Daily Inspiration: Meet Danaeya Witherspoon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danaeya Witherspoon.

Hi Danaeya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
What began as a 10 year old me learning how to DJ with my dad spawned far more than I could have ever anticipated. You couldn’t tell 16 year old Danaeya she would be a producer, I simply wasn’t hearing it – I knew I was headstrong, I knew I was a leader, and I knew I was destined for greatness but I never saw a black woman in the role of Producer (circa 2021). My mom saw me pick up an interest in DJing and using the camera for short youtube videos so she enrolled me in a high school that offered a film program as well. The program challenged me moving at a fast pace, something my general curriculum was not. I remember my film teacher pulling me to the side right before I entered the classroom. We just submitted our group short films that we all waited until the last minute to complete so I just knew she would see the rushed product and question why we would ever submit such a thing, but she didn’t. To my surprise she asked me if I knew what I’d be good at. I stated confidently “Directing” she shook her head no, I said “editing” she shook her head no again and in response I looked back confused and stuck. She told me I would make a good producer, in my defense at this time the only role I knew producers to do was keep the project on budget and handle money. I knew the way I handled my own 16 year old bank account. Anyone would be silly to leave me in charge of their funds so I immediately shot down the idea. Seeing no one that looked like me within that field also gave me no framework to follow and no yellow brick road to stumble down. I came to Howard University pursuing Film Production with my mind geared towards Directing and my plan B would be Videography. Fall semester goes pass and I barely make it out with a 3.25 GPA but I can say I picked up the camera more than I ever have in my life. When my computer broke I would sneak into the computer lab after hours to complete mid term assignments and edit content that would help me network across campus. It had gotten to a point mid december when I pulled an all-nighter in the computer lab and could hear the birds chirping through my headphones that had been playing the same audio on loop as I was finishing a hype reel for the Universities football team. I came to the conclusion my heart wasn’t into directing and videography like I presumed – I was longing for something else. So I began the journey of looking for it – I would volunteer on student and local film sets, acquire an internship with the local radio station, even begin throwing events with my peers from back home. These culmination of experiences would lead me to my very first paid internship in New York City where I would participate in marketing campaigns of Broadway’s most notable productions Moulin Rouge, Hamilton, and more! The following fall semester I would come on campus a hot commodity; 3 leadership positions, a part-time job, and an internship. All of my extracurriculars for that school year would include Brand Partnerships, Production, and Operations. 3 things I knew nothing about but would fall face first in love with. I would serve as Vice President for Georgia Club assisting with the annual trip when we would bring 50 high schoolers from Atlanta, GA to Howard University for a weekend. I would also serve as the External Secretary and co-Head of Production for the ELITE Models where I launched more brand collaborations than we had previously with brands such as Stript, Kendo Brands and more; within this position I also had the opportunity to produce a sold out fashion show with a first of its kind runway stage on Howard University’s campus. I also served as the Director of Special Projects for the Undergraduate Student Assembly where I produced a 7 day festival, numerous film screenings, and freshman week with the largest incoming freshman class of Howard’s history. In my off campus internship I worked with Live Nation Urban’s Brand Partnership team to research a new sober concert-goer experience. Last but certainly not least I worked at Lip Lab as their Operations Lead where I used consumer data to aid the growth of companies retention rate and new market influence. I did a lot but it taught me so much, it taught me that I wouldn’t always have someone there to hold my hand and guide me through to the finish line or tell me what to do next. It gave me the opportunity to rely on my own to find solutions, make things happen, and be a reliable leader. It taught me that I was called to be a producer and my vision and dream were finally breaking through. Throughout the trials and tribulations of each role I managed to still find the good and be fulfilled, I enjoyed the mayhem somehow. The allnighters pulled for these projects weren’t draining this time. What I learned that year in college is that what is not for you will disappoint you time and time again, when you learn to pivot and start seeing pieces align even if not perfectly still gives you better hope for what’s to come. That year the community I was able to bring together in every event produced and every encounter made the work worth it. I conquered and put smiles on so many faces, I was amazed at what I could do. So I kept going, always echoing what my teacher said to me. I continue to produce film festivals, larger music festivals, and add to others’ vision to elevate it. I was so proud of the work not knowing I was standing in my calling, Producing. I am now continuing education within the Entertainment Law industry as I pursue my Master of Studies in Law with a focus on Entertainment and Business Law at University of Southern California’s Gould School of Law.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not, but worth the ride! Trying to create communities that did not exist at the time was difficult—following my own lead and trusting my judgement when I didn’t know whether I was right or wrong. It took a massive amount of faith.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a producer who specializes in television, films, and live events. Known for bringing structure to chaos and balancing the art with logistics. I am most proud of taking part in the A Different World HBCU Tour stop when they came to Howard University. A Different World playing such a vital part in my journey getting to Howard made the feeling surreal and full circle.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
It is so important to never lose sight of your dream! Dreaming is what keeps the entertainment industry thriving and how we continue to tell stories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://danaeyawitherspoon.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danaeya.bree/

Image Credits
Skyla Jeremiah (@siimplyxscrapbook)