Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Arlett.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Courtney. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
If you ask my momma, I’ve been “DRAMATIC” all my life. What can I say? I’m a middle child and as a middle child, you find ways to entertainment yourself. Storytelling has always been a big part of who I was, so it was no surprise that entertainment would one day become my passion. As a kid, it was normal for my family to find me re-enacting scenes from my favorite movies or television shows. One minute I was a ‘Klingon’ from ‘Star Trek’ and the next ‘Whitley Gilbert’ from ‘A Different World.’ However, it wasn’t until 2009 that I decided to audition for my first “professional” role in a stage play and I’ve been hooked ever since. To-date I’ve been blessed with over 17 professional years in entertainment both in theater and film. My resume is eclectic and amplifies the work of people of color and shows creativity through the use of several entertainment mediums.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey to this point has definitely been an adventure. “Arriving” to a set destination, in my opinion, is an illusion. It is the journey that teaches us how to succeed, how to be consistent and push through the more difficult moment to create something amazing. I had to learn how to apply the “will power” to the “dream.” Nothing happens overnight and success is an on-going journey and constantly evolving.
My advice is: Dear Dreamer, on this journey you will meet some extraordinary people. However, you will also meet some really tough obstacles. These obstacles will come in all shapes and sizes. Remember, you can do anything! Face your fears and conquer them. Face yourself and YOU WIN! The biggest obstacle you will ever face is your own self-doubt. Be Bold, Live Free and introduce YOURSELF to the world with NO apologies.
Please tell us about The Lockett Media.
I’m a storyteller, it’s in my blood, baby! My fire is writing and producing beautiful stories that transcend time, race and social norms. All the women in my circle are ALPHA females and I want to show that. It’s this same thought process that led me to start my Atlanta based production company, The Lockett, LLC. The company motto is simple, CREATE FOR YOURSELF! Seriously… can’t find a lead role as an actress because of your size? CREATE one for yourself. Don’t see yourself represented in entertainment in sexy, beautiful and complex characters? PRESENT them yourself. That’s what I did!
One of the projects I’m currently working on is a series titled, “Pretty For A Big Gurl.” It is scheduled to release in the fall of 2020. There was an opportunity to do something outside of the norm, so I took it. I wanted to see more roles for women who looked like me. Someone who is funny, sassy and SEXY! SO, I wrote it!
I’m known for pushing boundaries and creating my OWN space to thrive in, so why not?!? I’m abnormal and I accept it. NO! I embrace it, I EMBRACE who I am full. Chile, I’m like Cold Stone ice cream; LIKE IT! LOVE IT! GOTTA HAVE IT! Okay!? LOL! It honestly doesn’t matter if I’m in front of the camera or behind it. It’s ALL my sweet spot! Toot! Toot! LOL! I’m proud that I represent ALL women from ALL walks of life. The common thread is not our size or color. It’s our femininity. It’s who we are at the core.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Finding a mentor can feel overwhelming at first. However, the process is not as complicated as it seems. My advice is to simply surround yourself with “like-minded individuals” who inspire you to follow your dreams. “Likeminded-ness” (my own personal word) is the key to networking. I often hear people say that you are the sum of the five people you CONTINUOUSLY surround yourself with. I wanted to write a screenplay, so I did! Now, I’m producing that same screenplay (Through Elaina’s Eyes) with likeminded people. This may be the first feature film, my baby, but definitely not my last. I can make a statement like that with confidence because of my CIRCLE. They breathe life into me and give me the support I need to make moves forward!
If you want to become a doctor, surround yourself with people who have a love for science. If you want to become an astronaut, surround yourself with people who have a love for the stars. In my experience, the most inspirational and supportive people, regarding my dream-chasing, are the ones who share the same passions. Don’t be afraid to NOT be the smartest person in the room. Surround yourself with people who are braver, smarter and faster. Learn from them! GROW! Remember, birds of a feather flock together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://prettyforabiggurlseries.carrd.co/
- Email: pfabgseries@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettyforabiggurl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prettyforabiggurl/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/courtneyarlett
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10437500/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Image Credit:
Pretty For A Big Gurl, LLC,
Through Elaina’s Eyes
The Lockett Media
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