Story & Lesson Highlights with Jashanna McQueen of Atlanta

Jashanna McQueen shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Jashanna, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I feel a strong urge to expand my mind, pursue further education, and establish more routines. As an artist and a working mom, maintaining a consistent creative practice has become a challenge for me. I had to identify what was lacking and find ways to fill those gaps. This journey involved exploring new reading materials, trying unconventional routines, and encouraging myself to express creativity in various areas.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I am Jashanna McQueen. Originally from Miami, FL, I have been forging my path in Atlanta, GA, for nine years as a passionate actor and filmmaker. I began my journey in acting and writing at 14, and after relocating to Atlanta, I faced various challenges that only strengthened my determination to establish my production company, Leo Blu Productions, in 2019.

At Leo Blu Productions, we are committed to creating impactful films for marginalized communities and amplifying the voices of the unseen. Running this business has sharpened my skills in maintaining a clear vision, building a strong brand, and laying the groundwork for our legacy. What truly distinguishes us is our steadfast focus on crafting universal, relatable, and deeply personal stories that resonate with audiences.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I struggled to believe I was pretty enough for the big screen. Being plus-sized my entire life, I was terrified of pursuing acting, fearing I would be teased and typecast. The examples around me fueled my insecurities about my image as an entertainer.

Despite that, I subconsciously held confidence in who I was and managed to survive on that for a while. It wasn’t until adulthood that I began to see the beauty beyond the mirror. With limited roles available for me as an actor, I committed myself to creating the roles I aspire to play.

I move forward with fearlessness and unconditional love for myself. I continue to confront my insecurities, working daily to strengthen my bond with myself and nurture the little girl who once felt too big for the world to embrace.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has a way of revealing our humanity, consistency, and faithfulness. Many of us have faced experiences that seemed beyond our capacity to endure, and I’ve certainly been there. I’ve hit rock bottom, feeling utterly lost, but through it all, I found solace in keeping a smile on my face and showing up for the world around me. In my darkest nights, I turned to prayer, finding strength in my faith and the understanding that struggles are often temporary. The pain felt overwhelming at times, as if it would never end, but it was through prayer that I discovered hope and resilience. I truly believe that success is a reflection of the hard work we put in, and that suffering can teach us valuable lessons about building consistency and appreciating the beauty in all aspects of life. You are not alone in your struggles, and together, we can find strength and gratitude in the journey.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
A higher power is real, and the universe is on my side. My ancestors protect me daily. Angel numbers embody powerful symbols in my life, a truth that can be both proven and debated. My faith is my haven, and prayer has saved my life. I receive messages through animals and conversations. I live and breathe the spirit, remaining unwaveringly faithful. Although my faith isn’t a tangible aspect of my world, I will be the living proof of its power as I continue my journey.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope my story serves as a beacon of inspiration. I want people to feel loved, seen, and appreciated with every interaction. I pray that all my dreams come true, allowing me to share my journey. I aspire to create opportunities and share my gifts with others. When I’m gone, I want the world to feel my absence, remembering the great stories, offspring, and memories made during my time here. I hope my story is told authentically and felt deeply. It will be one of consistency, perseverance, and the rewards of hard work—a love story celebrating my artistry, a coming-of-age tale of motherhood, and a homecoming for me and the love of my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leobluproductions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leobluproductions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leobluproductions
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leobluproductions

Image Credits
None