Community Highlights: Meet Lakisha Ginyard Louissaint of Film By Faith Productions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakisha Ginyard Louissaint.

Hi Lakisha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a wife, the mother of two amazing young men, a director, producer, scriptwriter, and author. In 2021, I decided to take a leap of faith by establishing my production company, Film By Faith Productions LLC. It was during the pandemic that I sat with my thoughts and decided to no longer remain stagnated or held hostage by fear or what I perceived as past failures. My mind would often drift to, “Hey, you’re a high school dropout. You have a GED, and it took you ten years to earn your bachelor’s degree. You can’t afford to start a business. Oh, and don’t forget, your youngest son has Autism, and the obstacles he faces will only stop you from succeeding.”

Each of these thoughts presented harsh facts that frightened me, but I chose to move forward blindly with faith that would cause doubt to disappear. As I accepted the facts, I dismissed them with truth. The truth is, I didn’t have to know how it would work out,  where the money would come from, or if people would support me. The only thing that mattered was that I moved forward in my God-given purpose to be an example of perseverance for those who feel like all hope is lost. That purpose was to write, direct, and executive produce my first Independent Film, No Perfect Love based on my novel. You see, there are many people in the world just like me waiting for silent permission to move forward in their God-given purpose by seeing that all things are possible to those who believe. So, I got over myself, dug deep, and persevered through the obstacles that came to distract me as I filmed my first INDIE film.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey was and has been tough. The obstacles and challenges that I experienced birthed tears, sleepless nights, migraines, and many days of wanting to give up. Starting my own production company came with a lot of self-doubt and struggles, but I didn’t allow that to stop me. It was during those tough times that I needed encouragement because I couldn’t see past the darkness. I’m blessed and grateful to have two amazing friends LaCora Stephens writer, director, producer, and CEO of Building Tables Productions and Sarah Gambles writer and director, who selflessly shared their stories with me, filled my empty cup with hard truths that provoked serious self evaluations, and reminded me that giving up was not an option. They encouraged me to not allow what I saw and felt to take the one thing away from me that could take me places that nothing or no one else could and that was my “Faith in God.”

I also remember Tyler Perry’s speech during the BET Awards. He said, “While you’re fighting for a seat at the table, I’ll be down in Atlanta building my own.” That speech inspired me beyond measure, and I began believing in myself knowing that as long as I worked hard editing books, braiding hair, finding the budget, and learning all that I needed to do to get the job done that No Perfect Love would be my first film under my production company Film By Faith Productions LLC. Needless to say, God blessed me with such an amazing cast who brought every character to life better than ever I imagined.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from others is my heart for what I do and doing so all while caring for my twenty-two year old son diagnosed with Autism. Trust me, it isn’t easy, but it gives me the opportunity to show those who are raising children, teenagers, and adults with different abilities, those who didn’t complete high school, GED recipients, and those who have struggled through college the opportunity to see that no matter their circumstances, they can and will succeed if they refuse to give up.  As a writer, editor, publisher, director, producer, web designer, and hairstylist, perseverance is a must even when work is at a halt and your bank account is dry.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.IamLakisha.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IamLakishaL/

Image Credits
Lakisha G. Louissaint, Martavious Ginyard