Today we’d like to introduce you to Myss Shan.
Hi Myss, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started out simply as a writer who loved telling stories. Writing gave me a voice when I didn’t always feel heard, and it eventually grew into a career where I published over 30 books and built a loyal audience. Over time, my passion expanded from books to film — I wanted to see our stories, especially those from the hood and the culture, come alive on screen with the same rawness and beauty I wrote them with.
My journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve had to juggle single motherhood, entrepreneurship, and even surviving breast cancer — all while chasing this dream. But those challenges only fueled me. They made me realize my purpose is bigger than me. Through my company, Myss Shan Productions, I’ve been able to not only turn my books into films but also give opportunities to actors and creatives who are often overlooked.
Where I am today is the result of faith, consistency, and refusing to give up no matter what life threw at me. I’m still writing, still creating, and still building — determined to leave behind a legacy that shows women, especially Black women, that no matter the obstacles, your dreams are valid and worth fighting for.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve faced setbacks that tested my faith and my grind. Being a single mom while trying to build a brand meant a lot of sleepless nights, missed opportunities, and having to carry more than most people realize. Financial struggles, self-doubt, and trying to balance home life with chasing big dreams have all been part of my journey.
On top of that, battling breast cancer while still pushing forward with writing and filmmaking was one of the hardest seasons of my life. The treatments left me exhausted, but I refused to let it silence my voice or stop me from creating. I had to learn how to push through pain, take breaks when necessary, and still show up for myself and my kids.
Every obstacle forced me to level up. I learned how to pivot, how to create with limited resources, and how to keep going even when the odds were against me. Those challenges are the very reason I’m so passionate about inspiring others — because I know firsthand what it feels like to want to quit, and I also know the reward of not giving up
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an author, filmmaker, and creative visionary. Through my company, Myss Shan Productions, I specialize in turning powerful urban stories into books and films that reflect the rawness, beauty, and resilience of our culture. I’ve written over 30 novels, many of which have become fan favorites, and I’ve transitioned those stories into films like Lovers & Friends and The Real Dopeboyz of Atlanta.
What sets my work apart is authenticity. I don’t just tell stories, I live them, I’ve survived them, and I translate that truth to the page and screen. My work gives a platform to voices and communities that are often overlooked by mainstream media, and I take pride in making sure we’re represented with depth, emotion, and style.
I’m most proud of building a legacy from scratch, creating opportunities for actors and creatives who might not have had a chance otherwise, and showing women, especially single moms and survivors that you can take your pain and turn it into purpose. My art isn’t just entertainment, it’s healing, it’s real, and it’s proof that our stories matter.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality that has carried me the furthest is resilience. Life has thrown everything at me from financial struggles to single motherhood to battling cancer, but I never let those things define me or stop me. No matter how many times I’ve been knocked down, I’ve always found a way to get back up, regroup, and keep pushing forward.
Resilience is what keeps me writing when I’m tired, what pushes me to film when resources are limited, and what allows me to keep creating even when life feels heavy. I believe that’s what sets me apart, my ability to take pain and turn it into purpose, to turn obstacles into art. That’s the foundation of my success, and it’s the lesson I hope others take from my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.iammyssshan.com
- Instagram: @myssshan
- Facebook: Myss Shan
