Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Williamson.
Hi Heidi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story started in politics working in women’s health and rights and economic justice. After playing many roles in various movements, I decided to make a difference by telling authentic stories about Black girls and women that could re-frame the political and economic realities that they experienced. I wanted to reflect on the experiences of women like me and those I knew. So, I went back to school and got a master’s degree in Producing for TV and Film. Then I moved to LA, but one month after arriving, COVID shut everything down. I had to pivot. And I pivoted by leaning on my relationships in the social justice movement. That is when I became an independent producer. When the world opened back up, I had the resources to start a boutique production house while also building a network of creatives to build community and work with. I launched Hummingbird Black Creative this year, and I am working on my first feature documentary. It is about a subject near and dear to my heart, Black women who started the reproductive justice movement. It will give offer audiences a view of Black women on reproductive and sexual rights, a legacy that has been co-opted by predominately white organizations like Planned Parenthood and NARAL.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, career shifts are never smooth. For most of my life, I had the traditional 9-5 and an ideal resumé. That was never my idea of success. It was challenging for me and caused emotional and mental anguish. I had to come to terms with myself to focus on what I wanted and who I wanted to be. Going to school after 30 is not easy, just like being a Black woman working on abortion rights is not easy. But between my work ethic and resourcefulness, I made it work. It is a challenge to shift from being an employee producing content that harnesses someone else’s voice versus creating content that is reflective of my voice. That is a very scary place to be.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work as a writer and producer is not that different from my work in social justice. I will always center Black women, WOC (Women of Color), LGBTQ+ folks, and others relegated to the margins. And rather than rally elected officials and voters to my political position, I created Hummingbird Black Creative to work with artists and creatives to craft worlds and narratives that define the world we need. Like the creators of Star Trek and A Different World, I want to be bold enough to ensure that Black people’s humanity is entirely on display. But I am clear that my job is to make the case that our art can withstand the bustling intersection of art and commerce. I want Hummingbird Black Creative to play a role in not just putting out content that is reflective of my values but empowering artists that look like me and making sure that, from beginning to end, they are able to be the independent artist they seek to be. I embrace that challenge. When I tell people that I am a writer and producer, they think I am spending my days just writing for the love of writing. That is a part of it, but that is a discipline that requires rigor if you want to get something completed. I spend a lot of time talking to lawyers and connecting creatives to attorneys and people who ensure their intellectual property is protected so that they create in a way that genuinely benefits them. But I also spend a lot of time talking to creatives who have ideas but not fully formed projects yet.
I am really proud of myself for pivoting from one career to another. And after I got into the new career, I had to pivot again. There is a nimbleness I learned from my previous career, as well as with age, about not trying to fight the inevitable. Just figure out how to take advantage of the moment with the tools that you have at your disposal. I applaud myself at least once a week for making it through.
My path is unique. My approach to art is partially rooted in my political experience as a strategist, critical thinker, and eternal optimist. I am resourceful. And I like good art. My ever-evolving journey is unconventional and perfectly imperfect. Success, for me, is about authenticity. That’s how I try to live and what I seek in the world. By doing this, we are able to change the world by prioritizing the truth and speaking that truth to power.
How do you define success?
I define success as abundance wrapped up in authenticity and a deep love of self.
Pricing:
- I do offer 30-minute free consultations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hummingbirdblackcreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hmmngbrdblk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hmmngbrdblk
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HmmngbrdBlack
