Meet Sheri Riley | Director/Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheri Riley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheri, why did you pursue a creative career?
I played by the rules my parents established early in my life. I got an education, graduated from college, found some corporate job and focused on making money. I worked for The Enquirer coming out of college writing as an Assistant to the Editor of a small publication called Cin Weekly. I later worked for Humana Health Insurance as a specialist for 7 years. And then 7 more years in the sales industry after leaving Humana. I quickly learned after being in sales that I was doing it all wrong. I needed to stop following the money and start following my heart. What I learned is your purpose will always be that nagging person in the back of your head if you aren’t fulfilling it. Until you have stepped into your purpose it will be like unfinished business. You’ll be wondering in life without a life raft. Your purpose will always call to you. I was always a creative person. I knew I wasn’t meant to be in four walls. I always knew I was meant for something exciting, challenging, fun, and free to express myself. I knew I was a creative person who could visualize scenes so vividly in my head that I would often drift off at work until I wrote them on paper. My purpose became louder after I was offered a role to perform on stage. It reignited the flame I thought I had lost. There is no plan B. There is only the life of an actor, director, producer and writer. I pursued a creative life because it’s the only time I’ve ever felt alive. It’s the only thing that makes sense.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a director, producer, writer and actor. I am currently filming my latest project called P.S. I Love You, Ollie. A documentary about a woman struggling to raise her child and dealing with a mental illness. In todays current climate, a documentary about mental illness is necessary. This project is not just healing for the community but it is also healing for me as it is my own story. I am the child that was raised by a single mother struggling to hold it all together. The intent is by sharing my story, it will make others feel seen, heard, validated, in a way that is personal, real and raw. I want to create conversations between friends, partners, family members about mental illness and why this topic is so important to tackle.

I am a story teller. As a director, producer, writer, actor, my only job is to tell stories that moves others. It’s the greatest job on earth.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to our downtown area on Vine street. This is an area that has been cleaned up and feels a lot more safe than years past. There are restaurants, bars, a thriving night life and plenty of arts and entertainment to enjoy. A play, broadway or musical is right at the Aronoff downtown. In the summers, there is always a concert going on, or a soccer game. Downtown Cincinnati is the heart of the city life.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people that have contributed to my success. I have to give credit to my parents. My father is the very first person whom I have to give a lot of credit to. When I wanted to play the piano, he bought me a real piano for Christmas. When I wanted to sing and perform, he bought me a microphone. It is my father who has invested in me because he believed in my talents and wanted to make sure I had all the resources I needed in order to be successful. Without my father, I would not have had the opportunities I have had. My mother is the person that dragged me down to a performing arts school to audition because she saw talent in me. My mother is the one who would cheer me on in the living room while I sang, go to all of my rehearsals and performances, and told me I could do anything I ever dreamed of. Without her love and encouragement I don’t know where I would be.

There are a ton of people who have helped me along the way. Mentors like Vernell Dillingham who befriended me and waited for the right opportunity to work with me in film. Always encouraging me to continue pursuing my passions and seeing so much talent in me. He is someone I have come to admire and respect for pursuing his own dreams and the fact that he puts his all into the things he wants.

Chuck Futel, a friend of the family who has been like a second Dad to me.

A host of directors whom guides me in the last few months on my own projects, such as Scott Wegener, Jason Dudas and Eric Armstrong. Without a team of people who believe in you, your journey can be challenging. But having a team of people who only want to see you do good is truly a blessing.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharingwithsheri

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharingwithsherilive

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sharingwithsheri

Image Credits
Michael P Johnson Vernell Anthony Dillingham