Life & Work with Happiness of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Happiness.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was a kid who asked the darndest questions. I was naturally inquisitive and always wanted to understand everything about life. One of the first moments I really became aware of myself was when my mom was teaching me how to read. We read a short prose story, and I was completely carried away by the idea that you could create your own world; create characters, shape people, make them do things, and decide how their lives turn out. That realization amazed me. In that moment, I knew I wanted to be a storyteller and a writer, and that desire has stayed with me ever since.

When my family moved to the United States, I was excited because I finally felt like I had the space to pursue what I’d always wanted. I had been writing poems and stories in school, but after moving to the U.S., I realized I could do more than just write these stories. I could actually bring them to life on screen. That discovery changed everything for me, and it’s what eventually led me to move to Los Angeles to pursue storytelling through film and visual media.

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, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. A big part of the struggle has been figuring out how to trust my own voice, especially in spaces where it feels like you’re expected to fit into a certain mold. As a first-generation immigrant, I’ve always known two worlds. Coming from a culture that was so different and then trying to find my footing in a new one was an experience. It was beautiful, but it was also really humbling and eye-opening.

I grew up in a home where I was kind of a princess. I was well taken care of, and a lot of things were done for me. Then I came into a place where I had to be independent, take care of myself, and figure things out on my own. That shift wasn’t easy. On top of that, choosing a creative path came with a lot of self-doubt, pressure to be “practical,” and moments where I questioned if this was really possible.

Moving to Los Angeles was exciting, but it also came with rejection, financial stress, and constantly having to prove that my stories matter. Still, all of it shaped me. It forced me to grow up, get grounded, and be more intentional about my voice and the stories I’m telling.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a filmmaker. I write, produce, and direct character-driven, emotionally grounded work that explores real-life experiences on both personal and global levels. I pay close attention to human emotion and enjoy examining why things happen, how they happen, and the ways they affect people.

I recently completed a short film that I wrote, directed, and produced with the support of an incredible team of filmmakers. It is my first project since moving back to Atlanta and explores immigration and how it shapes the trajectory of a person’s life. I also produced a travel show that will be releasing soon. Beyond Borders Travel Show follows a traveler as he explores major cities across the United States, experiences local culture, and shares the journey with viewers.

I am currently developing my next project, a series that I am actively raising funds to bring to life. It will be released on HOUSE OF HAPPINESS TV. House of Happiness is a production company based in Atlanta, focused on telling simple, authentic stories about the day-to-day lives of diverse people in America. Our goal is to create a “Happy Universe,” where viewers can escape, even briefly, when life feels overwhelming.

I am also the founder of DAFO (Diaspora African Film Organization), where I host film screenings in Atlanta to build a thriving community of African filmmakers and creatives. Through DAFO, my goal is to help cultivate a cultural hub for African storytelling that reflects the creative ecosystem of Los Angeles while remaining rooted in the perspectives of the African diaspora.

People often describe my work as honest and personal. I believe this comes from growing up between cultures and learning to see the world from multiple perspectives. These experiences shape the stories I am drawn to and the way I tell them.

What I am most proud of is having the opportunity to be a voice for real people and real experiences. My multicultural background and emotional insight give my work its depth and authenticity.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My mother deserves the most credit, as she has willingly supported my choices. It is not easy for an African, especially Nigerian, mother to accept filmmaking as a career path.

My siblings have been supportive and involved in their own ways, and I have had incredible experiences and formed meaningful relationships along the way, including friendships that showed up for me in ways I did not expect. These relationships are deeply important to me, and I would not trade them for silver or gold.

I believe I am truly blessed when it comes to relationships. My collaborators and colleagues have not only introduced me to strong creative networks, but have also been eager to guide me, connect me, and help light the way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happinessis_happy?igsh=NWs2djk3eTc2Y2Rl&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happinesshamandah.igbokwe?mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/happiness-emmanuel-139205125?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@houseofhappinesstv?si=i-YTB9FWNXMBlUsU