
Twitter: celistantwins1

 

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